Strawberry Ele-mint Blend

THE STORY BEHIND THE TEA:

I am thrilled to again share with you a blend from our tea maker Celene (the second of her tea club blends featured this year). She mentioned to me wanting to do something with wild strawberries and mint, and I said, "Oh, wouldn’t that be lovely for Mother’s Day afternoon tea."

Honestly, I think she might have been intimidated by such an honored occasion (and I admit the balance in this recipe has to be just right to pull off the fruit and mint combo), but you take a sip and decide.

When I think of wild strawberry, I think of floral notes — like rose or violet — and more sweetness, and the apple pieces pull those out even more. The mint provides a constantly fresh palate for these wonderful flavors to dance upon.

— Andy