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While I tried many teas during my stay in Germany, there are few I know enough about to write about here. I would like to note that tea is far more popular in Germany than here in the US. And the kind of tea that is drunken is far more variable than what you would find in the UK. It seems that people really enjoy herbals of all kinds. In fact, they like to drink them for the healing properties, such as fennel tea for digestion. There’s also a large demand for rooibos and fruit teas. And I’m not the hugest expert on German tea drinking, but even green tea seems more popular than black. Maybe it’s just the people I know. In short, Germany is a great place for tea lovers. They seem to take tea with lemon juice and rock sugar. When I added a bit of milk to mine, everyone was like “oo, so British.” hah!

I also looked into getting some German rock sugar that I hear so much about. Funnily enough, when I went into a local supermarket, the rock sugar was being marketed as British. I’m a bit confused. I bought some other dark sugar instead. I don’t know if I got rock sugar. I’m confused. I need to do some research.

While visiting with my husband’s family in Germany, I spent a bit of time in Chemnitz. It’s a small city with a nice down town shopping center area. I spotted this coffee/tea shop next to a place selling regional hand carved Christmas decorations. I just saw the word “tee” and I ran straight for it with my husband and brother-in-law following reluctantly. There’s a decent selection of tea here and the lady working there was really serious and knowledgeable about tea. I ordered a cup of Kukicha to go and I was really impressed with the care she took to brew it properly. Usually, even at upscale tea places, they just add some leaves and hot water and hand you the cup, leaving you to wonder at the temperature and how long the tea had been in there already. She took her time and let the water cool, added the leaves, timed the steeping, then took out the leaves at the appropriate time. The resulting tea was perfectly brewed and delicious.

The BIL ordered a 125 gram bag of this tea. (Yes, I’m finally getting to the tea). He had meant it as a present for someone, but then found out that he didn’t need to give this gift after all. I received this tea instead. Score! I had no idea what a maracuja was and no one was able to explain it to me. Apparently, it’s a passion fruit, but it seems that that yellow variety is more common in Germany (or so I’m told). It’s got other tropical fruit flavors in it also. I think the leaves are large and lovely but the flavor is so crazy! It’s really fruity but it tastes so odd and candy-like. It doesn’t really taste like passionfruit. I’m not really liking the flavoring but the tea itself is a good quality. I think I’ll give it back next time we’re in Germany. He seemed interested in trying some himself.

Tamm

This trip sounds like it was so much fun! Maybe someday I’ll make it over there. :p

Mercuryhime

It was fun! But not just for tea reasons. I think my husband’s family is awesome and it was great hanging with them for the holidays. I’ve been to Germany several times but have never done the tourist stuff since I also go for family reasons. I should go to a museum or something next time.

Mercuryhime

*always go (not also)
doh!

Tamm

My friend’s brother spent two years in Germany and he loved it! Do you speak German?

Mercuryhime

I don’t speak German but I’ve gotten ok at figuring out what people are saying. It’s mostly body language and context though. I also know many food words because I’ve been researching German cuisine. Fortunately, most of husband’s family possess English skills.

Stephanie

I loved this tea note/travelogue! Thanks for sharing! :)

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Tamm

This trip sounds like it was so much fun! Maybe someday I’ll make it over there. :p

Mercuryhime

It was fun! But not just for tea reasons. I think my husband’s family is awesome and it was great hanging with them for the holidays. I’ve been to Germany several times but have never done the tourist stuff since I also go for family reasons. I should go to a museum or something next time.

Mercuryhime

*always go (not also)
doh!

Tamm

My friend’s brother spent two years in Germany and he loved it! Do you speak German?

Mercuryhime

I don’t speak German but I’ve gotten ok at figuring out what people are saying. It’s mostly body language and context though. I also know many food words because I’ve been researching German cuisine. Fortunately, most of husband’s family possess English skills.

Stephanie

I loved this tea note/travelogue! Thanks for sharing! :)

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I came from a tea drinking family, but I never appreciated the different qualities and varieties of tea until older. All that time wasted! But I guess I needed to be mature enough to appreciate the tea experience. :)

My favorite teas are green oolongs and white tea. I also love greens, especially gyokuro. I have a huge appreciation for rooibos and honeybush as they are often that only thing I can drink in the evening. I am a relatively new convert to black teas. This is unfortunate for my wallet but extremely wonderful for my palate. :)

In any case, I have a love for both flavored and unflavored teas. They are different experiences for sure, but both enjoyable. I find that it often depends on my mood.

I am on a quest to find a tea that will win my husband over. I think I’m making some headway…

My profile pic features my two lovable puppies, Mr. Snuggles and Sr. Caliente.

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