loose leaf tea

[hugabearjo]

I am a novice tea drinker and discovered several that I really like. Then I was out of town and went to a teavana shop and really really really liked thier teas. They said they lightly sweeten their tea with german rock sugar and it is really really expensive. Their tea prices are about the same as our local shop.

My question is: I use raw cane sugar for my tea (when I sweeten it not usually) and was wondering how it compares with the expensive rock sugar. I am trying to switch my teen boys to tea. I have never had pop in our house because it is so bad for them but, now that they have thier own means it sneaks in way more often then I wish it did. I want them to try this iced tea I had at the teavana store but, am questioning my decision not to buy the rock sugar. I want them to like it and I think they would have if they would have been with me.

Anyone know if raw cane sugar compares in taste and quality to the rock expensive sugar?

Thanks-

 

[Justsyd2]

You should be fine using the raw cane sugar because that is what the German Rock Sugar is, it's just large raw cane sugar crystals.

 

[hugabearjo]

Thank you. I will try that with the kids this week. I am really enjoying my chai I got from teavana. Not sure what makes it that much better just is.

Any other places to get loose leave tea that people can recommend? I am loving my new adventure and the fact it has some health benefits is a definate bonus.

 

[Belle5]

Any other places to get loose leave tea that people can recommend?

Yes, yes, yes! Specialteaas.com is where I buy my tea after trying everyplace out there! My absolute favorite is the Rooibos Lemon Chiffon (winner in the 2008 world tea championship)! I love it served with sweetener and cream but some in my family love it without cream. I think it would be good iced, too! I haven't had any of their tea that I haven't loved. Go try some!

 

[mountdew1]

I either buy mine locally from local shops, or my Arbor Teas. Many of their teas are fair trade and or organic, and they offset the carbon emissions from the shipping. Their prices are pretty much in line with any other, but I get warm fuzzies from buying product that is ethically produced. Stash tea also has a good selection of tea, just no warm fuzzies included.

 

[KelliLee702]

I buy Turbanado Sugar for my tea. I get it from Trader Joes.
It is just raw sugar like the others.
Try your local China Town for loose teas at great prices!
Happy Sipping!

 

[punkin]

I would think any sugar would be fine for sweetening.

 

[shamrock30]

Yes, yes, yes! Specialteaas.com is where I buy my tea after trying everyplace out there! My absolute favorite is the Rooibos Lemon Chiffon (winner in the 2008 world tea championship)! I love it served with sweetener and cream but some in my family love it without cream. I think it would be good iced, too! I haven't had any of their tea that I haven't loved. Go try some!

Thanks. Never heard of this site before, but some of their rooibus flavors look really good. Shipping isn't bad either. Teavana discontinued my favorite flavor of rooibus, so I will probably give this site a try.

 

[hugabearjo]

Thanks- I will give these a try.

This could become very addicting, very quick.

 

[Mom2Ben02]

I love love love Mighty Leaf Tea. http://www.mightyleaf.com/

It is not loose leaf, but they use fabric tea bags - so pretty!! They sell it at Whole Foods locally - normal price is $9 for 15 bags, although I get lucky and find it for $6ish on sale.

My fave is the vanilla - soooo yummy.

 

[Evi]

I sweeten my tea with either honey or stevia. If your giving it to teens I'd try sweeting with stevia or with agave nectar just because of it doesn't create sugar response in the body so they won't get the sugar rush just the sweet.

 

[Topper]

Key West Tea and Spice Company:
http://www.kwtea.com/pages/iced_teas.html

 

[livie1205]

I get my tea from the garden view tea room at the GF resort...I get the madhatter tea blend...it is yuuuumy! I also buy the bag tea at the GF gift shop, my fav is english breakfast tea...I have gotten it here from the store but the blend wdw sells is alot better.They have some of the best teas I have ever had.I drink it in my alice in wonderland tea cup my dh got me for christmas from wdw.