95
drank Vanilla Matcha by DAVIDsTEA
2238 tasting notes

This, I think, is my final pick from the EU TTB. I knew I wanted to try it, and as I’ve not that much experience with matcha I set it aside for a later date. It turns out today is that later date. There are a couple of reasons for this.
Firstly, it’s no secret that I’ve not been feeling great recently. I’m tired a lot of the time, and I never feel like I have enough energy to do all the things I need to do in a day. My doctor will only recommend vitamins and early nights, both of which I have already. I’ve lost interest in a lot of things, probably because I’m so tired, and I know something’s likely wrong by I don’t know WHAT. I’ve also had what’s becoming a permenant headache for the last week or so, but I’ve been drinking less tea so I’m sort of thinking that might partly be the reason. I do get headaches if I don’t have caffeine. That’s reason one – if I increase my tea intake so it’s near where it used to be, my headaches should clear up a bit. If they don’t, then it’s back to the doctors for me.

Reason two, specific to this tea, is that people tell me matcha has energy-giving properties, and I could seriously use some energy right now. Teapigs have a matcha challenge which I’m going to take – at least one shot of matcha every day for two weeks. I figure it can’t hurt to try, so that’s what I’m going to do.

Today is day one, and I’m starting with a matcha latte. I used 1/2 tsp of matcha whisked into boiling water, topped up with heated, frothed milk. I’m using an aerolatte whisk for now rather than the traditional kit, but if it turns out that matcha is my thing then it’s something I might look into. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m actually really enjoying it. The vanilla flavouring is pretty strong, so it doesn’t taste too much like milky green tea. It’s sweet, creamy, and mostly reminiscent of vanilla milkshake. The powder combined well, with no clumping, which is always a bonus in my book. I’d definitely drink this one again!

Preparation
Boiling 0 tsp
Rasseru

Over the last year or so I’ve been trying zero-carb or low-carb diets. I get tired when eating carbs and I feel better when I dont eat them. Not sure if this is something you have tried. Also – juicing fresh veg (& fruit when i’m allowing myself sugar) and drinking that instead actually gives me energy instead of sapping it.

rosebudmelissa

There are so many possible causes for low energy that it can be really frustrating trying to figure out what to do about it. I know Vitamins B6 and D can help. Making sure you stay hydrated and eating more protein and vegetables sometimes helps. Getting more exercise sometimes helps. I know thyroid issues or sleep disorders can cause it (you could try to see a specialist to rule those out?). I’ve heard that light therapy can sometimes help, especially in the winter. Good luck trying to figure it out.

With regard to caffeine, it is a mild drug that your body gets dependent on. If you have a particular amount of caffeine every day, your body will adjust to that amount after 17 days, and it will no longer give you any extra energy, you will need that amount to maintain your normal energy levels. Caffeine withdrawal takes 10 days. For me the first few are usually accompanied by exhaustion and a headache. I’m especially sensitive to caffeine so I’ve researched it, and mostly stick to herbals.

tigress_al

I hope you figure out what’s wrong

Scheherazade

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m up for trying anything at the moment, but one thing at a time so I know what works and what doesn’t. It’s horrible to feel so tired all the time, and I can’t ignore it any longer.

Fjellrev

I really hope the doctor figures this all out and doesn’t take it lightly. I’ve had similar symptoms for years and after getting off my butt and visiting several doctors, they finally found out that I am/was anemic (again). So you never know.

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Comments

Rasseru

Over the last year or so I’ve been trying zero-carb or low-carb diets. I get tired when eating carbs and I feel better when I dont eat them. Not sure if this is something you have tried. Also – juicing fresh veg (& fruit when i’m allowing myself sugar) and drinking that instead actually gives me energy instead of sapping it.

rosebudmelissa

There are so many possible causes for low energy that it can be really frustrating trying to figure out what to do about it. I know Vitamins B6 and D can help. Making sure you stay hydrated and eating more protein and vegetables sometimes helps. Getting more exercise sometimes helps. I know thyroid issues or sleep disorders can cause it (you could try to see a specialist to rule those out?). I’ve heard that light therapy can sometimes help, especially in the winter. Good luck trying to figure it out.

With regard to caffeine, it is a mild drug that your body gets dependent on. If you have a particular amount of caffeine every day, your body will adjust to that amount after 17 days, and it will no longer give you any extra energy, you will need that amount to maintain your normal energy levels. Caffeine withdrawal takes 10 days. For me the first few are usually accompanied by exhaustion and a headache. I’m especially sensitive to caffeine so I’ve researched it, and mostly stick to herbals.

tigress_al

I hope you figure out what’s wrong

Scheherazade

Thanks for the suggestions. I’m up for trying anything at the moment, but one thing at a time so I know what works and what doesn’t. It’s horrible to feel so tired all the time, and I can’t ignore it any longer.

Fjellrev

I really hope the doctor figures this all out and doesn’t take it lightly. I’ve had similar symptoms for years and after getting off my butt and visiting several doctors, they finally found out that I am/was anemic (again). So you never know.

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Profile

Bio

Hi :) I’m Sarah, and I live in Norfolk in the UK. My tea obsession began when a friend introduced me to Teapigs a good few years ago now. Since then, I’ve been insatiable. Steepster introduced me to a world of tea I never knew existed, and my goal is now to TRY ALL THE TEAS. Or most of them, anyway.

I still have a deep rooted (and probably life-long) preference for black tea. My all-time favourite is Assam, but Ceylon and Darjeeling also occupy a place in my heart. Flavoured black tea can be a beautiful thing, and I like a good chai latte in the winter.

I also drink a lot of rooibos/honeybush tea, particularly on an evening. Sometimes they’re the best dessert replacements, too. White teas are a staple in summer — their lightness and delicate nature is something I can always appreciate on a hot day.

I’m still warming up to green teas and oolongs. I don’t think they’ll ever be my favourites, with a few rare exceptions, but I don’t hate them anymore. My experience of these teas is still very much a work-in-progress. I’m also beginning to explore pu’erh, both ripened and raw. That’s my latest challenge!

I’m still searching for the perfect fruit tea. One without hibiscus. That actually tastes of fruit.

You’ve probably had enough of me now, so I’m going to shut up. Needless to say, though, I really love tea. Long may the journey continue!

My rating system:

91-100: The Holy Grail. Flawless teas I will never forget.

81-90: Outstanding. Pretty much perfection, and happiness in a cup.

71-80: Amazing. A tea to savour, and one I’ll keep coming back to.

61-70: Very good. The majority of things are as they should be. A pleasing cup.

51-60: Good. Not outstanding, but has merit.

41-50: Average. It’s not horrible, but I’ve definitely had better. There’s probably still something about it I’m not keen on.

31-40: Almost enjoyable, but something about it is not for me.

11-30: Pretty bad. It probably makes me screw my face up when I take a sip, but it’s not completely undrinkable.

0-10: Ugh. No. Never again. To me, undrinkable.

Location

Norfolk, UK

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