The Tannins
White Heron Tea and Coffee is a local Maine company that offers sustainably sourced loose-leaf teas. One offering that is particularly pleasing to my palate is the White Pomegranate tea, which contains organic China Pai Mu Tan white tea leaves with a natural pomegranate flavor. When brewing white tea, a general recommendation is to steep between 180 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit for two to three minutes. White tea provides a fuller body and lacks the bitterness found in other teas. Its soft, delicate flavors vary from buttery and sweet to fruity and floral. This delightful blend strikes a fine balance between fruity notes and the pristine earthiness of white tea. With lower caffeine levels and higher catechin content than other teas, feel free to savor several more cups of tea.
The Terpenes
Animal Tree, a cross between Lemon Tree and Animal Mints Bx1, is a wonderfully balanced hybrid produced by Gaia Farms. The buds are dense, with classic bell-shaped green nugs and dark leaves, accented by thick, bright orange pistils and glistening trichomes. This bud features an intensely sour lemon-citrus flavor with a distinct minty punch upon exhalation. Its aroma is an intricate blend of spicy, skunky diesel and fresh mint, complemented by sour citrus and subtle notes of sweet fruit. The high reminds me of a term my friends and I used back in the day: Animal Tree is a creeper, as we would say. It starts slowly with a tingle in the brain that gradually creeps forward, and then all of a sudden, boom — you’re feeling good! As the sensation intensifies, a full state of euphoria expands and a little bit of the giggles round things off.
The Pairing
With summer coming to a close, I took one more opportunity to enjoy an iced tea and a smoke break on the porch while relaxing in a chair. The White Pomegranate tea from White Heron makes a delicious iced tea and hits the spot, as the saying goes. To help enhance my relaxing jaunt on the porch, I chose to grind up some Animal Tree from Gaia Farms and pack it in my newly acquired glass bowl from @hotmessglass. With a freshly packed bowl in hand, I proceeded to savor some of the Animal Tree goodness. As I sit sipping and toking, I find great pleasure in the convergence of flavors on my palate. The subtle fruit and floral tones of the tea pair nicely with the spicy citrus aroma from the Animal Tree. After a few moments, the effects come creeping in as I stare upwards at the clouds passing above me. For anyone looking to take a step back, relax and ponder some clouds, I recommend this pairing on either a summer or a winter day! What’s better than a hot cup of tea on a cold winter day?
whiteheronmaine.com | @whiteheronteacoffee | @whiteheronmaine | undertowcannabis.com | @gaia_farms
