5.18.2011

Our Turn: 500 (or more) True Tea Facts

OK, I did some more research into the 365 Things Every Tea Lover Should Know and have made a determination. Sources were not checked and lots of the facts are actually opinion. So here's my new plan: let's do this bigger and better!

What do I mean? Let's compile a list of at least 500 (if not more) TRUE tea facts. Eventually I'll publish in an ebook format with proceeds benefiting a charity or something of that nature.

You in? Want me to get things started? OK. Here are five true tea facts (and the sources). List yours below and every week or so I'll post them, with updates. Also, I will give you credit - so list your name/handle as well as the source for the fact.

Let's brew - I mean, do - this! :)

1. The phrase Chai Tea is something of a redundancy. Chai or Cha simply means "tea" in South Asia and other parts of the world. English speakers who refer to "chai" typically mean "masala chai," which is a popular spiced tea made from Indian spices and herbs. (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chaihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chai_tea)

2. Darjeeling is not from China, even though 365 Things...claims it is. As reader Jackie pointed out, it's actually a tea from India. The black tea is named after Darjeeling, a Himalayan town in West Bengal, India. This typically black tea is also known as the "Cadillac of Teas," and is available in green and oolong varieties. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darjeeling_tea)


3. White tea, on the other hand, is almost exclusively produced in China, and is a lightly oxidized tea. "The name "white tea" derives from the fine silvery-white hairs on the unopened buds of the tea plant, which gives the plant a whitish appearance." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_tea)

4. Many literary geniuses and writers also happen to be fans of tea. There are many tea related quotes, poems, prose and phrases out there, such as this one from Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book:
We had a kettle; we let it leak:
Our not repairing made it worse.
We haven't had any tea for a week...
The bottom is out of the Universe.
~Rudyard Kipling (http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html)


5. There are also many proverbs that reference tea, as the enjoyment of tea spans centuries: 
If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty.  ~Japanese Proverb (http://www.quotegarden.com/tea.html)

5.17.2011

Black Currant Rooibos - 52Teas Week of May 16, 2011 Blend

Welcome summer with Frank@52Teas latest blend, Black Currant Rooibos:

Image used with permission/copyrighted
www.52teas.com
Only $7.99 (including shipping), but check out other in stock blends with this master blender.

SpecialTea Brew adds to tea roster

Ami Soleau, owner of SpecialTea Brew, based in Seattle, is already expanding her line of teas. We first introduced Ami who is in search of a great business partner; the hunt is still on if you're interested. For more information, check out the first article I wrote for her: http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com/2011/05/her-specialtea-is-tea.html.

Here are just a few of the new additions to her tea shop, all available in heat-sealed 2 oz packages (or larger, upon request). She sent me a few samples and I am impressed! I'm posting to Steepster in the next few days. :)

For the complete list, visit her shop online: http://www.specialteabrew.com/

Black teas: You're a Peach, Ginger; Early Grey; Spiced Cider, Spiced Seattle Chai (I'm curious on this one!) and more.

Green teas: Sweet Emerald City, Jazmine, High Mountain, Jazzy Mandarin Pearls

White teas: Orange You Cinnamon, Peachy Coconut, Creamy Raspberry, Strawberry Fields, White Peony

Herbal & Rooibos: Lemon Ginger Snap, Little Coconut Rooibos, 6 Herb, Herb Spice and All Things Nice, and more

She has a special deal w/shipping going on now; all orders up to $50 will ship for only $3.95. Check out her site now and take advantage of her new teas, plus this offer.

Ami also makes custom greeting cards. Check out her site for more info. :)




Check out my teas for sale on Tea Trade

In an effort to make room for more teas (specifically Read My Lips from David's Tea, it will be mine soon!) I am selling some of my teas on Tea Trade.

All of these teas were purchased by me; I didn't receive them in swaps. I just need to rebuild my tea budget for May so I can place an order with David's tea. Please help!

Oh and all orders from my store on Tea Trade get a FREE sample of either Vampire Lemonade or Toasted Marshmallow. You pick when you order - or I'll pick for you! :)

Here's a link for the items for sale:
http://teatrade.tinypay.me/#q=user:sMb5JE7l

Send me any questions! :)

5.16.2011

365 Things Every Tea Lover Should Know

Picked up this gem over the weekend: 365 Things Every Tea Lover Should Know from Harvest House Publications.

It's a collection of tea quotes, sayings and fun facts, plus a recipe or two. I keep it with me in my purse and check it out once in a while. It's fun to flip to a page and see what's there.

Randomly flipped to page 73, which lists the following:
#190: For your afternoon tea pleasure, turn to teas from China. Darjeeling is a favorite
#191: Savor lighter teas in the evening. Green tea is a good choice because it has less caffeine. Or enjoy a decaffeinated tea or herbal tisane such as chamomile.
#192: When creating a great pot of tea, pour boiling water into the teapot and remember that small tea leaves will take less time to brew than large ones.