Off With Their Heads – Tea Poetry

I beheaded our 15-year-old
organic roses,
chopping off old doddering faded heads
along with matronly full blossoms, 
saucy nubile blooms,
and just-split-lip sepals revealing babysoft 
reds and pinks underneath.
I lovingly tore
their petals from their peduncles
and scattered them on drying screens,
dreaming of steaming
cups of black tea 
steeped with roses.

~(c) Karen Suriano 2009

Moon Crest Tea a.k.a. Feng Huang Dan Cong

Officially, I’m on vacation – well at least from school for the week (not work).  The fourth of July is hastily approaching,  of course, the holiday does not occur without a family cookout with all the fixin’s.  Traditionally, on every holiday, my mother plans a big dinner during the Fall and Winter months and a cookout during the Spring and Summer. This year is no exception. Lately, I have added tea to the menu. While not everyone enjoys a cup, my family acknowledges my passion and is starting to expect me to bring a variety of teas for them to sample. Most have never heard of oolong or white tea or what they perceive as exotic blends like chai. It has been such a treat sharing what little I know about tea with my family.

Since all of our dinners and cookouts include potluck, this year, I think I’m going to make a variety of iced teas to share.  That, in conjunction with the store bought Amish Potato Saled my mother loves. Until then… I’m drinking Moon Crest a.k.a. Feng Huang Dan Cong.

Composition: Oolong tea leaves handpicked from bushes that grow on the Wudong peak of Phoenix Mountain in the Guangdong Province in China.

Dry Visual: Dark brown and dark green with a spattering of  light green curled tea leaves. Some stems are present.  Thanks Earthbound Tea for the picture.

Dry Aroma: Distinctly oolong – the leaves smell fresh. A slight vegetal aroma.

Flavor:  A very clean and light tasting oolong, the flavor is consistent from start to finish. Moon Crest has a slightly vegetal quality,  characteristic of some “green oolongs”, but not enough that the flavor could be compared to a green tea. Definitely refreshing and flavorful, I found Moon Crest to be a palate cleanser. The finish contains fruity notes.

As I often prefer, I enjoyed this cuppa tea with no sweetener.  Naturally sweet, there is almost no astringency (just a hint) thus no sweetener is needed. With such a mild tea, I fear the flavor profile would be compromised.

Liquor: A rich golden hue.

Brewing Time: The recommended steeping time for Moon Crest is 3 minutes in 180 degree water.  I steeped for 3 minutes as recommended.

Manufacturer: Earthbound Tea

Caffeine: Yes.

Moon Crest Tea a.k.a Feng Huang Dan Cong is processed via a technique called “rattling”. As I am not familiar with this technique, it will be the subject of another post. If you have had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of Moon Crest, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

Co-Op Tea Swap – July 2009

SAVE THE DATE! July 1, 2009, is the date for the next Co-Op Tea Swap! A fantastically fun collaboration between Tea Escapade and Authori+ea. Membership is free! Additionally, Co-Op Tea Swap members receive Tea Escapade’s monthly newsletter for free. To join in on the fun, simply email the following information to Nikki at TeaEscapade@yahoo.com no later than June 31, 2009, to participate in the upcoming July 2009 Swap:

 

 

• Name: 
• Mailing Address: 
• Phone Number: 
• Sample Preferences (if any): 
• Sample Restrictions (are you allergic to any herbs or ingredients?): 
• Referred By: 

For more information, visit the Co-Op Tea Swap page found here on Tea Escapade. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your love for tea with others who are just as passionate about tea as you are. Remember to participate in the July Swap all requested information must be received no later than June 31, 2009 , otherwise you will have to wait until the August Swap.

Let the swap begin!

Mango Green Decaf Tea

I absolutely adore the summer! It is hot all the time and the sun magically bathes you in its glow. There is no better time, in my opinion, to go on vacation than in the summer. That is of course, followed by going on vacation in the winter to a warm, tropical, destination. My family and I just returned from vacation in Miami. It was wonderful to go to the beach – lay in the hot sand, listen to the sometimes crashing waves, and live day-to-day without obligations. During those few precious days, we laughed, we played, and I personally was refreshed. Thus, I sit today completely relaxed with a renewed sense of purpose. It is amazing how a peaceful state of mind can do that for you. My only complaint? I forgot to pack tea and was relegated to grocery store tea. Thus it is with great excitement that I steeped a cup of Mango Green Decaf today.

Composition: Decaffeinated green tea from the Korakundah Estate in Nilgiri, India, mango pieces, calendula, and natural mango.

Dry Visual: Predominantly light and dark green tea leaves – broken and curled with some stems present.  Additionally, there are the bright golden yellow calendula leaves and brownish orangy bits of dried mango.  Thanks Mighty Leaf Tea for the picture.

Dry Aroma: Delicious!  Both fruity and floral with the citrus smell of mango dominating.

Flavor:  A tisane, I found Mango Green Decaf to be a wonderful flavored tea. A mild green tea flavor with an amazing fruity presence, as the dry aroma suggests, from start to finish. However, I would add that the finish is complex as it also contains a floral quality – which I am sure is attributable to the calendula. The fruity/floral combination of flavors are complimentary as one does not dominate the other.

One could easily drink Mango Green Decaf  without sweetener (which I did) as there is only a mild, almost non-existent astringency. In my initial taste I was surprised that the green tea held no vegetal qualities either.  I think with the addition of a sweetener, Mango Green Decaf would make a fantastic iced tea as well.

Liquor: A rich amber hue.

Brewing Time: The recommended steeping time for Mango Green Decaf is 2 to 3  minutes in 170 – 180 degree water.  I steeped for 3 minutes as recommended.

Manufacturer: Mighty Leaf Tea

Caffeine: The name suggests No – the Mighty Leaf Website says No – but the packaging says light caffeine.

If you have had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of Mango Green Decaf, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

What is Calendula?

Calendula pot marigold, is a genus of about 12-20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. Calendula should not be confused with other plants that are also known as marigolds, such as plants of the genus Tagetes, corn marigolds or marsh marigolds.

Marigold petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, and marigold extract is commonly added to chicken feed to produce darker egg yolks. Their aroma, however, is not sweet, and resembles the smell of hops in beer. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

References:  Calendula. (2009, May 9). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 01:09, May 9, 2009, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Calendula&oldid=288782133

CoCo Chai Tea

While many people think of iced tea as the method of choice for drinking tea, you will find here on Tea Escapade that I will continue to drink hot tea. There is something wonderful about holding a steaming cup of tea in my hands and inhaling the wonderful, steaming aroma of tea. Watching whole leaf teas unfurl and the enveloping sense of peace that comes from sitting still for even just a moment. Today’s tea choice… CoCo Chai Tea

Composition: Rooibos, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon, red peppercorns, shredded coconut, natural flavors.

Dry Visual: Very color like potpourri – with reds, and yellows, rust and light brown. Various textures as well, from the bark like appearance of rooibos to the circular peppercorns to the actual strips of coconut instead of coconut flavoring. Thanks Mighty Leaf Tea for the picture.

Dry Aroma: Sweet and spicy – coconut and cardamom dominate with a hint of cinnamon. There is nothing quite like the smell of chai – in all of its many varieties the aroma steals the show.

Flavor:  An herbal tea,  CoCo Chai is absolutely delicious. While I tend to not drink a great deal of flavored teas, it is always nice to incorporate one into my tea routine. The rooibos dominates this brew with its nutty flavor and is complimented by hints of spiciness. As alluded to in the dry aroma, I found the coconut  flavor had a significant presence in the flavor profile from start to finish. This was followed by the combined tastes of cardamom and cinnamon. I was unable to distinguish the taste of the peppercorns initially – perhaps that had something to do with the fact that I was unsure what they were supposed to taste like.  Of course, I reopened the tea blend, found a peppercorn and popped it in my mouth. It was peppery but sweet. After eating the peppercorn and taking another sip of CoCo Chai, I could definitely taste its subtle influence.

One could easily drink CoCo Chai without sweetener as there is no astringency whatsoever.  However, I found that I preferred adding a little but of sugar. In my opinion sweetener softens what I would describe the “tart” nature of Rooibus.

Liquor: A bold rustic hue.

Brewing Time: The recommended steeping time for CoCo Chai is 5 to 7  minutes in 202 degree water (or a rolling boil).  I steeped for 7 minutes as recommended.

Manufacturer: Mighty Leaf Tea

Caffeine: No.

If you have had the pleasure of enjoying a cup of CoCo Chai, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

“Tea Drinking” – Tea Poetry

The first cup moistens my lips and throat;

The second cup breaks my loneliness;

The third cup searches my barren entrail but to find therein some thousand volumes of odd ideographs;

The fourth cup raises a slight perspiration-all the wrongs of life pass out through my pores; At the fifth cup I am purified;

The sixth cup calls me to the realms of the immortals.

The seventh cup-ah, but I could take no more! I only feel the breath of the cool wind that raises in my sleeves.

Where is Elysium? Let me ride on this sweet breeze and waft away thither.

~Lu T’ung

Gyokuro Kin Tea

A few weeks ago, my sister Alex and I had lunch at Essencha. Essencha is a wonderful tea house where one can have lunch, on Sunday’s breakfast, tea and an overall good time. Alex was in town for an extended weekend – I had been looking forward to taking her to lunch for the last few months, since I discovered she was planning to come home. Initially, I could not decide where we should go for lunch. But then it hit me, why not share with her a place that encapsulates one of my passions? Of course, I could not leave without expanding the selection of teas found in my pantry. Thus I purchased and have been drinking a great deal of lately, Gyokuro Kin.

Composition: Japanese green tea produced in the Asahina area of the Shizuoka prefecture.

Dry Visual: Lush, vibrant green, choppy leaves with light green stems. Resembles freshly cut blades of grass.

Dry Aroma: The outdoorsy smell of grass after a spring rain.

Flavor:  This was my first experience tasting Gyokuro Kin. Not knowing what to expect I decided not to have any expectations at all and was pleasantly surprised by the mild nature of this tea. While green tea is not my favorite category, I really love Gyokuro Kin. It has subtle grassy notes and is consistent from start to finish.  I found Gyokuro Kin to be both sweet and clean tasting. One interesting note, as the cup began to cool, Gyokuro Kin reminded me somewhat of a green oolong – others might disagree.

There is no need for the addition of a sweetener and thus none was added.  Gyokuro Kin has no astringency; however, adding honey and drinking as an iced tea is a definite option. I found that I was able to get two very delicious infusions out of the same tea leaves – I’ve yet to try for a third.

Liquor: A light green almost yellow hue.

Brewing Time: The recommended steeping time for Gyokuro Kin is 2 minutes in 160 degree water.  This is one tea that is not very forgiving, I accidentally steeped using preboiling water and let’s just say, I did not have a tasty cup of tea. Therefore, I steeped for 2 minutes as recommended for the first infusion and 3 to 4 minutes for the second infusion.

Manufacturer: Essencha

Caffeine: Yes.

Gyokuro means “Jewel dew” and is processed like Sencha, another awesome Japanese green tea. If you have had an opportunity to try Gyokuro Kin, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

Co-Op Tea Swap – June 2009

SAVE THE DATE! June 1, 2009, is the date for the next Co-Op Tea Swap! A fantastically fun collaboration between Tea Escapade and Authori+ea. Membership is free! Additionally, Co-Op Tea Swap members receive Tea Escapade’s monthly newsletter for free. To join in on the fun, simply email the following information to Nikki at TeaEscapade@yahoo.com no later than May 31, 2009, to participate in the upcoming June 2009 Swap:

 

 

• Name: 
• Mailing Address: 
• Phone Number: 
• Sample Preferences (if any): 
• Sample Restrictions (are you allergic to any herbs or ingredients?): 
• Referred By: 

For more information, visit the Co-Op Tea Swap page found here on Tea Escapade. Don’t miss the opportunity to share your love for tea with others who are just as passionate about tea as you are. Remember to participate in the June Swap all requested information must be received no later than May 31, 2009 , otherwise you will have to wait until the July Swap.

Let the swap begin!

In Tea – Tea Poetry

I have glanced into tea leaves,

and found a forest.

Tea is all in a moment,

and a way of life.

It is recollection,

and attention to Nature.

A murmur of the breeze through the trees of Autumn,

and the warm of the hearth.

Silent mornings at home,

when rain streaks the windows’ panes.

If you analyze tea, you’ll find chemical components,

but not a hint of Life.

Analysis is achieved through concentration,

Synthesis arrives through relaxation.

Tea relaxes the stomach,

but it revitalizes the Heart.

~Tim Maxwell

Teacups… Tea Lights… Ted Lights… Teacup Lights

There are times when I see something so incredibly unique that I simply cannot help but write about. During one of my “I really have nothing better to do blog surfing nights” I found this ingenious invention. During my entire love affair with tea, I have never seen anything quite like it – that is until tonight. Tonight is the night I found “Ted Lights”. Huh?

Here is what the creator had to say about Ted Lights…

“When you or I look at a teacup we think “put some Earl Gray in it and a couple lumps of sugar”. When the innovative duo behind domestic construction sees a teacup they think “let’s make a hanging lamp out of this”…and that’s just what they did. The “ted” lights are a unique and creative option for anyone looking to light their life with style. The vintage ceramic or porcelain teacups, acquired from flea markets and thrift stores all over the country, dangle delicately on the end of an 11 foot chord with an attached plug…ready to illuminate any space. Single teacup light too minimalist for your tastes? Don’t worry…domestic construction offers their ted lights in cluster and chandelier form. Ranging from 3-13 exquisite teacups, these bundles of beauty are hardwired and fully prepped for immediate installation in the ceiling. This gives the phrase “tea time” a whole new meaning.

Please feel free to contact the girls for custom orders.” For more information check out Domestic Construction. You can find more Ted Light options on Etsy.

Of course, I couldn’t stop fueling my obsession until I searched the Internet high and low for more. I came across another unique idea – Martha Stewart’s own version of Teacup Lights. Martha describes these little treasures as…

“Antique teacups that have lost their saucers still make sweet gifts when fitted with candles.”

For more information check out Martha Stewart Living where you can even learn to make them yourself. This week I am on break between classes. I’m sure you’ve guessed that this creative adventure has been added to my list of “fun things to do while on break.” Not as creative as Martha, yet I hope to have pictures forthcoming.

As my surfing came to an end, I was not disappointed. Here lies my final find for the night. Definitely for the “foo foo” in you as my husband would say. This teacup chandlier by Shabby Elegant Designs has pizzazz. Here’s what the creator has to say about the “Clarabelle”…

“The Clarabelle teacup chandelier is a true shabby chic-style lighting creation that is both spirited and whimsical. We’ve used only the finest porcelain tea sets in these special lighting creations. On each of them, we’ve used pretty French-cut crystals and lots of crystal strands. The Clarabelle has adorable bright pink striping, with borders of delicate rose vines around each piece of this tea set on a background of true “shabby” white. ”

For more information about this chandelier and others available visit Shabby Elegant Designs.

I hope you have enjoyed the world of shabby chic creativity. I’m off to have a cup of tea; however, if you know of more creations, please stop by and share.

Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!