Tonight's Teas

Sweet Dreamzzz everyone. That's what I'm drinking tonight. My specially formulated, not yet released, sleep-enhancing body and nerve relaxant tea. It's a myriad blend of restorative roots combined with a delicate blend of potent herbs and flowers, known for their calming and immune boosting qualities. The intoxicating smell and aromatic flavor of Chinese jasmine balls, along with the subtly sweet tones of sweet osmanthus, chamomile and lavender makes drinking this Sweet Dreamzzz a truly sensuous experience.

Ok, enough plugging my own products :) LOL!

Another interesting highlight of my day was researching and tasting famed Chinese aged Pu'erh, a green tea caked and dried for extended periods of time. The herbal fermentation process gives the herb time to evolve in its nutrient composition and increase in potency. Today, I tried a brand name Pu'erh direct from China, courtesy of a friend who happened to be working overseas. Unfortunately, I can not read the label to tell you which company, but I would consider it to be a relatively commercialized product and less quality than perhaps a naturally aged traditional Pu'erh.

Typically, there are two types of processes to make Pu'erh, known as Raw and Ripened. Ripened is usually synonymous with cooked, but does not literally mean that it is cooked; rather that it is fully aged rapidly through a more synthesized production than the raw. Raw Pu'erh could be considered a more naturally aged Pu'erh. The color and leaf texture is much lighter in the raw, because it is barely heated. It almost has a whisp of silver gray embedded in the dark vegetative green tea round.

The ripened, on the other hand, is a much darker tint with hues of brown and orange, with a much more apparent dryness. There does exist, however, more authentically aged Pu'erh, upwards of 50 years that I know of. I have only tried 10 year old Pu'erh once a few years back while eating dinner at a small Asian restaurant and shop called Ching Ching Cha in Georgetown, D.C. I remember the waiter talking me out of trying the 20 year explaining that it's taste and consistency could be likened to mud. Although at this point in my herbal journey, I am more open and eager to experiencing herbs fully and am much more tolerant of the earthier flavors.

Jason also came across a company today that sells Pu'erh from the 1960's. Because of its distinct and developed flavor, as well as it's enhanced characteristics, Pu'erh could perhaps be likened to a fine wine. Not necessarily always particularly palette pleasing, but inviting nonetheless.

I discovered one of the most interesting aspects about preparing Pu'erh is the steeping process. It is actually recommended to consume only a tiny amount at a time, steeped in hot water for just 30 seconds. This is because the content is so powerfully rich, like an interest-bearing savings account, once might say with Pu'erh you get more bang for your buck. After only 4 sips within 30 minutes, I noted a definite increase in alertness, enthusiasm, energy, mobility and laughter! Jason and our friend Nick also experienced a similar perkiness. We only elected to consume a small amount more before we all agreed we felt fully charged.

Let it be known, however, that longevity of steep is a hallmark of Pu'erh. Re-steepable upwards of 20 times, each at a slightly larger interval of 15-30 seconds per steep. Similar to yerba maté, Pu'erh would serve as a wonderful replacement to caffeinated coffee or as an enhanced green tea experience.

Hope you enjoyed learning about new teas! I know I did!!

Again, please feel free and even encouraged to leave comments! I'd really love for this to be an interactive blog and start up community for us health and wellness minded folk! If you'd prefer to contact me via e-mail, I can be reached at: TeasMePlease@gmail.com and also JaimeMFrodyma@gmail.com.

I'll be sure to keep you all posted on official products, sales policies and the grand debut of our Yera Dé Herbal Teas website.

I hope you'll find my starter blends to be delicious and delightful additions to your health and wellness!

Bye for now!

Sleep well.

Sweet Dreamzzz,

Jaime