Witch's Blend Herbal Tea

^{This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.}

Back at the start of summer we shared how to brew loose leaf tea with one of our favorite brands of blended herbal teas, Mark T. Wendell. Today, we're introducing their Select Autumn Teas which include Witch's Blend, Pumpkin Spice, and Autumn Cranberry.

We'll be covering a variety of different teas and their benefits, as well as why you should always choose loose leaf tea.

A Step into the Past

Before we begin our expedition into tea, let's talk first about the brand and qualities that are available out there.

I've been a long time fan of Mark T. Wendell because the moment you brew their assorted teas, you immediately taste a difference. The ingredients are bright and outstanding, all with beautiful hues and aromatic blends. They use the highest grade of tea leaves to mix their unique blends.

For today's special seasonal blends you'll taste warm spices, herbaceous florals, and sweet fruit.

It's a perfect gift to give to yourself or a loved one. The teas arrive in beautiful tins and are sure to delight any tea enthusiast. Needless to say, we are proud to be partnering with Mark T. Wendell once again who has been importing fine teas for over a century.

For all LTG readers, when you use "LivingtheGourmet" at checkout, you'll save 15% off an order of $50 or more at Mark T. Wendell Tea Company!

The Benefits of Tea

There are undisputed benefits to tea. Each leaf offers a variety of advantages and below we'll be discussing what those are.

• Green Tea - For ages now green tea has been touted to be perhaps one of the healthiest drinks available. It has bioactive compounds and antioxidants that are believed to help improve brain function, protect against cancer, and aid a healthy metabolism. This is why Matcha (finely ground green tea leaves) is also revered among nutritionists. Green tea can be enjoyed hot or cold with just a drizzle of honey for a little added sweetness. It pairs perfectly with most meals because it's mild and light in colour.
• Black Tea - Much like green tea, black tea is full of antioxidants and antimicrobial properties which makes it especially good for gut health. It's benefits are similar to green tea as it aids in heart and brain health. It is good to brew if you need to soothe a headache or just need an afternoon pick-me-up as it helps with mental alertness. You can serve black tea on its own or with milk.
• Herbal Tea - Herbal tea aids in sleep, inflammation, and in assisting a healthy immune system. They are also naturally caffeine-free so it's a perfect alternative to those looking to cut back on coffee.
• White Tea - Like black and green, white tea has similar benefits to overall health for both body and mind. It is also beneficial for hair and skin. Unlike black tea, you do not serve white tea with milk. It has a subtle flavor which makes it perfect to serve alongside desserts.

Loose Leaf vs. Bagged Tea

Tea bags are made from tea that has been ground down to a finer consistency. So you will not get the nuanced flavor that you would with a whole leaf tea. Furthermore, you can adjust just how strong you want your brew if you are using loose leaf.

Tea bags don't necessarily mean that they are made from a lower-quality tea like some may suggest so the benefits remain the same. The main difference lies in preparation and flavor, which comes down to preference. If I have the time, I always opt for a loose leaf blend and you really just cannot debate the difference in taste. The tea is sharper and always better.

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