Road test: Stockholm blend

A TYPE of fine tea, so named because it was first blended in the Swedish capital.  

tea

WHAT is it?

A type of fine tea, so named because it was first blended in the Swedish capital.

What's in it?
Loose-leaf black tea with orange peel, safflowers, calendula blossoms, rose petals, vanilla and apricot.

Does it even taste like tea?
Only vaguely. And that's another stroke of genius from the nation that has already given the world Abba, Volvo and Ikea.

What do you mean?
Well, this is a tea for people who don't like tea, in the same way that a decaf soy mocha is a coffee for people who don't like coffee. What those clever Swedes have done is invent a way for people to enjoy the tea drinking experience - the pleasing rituals of preparation and consumption - without having to put up with the taste.

So what's it like?
Refreshing, unusual and delicious. Who knew that with the simple addition of orange peel, safflowers, calendula blossoms, rose petals, vanilla and apricot, tea could taste so nice?

What to say:
"Mmmm, an intriguing, complex brew ... the yin of the floral notes is perfectly balanced by the yang of the tannins."

Don't say:
"I'm using it as pot pourri for the guest bathroom."

Price: $14 for 100g, theteacentre.com.au