Autumnal Tints

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What strong medicinal, but rich, scents from the decaying leaves! The rain falling on the freshly dried herbs and leaves, and filling the pools and ditches into which they have dropped thus clean and rigid, will soon convert them into tea,—green, black, brown, and yellow teas, of all degrees of strength, enough to set all Nature a-gossiping. Whether we drink them or not, as yet, before their strength is drawn, these leaves, dried on great Nature’s coppers, are of such various pure and delicate tints as might make the fame of Oriental teas.
~Thoreau, Autumnal Tints

It is the first of September as well as the first post to the blog. And what better way to kick things off then to speak of Autumn! But first an introduction.

I love drinking tea. I would like to become an expert in teas. Though, I'm a little biased towards black teas. But I will try to be more open to trying other teas. As it were, this blog is to document my thoughts on the subject of tea and what I learn in my journey to becoming a connoisseur. Even if I don't get very far in my tea education, I will still enjoy a cup of tea.

The season of Autumn is my favorite of all seasons. I enjoy all the senses that it holds for the eyes, nose, and taste. All the colors combined with scents and tastes. So, I was wondering what teas are good for Autumn. I've scoured the internet in search of Autumnal teas. Summaries come from respective websites.

• Cranberry Autumn from Harney & Son Fine Teas: A blend that combines black teas from China and India with dried cranberries, oranges and cranberry flavoring. Reminiscent of the crisp days and joyous family meals surrounding Thanksgiving and Autumn. Scones are a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of Cranberry Autumn Tea. Comes in sachets and in loose leaf form.

• Plum Harvest Herbal Tea from Teavana: A rich and fruity blend of apple, cinnamon, plum, hibiscus and beetroot pieces. It's a spicy reminder of autumn flavors.

• Pumpkin Spice Autumn Spiced Tea from Bigelow: The harvest moon brings bountiful blessings for us to enjoy, not the least of which is Bigelow Pumpkin Spice Tea. Smooth and satisfying, its rich, round flavor is a masterful blend of the finest, mountain-grown teas. Pumpkin Spice Tea has no calories - just sweeten to taste for an Autumn treat that is sure to warm the hearts of family, friends and all who gather' round.

• Spiced Apple Cider Herbal Tea from Bigelow: There's nothing like a crisp, cool Autumn day to turn trees vibrant hues and our attention to the weekend ritual of football games, apple picking, raking leaves... And there is no better way to warm up after a day in the fresh outdoors than with a steaming cup of Bigelow Apple Cider Herbal Tea. An all-natural blend of premium herbs and spices, Apple Cider Herbal Tea is big on flavor but has no caffeine and no calories - just sweeten to taste for a healthful, soul-warming treat the whole family, will enjoy often.

• Autumn Sampler from Twinings: Our Autumn Sampler features three of our seasonal favourites - Cinnamon Apple Breakfast, Indian Spiced Chai, and Citrus Cinnamon & Spices, packed in a sturdy velvet keepsake box. There is nothing better on a crisp Autumn day than hot tea infused with the savoury spices and aromas of the season.

This is list is probably just scratching the surface. But all these teas have the one thing in common that makes them Autumnal teas: Spices, fruits, and herbs that can contribute to the senses of Autumn. What memories are held in those scents! Doesn't it make you want to curl up with a blanket, a good book, and a cup of tea?