As the days grow chillier and become shorter, I find myself wanting to make a cup of tea and curl up on my couch with a favorite book. One I’ve read quite a few times. There is just something comforting about a warm drink and a well worn novel. Even better if the toasty beverage is in a fancy teacup!
Among my favorite evening libations are berry teas, otherwise known as tisanes. It’s almost like having a sweet fruity desert in my cup. But, without all the calories! Mixed berry teas are lovely and I adore the flavor combinations.
Perhaps today, as daylight fades, you’d like to turn your kettle on and brew a treasured blend as well. If so, perhaps you’d like to take a sip and enjoy this lovely poem written by Prince Junna, brother of Japanese Emperor Saga. It was written a few years after tea was introduced into Japan. Junna himself went on to become emperor from the years 823-833.
Aloof from the world the lone villa stood
Midst ponds and bamboos, on the edge of a
wood.
Coral-hued rose fruits told that spring now was
past,
While green mosses heralded summer at last.
The tea was made ‘neath the trees in a glade.
Sultan’s parasols sheltered as harps softly
played;
The Phoenix prevailed-all cates were for-
gotten-
Then in darkness, at length, the path home-ward was trodden.
—Prince Junna
How to Brew a Tisane
First pour hot water over the tisane. Next let it steep for a while. Then strain the tisane before drinking. Each tisane will have instructions on how long to steep.
