Tea is one of my favorite beverages because of the variety and the different effects it has on the body. A strong black tea can perk you up in the morning, while a hot cup of green tea can calm you down and relax your nerves. There’s a specific type of tea I drink for every occasion or time of day.
One of my favorite tea brands is Teavana, an American line of premium teas that Starbucks acquired in 2012. Last year, Starbucks brought an exclusive line of teas to the Philippines, introducing Filipinos to this popular brand.
I love the Starbucks Teavana collection because it covers a wide gamut of moods and emotions. I also like the flavors because they come in unique blends.
Starbucks brought four types of its Teavana tea to the Philippines. Let’s decode each of them:
1. English Breakfast
The Steep: As its name suggests, English Breakfast is a black tea best enjoyed in the morning. The full-bodied, robust, and rich flavor is packed with caffeine, but not enough to make you go crazy. It gives you a mellow buzz that gets you through the day.
The Flavor: The Starbucks Teavana English Breakfast is a handcrafted blend of Indian Assam, Sri Lankan Ceylon, and Chinese black tea with malty undertones.
Steeping Time: During the morning, just before you start working. It gives you a pleasant and gentle jolt.
Verdict: I used to find English Breakfast intimidating because of its bold flavor. Surprisingly, this variant is my favorite among the bunch. It wasn’t too bitter for me (no sugar in tea, please).
2. Hibiscus
The Steep: Hibiscus tea is an herbal blend packed with benefits: it gives relief from high blood pressure and cholesterol, and helps the digestive and immune systems. The color is an eye-catcher, too!
The Flavor: The Hibiscus Herbal Blend has notes of papaya and mango combined with citrus and lemongrass.
Steeping Time: After meals. It’s naturally sweet so I take this as my “dessert.”
Verdict: Slightly tart, but I enjoy how the unusual combination gives a fresh twist to an existing tea.
3. Emperor’s Cloud & Mist
The Steep: Green tea is especially popular because of its many benefits. Some of the known perks of drinking green tea regularly are improved brain function, fat loss, and a lower risk of cancer.
The Flavor: The Starbucks Teavana Emperor’s Cloud & Mist is exclusively harvested every April and grown 3,500 feet above sea level on the steep, windy slopes of Huangshan Mountain in China.
Steeping Time: After meals to help you digest, or at night while you’re reflecting on the day. This tea is also perfect for when you’re contemplating life.
Verdict: This is richer than your average green tea. One sip and you know you’re drinking something on a different level.
4. Youthberry
The Steep: White tea earned its name because of the young or minimally processed leaves of the camella sinensis plant (tea). The result is a delicate flavor compared to green and black teas. Don’t be fooled, this is still packed with antioxidant and anti-aging properties.
The Flavor: The Starbucks Teavana Youthberry is inspired by super fruits and counts acai, pineapple, mango, rosehips, and green apple as its key ingredients.
Steeping Time: In the afternoon, when you’ve hit a slump. This fun drink is a perfect pick-me-up during the midday.
Verdict: Another favorite. The pineapple notes are the most recognizable, making it a refreshing drink.
You can order the teas in the store, and come in tall (P110), grande (P110), and venti (P125) sizes. You can also buy a box of 12 sachets for P525 in all branches. Starbucks also has Teavana blends in chamomile and mint, which don’t come in boxes.