Friday, January 12, 2018

Tea Review: Trader Joe's OGT

National Hot Tea Day

Trader Joe's Organic Ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea

What more fun way to celebrate Friday than with National Hot Tea Day and a tea review. Unfortunately, I have an herbal to review. To most it counts; others may take issue, "Tisane isn't tea." (giggles) I'm going with "herbal tea" as it is described on the box.
While Lady Darcia was east, she and Xyra went on a Trader Joe's run. Xyra picked up a box of Earl Great, I mean, Grey (giggles) and this Organic ginger Turmeric Herbal Tea. We've heard a lot about turmeric tea and wanted to try it.
Here we see the ingredients are "organic ginger root, organic turmeric, organic licorice, organic orange peel, organic orange oil, and organic black pepper." 
Hmm, well, Gramma Enne and Nonna won't be drinking this brew. The panel also shows the brewing instructions. "Place one tea bag in an 8 oz cup. Add boiling water and steep 3-5 minutes."

This panel give a Trader Joe's style description.
"Trader Joe's organic ginger turmeric herbal tea is a balanced blend of invigorating ginger and fragrant turmeric. Both are members of the ginger family (zingiberaceae), and both have been enjoyed for centuries in the cuisines of south and southeast Asia. This tisane is naturally caffeine free, making it easy to enjoy any time of day."
The tea bags are sealed in plastic pouches. Lady Marvin wouldn't like that very much.
Fragrant is right! The aroma is zesty and strong but pleasant.
I've added the bag to our pot and the boiling water. Now we wait.

[3 minutes pass - timer sounds]

It's done.
The tea is yellowish in color, but if you're familiar with turmeric that would not surprise you.
Smells yummy. 
I think the orange and ginger are strongest in the aroma, but I've never sniffed the open turmeric spice bottle. (giggles)

Here you can see the color of the tea well. 
First sip. You know, there were no additions in the instructions, so all sips will be plain.
Hmm, all the flavors are very subtle. I can't tell the licorice at all.

Second sip...
Yeah, I like this. I might try adding a light honey - you know, not buckwheat honey maybe bamboo or wildflower - or agave to make it a bit sweeter, but overall the flavors are well balanced and pleasing. Great for a rainy January day.
This one gets a thumbs up from me. Do you think you'd like it?

Xyra's Notes


  • This box of 20 tea bags was not expensive. In fact, this is one item you do NOT want to find on Amazon it's over $6 and with shipping it's over $11! If you are near a Trader Joe's you can find a box for $2.49. However, it may be a seasonal item. So if you find it try it and love it go back for more immediately!
  • As it cooled, the pepper made its presence more known and the ginger tingles more.
  • The tisane left a yellow sheen in my mug. You know how your favorite tea mug may take on a tea stain after time and need extra scrubbing...well, this is like that. So I highly suggest a dark cup or mug. When I realized what had happened I drank up and washed up right away. I used hot soapy water with a rough sponge. Most came off so I went another round with toothpaste and could still see some yellow, so my mug will now soak over the weekend. Melody's smaller cup did not stain.
  • Speaking of lingering issues. If you steep in a pot before pouring out, you will want a separate pot specifically for this blend. Our ingenuiTEA pot is now soaking as well.


Happy National Hot Tea Day! Hope you enjoy some of your favorite blend today!

Best wishes,


Note: Tea Time with Melody Q is not affiliated with American Girl or Trader Joe's. The blend reviewed was purchased with our own funds for our collection. The review is unsolicited and comprised of our own opinions and words. Links are provided for educational and informative purposes. No purchase is required to enjoy the post.

5 comments:

  1. The stained mug is unfortunate. A glass mug would work well, I imagine. But you're right, I'm not gonna try it. I have some ginger honey crystals you can try though. Great for warming up fast! :)

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    Replies
    1. Never thought about a glass mug. Will keep that in mind for the next herbal. Ginger honey crystals sound interesting.
      ~Xyra

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  3. Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that.
    And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thank
    you for lunch!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for helping out, good info.

    ReplyDelete