What do they have in common? They both recently made headlines involving tea.

The hemp seeds (and hemp blossoms, for that matter) made headlines when Time Magazine named them as one of the top products from the 2012 Winter Fancy Food Show in San Francisco. The product is called C-Swiss Hemp Iced Tea, and it's a blend of black tea, lemon juice and hemp blossoms / hemp seeds. Prepare to have your mind expanded (or not) and check out hemp tea.

The panda poo shocked some tea drinkers when it was promoted as the fertilizer of what is planned to be the world's most expensive tea. It is from Sichuan, China, and is expected to retail for $35,000 for 500 grams (18 ounces). Prepare to be horrified (or not) and read more about panda poo tea.

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While perusing a list of top food trends for 2012, I was reminded of something I have wanted to try for a while now -- pine needle "tea." Ever since I tried Clear Creek Distillery's Douglas Fir Eau de Vie (a fantastically complex and unique beverage with a lingering aftertaste) a few years ago, I have been pining for pine needle tea. (Haha! Ahem... Sorry.)

So, I'm curious... Who out there has tried pine needle "tea," and what did you think of it? If you haven't tried it, do you think you would? And would you trust pine needles from your own yard or local park, or would you forage pine needles from somewhere more remote / pristine? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on pine needle "tea!"

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Also known as "Yuanyang," Yin-Yang Coffee-Tea is a drink made from a 50-50 mixture of Bolivian drip-brewed coffee and Hong Kong Pantyhose Milk Tea. It is wildly popular in Hong Kong, where proprietary recipes for both drinks are kept secret by each cafe and shop that prepares them. Like a dirty chai, it combines the flavors of coffee and tea into one delicious drink (with the help of ample milk and, usually, sugar).

I was lucky enough to get to try this (and Hong Kong Milk Tea) in Hong Kong a few years ago, and am hoping to repeat the experience again soon. Have you tried Yin-Yang Coffee-Tea in Hong Kong or in a cafe, or made it at home? Share your Yuanyang story with other readers in the comments below!

Photo (c) Marko Goodwin
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Ginger is a traditional detox herb in China. It is used to make a range of delicious ginger teas and tisanes. A versatile ingredient, ginger is associated with many health benefits, and with many cuisines and styles of foods, from meaty, spicy Chinese foods to wintery, sweet European delicacies.

Learn more about this fascinating ingredient (and its uses in coffee, tea and other hot drinks) with my new guide to ginger.

Photo (c) Marko Goodwin
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