Orange tea is a popular variation of black tea that includes dried orange peel and a blend of spices. It can be found in loose leaf or sachet form and is often used as a base for a variety of spice combinations. It can be enjoyed hot or iced and is a good choice for those new to gourmet tea blends.
A popular variation on traditional black tea calls for a blend of dried orange peel or peel and a combination of spices, including cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The finished product is known as orange tea and is often sold in loose leaf or sachet form at gourmet tea and coffee shops. It can also be found on grocery store shelves, possibly under specialty labels like Heavenly Seasonings.
The recipes vary widely, although the one constant is the use of orange zest or dried orange peel. The rind or peel is usually blended with black tea leaves to form the base of the tea. From that point, any number of spice combinations are possible. Some of the more basic recipes only call for the addition of whole or ground cloves to create the warm spicy undertones. Cinnamon is also mentioned as the only spice in some recipes.
While the cloves and cinnamon certainly lend a strong spice flavor to orange spice tea, many people use other spices to create a more complex drink. Ground nutmeg or allspice can also be blended with black tea and dried orange peel to create a satisfying beverage. This blend of tea is not the same as chai, which often contains black pepper and other more exotic spices.
There is also a popular powdered drink mix that many people call orange spice tea or Russian tea. This drink mix consists of a powdered orange breakfast drink blended with a powdered instant tea mix. Several different spices, primarily cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and/or nutmeg, can be added to the dry mix to create a low-cost alternative to commercial mixes. This form of tea can also be packaged as a holiday gift, as it has quite a long shelf life when stored properly.
Orange spice tea is considered one of the best choices for those who are new to the idea of gourmet tea blends. It can be eaten hot or iced. Some consumers may want to add milk and honey for a sweeter, smoother texture.
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