My childhood home has a Meyer lemon tree growing in the backyard. It’s over 40 years old, and yet my dad is able to harvest hundreds of lemons from it every year — and share them with me. We love it!
I lived a privileged life as a child in as much as I had this wealth of lemons twice a year. We weren’t rich. Ours was quite the modest neighborhood. But thanks to a backyard garden, we ate like kings. And fresh lemonade was a regular feature on our table.
I never had a grocery store lemon until I went to college. And I was stunned. Meyer lemons are a totally different and beautiful experience when it comes to citrus.
The Meyer Lemon
The Meyer lemon is a cross between a lemon and a mandarin orange. Frank Meyer, an USDA employee, collected a sample of the tree when he was traveling in China in the early 20th century. For most of that century it was relegated to backyard gardens, particularly California gardens like ours, because its thin skin wasn’t sturdy enough for mass distribution.
In the late 1990s chef Alice Waters and home manager extraordinaire Martha Stewart helped the Meyer Lemon come into its own. And it continues to grow in popularity.
Meyer Lemon Herbal Tea by Stash
Recently Stash Tea sent me a sample of their latest flavor — Meyer Lemon. Herbal tea takes me back to the year I lived in France and my friend Sarah and I explored all flavors of tisane. We would have loved this one, crafted from a blend of rosehips, lemongrass, orange peel, hibiscus, Meyer lemon oil, and safflower.
Currently, Stash is running a recipe contest, featuring this newest flavor of herbal tea. There are several different categories to enter. And the prizes include a Kitchenaid Mixer, a dutch oven from Le Creuset, a Breville blender, a Takeya tea maker, and of course, cases of Meyer Lemon Herbal Tea. To read more details on the contest and to enter, go here.
I got creative with this tea and decided to use it in baking. I already had a bag of Mix and Match Muffins in the freezer. So, I substituted tea for the liquid. The result was a batch of lemony sweet muffins that my family devoured in a flash.
Meyer Lemon Tea Muffins
Ingredients
- 2 lemon herbal tea bags
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup neutral oil
- 2 egg
- 1 batch Mix and Match Muffin Mix
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 tbsp demerara sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°. Line a 12-cup muffin cups with muffin papers. Brew the tea and allow it to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the tea, yogurt, oil, and eggs. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the muffin mix and lemon zest.
- Fold just until combined.
- Divide the batter among the muffin cups. It's okay if the cups overflow. Sprinkle generously with demerara sugar.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
- Cool the baked muffins on a wire rack.
Linda says
IN the morning hot. Am trying to NOT drink coffee in the morning.
In the afternoon Iced, and in the evening. Herbal hot! Would love to try the Meyer Lemon tea by STASH!
Amanda C. says
I enjoy hot tea every day after lunch instead of dessert. I would love to try to Stash tea, especially the lemon tea.
Leslie M.P. says
We drink a lot of tea around here. Black tea, iced and hot, are our especial favorites but we love almost anything black or herbal. We make a pot of hot tea every morning when we sit down to do homeschool. Thanks for the giveaway!
Susie E says
I use tea to help combat math anxiety. As a math tutor, I work with older students returning to college. I’ve found the biggest problem with my students isn’t lack of skill, but lack of confidence. I keep a tea tray with all different kinds of teas on the ready, and it is amazing how a cup of tea can help them relax, focus and overcome mind numbing anxiety. It doesn’t seem to matter whether I’m working with algebra, geometry, trig or calculus…a nice cup of tea is a common denominator for success!
Angela says
As we live in the south, we drink iced tea every single day. 😉 But I also love herbal tea. I’m a singer, so I drink it whenever I feel a scratchy throat coming on, and serve it to my guys (they’ve gotten over the “it’s-not-masculine-to-drink-hot-tea” thing) when they are fighting a cold.
sheila bailey says
I drink sun tea in the summertime–no sugar added
Patti says
Since we visited England we have made tea a daily ritual as a time to sit down and enjoy the moment whether with family or friends or alone. It is an enjoyable way to start the day, with meals and a respite during the day and a lovely way to end the day. We serve it everytime we have guests and my children love to select their favorite tea. We usually serve it hot but as the weather warms up we will add cold tea as our beverage of choice.
teresa g. says
we drink tea all the time, it is our drink of choice over coffee. My son is a huge earl grey fan but chamomile is a close second.
Jonna says
We like to drink green chai tea, as a dessert on cool/cold days!
Sue D says
I drink hot tea in the winter to warm up or when I have a cold and sometimes I add honey to it. In the summer I drink iced tea–usually unsweetened.
Alicia says
I have tea every morning with breakfast and at night before I go to bed
stephiedee says
My hubby and I enjoy drinking black tea with mixed with a glug of milk in the morning for our caffeine fix. 🙂
Linda from Georgia says
I tend to drink decaf tea at night. Love a good herbal tea!
Becky says
This sounds amazing!
My family(even the boys) all love tea, this one would be a nice break from the usual black chai…
Kristina G. says
I drink lots of tea – hot tea in the winter and iced tea in the summer. Love it!
Charity L. says
I serve my tea flavored and usually on ice. I usually serve tea on hoildays like mother’s day, girls day out and other special occassions. It is also nice to have when I am sick.
jo says
My son has been in the hospital for 5 months. My daughter was so stressed the other night. I asked if she would like some tea. She said yes and seemed to really enjoy it!
Steph says
This tea sounds wonderful! I only drink water and tea, so I drink tea pretty much anytime – with meals, as a nightcap, if I’m dragging during the day. During the summer I love to make herbal sun tea and drink it all day.
Nancye6 says
We drink tea as a pick-me-up when we need a bit of energy or when we have a minute to sit and relax, a cup of tea fills the bill.
Jackie says
I am a tea fanatic. I drink a couple cups of tea every day. I recently had my mother-in-law come to visit and she wanted a cup of tea. She was astounded by the selection (but surprised I didn’t have any plain Lipton). I would love to try this Meyer’s lemon tea. 🙂 I’ve never thought to bake with tea, but what a great idea!
Kara says
I love peppermint tea with a touch of honey. Great to warm up in the winter! My husband loves a good glass of sweet ice tea!
Christina Burrell says
I serve tea when I host Womens Bible Studies in my home or when a friend stops by for a chat. It is so comforting!
Alison says
I drink tea every day, usually in the afternoon. One of my favorites is the Stash Green Chai tea, but I recently gave up caffeine, and am looking for herbal substitutes.
Linda Thomas says
About mid-morning I love to sit down with a hot cup of tea, put my feet up and read something inspirational. It sets the tone for the rest of the day.
KAREN MILLER says
Well, I’ll have to admit that I’ll probably squirrel away the tea and hide it as Lemon is my favorite!! LOL No, I will probably share my tea and sit on my front porch swing and savor it ? Thanks for the giveaway.
Coby says
I love herbal tea since I don’t drink coffee or anything with caffeine. I like it in the mornings or on a cold day to warm up. I love it when I am sick with honey and lemon juice (usually fresh from my tree, I have a meyer tree too).
Tracey says
I love to serve and drink tea anytime, But, one of my favorite ways to serve tea is as a night cap.
susan says
I fix tea for supper
Trish U says
I like to keep a pot of green ginger or rooibos tea on my desk at work to sip on all day. I add some local honey to my first cup in the morning to help combat my seasonal allergies.
Sherry Perry says
Love hot tea in the afternoon and before bed in the winter. In the hot AZ summer, making herbal sun tea is amazing. Flavorful and no sugar. My kids love it! Hmmm…thinking I should go set some out right now! 😉
Jamie says
I would make iced tea out of this tea and serve it with a slice of Meyer lemon.
jodi says
I drink a lot of tea when I have a cold. Also, on a snowy day it is great.
Tequita says
We drink hot tea or iced tea depending on: our mood, health, and occasion. We enjoy a variety of flavors and often share them with friends. Thanks for the opportunity to win! Blessings!
Jennifer Short says
I drink tea any time of day. 🙂 Mornings and evenings are a favorite, though!
Emily says
I drink tea with breakfast. And, I’m the weirdest person in the world – I like it at room temperature. I grew up drinking Earl Gray, so that’s currently my fave!
adrienne says
I drink it at work… I work 3rd shift, so it could be night-time or in the morning!
Jan T says
I enjoy tea all the time! I loved your idea of a snack time after school, so we try to have tea time every afternoon after we finish lessons.
JenniferB says
I don’t drink soda but I LOVE sweet tea! I drink it year-round, especially in the summer.
Kerrie Craig says
I serve tea with meals, hot in the winter or cold in the summer. I also serve it when anyone in the house is sick.
beanpie says
For me being a single mom with no family in the current city I live in, my retreat is my tea-treat. Whether early before my babes rise or in the eve when they lay I enjoy my cup of tea with a wedge of lemon a tsp of honey and a tsp of stevia at times some milk. But, I unwind and I recount my thoughts for the day. I use that time not only to reflect, but also to meditate and plan the next venture!
krista says
I love bringing out tea when the fall season starts. I love chai tea and orange spice. The lemon sounds good too!
Miranda says
earl grey with my sister!
Sarah @ Sarah Well Rounded says
My mom is from England, so we drink tea all the time, but only drink it hot. Even on the hotest days! (Mom swears it cools you down, I’m not so sure, lol!)
Katie says
I drink hot tea every morning. I actually drink Stash’s chai tea every morning. I would love to try this new flavor.
SalBug says
I drink iced tea year round and would love to try a new twist. Thanks for the opportunity!
Allison says
I drink hot tea when I have a moment to myself in the fall and winter. Since I’m from the southeast, we drink iced tea — “sweet tea” we call it — almost year-round with meals, but since I’ve been trying to drink more water I limit it to once a week now. This Meyer Lemon tea sounds delightfully yummy.
Steph says
I serve tea to myself all day long, but I enjoy getting out my teabox for others whenever we have company over for an evening (especially after a meal).
Alaina says
We drink tea every day in the evening. Or definitely when we are sick. And this tea looks good!
Elizabeth says
I’m a college student, and I like to drink tea while studying or doing my homework. It makes it a bit more enjoyable. 😉
amy says
Any time of day, really. Especially on days where we’re feeling a little low or sore-throatish or we have my friend over who is a HUGE tea drinker!
Pat K says
I like to make myself a cup hot tea when the weather is crisp and cool it is so
rewarding. Also love ice tea in the warm weather. I do the usual boiling of the
water and letting it steep for 3 minutes. The Meyer Lemon tea sounds great.
Grace says
Making tea is my little comfort ritual for rare and special “ME” time. I am very fussy about it, scalding the pot just so, choosing the particular teapot and cozy to match my mood or the season. I most like to brew up a nice pot of tea in the evening and settle down with it and a good book.
Melanie says
I drink tea every afternoon and I also serve ice tea when we have company over. I love it!
Pamela says
I drink tea all day long, mostly cold. I love all different types and flavors.
Kristy says
On cool afternoons or evenings, or when we are feeling a bit rough I love to serve a hot mug of a fruity tea. Yes, a big mug of it so hands can be warmed too.
Sara says
My son and I have tea every afternoon while the two younger children are asleep. It is a great bonding time for us and allows us to reconnect after the day’s craziness.
Elizabeth says
I like hot tea in the winter when it’s cold, my husband is a big fan of sweet tea (cold) all the time.
Lynda Clark says
We are a family of tea drinkers. We usually have an Irish Breakfast tea in the morning, iced green tea during the day and we always have a cup of hot herbal tea at night time. The new Meyer Lemon Herbal Tea sounds wonderful for the summer. I love the taste of Meyer Lemons, they are so sweet and fresh tasting.
Chrys says
I usually drink tea in the cooler months with sugar and milk. Don’t think I’ve ever had a meijer lemon, but would love to try this tea (and maybe send some lemons with it?)
Kelly says
Year round! In the winter and fall it’s always served hot and in a variety of flavors both loose and bagged. In the summer and spring, black iced tea lightly sweetened! It’s always a lovely alternative to soda for a refreshing drink for guests. Love it!
Amanda Y. says
I serve a lot of sweet tea, but also warm earl grey
amanda says
My mom and I like to have tea together in the afternoons or when I’m sick.
Rachel says
Those muffins look great! I have a cup of tea most mornings around 6:00 a.m. during my quiet time and then often have a second cup in the afternoon right before I teach piano lessons. I love tea of all kinds, but especially black teas.
Susan T says
We drink tea in the summertime with ice in it.
teresa cunningham says
i have friends that love a cozy cup of tea. when we get together it’s so nice to chat over a cup of tea.
Pamela says
I like iced tea almost all the time. Hot tea is wonderful when I have a sore throat. So soothing.
Brookiej says
I drink it every afternoon & evening! LOVE it. My girlies even like it now! 🙂
meagain2 says
my family drinks sweetened ice tea all year
Krissa says
I recently made the switch from coffee to tea, so I drink tea in the morning…and sometimes at night. 🙂
Susan says
I’M A MORNING TEA DRINKER!
jenny says
I too made the switch from coffee to tea in the morning- I am wondering how that meyer lemon tea would taste as iced tea….. yum!
Emily @ Relishments says
How and when do I serve tea? All the time! I start my day out with black tea and usually have a cup of something after work. Sometimes there’s tea after dinner as well. It’s possible I’m a little obsessed.
Nicole says
In the morning, I make myself a cup of hot tea to drink while I have my quiet time. Afternoon Tea Time with my little girls is another great time for tea. And sometimes before bed, I unwind with a cup of tea.
Kathryn Vanderpol says
I enjoy tea in the afternoons. Lately I’ve been drinking Lady Grey tea.
Sharon says
In the evenings before bed, with a good book.
Hannah says
I love tea at nighttime, when I am done for the day and am ready to just sit back and read a good book. My favorites are the fruity ones: raspberry, peach, and lemon.
Erin says
I’m a big tea drinker…I have a cup everyday, usually in the afternoon. I love that you used it in baking.
Lucky says
When don’t I serve tea? I drink it all day long!
Amy says
I like to drink hot tea, especially when I’m feeling chilly (which is often, because I tend to run cold!)
Amanda E says
Ooh…. meyer lemon is one of my favorite fruits in the world! I am going to have to try this tea!!
I love English breakfast tea with a splash of milk and plenty of sugar in the morning… iced tea with lunch or dinner or in the afternoon… and occasionally a rich, spicy decaf chai in the evening for a yummy, relaxing treat.
Heather says
Tea is a comfort food, what I or the kids have at the end of the day to help us wind down.
Deborah says
I drink hot tea in the morning and evening and iced tea during the day.
I love lemon!
Miranda says
I serve black/regular tea with lots of sugar ;).
joanna mattas says
I like to drink a cup of tea at night after I have got the kids to bed 😉
Karlyn Hillman says
So, I’m from the south and of course we drink our tea SWEET! However, I’ve been branching out the last few years. I love to drink unsweet tea with lots of LEMON, hot peppermint tea, hot green tea, and really enjoy fruit flavored cold teas!
Kim says
Mmmm hot cup of tea in the morning to kick off my day. Honey & tea for sore throats. Sweet tea chilled for a treat in the afternoon. Okay I love it anytime of day!
Caroline says
Whenever I am in the mood for a cup.
Sara P. says
I like to have a nice hot cup of tea around 2 or 3 pm. It is the perfect mid afternoon break!
Debbi Does Dinner Healthy says
I actually have yet to try meyer lemons, I don’t usually see them so I just get regular. I drink Tea every morning though, I love it!
Emily E Lah says
I serve tea every Wednesday night when I have a couple mom friends over after the kids are all in bed.
SandyN says
I’m not a coffee drinker, so I drink tea anytime during the day! Most days I have one mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and before I go to bed.
Karen says
I like hot tea in the morning.
Valerie S says
I like to have herbal tea in the evenings while watching TV. I also like to drink green tea while I’m at work.
Teresa Matz says
I serve tea with everything, either hot or iced
Sharon says
This tea sounds so good. Thanks for the recipe. Sharon
Meghan says
I’m a bit of a tea addict. I drink it all day at work, all kinds. Prefer green but have white and herbal. I serve it to whomever would like some as well! Sadly, not as many tea drinkers out there as I’d like!
Kara says
I serve tea to my kiddos and tell them about the great-grandfather, a Lipton man who drank three pots a day!
April says
During the winter months I drink hot tea in the morning and then as an afternoon pick me up! Then in summer I really adore it iced especially iced green with mint!
Michelle says
I drink tea to relax or when I have a sore throat.
Joy R. says
As a Southerner, any time is a good time for tea. We drink tea all the time, often experimenting with different teas or mixtures of tea. Our favorite is a black tea with a hint of fruit, such as a berry medley. A popsicle made with a zinger-type tea is also delicious!
Joy R. says
We love tea in my home. We drink it cold and hot. With summer coming up, we’re looking forward to some tea popsicles.
Karen Greenberg says
My family loves tea! We constantly have a jug in the refrigerator for drinking during the day, and I drink tea at night when it’s time to settle in for the evening. Whenever we have company we offer tea as one of the drinks they can have.
Heidi says
A cup of hot tea has been my afternoon pick-me-up for a long time. Recently my husband gave up his morning sup of coffee and has replaced it with hot tea…I’m sure he would love to have a new flavor option!
Heidi says
@Heidi, *cup 🙂
cindy kilpatrick says
we drink a lot of tea, and have a pot of mint~chamomile on the counter at almost any given moment. as we head into summer, we’ll have a pitcher of it in the fridge as well.
ikkinlala says
I’m not sure whether Canadians may enter, but just in case: I serve hot tea whenever I feel like it, but usually in the morning and evening. I’ll make a pot of it if somebody else is around, but often I’ll make it just for myself in a big mug. I like iced tea for hot summer days, too.
Sara says
I drink hot tea when I need that little extra measure of comfort 🙂
stacy says
I serve it hot or cold…depending on the season.
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Robin says
I serve tea at night when I am relaxing after the kids are in bed. I also serve tea at the first signs of a cold.
Marci says
I dont have lemon tea readily available- what could I use instead? Lemon juice?
Jessica Fisher says
I would substitute whatever kind of tea you have and a little lemon zest.