Tea Review: Iced Teas by Salada

It's time to chill out with some refreshing iced tea, an innovation that goes back to 1904, when a tea vendor decided to help people cool off at the St Louis Worlds Fair.  This truly American invention is now one of the most popular ways to drink tea, thanks to the RTD bottled industry.  And every June is National Iced Tea Month.

There are numerous way to make iced tea.  Either you can use cold water and steep your tea for an extended period of time or you can brew hot tea and then ice it down.  There are a bevy of iced tea makers - machines dedicated to the sole practice of making tea, often with convenient pitchers, which in its self can be a handy item to own.

So when I was asked to try Salada Tea's Iced Tea Line, what with it being the National month-long celebration of icy camellia sinensis, I was more than happy to oblige.

Now there's nothing that differentiates their tea from any other tea that you could use to create iced tea, if you were using tea bags, although their iced tea bags are indeed bigger. I tried to show the difference in this photo. And while the instructions say to use 2 of these "Family Sized" bags, I found that using 3-4 tea bags was better because the taste of the green tea is fairly washed out.

This fairly washed out taste is common with "naturally decaffeinated" teas because to decaffeinate them they must be soaked (twice) in the processing - leaving you with a less robust taste.  This process also diminishes the antioxidants that people prize green tea for having, which means any supportive health claims having to do with "decaffeinated green tea" are grossly over-exaggerated.

I tried all 3 of the iced teas (Raspberry, Tropical and Peach Nectarine), only to find them to be rather similar.  A weak iced tea accented by a touch of fruit flavoring.

I wish I had something more to say besides "hey, I like the super-sized tea bags" but I am now the owner of 3 big boxes of 18 mega-tea bags.....and as they say, "That's Salada Tea".

Tea Review: Coconut Creme Tea

Coconut Creme Tea from Persimmon Tree

I have a passion for anything tropical, from palm trees to ukulele music.  It's a well-known fact that Madam Potts lives on a tropical island in her own mind.  So when I was asked to review this tea, I queued up the Arthur Lyman CDs.

Tea Company: Persimmon Tree Tea

In Review:  Coconut Creme Tea

Dry Review:  White Peony leaves, accented Blue Cornflowers, Red Safflower and white bits of shaved coconut

Steeped Review:
HOT:  This subtle white tea is infused with a coconut essence, that makes for a simple pleasurable delight.  The enjoyment is in its simplicity.

ICED:  I think I like this even better when iced.  The natural sweetness of the coconut makes for a refreshingly cooling drink!

Personal Thoughts:  It's overly simple - the blank canvas of a light white tea whereupon a splash of coconut has been added.  The main thing I question is the use of flavorings which are not accounted on the website as being either natural or artificial.  In every "herbal" infusion of theirs, they allude to a flavoring, which for me means that something is added and/or covering up in the name of low-quality and instant flavor association. I realize that this is a popular practice these days - but not one I personally enjoy.

NOTE: There are people with allergies to "artificial" and  even to "natural" flavorings, so this is something to be upfront about.

Spotlight: Real Men Drink Tea

Do men...."real men"....drink tea?  Why is it that there still is the lingering notion that tea drinking is a territory owned primarily by women.  Perhaps it became ingrained in the cultural mindset during the Prohibition Era of the 1920's, when teetotaling women led the Temperance Movement or perhaps it's simply that women overall gravitate towards nourishing self-care practices in larger numbers then men. (Enter any yoga class and you'll see what I mean)

However, all the recent trends here in America have been pushing against the stodgy uptight prudishness of lace doilies and more and more men are proudly pounding back mugs of tea and mixing a bit of testosterone-laden madness in their proclamations that "Yes, REAL MEN DRINK TEA!"

Macho Matcha - although the name and the blog's subtitle, Tea For Tough Guys, is decidedly male, the entry about the Matcha Facial belies the Tough-Guy moniker.  That being said, the very suggestion of men drinking and singing the praises to the wonders and health benefits of green tea is worthy enough to note.   **Follow him on Twitter @machomatcha


Mr Tea  - A Blog About Tea From A Regular Old Guy. This late-20's tea-loving cutie has a video-driven blog site that reviews teas. In homage to the iconic 80's figure "Mr T", he starts off every episode claiming "I pity the fool who don't drink tea!"   He ups ante with his regular-guy approach to talk about and exploring tea, tea companies, accessories...and don't forget to try out his Earl Grey MarTEAni (I know I will!)

My favorite Manly Blog Entry:  Episode #18: All You Need To Know About Tea To Get Girls


ManTeas - Going full tilt with the idea that Real Men Drink Tea is ManTeas.  From the whimsically suggestive logo with the tea balls to the list of the manliest teas known to man.  That's right. No flowers, no potpurri-smelling blends and definitely no rose petals! 

Favorite Video:  Tea with Mike Tyson  It's every bit as surreal as it sounds....

Manly teas include: Beer Tea, Jalepeno Tea and Maple Bacon Tea.  I just ordered the Bacon Tea and will review this mad blend when I get it!   **Follow on Twitter @manteas

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I'd like to thank my tea-gulping brothers for their own brand of manly madness.  It's always fun to meet both the men and women who make up the ever-growing CommuniTEA.

Tea is Life - Drink it in.

Being Ducky

It's not everyday you get the chance to meet someone so vivacious and enthusiastic that it paints your day with sunshine - but that's how I felt after having sat down with Jane Graver, the creative visionary and owner of Ducky Life Tea.

Creating a sense of community by reaching out to local consumers selling tea at music festivals (very very cool!) and supporting the local community through charitable involvement and donation is "Being Ducky" by example.

So it's my pleasure to introduce to you a leading Mad Tea Party Member: Jane Graver and Ducky Life Teas.

Click here to find out what ducks have to do with Tea...

Spotlight Review: Lime in the Coconut

"You put the lime in the coconut and drink 'em both up..."

Tea: Lime in the Coconut
Company: California Tea House
Steep: 1 heaping tsp for 2-3minutes
Ingredients: Assam black & Chinese Green tea with Lime juice, coconut and sunflower petals
Aroma: smells like lime....and coconut!
Taste: Heavy on the lime

Review: According to their website, this blend was inspired by the Muppets - a sketch I remember well, as I own a fairly large box set of The Muppet Show. and so...I ordered this tea. I mean any company that willingly tells you that a Muppets sketch was the inspiration for a blend of tea is my kind of company!

The result however was rather disappointing. I can get over the fact that as with many blends, what you smell is not what you taste...the smell of coconut did not give the taste of coconut in this case. But I felt that there was nothing to this blend but lime. The mix of green and black tea did nothing to add dimension or complexity. I found it to be a rather flat tea - also a temperamental one at that. Warning: too big of a tsp or 30seconds of extra steep time made this a bitter brew.

But for your general amusement, take 2minutes of your day for this catchy little tune:

The Spring to Win Contest with Kalahari

Another contest has come our way, but you need to act fast!

Company: Kalahari Tea

STARTED: March 24th2010
ENDS: April 1st, 2010

The BIG Idea: Whoever refers the most friends to Kalahari (that register) between now and April Fool's day will win some great prizes below!

Refer friends using instructions at the bottom left of this notice.
They will be announcing who is ahead every day in Twitter and Facebook.

1st Prize (1): $20 off any online order

2nd Prize (2): Free shipping on any online order

3rd Prize (4): 10% discount on any online order

With our contest, there are now 3 great reasons to refer friends to Kalahari:

1. They receive a free tea sampler! (how cool is that!)

2. You receive 5% of every order they make as Kalahari Cash

3. You could win MORE tea in the Spring To Win Tea Contest!

The contest runs from today through April 1st, so start referring!

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For Madam Pott's own review of Kalahari Tea click here!

Spotlight: LeafSpa Organic Tea

Part of the fun about exploring the world of tea is that it is a world of passion. Lately my writings about tea have been infused with talk about steamy romances and budding love affairs with drinking tea. This spicy take on it all is simply an extension of my own mad passion for the Camellia Sinensis plant.

So when I meet another person, or better yet, a company that is equally mad about tea, whose very reason for being comes from a self-proclaimed passion for tea, then it is only natural that I should want to share this passion that they have with my readers.

Meet LeafSpa Organic Tea.

Their passion for top-quality organic teas is apparent in every sip of their product, but the love doesn't stop there. LeafSpa Teas also loves the planet!

Not only do they support organic & fair-trade teas, but they also participate in carbon-offsetting, using reusable/recyclable packaging, and touting eco-friendly supplies & practices in their office and facilities. Additionally, LeafSpa is a proud member of the Green America Green Business Network, and the Organic Trade Association. And in my book, it's a big 'thumbs up' for anyone who creates or invests in the CommuniTEA -- be it at local or global levels.

Now...about their teas.

Banaspaty Bliss -- Every time I brewed a cup of this tea, I couldn't believe how quickly I would finish it. This is a smooth, medium-bodied tea with a touch of natural sweetness. Great anytime of the day.

Blink Bonnie - I had never had the opportunity to try this visually-stunning hand-crafted designer tea before. This green tea consists of green, white and cinnamon colored leaves hand-twisted into 2-inch spears. Definitely a tea to be steeped in a glass container to watch it unfurl. Presents with an earthy tone. A most exquisite and elegant tea.

Mint Chocolate Rooibos - the picture of mint chocolate chip ice cream on the package made me nervous, but this blend is solid through and through. The sweetness of the rooibos is combined expertly with indulgent cacao nibs and peppermint leaf. And while it really does smell like mint chocolate chip ice cream, the taste is refreshing and delectable! You can't help but fall in love!

I am so taken by the spirit, the passion, the practices AND the tea products of LeafSpa Organic Teas that this is surely not the last time you will hear about them from me.

Spotlight: Kalahari Tea Company

The never ending possibilities of tea blends and tea companies never fail to excite me.

Having sampled a variety of blends, it is my distinct pleasure to tell you all about the Kalahari Tea Company. This company certainly has some unique flavors -- and if nothing else, above all, I prize that which is different and unique.

In keeping with the African mystic and name, a majority of their products feature rooibos or honeybush -- both which are grown in Africa. And their website explains that they strive to give back to organizations that support the land and peoples of Africa. (Kudos for giving back!)

What intrigued me was the ChocoLatte line of dessert teas, all of which are made with Dark Roasted Cacao. I tried the Cherry Vanilla and the Match Mint with my friends. All of us agreed it was sweetly satisfying after a meal. The flavors were proportioned nicely so that you never felt overwhelmed. Sometimes flavored tea tastes fake but it seems that their use of flavorings is kept to a minimum within the blends. The tea blend really came together nicely. Sipping the ChocoLattes became a conversation piece within itself (and less fat than having a "real dessert"). My only regret is that the Kalahari people have yet to offer a dessert sampler box (hint, hint).

At only $4.99 for a box of 16 teabags it certainly is a great deal. However, I have not found any stores that carry Kalahari Teas -- but I will keep an eye out. I may have to order some online for my father who tried the teas and liked them very much (and he is not an avid tea drinker).

Good Job Kalahari for your innovative blends!

Cucumber Tea?

Now I have been to a number or spas that cold steep cucumber in cold water for a delectable and soothing cool beverage option. I have indeed tried the ol' cucmbers on the eyes trick for puffy, tired eyes...what I have not tried is Cucumber Tea.

Yes, that's right....Cucumber.

Leave it to the Maddest lady in tea to find this crazy concoction...brought to you by our good friends at Adagio Tea!

I am not sure if this is a cucumber flavoring - I can't imagine steeping real bits of cucumber would be anything less than gross and not necessarily flavorful....

I'm not sure if I'm curious or just plain scared.

There you have it folks....Tea has truly gone MAD!

Super Foods find their cup of tea

How Super Is Your Tea?
by Lindsey Goodwin

Manufacturers and sellers often tout teas and tisanes, particularly greens, whites, rooibos and yerba mate, as superfoods. However, teas and tisanes have yet to gain the same foothold in the North American market as better-known superfoods, such as now-ubiquitous pomegranates and blueberries.

To sort out what the superfood fad means to the tea business, World Tea News (WTN) looks at other superfoods’ popularity and how superfood consciousness has boosted tea's mainstream appeal.

Superfoods 101
Although there is no standard definition for superfoods, they are generally recognized as foods that are particularly high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are not new foods, but current diet trends have put the spotlight on them and are encouraging a rapidly growing number of consumers to try anything and everything that includes them, said nutritionist Abbe Gorberg of Nutrition Counseling Services.

Gorberg said high levels of antioxidants are reputed to fight oxidation of cells by free radicals, repair damaged cells and even help prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, infections and weakened immunity.

The primary reason for superfoods’ popularity is the perceived health benefit, sources agreed, but the most popular superfoods are those that are most palatable to the mainstream consumer. This trend works to the advantage of tea makers and sellers who offer teas blended with naturally sweet superfruits and other readily palatable superfoods, because these increase the perceived health benefit while giving teas more accessible flavors.

'Double Benefits'
Gorberg said most people get adequate antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in their diets, but people who are very diet-focused or want to supplement unhealthy diets often seek products with superfoods as ingredients.

Tea-industry sources said their customers believe superfood-tea blends provide “double benefits” compared to tea and other superfoods alone, and that this perception fuels sales.
The Republic of Tea tested the market early with its pomegranate and blueberry green teas in 2005, now among its most popular products. Since then, the company expanded its superfruit line to include acerola cherry, acai, black raspberry and goji berry, said Marideth Post, the Republic of Tea’s so-called minister of enlightenment.

Likewise, since its launch in March 2007, Fully Loaded Tea has seen strong sales growth in superfood-tea blends with unusual ingredients such as lingonberries, tomato and seabuckthorn berries, as well as with old standards like strawberry and citrus. Co-founder Katya Popoff said growth is strongest in green tea-superfood blends, which customers perceive as the healthiest.

Honest Tea’s product development manager Mike Petrone said his team includes superfruits in blends whenever possible. “Why would a consumer not want an extra health benefit?” he asked. “Superfoods boost a product above its counterpart on the shelf.”

Clearly growth is strong, but are the benefits just a perception?

There isn't much research yet, but the answer may depend on ingredients. Unlike many popular superfood products, superfood-tea blends typically use actual foods rather than extracts. The New York Times recently called into question the efficacy of extracts, but not of superfoods themselves. A recent Purdue study suggested that vitamin C (which is naturally occurring in superfruits) increases catechin absorption from teas. Also, sugarless superfruit teas can provide benefits while avoiding superfruits' high sugar levels.

Super Blends
For a tea and another superfood to blend, they have to taste, well, super. To reach the mainstream, a trendy food and beverage product has to strike a balance between familiar and novel, said Petrone. Familiar flavors can be prominently featured in a blend, while more obscure flavors like creamy, citrusy cupuacu or tart yumberry fare better in lesser roles in the flavor profile.

Sources indicated that “familiar” flavors would include pomegranate and blueberry, and may soon include acai, which has a loyal following. They said their sales of pomegranate teas show no signs of flagging, despite the increased popularity of other superfoods such as goji berry, mangosteen and black raspberry. Post added, “Superfruits have big, bold, rich flavors that pair well with tea and are very well-received on all levels from novice tea drinker to aficionado,” making superfruit teas ideal additions to tea room menus.

(from World Tea News, 9/18/08)

Say it with Tea!

One thing that I have come to realize, is that there is an unending supply of tea-themed merchandise one can purchase if one loves tea. It's hard to be unique in a saturated market...but every now and then something comes along that is too precious not to tell others about. And so dear reader, you must really get to know about the TeaCup Cards.

Created by Kimberly Shaw, these whimsical cards send your wishes along with a packaged tea bag. The tea bag sticks out of the image of the tea cup on the front of the card. There are 100s of designs from which to choose. I received a TeaCup Card recently and was overcome with delight at the blending of art and tea! Talk about your gift card! What a perfect choice for anyone who delights in a cup of tea. Cards available for any occassion; blank cards sold as well.

So don't just say it, Say it with Tea!

Vermont's Finest Tea!

Nothing makes me happier than a warm pot of tea....

Unless, of course, you're talking about a cold pint of
Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream.

Yes, long before I became a mad tea blender, I was dubbed the Ben & Jerry's connoisseur. There isn't a flavor I haven't tried, in all its many forms, and there is no wrong time for Vermont's Finest. I can talk at length about the experimental flavors (and bemoan flavors lost) and have much respect for the charitable altruism of this company. The madness I have for this particular brand of ice cream has been a life long madness. Why, it was only a few years ago, I trekked 8 hours (each way) on an Amtrak train, and walked a mile down the highway just to take a factory tour..... (not owning a car was not deterrent strong enough to keep me from my quest!)

So when I read that Ben & Jerry's will be coming out with their own RTD iced tea flavors called TeaZers, I was overjoyed -- my favorite company is dipping their toe into the iced tea market-pool!!!!

According to the press release, the Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops threw a National Tea Party (appropriately in honor of my birthday) on July 29th. I only wish I had read this in time, so as to have searched out a Scoop Shop (as there is none close by me). And as it stands, I have no information as to if/when their new iced delight will be available in local stores and there was no information on their website outside of the press release under the News section.

The only TeaZer flavor mentioned is a white tea, ginger, hibiscus blend (yum!), but am not sure what the name of it is. I am hoping that they continue the trademark tradtion of whimsical names for their flavor concoctions.

Having suggested ice cream flavors to B&J's in the past, it would be my ultimate dream to create a mad iced tea blend for them! So, Ben...Jerry....if you're reading this, Madam Potts would like to speak with you over a cold pot of Teazers when you have a moment.

***If you are fortunate enough to live near a scoop shop, walk on in and order an iced tea -- I will gladly post anyone's review of this product!***

Spotlight: Golden Moon Tea

Recently, I was sent a sampler of oolongs from the Golden Moon Tea Company. I love my oolong teas and I had yet to try this company. I received 3 types of tea to sample. And here's where the review gets difficult to write...

You see, this "sampler" I received had literally 1 teaspoon's worth of tea per packet. So, as a reviewer, I could not try brewing the leaves in a variety of ways. I could not go back and compare my own tasting notes. Not to say I couldn't taste the tea and have an opinion...it just isn't a well-formed and tested opinion.

So while the 'one and done' cup's worth isn't ideal to use for reviewing purposes, it IS great for variety! To that, the Golden Moon sells a 31-Flavor Vareity pack, which could be a lot of fun if you want a new tea every day for a month!...Do check it out!

I did however want to share my Golden Moon Tea experience, such as it was. I invite my readers who have tried this tea to ring in with their personal opinions and experiences, so do feel free to comment away. So without any further ado, such was my short-lived tasting of GMTeas:

Imperial Formosa Oolong - The colorful amber liquor had woodsy nuances and subtle orange blossoms. I would have loved a second cup to really solidify my tasting experience.

Orchid Temple Oolong - this pale green tea was my favorite of the 3 I tried. The light floral notes were distinctly pleasant. I felt a sanctity in sipping this slowly. I might just have to buy this one. Well done, Golden Moon.

Coconut Pouchong - a unique tea no doubt, and a very delicate pale tea, it is. It smells good enough to eat. Personally, I felt it was best represented if infused for only 2 minutes. At 4 minutes, I felt the soft coconut taste was lost to a slight bitter endnote. I don't know if I brewed this correctly or not...

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What is Pouchong (you asked)?
Pouchong is a very lightly oxidized tea somewhere between green tea and what is usually considered oolong tea, though often classified with the latter due to its lack of the sharper green tea flavours. It is produced mainly in Fujian, China, and in Pinglin Township nearTaipei, Taiwan.
Reference: Pouchong: Wikipedia

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So, that being said, I encourage my readers who purchase loose tea regularly and to really get to KNOW the teas they have. Drink it a few times. Change up your brewing method to find the one that works best. Sip it during different times of the day. Sip it in different moods. Explore and experiment with your steeping times. Fall madly in love with your teas if you can. and above all, Keep Sipping!

Sipping like Mad,

theMadam

The Best Packaging Ever!!!

Don't you love it when you get a Christmas gift a month after the holidays? I do. What better reminder of the joys of receiving than getting something really cool long after the tinsel and lights are put away and when Monday feels like just another Monday....


This year Madam Potts was gifted with the Tea Forte gift set!

Tea Forte is that gifty tea company that is often found in gift stores and kitchy card stores and the like. It's also one of those things that has always registered in my mind more as a gift to give, and not so much an item I might buy for myself.

Tea Forte is by far the most unique packaging, as they sell their teas in silken tea pyramids with a teeny signature green tea leaf on the end of the short, sturdy string that is attached to the tea pyramid (please, this haute couture is hardly a tea bag). Each one is indivdually wrapped in its own paper pyramid - surely an award must have gone to the designer of this packaging. It is fun just opening the tea!

The lack of steeping instructions indicates that this tea is not at all fussy, allowing it to be enjoyed by everyone. Tea Forte is accessible, not exclusive to all but the cognoscenti - thus its presence in card stores more than tea cafes. Note to self: easy way to share tea with my non-teaophyte friends...

I also received the Cafe Cup that is designed to go with the unique pyramid. I like that the cover can double as a saucer. It's larger and stronger than a proper tea cup - half way betrween tea cup and mug really...which suits me perfectly! :o)

The tea is so-so. I was not blown away by the Oasis (green blend) or the Citrus Mint (herbal blend), and found them to be rather weak actually. However, the Earl Grey had a delightful sweetness with the soft bergamot finish which I liked very much - I even steeped it twice!

The website offers a lot to look at and many of the blends sound tasty, in that way that any catalogue of tea blends makes one salivate just reading the alluring names such as African Solstice, Cocoa Truffle, or Orchid Vanilla...

Should I ever receive another variety pack or Tea Forte gift set, I will be equally excited - and as I have always felt, the best gifts are the ones that get used up, and the gift of tea is always top notch in my book!

From the Cup, UP...

"If he can do it, so can I..." she said, after reading this article featuring Tazo Tea (found at Starbucks everywhere). Did you know, that in 1999, when Starbucks bought Tazo, the Tazo Tea Company only had 10 tea bag types!

Read Article Here.

The article clearly states that tea continues on an upward climb (not news, but always refreshing to read), and that there is a lot of potential in this industry. Having started this blog 2 years ago, with the wish of launching myself more fully into the world and business that is tea, words like these, which were printed in the Seattle Times are very encouraging...

With a hearty book of blends, and a spot of inspiration, I need to choose my Top Ten.

Ok, so this isn't the first time I have considered picking a select few and focusing on just those blends. Picking only 10 from the Book of Mad Blends feels like choosing which child I love more. I am currently having troubles picking only 3 blends!!!

And while a simple selection of featured blends does not automatically place me in line for greatness, it would motivate a "Drink Something Mad" campaign for the new year. Now that I have just graduated from school, I will have more time to spend once again with my Tea! (and more regular postings too dear reader!)....

WhAT ThE???

Tea is hot! Tea is Trendy! Tea is the "It" beverage!

You can just say the word TEA and heads will turn and wallets will open....and if you feel I'm exaggerating, then why would Sanpple be jumping on the bandwagon?

Snapple (yes....Snapple!) will be offering teabags....mixing tea with pieces and bits of fruit and of course fruit juice. ACK!

This is just the beginning of the corporate entrance into the tea trend....or perhaps the beginning of the end...the first step in the downward spiral that happens with over-saturation and over-exposure. Like anything in our pop culture, once the big guns take their shot at something that a select percentage of the population were finding well enough on their own and then brand it for the masses, it loses is authenticity and luster. Mass-marketing implicitly means erasing the delicacy of detail. It means taking the sacred and making it pedestrian. It means taking an idea and making it an image.

Sigh...I can't say with all the hubbub about Americans drinking tea that I am all that surprised that some conglomeration would catch on.

Tea has been around for 1000's of years. For the rest of the world it is wrapped in a ritual or culture that appreciates tea from the province it's grown in, and the way it's harvested and processed to the way in which is brewed and enjoyed.....And then there's America....the fast-food nation....Snapple: the McDonaldization of tea.

Spotlight: Essencha Tea Company

It was my good fortune to stumble upon a tea company at the end of last year - an online merchant, who is quickly becoming my new favorite. I rarely do recommendations but this is well-worth your time and interest, so check it out: Essencha.

You gotta love their name, which the website (under tea house info) explains:

Just as our name implies, we chose to focus on the "essence of tea (cha)": water, fire, leaves, and you, freeing you to create your own tea experiences and rituals. At Essencha, we find joy in the celebration of the mundane, believe in the beauty of the simple and natural implicit in tea culture, and are eager to share this with the world.

From the enticing (and accurate) photos of the product, to the helpful (and oft amusing) descriptions, you can feel confident with each purchase. The site is easy to navigate, the hardest part is choosing which (how many) teas to purchase. and did I mention that they have a full satisfaction guarantee?

I got my order last week of the Monkey Picked Oolong, and I couldn't be happier. Its legendary name refers to Buddhist monks who trained monkeys to harvest the youngest leaves from the top of the wild tea trees. Now, never having ordered from them before, ordering what is known to be among the highest quality of oolong may have been risky, but as I said before, everything about Essencha is quality and it shows. From their website to their packaging to select choice of teas....Quality - and isn't that why we drink tea in the first place? To truly enjoy the experience?

They are opening a Tea House in the Spring of 2006 in Cincinnati, Ohio. I've never thought of visiting Ohio before, but I may just have to. And if any of my readers happen to live around those parts, do me a favor and send me your review.

So, if you'll excuse me I 'm going to have tea with my Monkey!

Most people are drinking hotdogs

Until I started educating myself about tea, the different types, tools, techniques and varieties thereof, I knew what I had grown up with: bagged tea (aka: Lipton)

Tea is made of leaves. Tea needs to steep, that is, to let the dried leaves unfurl , thus releasing the flavor and taste. What you get in tea bags is not leaves, but the chopped up bits of tea (often called fannings and dust). Imagine someone snuck into a tea processing factory, and using their hands, swept the loose scraps off the table, put it bags and called it tea.

Well, the truth is, cheap tea companies, who assume you know nothing about tea (and, for many years I didn't) package up the leftovers and call it tea, and market it to the unknowing consumer. Companies selling you that schwag (aka: nasty bits of tea) are basically selling you hotdogs - leftovers that have been reprocessed and sold as its own entity.

I like the "loose tea in a bag" that a number of companies are experimenting with.
Sounds contradicatory, I know...but an innovative concept indeed, a bag that starts off with loose tea and is designed with more room so the tea can unfurl.

BIG PLUG: The Mighty Leaf Tea Company - I'd like to thank them for their excellent tea bags. While I don't buy them for my house, I breathe a sigh of relief when in my travels and faced with a selection of tea, I can have a Mighty Tea!!!

So if I could bring this to a close, it would be to advise people to be aware of what they are drinking....after all, life's too short to drink hotdogs.