I have a love-hate relationship with banana. Mostly I hate it. Fresh banana grosses me out, and I dislike banana-flavored candies. But I do like it in baked goods (banana oatmeal walnut cookies, oh yeah!). I was really contemplating putting “please no banana!” in the notes on my grab bag but I’d already requested no rooibos and didn’t want to be too demanding. And there was only 1 banana-flavored tea, what were the chances that I’d get it? Funnily enough I got 3 teas I had been hoping for and… this. Ahh, my luck is both wonderful and terrible.
This smells like runts. Banana runts. I was all ready to swap it away instantly, but the bf saw it and wanted to try it. Funnily enough, I showed him the Banana Foster blend since it seemed like something he’d enjoy and it was met with a resounding “no.” I was thinking “oh we’ll make one cup, then I’ll swap it.” However, it was not to be, and I am officially adding this to my cupboard because it was a huge hit! Well, not really with me—I think it’s okay and tolerable (which is saying a lot, since the smell of the dry leaves totally horrified me), but it’s not something I am gonna be “oh I want more of this right now!”
The bf LOVES it. I mean, almost as much as Paris. I can see why: the grassy, earthy notes of yerba mate are right up his alley, and the banana is subdued enough to not be overwhelming. There’s just a hint of cherry which makes everything else pop. So I’m actually pretty happy I wound up with this: it’s always great to find a tea for someone else in your life I think.
