I have a confession to make – tea is a bit of an obsession in my house.
I have a lot of tea. Enough that I probably shouldn’t be buying more… and yet, here we are. From herbal to green to black to chai, my collection keeps growing—especially now that I’m dipping my toes into blending my own.
It started simply enough. A few favorites here and there, including a homemade chai blend inspired by Richa Hingle that quickly became a staple. But over time, I found myself wanting to experiment more. Now I keep pantry jars stocked with base teas like lapsang souchong, Darjeeling, green, and rooibos tea—often buying them in bulk so I can mix and match.
From there, it’s easy to get creative.
I’ve added in dried elderberries and peppermint, and I’ve even started drying my own fruit and herbs at home, like cranberries, oranges, and sage. There’s something really satisfying about creating a blend that’s exactly what you’re in the mood for—whether that’s calming, energizing, or just cozy.
Tea isn’t just something I drink—it’s something I experience. One of my favorite memories was when my husband and younger son served afternoon tea for Mother’s Day in 2020, during Covid. It was absolutely delicious, but the most heart-warming part was seeing them working in the kitchen together.
When we travel, my husband and I make a point to seek out afternoon tea whenever we can. We’ve enjoyed it at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, in Prince Edward Island and Ottawa, and even during a trip to Scotland. Each experience is a little different, but they all share that same sense of slowing down and savoring the moment.
And then there’s the history side of tea—which I love just as much.
One of my favorite stops was the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. The tour brings the story of the Boston Tea Party to life in such an engaging way, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t spend just as much time in the gift shop. Tea everywhere, from the teas carried on the original shipments, accessories, and all the charming little extras you didn’t know you needed.
Of course, beyond the experience and creativity, tea also comes with some real benefits. Different types of tea offer different perks:
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants like catechins, which may support heart health and help reduce cancer risk.
- Black tea contains compounds that support gut health and sustained energy.
- Herbal teas (like peppermint or rooibos) can aid digestion, relaxation, and hydration.
And getting the most out of your tea comes down to how you steep it:
- Green tea: 2–3 minutes
- Black tea: 4–5 minutes
- Herbal tea: 5–7 minutes
One of my personal favorites lately is a green tea with peppermint, sage, and a touch of local honey. It’s fresh, slightly earthy, and incredibly soothing. It’s one of those simple combinations that just works. If you want to see exactly how I make it, I’ve shared a quick video.
Whether you’re someone who grabs a tea bag on the go or someone who’s ready to start blending your own, tea has a way of meeting you where you are. It can be quick and convenient, or slow and intentional.
For me, it’s a little bit of both—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🍵
Varying Veggies 