by Kimberley K
November 09, 2021
We're not far away from Thanksgiving at all now, are we? I'm sure you're all probably planning what you are going to be cooking already and making plans with your families, but have you thought about what teas you should serve with your Thanksgiving meal this year?
If you haven't, then fear not because this is the perfect post for you! We're going to be talking about food pairings for your main meal and your desserts. As well as the perfect teas to have once all of the fun and celebration is over! So by the end of this post, you'll have a foolproof plan and we have no doubt that by the end of Thanksgiving you'll have convinced the non tea lovers in your family to start drinking the good stuff.
Dinner Teas
During the meal, you will want to have teas that can stand up to all the flavors of a Thanksgiving dinner like the savory turkey with gravy, buttery mash potatoes, and tart cranberry sauce among many other things.
So, you will probably want a tea such as
Yunnan Noir. A bold, black tea that will pair perfectly with those traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Much like a heavy red wine, black teas are high in tannins and will tend to have the boldest, most robust flavor profiles when it comes to tea varietals.
The reason you want to go for a simple black tea is that your dishes already contain a large variety of different flavors, and it would be difficult for you to find a blend with additional ingredients that will pair well with all of them. The caffeine content of black tea will also keep you and your family energized as you move through a busy day.
If you aren't a fan of black tea- a smooth, aromatic and fruit-forward Oolong much like
Wuyi Ensemble would also pair well with roasted turkey, sweet potatoes, butter green beans, and other Thanksgiving dishes.
Dessert Teas
Now, this is where you can bring in the blends, especially if you're going for an apple pie for dessert. Why not amplify that apple note and add in caramel as well with
Candy Apple blend. A naturally sweet and juicy blend with a strong base that is bound to please anyone in your family who loves this fairground fall treat.
If you're looking for something a little different that will pair well with things like pumpkin pie, try out
Maple Creme Oolong. It's a mid-bodied, higher oxidized Oolong that is smooth and clean, paired with the sweetness of a good quality maple syrup, finished off with a delicious hint of creme. This is like dessert in a cup and is bound to please everyone at your Thanksgiving table.
Night-Cap Teas
A digestive tea like
Happy Belly,
that is specifically blended with Pu Erh and ginger root to encourage stomach and digestive health, is great for after food. With the combination of soothing Senna leaf and the natural sweetness of anise and licorice, this is one cup that is sure to keep your tummy content and help you feel a little better after you have eaten all of that heavy food at once. Just remember to have some extra water with any teas that contain senna leaf as it does have a laxative-like effect. You'll definitely be thankful for this blend by the end of your day.
If the tummy is feeling good, a blend to help you get to sleep after a long busy day like
40 Winks blend that will have you calm and cozy within only a few sips. This blend of herbs known to promote healthy sleep, 40 Winks will round out your day and carry you into the sweetest of dreams. Adagio's combined valerian root, which is commonly used as a sleep aid, with the familiar flavors of soothing chamomile, spearmint, and lavender.
This is such a relaxing blend to sip on, and after a long, busy day when you're probably feeling both thankful but incredibly overwhelmed. From the moment you take a sip you'll feel like you're lying under your coziest comforter with the softest pillows on cloud nine. It's the best way to calm your mind down and take a moment for yourself before going into the later parts of the year.
So there you have it! Your foolproof tea plan for Thanksgiving. We hope you all have an amazing Thanksgiving and that you get a quiet moment of your day to enjoy tea and with every sip be reminded of something you're thankful for.