New to TeaChat - Obsession du jour

[Chatsworth]

I have been a coffee purist my whole life. Bold and extra bold roasts, whole beans, no flavorings, no cream and no sugar. (Cafe con leche is another story).

Now I have entered a whole new world. Tea. What a surprise for me how much I enjoy it.

Have lots of questions and have rummaged around the board learning what I can.

I still drink my morning coffee (at least 2 or 3 cups - or one big mug) but move on to teas for the rest of the day.

I have been drinking Tazo Earl Grey, Tazo Zen, Jasmine (Trader Joes or Loose Dragon Pearls), and a Tazo Berryblossom White. I even make myself a large glass of Masala Chai. I have done the Chai with Tazo Organic Chai and even with loose black tea and cardamon, clove, fresh ginger, peppercorns and cinnamon. Boy that is a taste sensation. I also have a cup of Rooibos and Chammomile which I like as well.

Now comes my first big question. I notice that every tea I am drinking is either flavored or infused with some aromatic. Is this equivalent to drinking those awful flavored coffees that I have always turned my nose up to? Will this journey into tea lead to abandoning these for higher quality strait teas?

[Victoria]

Is this equivalent to drinking those awful flavored coffees that I have always turned my nose up to? Will this journey into tea lead to abandoning these for higher quality strait teas?

Yes and probably. Depending on your inclination when you get a taste of high quality whole leaf tea. Most tea enthusiasts that are here long term, give up the additives. I say *most*.

Just relax and enjoy the journey, no matter which way you go, you are welcome here.

[Dreamer]

Yeah...what Victoria said.

Welcome and have fun!
Dreamer

[tropicanahana]

I love berry blossom white! As I've further refined my palate for teas I still enjoy flavored tea bags, especially for a quick fix or for making iced tea. I drink them at work since it's so easy and convenient to just plop a bag in my cup and go to the hot water carafe lol. I also do that about 10 times!

Now as someone who needs a good full bodied coffee in dire times of sleeplessness, yet knows nothing about coffee, what would you suggest?? The one coffee I know I've liked is kona from Trader Joes, and one I know I dislike is costa rican! I don't know why.

Welcome to Teachat ^__^

[Chatsworth]

I will drink most any of Starbucks dark roasts, generally labled bold or extrabold. I think that their French Roast is good, but my be too strong for some people.

[Mrs. Chip]

Welcome to TC Chadsworth!

You have a great attitude and seem very open-minded, you will have a fun TeaJourney here I am sure.

BTW, when I drank coffee, I liked it quite strong with no additives and now that I think about it, actually preferred expresso over coffee!

[olivierco]

Welcome!

Your tastes will undoubtedly change during your tea journey but there is nothing wrong with flavored teas if you enjoy them.

[Chip]

Welcome to the forum, drink what you like and like what you drink!

BUT be open to trying new teas ... always.