English Tea Shop are one of my favourite brands. So, when I began reviewing the holiday collection of teas from the red bauble box, I was so disappointed. They’ve been really meh so far! But I’m beginning my review of the ETS Peppermint Melon tea with an open mind.
One thing to note, is that the melon flavour of this tea comes from the flavouring, rather than actual melon pieces. But don’t turn your nose up yet – the flavouring is totally natural.
In my full tea review below, find out what to expect from the flavour of this tea, how best to brew it, and where it’s available to buy online.
ETS Peppermint Melon Tea at a Glance
- Blend: Green tea with cinnamon, peppermint, liquorice and flavourings
- Flavour: Bitter, green, unripe melon with hints of green tea and peppermint
The melon flavouring really dominates this tea blend, but with a good teaspoon of honey or sugar you will sweeten the cup and balance the flavours better. It’s quite refreshing.
Full Review – Peppermint Melon Tea
- Type: Tagged paper filter teabags
- Tea: Green tea
- Additives: Cinnamon pieces, peppermint leaves, liquorice, natural flavourings
- Flavour Notes: Bitter, green, unripe melon
- Aroma: Peppermint, liquorice, honeydew melon, menthol, melon-flavoured gummy sweets
- Milk or Lemon: Sugar or honey
- Where to Buy: Amazon (Festive Collection)
Ripping open the plastic wrappers that hold each individual teabag, the initial aroma that hits your nose is of sweet, honeydew melon. There are hints of liquorice and peppermint too, although they’re quite subtle.
It brews into a really lovely gold orange tea, that’s ever so slightly dusty. It’s not crystal clear and you will find a little bit of tea dust settling in the bottom of your cup as the minutes pass.
The aroma from the steam of the brewed tea is different. Not better or worse. Just different. The honeydew melon becomes far sweeter, like melon-flavoured or scented gummy sweets. It’s artificial, but not chemical tasting. The peppermint and green tea notes have simmered down to just a hint of menthol and the liquorice has vanished completely.
As that first sip slides over your tongue, it starts of mellow and pleasant. Then gets very bitter, very fast. The melon flavour is just like that unripe green part of the melon between the ripe flesh and hard outer peel.
Adding a generous spoonful of honey or sugar resolves the bitterness, however. Once adjusted to taste, this tea is quite pleasant and refreshing.
How to Brew Melon and Peppermint Tea
Boil your water and let it cool to 85°c or 90°c at a push. Any hotter, and you’ll scald the delicate green tea leaf. I brewed my cup for 3 minutes, but if you like bold and strong flavours you should brew for 5 minutes.
Give the tea a sip once it’s brewed to determine how much honey or sugar you should add. For me, one teaspoon is plenty.
As for when is best to drink ETS Peppermint Melon tea, I recommend in the evenings after dinner. It’s quite refreshing and revitalising, so it’s nice to drink after a heavy meal.
Why English Tea Shop Festive Teas?
I really like English Tea Shop teas… normally. But like many festive teas from the bauble tray collection, Peppermint Melon is quite weak and unbalanced. I’m convinced this is just because there’s only 1.5g of tea per teabag, rather than 2g.
The quality of the tea and herbal ingredients isn’t great either. From my photographs, you can see how fine and dusty the tea actually is. So, if you get a chance to buy the pyramid sachets from English Tea Shop instead of the teabags, I recommend you go for it!
One last thing to point out: the Soil Association Organic label. I am a huge advocate of any brand that has this certification, as I’ve personally researched the level of requirements the Soil Association has. It’s extensive. Any tea brand that has the logo on their packaging is a top-notch, responsible and reliable brand to buy from.
Summary
Do I recommend this tea? Yes, it’s quite nice. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to buy it, and I don’t recommend you buy a huge box of it without trying it first. I predict this to be a marmite tea – you love it or hate it. Find it in the holiday collection box/tin on Amazon using the button below or the links above.
Tea Recommendation
Did you know there’s a whole range of festive, Christmas-themed teas that aren’t spiced chai? Yes, it’s true! If you are desperate for a light, subtle tea treat for the festive season, check out my review of Fosters Berry Hibiscus caffeine-free tea for a great example.