Tea, Please – Tea Poetry

I’ve taken tea on Bahrain’s isle,
Sri Lanka and Hong-Kong,
Where desert sands run mile on mile
And sunlight’s powerful strong;
Tea from the gallery in our plane
Gave ease when flights were long.
In tropic heat, in freezing rain
The tea-cup came along.

Tea in Japan, tea in Malay,
Tea in Aden’s heat.
At cricket on a summer’s day
A tea is hard to beat.
And I remember taking tea in the land of Lorna Doone
With Devon cream – just you and me
Whilst on our honeymoon.

~Jasper Miles, 1994

Thistledown’s Newest Tea Cozy – The HOB

While not a stranger to the concept of tea cozies, I never actually owned one.  That is until recently when I became the proud owner of two HOBs from  Thistledown.  Of course, I understood the concept of the tea cozy coined the HOB by Thistledown, but must admit I was curious about whether they actually worked. So when, my brother-in-law and his girlfriend Dee came over for dinner I was excited to try them out for the first time.  Armed with two steaming pots of tea – lavender oolong and strawberry oolong, I prepared to settle the debate once and for all.

After poring cups of tea, I dressed the strawberry oolong with the smaller of the two Thistledown HOBs. The lavender oolong went naked or commando as others would say while Dee and I sipped and talked.  Sated and ready for a second cup, it was time to test my theory…

The actual pot of strawberry oolong felt distinctly warmer than the lavender oolong.  When poured into a teacup, the strawberry oolong liquor had remained warm and ready to drink while the lavender oolong required microwave subjection to reheat.  It was official, my Thistledown Tea Cozy definitely kept the pot of tea warm for a longer period of time. The test duration was 15 minutes, but the HOB is capable of keeping a pot of tea warm much longer.  (Check out the Heat Retention Experiment found on the Thistledown website.) I was pleasantly surprised! Now convinced of the HOBs utility, I’m compelled to share a bit more about this great product.

The HOB is the latest in Thistledown’s line of tea warmers and is available in two sizes 20 ounce and 40 ounce. As described by Thistledown, the HOB is constructed with two layers of high-tech mylar batting.  This batting insulates with both a layer of mylar reflecting heat back into the teapot and layers of polyester preventing heat conduction away from the teapot.  Perhaps you are familiar with mylar batting, but I however, am not.  So I took a trip to Fabric.com for help.

According to Fabric.com, mylar batting is the material that makes pot holders, oven mitts, and casserole covers safe. The material is breathable and won’t break down with washing. It contains hollow fibers that resist conduction while the reflective mylar resists radiant energy. The energy, hot or cold, is reflected back to its source. This is key to how the HOB is able to keep your pot of tea warm for an extended period of time.

Now you know the “why” and “how” the HOB works, let’s talk about its construction. The bottom of the HOB  also has two layers of mylar batting, acting like a built-in trivet.  As you can see from the picture, the HOB completely encases the body of your teapot. It is extremely easy to use: simply sit the teapot between the two “clam shells”, flip over the top and clip together with the buckle. Yes, there is a buckle – simple yet practical construction. But the greatest thing of all… the fabric is washable.

For years I have always called products like the HOB a tea cozy.  Thistledown has chosen to call this new product a HOB for two key reasons – 1) ”tea cozy” was too feminine and 2) HOB defined means a shelf in the back of a fireplace used to keep things hot.  The name HOB is a perfect fit!

My HOB is pictured in the beginning of this review, while my other is two-tone red and brown.  Be sure to keep your eyes open for many new colors and patterns available from Thistledown this spring.  The photo on the right depicts a few.

To purchase the HOB visit Thistledown’s website where they retail for $35 for the 20 ounce and $40 for the 40 ounce.  If you have used this product, please share your experience.  Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

2009 Tea Escapade’s – Tea Custom Contest Winner

During the month of December, Tea Escapade ran the 2009 Tea Custom Contest.  After reviewing many contest entries, it was exciting to select a winner.  Contestants were required to share their tea custom in 350 words or less.

The custom may range from simple (using the same special teacup or mug) to complex, however it must include the following criteria:

1. Tea is shared with at least one other person;

2. The custom occurs regularly i.e. every Christmas, once a month, on birthdays, etc.

3. The custom is special to those who participate.

Tim Morra submitted the annual tea custom shared with his girlfriend.  It was thrilling to read and select their tea custom as the winning entry for the 2009 Tea Custom Contest.  As the contest winner, Tim received a Mighty Leaf Tea – Tea Top Brew Mug and an assortment of Mighty Leaf teas! Hopefully Tim both enjoys his prize and shares it with his girlfriend!

Below is Tim’s tea custom:

“While my girlfriend and I have copious quantities of green tea every day with dinner, it has become a tradition over our 4 years together that we perform a special ceremony at Thanksgiving.  Before the bird is finished and the wine is opened, we each dim the lights, light up a ginger-scented incense candle, and sit across from each other, silently for a minute of two.  Two beautiful designed ceramic tea cups and a teapot brimming with Japanese Sencha sits between us and we each close our eyes and pray to ourselves. After this initial meditation, we open our eyes, pour a cup and hand it to each other.  We decide who begins and it usually her.

She smiles and speaks of something about which she is thankful.  She then brings her cup to my lips and tips it slightly so that I may have a sip. It is then my turn and I speak of something about which I am thankful, and I tip my cup to her lips.

Typically, we talk about things outside ourselves that we are happy and thankful about, and also mention things we adore about one another.  All this continues until the teapot runs down. She and I then sit together for a final minute of silence, staring into one another’s eyes.  Then, the turkey and pumpkin pie await!”

I hope you enjoyed reading Tim’s Tea Custom. Make 2010 your year to create and practice a tea custom of your own.  Maybe you will be the winner of the 2010 Tea Escapade – Tea Custom Contest.

Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

Green Tea Soothing Mint

Most people have a favorite program or two they watch every week.  Two of my favorites include Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice. Dressed in comfy clothes and armed with a cup of Green Tea Soothing Mint tea, it was with eager anticipation that I flicked on the television. Imagine my disappointment tonight at the realization that both shows were repeats.  After watching repeats from mid-December to mid-January, it was great to finally, finally watch new episodes.  Instead of laughing and/or crying with my favorite characters, I’m surfing the net and working on a new pet project.

Composition: Green tea and spearmint

Dry Visual: The leaves are broken and resemble fannings. Other details are not easily discernable – the tea is contained in tea bags.

Dry Aroma: Very minty.

Flavor: Green Tea Soothing Mint is flavorful, but mild.  The green tea is not easily discernible – I was unable to detect any of the characteristic green tea flavors. For example, Green Tea Soothing mint does not contain any vegetal, sappy, or grassy qualities.  However, the spearmint contained in the ingredients dominates this cup of tea.  If you are a lover of mint tea, you will enjoy this brew.

There is no astringency, therefore Green Tea Soothing Mint can be enjoyed without sweetener.  After allowing the cup to cool, I am convinced that tea lovers can drink Green Tea Soothing Mint hot or cold.

Liquor: A rich golden yellow hue. The cup is clear.

Brewing Time: According to the directions, the recommended steeping time is 2 – 3 minutes.  No water temperature was designated so I opted for 185 degrees for 3 minutes.

Manufacturer: Salada Tea

Caffeine: Yes.

If you have had the opportunity to enjoy a cup of Green Tea Soothing Mint, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

**Tea was provided by Salada Tea as a sample.

National Hot Tea Month, Celestial Seasonings, & Facebook

You are probably wondering… why it is almost the end of January and Tea Escapade is just now sharing information about National Hot Tea Month.  Through inadvertence, I missed the press release in my email box and hope to rectify this mishap for such a great cause. Tea Escapade is always excited to share information about the tea industries efforts to improve the community, the environment, and the lives of people around the world.  Be on the look out for more…

Now that you know that January is National Hot Tea Month let me share with you how Celestial Seasonings put a new spin on the event.  As a leading tea retailer, Celestial Seasonings invites people to help preserve the earth’s tropical forests by participating in a new Facebook quiz, entitled PossibiliTEAS. Through the campaign, which kicked off National Hot Tea Month, Celestial Seasonings will donate one dollar on behalf of each participant, totaling up to $50,000, to Conservation International’s “Protect an Acre” program.

“At Celestial Seasonings we continue our 40-year commitment to social and environmental responsibility through our support of Conservation International’s ‘Protect an Acre’ program,” said Peter Burns, General Manager of Celestial Seasonings. “Our entertaining and insightful PossibiliTEAS Facebook quiz utilizes the inspiring art from our new, smoother-tasting green tea line to teach tea drinkers a little about themselves, while they support a great cause.”

The PossibiliTEAS Facebook application features thought-provoking questions, the answers of which align people with one of nine symbolic Asian characters found on boxes of Celestial Seasonings new green tea. Participants are provided with inspiration and guidance based on the given character and its associated meaning. For instance, the Dragon featured on Authentic Green Tea represents “awakening” while the Butterfly featured on Raspberry Gardens Green Tea symbolizes “joy.” The quiz is available at Celestial Seasonings Facebook fan page:  www.facebook.com/CelestialSeasonings where the first 15,000 participants will receive a sample of Celestial Seasonings Authentic Green Tea.

Celestial Seasonings donation of up to $50,000 will support Conservation International’s “Protect an Acre” program, which helps slow climate change and preserves tropical forests around the world. Just $15 protects one acre of tropical forest, so when participants enlist the support of 14 of their Facebook friends, together they will protect one acre of tropical forest. Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the well-being of humanity.

Even though National Hot Tea Month ends January 31st, the Conservation International’s “Protect an Acre” program doesn’t.  For more information about Celestial Seasonings commitment to the environment, visit: www.celestialseasonings.com.

Huang Jin Bolero – Oolong Tea

There is nothing better than enjoying a cup of hot tea on a cold winter day. Okay… so there is nothing better than enjoying a hot cup of tea on any day, especially when it is cold. Tea is even better when you get a chance to share it with someone.  Today, that someone was Ann Weimer Baumgardner, author of Pretend You’re Normal (but only when absolutely necessary).

Ann and I drank a pot of Huang Jin Bolero (the subject of this tea review), while munching on a plate of tasty Lemon Straws. Between drinking, eating, and laughing Ann shared many insights with meabout her life and début novel.  Pretend You’re Normal was one of seven Finalists in the humor category of the 2007 National Indie Excellence Book Awards.  You can purchase a copy at  Amazon.com or Barnes and Nobel.

Now onto the tea review…

Composition: Oolong tea from Anxi, China. Anxi is a county in the municipal region of Quanzhou, Fujian Province. It lies adjacent to and directly north of Xiamen.  Huang Jin Gui means “Golden Flower.”.

Dry Visual: Rich light and dark green loosely rolled or “balled” leaves. Reddish brown stems present.

Dry Aroma: Sweet, nutty and fresh like spring rain.

Flavor: Huang Jin Bolero has a variety of flavors.  A greener oolong, this tea begins with a roasted nutty flavor and finishes  with a slight honey taste.  A lover of oolongs, Huang Jin Bolero was milder than expected, but enjoyable nonetheless.  After three cups, the flavor was consistent from one cup to the next.  There is a subtle vegetal aftertaste, sometimes characteristic with greener oolongs.  Additionally, I found the brew leaves a dry feel in the mouth.  However, Huang Ji Bolero requires no sweetener, nor would I recommend it.

Liquor: A rich yellow hue. The cup is clear.

Brewing Time: According to the directions, the recommended steeping time is 5 minutes in 212 degree water. I steeped 5 minutes for the first infusion and 6 minutes for the second infusion.

Manufacturer: Adagio Teas

Caffeine: Yes.

If you have had the opportunity to enjoy a cup of Huang Jin Bolero, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

**Tea was provided by Adagio as a sample.

Peppermint Cacao Nibs – Tea Cookies

Last year, while attending the 2009 World Tea Expo, I had the pleasure of meeting Sondra Wells, Owner and Founder of Botanical Bakery.  It was great to put a face with the name – several months earlier I sampled and reviewed several Botanical Bakery products.  See Tea Escapade Blog Post: Botanical Bakery – Tea Cookies.  At that time, there were only four varieties of their yummy tea cookies available.

Imagine, my surprise, when I opened my mail today, to find a Christmas gift from Ms. Wells, as a token of appreciation.  I am sure you guessed with accuracy the contents of the gift – a package of Peppermint Cacao Nibs – the latest tea cookies created by Botanical Bakery. Every now and then, we receive little surprises that simply add more sunshine to our day. I couldn’t wait to rip open the package.

The ingredients are simple: organic unbleached flour, organic sweet cream butter, organic pure cane sugar, organic peppermint, organic cacao nibs, and vitamin E. However the taste is far from simple. I’m sure, Botanical Bakery will be quite surprised to see another product review. But the reality is, I have to give credit where credit is due.

Peppermint Cacao Nibs have the buttery quality characteristic of Botanical Bakery products. Combined with unique all organic ingredients like – cacao nibs and peppermint – these cookies by Botanical Bakery are distinctly different from other butter cookies.  Crisp, dense, and buttery Peppermint Cacao Nibs are delish!  The cacao nibs not only provide a sweet yet mild chocolaty flavor that is released while chewing, but add a crunchy texture.  To explain further, cacao nibs are cleaned, roasted, winnowed and lightly crushed cacao beans.  And just when you think you have tasted all the flavors, the taste buds are greeted by the pleasantly cool taste of peppermint. I almost finished the entire package in one sitting, because the more I ate, the chocolate and mint became more profound.

To learn more about Sondra Wells and Botanical Bakery or to place an order, visit their website at http://botanicalbakery.com. Be sure to try the Peppermint Cacao Nibs. When you do, please stop by and share your experience.

New Year’s Resolutions Over Tea Cocktails

I’ve been missing in action for almost two weeks now – I know it’s a shame and travesty. My excuse?  The hubby and I took a wonderful vacation to Cancun.  It was quite invigorating to spend one-on-one time with my better half without the distraction of school, work, friends and family.  Sorry friends and family!  For the first time in ages, we vacationed without computers and most of the time kept our cell phones and Blackberry’s locked in the hotel safe. In today’s society, it isn’t often that we “unplug” ourselves from the hustle and bustle and simply relax.  After the trip, I found myself not only rested and peaceful, but happier with myself and life than I have been in some time.  Now that the holidays have passed and it is time to celebrate the New Year, I have decided upon my New Year’s Resolutions…

1. Relinquish those things that attempt to steal my peace of mind.

2. Sharing God’s agape (unconditional) love with those around me.

3. Practice the art of picking my battles wisely in every relationship.

4. Seek every opportunity for self-preservation and restoration – strengthening my relationship with God through prayer and increasing my yoga practice.

5. Finding joy in life’s simple pleasures – drinking an abundance of tea, laughing uncontrollably, dancing in the wind, writing to my heart’s content, and the joy of finding a great sale at Macy’s!

To start the New Year with a bang, first share your New Year’s resolutions. Then we can toast over one of the following tea cocktails…

1. The Crimson Sparkler (The Voice of Tea)

• 2 cups sugar, plus a pinch for garnish
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon crimson punch
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet vermouth
• 6 oz sparkling wine, chilled
• 1 blood orange, sliced into wheels

Bring water to a boil, then add sugar, stirring until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add tea, steeping for 10 minutes. Strain and allow to cool to room temperature.

While cooling, cut the blood orange and sprinkle orange wheels with a pinch of sugar.  Add 1 tablespoon tea syrup and the sweet vermouth to the sparkling wine, garnish with sugared blood orange wheel.

2. Amaretto Tea Recipe (Drinks Mixer)

• 6 oz hot tea
• 2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
• 1 1/2 oz chilled whipped cream

Pour hot tea into a pousse cafe glass, using a spoon in glass to prevent cracking. Add amaretto, but do not stir. Top with chilled whipped cream and serve.

3. Ginger Tea (About.com)

• 1 oz Hennessy VSOP Cognac
• 2 oz fresh brewed green tea (chilled)
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (or splenda)
• 3 mint leaves
• 3 pieces ginger
• extra mint leaf for garnish

In a mixing glass, add ginger, mint and simple syrup and muddle. Pour the Cognac and fresh tea over top and muddle a little more.  Strain into an ice filled glass and garnish with a mint leaf. For those of you like me, who had no idea what “muddle” means… to muddle is to combine ingredients in the bottom of a glass by pressing them with a muddler before adding the liquid ingredients. Y-e-a-a-h right, so what is a muddler?  Again, for those of you who don’t know, it is a long pestle often shaped like a baseball bat and commonly made of wood.

With that settled… select a cocktail – shake or stir – share your resolutions – and toast!  Happy New Year!

Steepster – The Ultimate Holiday Tea Contest

I am amazed by the number of tea contests that are going on for the holidays! Not only are they fun and easy to enter… the prizes are amazing! Especially, the prize pack for The Ultimate Holiday Tea Contest sponsored by Steepster. There are two ways to enter: 1. Follow Steepster on Twitter and tweet the verbiage below; or 2. Post a reply to the Ultimate Holiday Tea Contest Discussion on Steepster.

Everyone who enters the The Ultimate Holiday Tea Contest has a chance to win.  The contest winner, selected by random drawing, will receive the complete prize bundle, which includes the Sorapot designed by Joey Roth along with other fantastic accoutrements to the modern tea experience.

Contest Rules & Eligibility

• The contest is open to residents of U.S. or Canada, 18 years of age or older (sorry international friends, shipping costs and restrictions are a bummer).
• The contest ends at 8PM EST on 12/18/09, after which we’ll select one winner at random and contact them through Twitter or email, depending on how they entered.
• The winner must respond with their full name and a valid mailing address (no P.O. boxes) within 72 hours of notification in order to receive their prize, otherwise he/she will no longer be eligible and a new winner will be chosen.

Visit The Ultimate Holiday Tea Contest on Steepster to enter and win!

Jasmine Silver Needle

When it’s cold and dreary outside, nothing is better in my humble opinion than the aroma of flowers.  During the winter months, the trees are barren of their leaves, the sky is often gray, and the lush grass of summer is long gone.  It is during these times that I miss the burst of color found in spring blooms and the fragrance of summer gardens.  This is when I reach for and savor the opportunity to sip a cup of scented tea.  Today’s choice – Jasmine Silver Needle – a sample I received from Adagio Teas.

Composition: White tea from China. Silver Needle is produced in the Fuding and Zhenhe districts of its Fujian province.

Dry Visual: Very green rolled leaves (resembling fat pine needles) with silver fur – hence the name.  Thanks Adagio Teas for the photo.

Dry Aroma: Sweet and amazingly floral – just like Jasmine.

Flavor: Jasmine Silver Needle is delightful. Traditional of white tea, Silver Needle itself is quite delicate and mild. However, after scented with jasmine becomes somewhat full-bodied.  It is naturally sweet and quite floral as one would expect.  To be frank, the jasmine dominates the flavor.  It is consistent from start to finish, yet never unpleasant.  Instead the floral taste and aroma provide an amazing sensory experience. I found myself alternately inhaling the steam and sipping the tea until gone.  Be advised if you are looking for the extremely delicate, clean taste of silver needle this is not where you will find it. Jasmine Silver Needle is in a category of its own.

I found the brew to have a hint of astringency (no bitterness, but a subtle dry feel in the mouth).  Nevertheless, no sweetener was needed nor would I recommend it.  I simply cannot imagine the impact sweetener would have on the floral characteristics of the tea.

Liquor: A rich yellow hue.

Brewing Time: According to the directions, the recommended steeping time is 7 minutes in 180 degree water. I steeped 7 minutes for the first infusion and 7 minutes 30 seconds for the second infusion.  I intend to play around a bit more with the steeping times as I am interested in discovering how Jasmine Silver Needle tastes with shorter infusion times.

Manufacturer: Adagio Teas

Caffeine: Yes.

If you have had the opportunity to enjoy a cup of Jasmine Silver Needle, please stop by and share your experience. Until then… Happy Tea Drinking!

**Tea was provided by Adagio as a sample.

Tea Escapade’s 2009 Tea Custom Contest

One of the reasons why I, and other tea lovers, enjoy tea is because of the tea culture. What is tea culture?  It is the way tea is made and consumed, it is how people interact with tea and others when drinking tea, and it is the aesthetics surrounding tea drinking.

Many cultures have created intricate formal ceremonies or customs. Western cultures have adopted afternoon tea or tea parties with its scones and sandwiches, big hats and costumes reminiscent of years gone by.  Eastern cultures perform tea ceremonies with Japan’s complex, formal and serene ceremony being the most well known. Other examples of Eastern tea ceremonies include the Korean tea ceremony or darye, that focuses on tea as an easy and natural event, with fewer formal rituals, fewer absolutes, greater freedom for relaxation, and more creativity in enjoying a wider variety of teas, services, and conversation. Or the Chinese tea culture where it is customary to brew and consume tea: as a sign of respect; for a family gathering; to apologize; to express thanks to your elders on one’s wedding day; to connect large families on wedding days; and to pass on the tradition.

Tea Custom Contest Rules

Now until December 31, 2009, Tea Escapade invites you to share your tea custom.  In 350 words or less, submit the tea ceremony observed by you or your family for a chance to win a gift basket filled with an assortment of teas from Mighty Leaf Tea AND a Tea Top Brew Mug! Submit entries to TeaEscapade@yahoo.com with the words “Tea Custom” in the subject line.

You may have recently started your  tea custom. It may be performed intimately between you and your significant other, your children, or best friends. As in my family, my stepson and I take a few moments each week to share a cup of green tea – what 15-year-old boy in America does that? Or the tea custom may have been initiated by your grandmother and passed down from one generation to the next. The custom may range from simple (using the same special tea cup or mug) to complex – it doesn’t matter as long as it passes the following criteria:

1. Tea is shared with at least one other person;
2. The custom occurs regularly i.e. every Christmas, once a month, on birthdays, etc.
3. The custom is special to those who participate.

Just be sure to explain who is involved in the ceremony, the frequency with which it occurs, and the details about the actual ceremony. Include your name, home address, email address, and telephone number with your entry.

Entries submitted to TeaEscapade@yahoo.com with the words “Tea Custom” in the subject line by 11:59 p.m. December 31, 2009 are eligible for consideration. One winner will be selected and announced on January 11, 2010.