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When drunk hot, you probably will want to sweeten it with honey or moderate it with milk, or possibly both. But, what Tazo lacks in history it makes up for in pure inventiveness.Among Tazo's many blends is Passion, a bold and flavorful mixture of hibiscus flowers, other tropical flavors, citric acid, orange peel, licorice root, cinnamon bark, rose hips, lemongrass, and red poppy. Tazo Teas is a relative newcomer to the tea market, having been founded in 1994 by Steve Smith. But, when made into an iced tea, Passion really comes into its own - decidedly refreshing and thirst-quenching. Brew it up, and you are rewarded with a bright red infusion, that has a tart and exciting taste.Now, this tea is definitely not for everyone. As you can tell from the ingredients, this tea is strong and decidedly on the tart side. Just what you need for a hot summer day.So, overall I would say that this is a pretty darn good hot tea, and a great iced tea. Buy some today.
It's difficult to describe what hibiscus tastes like, but I find it a most pleasant taste. Tazo is owned by Starbucks. ****Tazo's Passion Herbal Infusion is a somewhat tart, deep, flavorful (hibiscus-y tasting) tea. The ingredients in Passion are: hibiscus flowers, natural tropical flavors, citric acid, orange peel, licorice root, cinnamon bark, rose hips, lemongrass and red poppy. I would rate this tea, and Tazo in general, as very good---better than premium teas like Stash or Celestial Seasonings---but not as good as Numi. My husband says it tastes like pomegranate to him. They are socially responsible, based in Portland, and have the motto, "The Reincarnation of Tea".
It is unclear, though, from their web site, how many of their ingredients are organic or kosher, and they do use some "natural flavors" in their teas--this wording seems a little vague for a super premium tea.On the paper tea packet, Tazo writes, "A tantalizing deep red tea made from hibiscus flowers, exotic herbs and natural tropical flavors." On their web site, Tazo describes the flavor profile of Passion as "berry, juicy, wine-like, merlot, sweet, earthy, dense". It is not berry-like in taste, although it is red in color. Their web site is fun and quirky, with a Zen-type focus, definitely worth checking out. Although Passion contains licorice root it is not sweet. It is caffeine-free.Tazo is an interesting company that makes only super premium teas. Tazo describes the aroma as "sweet, juicy, red fruits". I'm soooooo spoiled by Numi teas, which is why Tazo Passion gets only four stars.****
You can drink this as you type into the night. I do think you need two tea bags for each cup of tea to fully intoxicate the senses and experience the magic of the ingredients.
Yet, is this really tea. The deep purple/red color and hibiscus fragrance is enough to make anyone passionate about tea.
This tea leaves a tingle on your tongue and I think it goes very well with a spoonful of honey. It looks like tea, but it is really an herbal infusion made by steeping hibiscus flowers, orange peel, licorice, cinnamon, rose hips, lemongrass and red poppy in a swirling of hot water.
The flavor is slightly reminiscent of hot apple cider or hot cranberry juice. Caffeine Free.
~The Rebecca Review
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