During my informal email interview/pestering of Laura, I asked her this: Of the teas you make, what are your personal top five most frequently brewed teas? And of course--Why are they your top five? Answers in italics.
This changes a lot, depending on the weather:
1. Lemongrass Rose - Light and great hot or iced anytime.
2. Peppermint Twist - Warm, soothing, and fruity sweet naturally.
3. Owens Acres Suntea - Great hot or iced anytime.
4. Winterberry Bliss - Warm and spicy
5. Chamomile - soothing, warm, and quiet
6. I like Lemon Verbena with hibiscus, but it's not an official tea, I sometimes just mix up what ever comes across my mind
I pulled these descriptions of the teas I ordered from the Owens Acres website, but Laura mentioned to use this disclaimer as well: "Herbalists are not doctors and therefore we do not diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. If you have a medical question or concern, please consult your physician."
Dandelion Orange Tea
Healthy, sweet, and earthy warm. Very calming and rich in minerals and vitamins. Yummy hot or iced and great for kids. Who knew a tea this good for you could taste good!
-Doesn't taste particularly like oranges, but I've thought it would be fun to add fresh orange slices. I like that Dandelion is great if you've had your gall bladder removed (like me) since it increases bile flow. And it turns out Dandelion greens are super healthy to eat on their own too (I've tried them in smoothies in addition to kale and spinach). Laura suggests using "regular ol' dandelion growing in your lawn as long as you do not fertilize your lawn!" Here's what Laura had to say about Dandelion:
...anti-rheumatic, blood purifier, diuretic, tonic. Dandelion is high in potassium and Vitamin A (more than carrots) and is a superior diuretic. Increase flow of bile from the liver, and can reduce serum cholesterol. It's just healthful to eat or have in a tea and has been used for centuries as a liver tonic.
-Doesn't taste particularly like oranges, but I've thought it would be fun to add fresh orange slices. I like that Dandelion is great if you've had your gall bladder removed (like me) since it increases bile flow. And it turns out Dandelion greens are super healthy to eat on their own too (I've tried them in smoothies in addition to kale and spinach). Laura suggests using "regular ol' dandelion growing in your lawn as long as you do not fertilize your lawn!" Here's what Laura had to say about Dandelion:
...anti-rheumatic, blood purifier, diuretic, tonic. Dandelion is high in potassium and Vitamin A (more than carrots) and is a superior diuretic. Increase flow of bile from the liver, and can reduce serum cholesterol. It's just healthful to eat or have in a tea and has been used for centuries as a liver tonic.
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| Loose dry Orchard Delight Tea |
Sweet and fruity blend of dried Pears, Apricots, and Apples with sweet ruby red Hibiscus flowers, zesty Lemon Verbena, and calming Chamomile. Full of vitamins and antioxidants makes a healing cold tea or yummy iced tea.
-This is my new favorite. I taste the verbena and chamomile, yet it's subtly fruity and mildly sweet. It smells amazing! Someone take me to a late fall orchard--I smell ripe apples and sunshine with a whiff of herbal flowers. I've been making a whole pot of this and enjoying it throughout the day since it's caffeine free. Don't get me wrong--I love a good cup of coffee, but I get a little nutty if you give me coffee after 3pm.
Laura offers a huge variety of herbal teas. I was just browsing the Owens Acres Herbal Tea section and saw a new flavor called Island Song--a blend of Hibiscus, dried Pineapple, Jasmine flowers, Lemongrass, dried Coconut, and dried Mango. Summer here I come! Definitely on my "I can't wait to try this!" list.
I also ordered a few of Laura's medicinal teas or "Teas with a Purpose." Laura has some other great options in this category like teas for IBS, a Bone Builder Tea, Headache and Migraine, and Cold and Flu tea (just to name a few, there's a bunch more!). Check out Owens Acres Teas with a Purpose.
-This is my new favorite. I taste the verbena and chamomile, yet it's subtly fruity and mildly sweet. It smells amazing! Someone take me to a late fall orchard--I smell ripe apples and sunshine with a whiff of herbal flowers. I've been making a whole pot of this and enjoying it throughout the day since it's caffeine free. Don't get me wrong--I love a good cup of coffee, but I get a little nutty if you give me coffee after 3pm.
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| Brewing Orchard Delight |
Laura offers a huge variety of herbal teas. I was just browsing the Owens Acres Herbal Tea section and saw a new flavor called Island Song--a blend of Hibiscus, dried Pineapple, Jasmine flowers, Lemongrass, dried Coconut, and dried Mango. Summer here I come! Definitely on my "I can't wait to try this!" list.
I also ordered a few of Laura's medicinal teas or "Teas with a Purpose." Laura has some other great options in this category like teas for IBS, a Bone Builder Tea, Headache and Migraine, and Cold and Flu tea (just to name a few, there's a bunch more!). Check out Owens Acres Teas with a Purpose.
And guess what?! Owen's Acres is CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified. Curious about what that means and what it takes to become CCOF certified? Check out this link about the CCOF certification process. Here are a few of Laura's answers (in italics) regarding organic:
I noticed you're CCOF certified. Are all of your products 100% organic (I'm particularly interested in your teas)? No. Our farm is a certified organic herb farm and we grow a lot of our ingredients, but unfortunately our climate/elevation don't allow us to grow some of the ingredients. That said, I make every effort to buy from reputable suppliers and buy organic or wildcrafted when available. I have a 75% rule, which far exceeds other like companies who use 10% organic ingredients and call it 'organic'. Products that meet my 75% rule are labeled organic.
Are the fruits in your fruit tea blends organic? Like your Cherry Jubilee or Orchard Delight teas (both of which I'm excited to try!).
Yes, all the fruits used in the teas are organic and from California, I use Viva Bella Farms.
I'm not necessarily an organic purist (I understand the expense and availability often hinders 100% organic), I'm just curious about your product ingredients. Can you tell me about the difference between CCOF and USDA certified?
Yes, CCOF is "California Certified Organic Farm" which is a higher standard than USDA. We are also USDA certified. Our farm is 100% certified, versus some farms who have a small area certified, but still claim their products are 'certified'. It's very deceptive to the buying public and consumers....
I noticed you're CCOF certified. Are all of your products 100% organic (I'm particularly interested in your teas)? No. Our farm is a certified organic herb farm and we grow a lot of our ingredients, but unfortunately our climate/elevation don't allow us to grow some of the ingredients. That said, I make every effort to buy from reputable suppliers and buy organic or wildcrafted when available. I have a 75% rule, which far exceeds other like companies who use 10% organic ingredients and call it 'organic'. Products that meet my 75% rule are labeled organic.
Are the fruits in your fruit tea blends organic? Like your Cherry Jubilee or Orchard Delight teas (both of which I'm excited to try!).
Yes, all the fruits used in the teas are organic and from California, I use Viva Bella Farms.
I'm not necessarily an organic purist (I understand the expense and availability often hinders 100% organic), I'm just curious about your product ingredients. Can you tell me about the difference between CCOF and USDA certified?
Yes, CCOF is "California Certified Organic Farm" which is a higher standard than USDA. We are also USDA certified. Our farm is 100% certified, versus some farms who have a small area certified, but still claim their products are 'certified'. It's very deceptive to the buying public and consumers....
Here's what I like about what Laura has to say--she's honest and frank. No skirting the issue. I'd much rather buy from an honest company that tries to do their best to maintain a high ingredient standard (and organic when possible) than one that is not honest in their labeling practices.
Not a tea fan? Owens Acres offers tons of other great products. I'll just mention my favorites because I've tried way too many.
Headache balm--it smells like peppermint. The other day, I was using it and started craving mint ice cream. I don't thinks it's supposed to have that affect, but that's just me. I'm weird. I apply the balm to my forehead and temples, massage it in, and if I can, I lie down and close my eyes (this is my migraine protocol). Laura also had headache tea and aromatherapy inhalers available if you want a trio attack. And tons of other healing salves for a plethora of skin complaints.
Lemon Lotion Bar--this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Owens Acres product. If winter dries out your skin, or you are a constant hand washer/hand sanitizer person in an effort to avoid a cold/flu, or if you work somewhere with constant hand washing like a restaurant or hospital--this is for you! After I wash my hands, I don't dry them all the way so they're still damp. Then I scoop a little lotion bar from its screw top tin and apply, massaging it into my hands, focusing on the knuckles and cuticles. Let is soak in for a minute and there's no greasy or oily feeling. Your hands will feel so soft and moisturized. And this lotion bar survives a hand washing or two, no need to reapply every five minutes like those water-based moisturizers. Also, it smells like lemon! Every time I apply it at work someone asks me, "What is that? It smells so good!" It's the perfect gift for your favorite nurse or chef!
Solid Perfumes! Anyone else have trouble finding a delicious perfume that's free of synthetic fragrance oils? I find sweet and fruity scents are particularly difficult to find. But I found three winners from the Owens Acres perfumes. My favorites are Ooh So Citrus, Vanilla Sandalwood, and Calming. Ooh So Citrus smells wonderfully fruity, citrus-y, cheerful, uplifting, and sweet. I'm a HUGE citrus fan. Except lime. Limes just don't seem as sweet. Anyhow... Laura offers solid and roll-on perfumes. I don't know if it's the beeswax, but the solid Ooh So Citrus perfume smells sweeter than the roll on to me. It seems to have more depth and an extra something. I've recently started layering the roll on perfume over the solid for some extra staying power or to update my perfume throughout the day. I experienced the same thing with the Vanilla Sandalwood solid and roll ons. Vanilla sandalwood is a yummy, sensual, sweet, yet relaxing scent. Calming smells about the same as a roll-on and as a solid (a blend of lavender, lemongrass, and orange). I keep my Calming perfume in my purse for an on-the-go de-stressor. All of Laura's perfumes/products are scented with essential oils except Fruit Salad, Cucumber, and Mango; which are fragrance oils. Essential oil perfumes don't last as long as synthetic fragrances, but I find refreshing my perfume in the afternoon is an uplifting yet relaxing daily ritual. Laura's perfumes are also very reasonably priced--only $8.95 for a one ounce solid perfume tin!
Also, YAY TEA! And thanks to Laura of Owens Acres for answering all of my questions! Check out the Owens Acres website here.
Not a tea fan? Owens Acres offers tons of other great products. I'll just mention my favorites because I've tried way too many.
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| Headache Balm and Headache & Sinus Inhalers |
Lemon Lotion Bar--this is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Owens Acres product. If winter dries out your skin, or you are a constant hand washer/hand sanitizer person in an effort to avoid a cold/flu, or if you work somewhere with constant hand washing like a restaurant or hospital--this is for you! After I wash my hands, I don't dry them all the way so they're still damp. Then I scoop a little lotion bar from its screw top tin and apply, massaging it into my hands, focusing on the knuckles and cuticles. Let is soak in for a minute and there's no greasy or oily feeling. Your hands will feel so soft and moisturized. And this lotion bar survives a hand washing or two, no need to reapply every five minutes like those water-based moisturizers. Also, it smells like lemon! Every time I apply it at work someone asks me, "What is that? It smells so good!" It's the perfect gift for your favorite nurse or chef! 
Solid Perfumes! Anyone else have trouble finding a delicious perfume that's free of synthetic fragrance oils? I find sweet and fruity scents are particularly difficult to find. But I found three winners from the Owens Acres perfumes. My favorites are Ooh So Citrus, Vanilla Sandalwood, and Calming. Ooh So Citrus smells wonderfully fruity, citrus-y, cheerful, uplifting, and sweet. I'm a HUGE citrus fan. Except lime. Limes just don't seem as sweet. Anyhow... Laura offers solid and roll-on perfumes. I don't know if it's the beeswax, but the solid Ooh So Citrus perfume smells sweeter than the roll on to me. It seems to have more depth and an extra something. I've recently started layering the roll on perfume over the solid for some extra staying power or to update my perfume throughout the day. I experienced the same thing with the Vanilla Sandalwood solid and roll ons. Vanilla sandalwood is a yummy, sensual, sweet, yet relaxing scent. Calming smells about the same as a roll-on and as a solid (a blend of lavender, lemongrass, and orange). I keep my Calming perfume in my purse for an on-the-go de-stressor. All of Laura's perfumes/products are scented with essential oils except Fruit Salad, Cucumber, and Mango; which are fragrance oils. Essential oil perfumes don't last as long as synthetic fragrances, but I find refreshing my perfume in the afternoon is an uplifting yet relaxing daily ritual. Laura's perfumes are also very reasonably priced--only $8.95 for a one ounce solid perfume tin!
Wow, thank you for that awesome review! I truly love making pure and simple products for customers and appreciate when customers take the time to give feedback as it helps me improve what I do and what I make. I try and keep prces reasonable, I'm not a diva and overcharge - there's just no need, I'd rather keep it honest!
ReplyDeleteThis is great, and I especially loved the pictures of the tea brewing...makes me want to grab a cup right now (I think I have some Orchard Delight laying around)...
ReplyDeleteAnd you wanted Mint Ice Cream after using the Headache Balm? That is awesome!