Cranberry and Elderflower Tea

Marks and Spencer’s cranberry and elderflower tea was sitting alluringly on my counter top last week, so I finally decided to ask my flatmate if I could try some. The combination sounded pleasant, so I read the box and discovered that they also tossed raspberries into the teabags of caffeine free, natural ingredients. Once in my cup, the boiling water took on a rich, ruby color while brewing the tea. The smell rising from the cup was beautiful—a floral aroma, but much deeper than the usual light flowery scent of my teas and with a touch of sweetness. But, I was very disappointed when I finally took a sip. It tasted heavy, bitter, and perfume-like. A bit like an off tasting, watered down juice from a cheap grocery store. I indulged with my eyes and nose, but unfortunately couldn’t treat my taste buds to the same, as I had to poor the rest of the cup out. I don’t recommend it, but it’s always best to try things out for yourself! I'll also be trying out some of their other flavors soon.

Sencha Cranberry Rose Tea

This tea is perfect for the morning, right before you leave for work. It has sencha green tea leaves, which are originally from Japan, and provides caffeine to keep you going and antioxidants to make you glow. The cranberry adds a bit of sweetness. I've mentioned rose tea before, as I've been in search of it here in London. I bought my first bag of it when I was in Malaysia last year. The tea lady told me it helps regulate blood-flow (also helps during periods!) and keeps you looking young. Although the sencha cranberry rose tea has rose buds in it, they don't appear to be as fresh as the ones I've had. Some of the goodness may disappear as the petals become dry, but I'm not sure. The tea is fantastic, anyway. I also bought a tea filter that drops into the cup, sort of like a tea bag. It's definitely ideal if you enjoy drinking loose tea, and the leaves blossom beautifully when they're done brewing.