Reflections On A Mug Of Apple Tea

The mail arrived and there’s a box of Turkish Ephesus Apple Tea. I know the sender, who has just returned from a cruise to that area, but I still check the “Packed by … distributed by” information to see if, perhaps, it might really be a USA product. It’s not; this is the genuine article. I wonder if St. Paul had some in his travels?

My tea of choice is Lipton’s; second is any floor sweepings the store brand happens to have. Quality teas are for special, relaxed times when I can focus on them and enjoy the specialness. You don’t think Turkish Apple Tea when you are busy.

My first try was last night. The tea under test looked like light brown sugar and dissolved the same way in hot water, quite unlike popular teas found in the States.

The taste is gentle, unassuming, yet definitely present. It has staying power which lasts through to the bottom of the mug. With no sugar or milk, the tea speaks for it self, the “nature identical apple flavoring,” as the product lists it.

Normally, we should add a bit of milk to regular tea; it chemically binds with the tannin and neutralizes it so our innards are not bothered. With apple tea, there is nothing to neutralize and we can enjoy the true flavor with worrying about our stomach.

This certainly is a relaxing and definitely not full-bodied tea. It’s light, slightly flavored and doesn’t unnecessarily intrude on your thoughts.