This Ain’t Your Grandpa’s Earl Grey
The first time I had Earl Grey black tea, I was not impressed. The bergamot flavor was flat and obscured by the bitterness of the black tea. It tasted stale, like somebody’s stuffy parlor. So, when Allison first told me that I had to try her Rooibos Earl Grey Tisane, I was skeptical. 
But, because I trust Allison’s good taste, I tried it, and was delighted! Red Rooibos, a caffeine free fair-trade tea alternative from South Africa, has a naturally sweet, nutty flavor that is the perfect compliment to the delicate notes of bergamot citrus. Steeped to perfection, with a few drops of stevia and a splash of rice milk, it has become my favorite fair-trade tea year-round. Hot or cold, this tisane sparkles! It’s wonderful iced with a lemon wedge on these hot summer days, and in the winter, we drink it hot almost daily in the AG office, when it’s warmth and sweet citrus flavors taste equally delicious.
Harness the Power of Sunshine: Make Sun Tea!
The days are longer now, and since it finally stopped raining, my deck is getting long hours of sunshine and that’s making me think of sun tea. 
Herbal tea steeped in the sun is one of my favorite summertime treats. Although many tea companies make specific tea bags for use in sun tea, you don’t actually need special tea. I prefer herbal varieties of fair-trade tea like Allison’s tins of Rooibos Earl Grey and After Dinner Mint Tisanes. I find that black or green teas become bitter when made this way.
Making sun tea is simple. Fill a large glass jar with cold water and 6-8 fair-trade tea bags or the loose leaf equivalent. Secure the lid of the jar tightly and place it in direct sunlight for several hours, shaking once or twice. I usually start sun tea in the morning and leave it in the sun all day. If it’s too strong you can always dilute it. Somehow it feels like the power of the sun filters into the tea and makes it especially delicious. After your tea has steeped, strain out tea bags or loose tea leaves, dilute and sweeten to taste, then place in the refrigerator or add ice to chill. Sip and Enjoy!
