Advent Day #17

Tea #17 - "Camomile & Bee Pollen Infusion"

A few days ago, Michelle disclosed that we were reviewing our advent teas ahead so that we could a) have them ready on the day they are due and b) to organize our time better.  I opened all the windows at once and we divvied up the teas in half.  As a result, I have known what I was going to be trying since November. Also, as a result, there have been a couple that I have been excited to review and a couple I have dreaded.

 

On this day, the 17th day, I have reached one that I have dreaded. Like, really dreaded. Unlike the others I have reviewed, this one is being drunk on the day before my review will post, i.e. December 16th. Why have I procrastinated this one? Two words: camomile infusion. 

 

As you know, I am not a huge infusion fan. And, what you may not know, I am, frankly, frightened of camomile. Maybe “frightened” is a strong word. But, in 53 years, I have never tried a camomile tea.  I used to get a free sachet of camomile tea when my anxiety medication came in the mail from my mail order pharmacy. I thought it was a strange marketing strategy. I also thought that it was a bit over the top that they thought that my full-force, divorce-induced anxiety was going to be touched by a Celestial Seasons tea bag. I brought all of the camomile tea I had collected over the past few years to work and added them to my tea caddy, for others to enjoy.

 

So, I girded myself, after a long drive back from South Carolina in crummy weather. I put on the kettle, and I prepped my cup. I decided to “sweeten the deal” by employing some honey that was gifted to me by my friend, Morgan, upon my retirement on Friday. I added the tea bag, poured over my freshly boiled water and added one teaspoon of Silver Hand Meadery Virginia Wildflower Honey. (Silver Hand Meadery is a local, Williamsburg meadery about which I have been curious since moving here in 2022). I let the tea steep for a full 4 minutes (a bit longer than the normal 3 minutes I steep). The color of the tea brewing is a very blonde, almost vinegar color. As I brought the cup to my nose, I smelled the honey.

 

Was the honey my addition or the bee pollen in the tea? (The ingredients of the infusion are: Camomile (75%), Liquorice Root, Bee Pollen (9%), Flavourings (5%)) As I tasted the tea, I was immediately struck by the preponderance of fruit—it has an almost apple taste. As I could not figure out if their apple taste was the “flavourings” or was the chamomile, I Googled “chamomile” and learned a great deal: "chamomile" originates from Greek "chamai melon" meaning "ground apple".  Who knew?

 

The honey is excellent. It has a slightly earthy tone and is not too sweet. I am a fan and will enjoy it with other things. The tea? It really does taste like apple cider watered down. I would not waste a warm beverage on this choice. 2/10.