Tea Moment — Bird Bath Brouhaha

Bird baths are a great way to attract those feathered bug-eaters to your backyard. Sometimes, though, the attraction can work too well. Pour yourself a big cuppa tea and see what I mean on The Taste of English Tea Blog. 

One of our many bird baths for the benefit of our feathered friends:

A Serving of Vegetables in Your Teacup

I always was one of those funny kids who actually ATE their vegetables. More than that, I actually LIKED them. Now, I find that tea has the same nutrients as many of these vegetables plus some extra. Get the details on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Tea Adventure — A Visit to TeaGschwendner

People who live the “tea life” (where tea isn’t just a beverage, it’s a way of life) will drive far and wide to try a new tea shop. Hubby and I, who live that “tea life,” have been “tweeting” with a member of the staff at TeaGschwendner in Raleigh, NC, and just couldn’t resist the allure of making an in-person visit to the shop. Griffin Kelton, my Twitter pal, was there to greet us and recommend some teas to sample.

I need to pause here for an important announcement:

Richard Hinson (brother of Store Manager Ryan Hinson) and Griffin actually know about tea! They are also well acquainted with the teawares and other merchandise in the store. Having had tea in various tearooms where the staff didn’t know Camellia Sinensis from Carmen Miranda, I was quite bowled over, not to mention tickled pink (figuratively speaking).

Hubby and I got to sample some teas and a Rooibos herbal (which – alas! – they call “tea”) and could have tried more. They’re very accommodating that way. I preferred to purchase small amounts of several teas to take home. One of their regular customers (unfortunately, I didn’t get his name) recommended Bossa Nova oolong tea to us, so we got a sample of that, also. We couldn’t resist buying a delicate glass teacup and saucer that I’m totally paranoid about breaking. It’s worth the fuss, though, and will doubtless end up in various tea review photos on Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews.

One thing you gotta see is the “wall of tea.” Actually, it’s a corner of tea bins. The fronts are solid stainless steel, not plexiglass or glass, and therefore block out light, something that makes tea go stale. They also keep out moisture. Unfortunately, they do allow in some air, but I suspect that sales are brisk enough that the tea doesn’t sit in the bins long enough to go stale. The teas that Griffin showed me were certainly aromatic and fresh in appearance.

My teas were packed in special bags that only TeaGschwendner (a German company) has. They have three layers: plasticized paper on the outside, uncoated paper on the inside and foil in-between. You could opt for a tea tin, though. For me, the bag is best, since I can squeeze out excess air as I use the tea and roll the bag up. The bags aren’t biodegradable due to the layer of foil, but they are reusable around the house. Each tea also comes with a label telling about the tea and how to prepare it for best taste. For tea newbies, that’s great info.

This is definitely a tea store to spend a little time in and browse the teas as well as the teawares. They also have tea videos showing on a flatscreen TV. Expand your tea knowledge and appreciation for this beverage enjoyed for millennia around the world. You can also get a cup of tea to go and enjoy it outside at one of their tables or while you walk around the rest of the shopping center (plenty of neat stores and eateries).

Check out Little Yellow Teapot’s take on our visit. He’s a bit miffed that we didn’t bring him along. Call me overprotective, but I didn’t want him to get chipped or broken. He’s pretty special. (I think he sneaked over to the computer and did a bit of Photoshopping on the pics we took of the store.)

Our tea reviews will be posted on the other blog in the coming few weeks. Hope you’ll be able to read them and make your own trek to this wondrous tea shop. If you do, tell Griffin, Richard, and Ryan that hubby and I say, “Hi!”

Putting Typhoo to the Test

The folks at Typhoo Tea company claim they make their tea with 2 teabags. Seems awfully strong to me. So, naturally, I wanted to put this to the test. Guess what? The tea was…uh-uh, you’ll have to find that out on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Chamomile Basics

Can’t sleep? Feeling tense? Stress from the day getting to you? Try a cup of chamomile. Just be sure you get true chamomile. Find out what I mean on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Vanilla — A Tea Favorite

Vanilla evokes memories of baking with Mom in the kitchen and learning to cook in Home Economics class. No wonder I’m drawn to that scent when it’s used in tea. After years of searching for the perfect vanilla tea, I found Golden Moon Madagascar Vanilla. Will this be the solution? Find out on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Bringing Out the Dragon at Tea Time

Can a cup of tea make you feel like a dragon? No, not the fire-breathing kind. More like the kind from Asian countries. A tea I tried recently certain had that effect on me. One sip and I started to feel like a wise Asian dragon. See what I mean on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Getting Fresh with Tea, Part II

Storing all of those wonderful teas you spent good money on is very important. Considering also all of the labor, knowledge, business know-how, and even some risk-taking that is needed to bring that tea to your table, you have lots of reasons to take good care of those teas. See a few storage ideas on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Getting Fresh with Tea, Part I

So, you have a pantry full of great teas. How long have you had them? Are they still drinkable? Are their health properties still intact? That depends. Different teas have different shelf-lives. How you store them also matters. More info on The Taste of English Tea Store.

Popularity of Indian Cuisines

Want to add something to your regular menu besides the basic but tasty fare here in the U.S.? Widen your culinary circle with some Indian cuisine. Buy pre-packaged and get authentic taste without taking a cooking class. Get the details on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Tea — Straying from the Family Tradition

Do you come from a family of coffee drinkers yet drink tea? Then, you’re like me. See why I embrace this beverage, despite my family tradition. Check it out on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Tea Experiment — Steeping Tea in a Ceramic Tea Carafe

No need to over design your teawares. Simplicity is often the best. Hubby and I found the almost perfect teaware in an attractive tea carafe. See how it works on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Pretty on the outside.

Stainless steel on the inside.

What could be better?

Bumper Stickers for Tea Drinkers

Free Speech and a love of driving cars equals bumper stickers. If you’re a tea drinker, why not have bumper stickers about tea? Get a few ideas on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Tea Moments — Putting Down the Duster

Are you one of these people obsessed with a dust-free house? If you have allergies, it’s understandable. Otherwise, have a cup of tea instead. In fact, invite some friends over and have a tea party. Way more fun! See what I mean on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

White Tea and Black Roses

While not everything in life is black and white, black roses and white tea are. See what they are and how they relate on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

Shown here: White Eagle Long Life from The English Tea Store. See the review on Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews.

An Orchard in Your Teapot, Pt. III — Teas with Fruity Aroma and Flavor

I’ve told you about teas with fruit added and infusions made with fruit. Now, it’s time to explore some teas that taste fruity without the fruit. Huh? It’s true. Check it out on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

An Orchard in Your Teapot, Pt. II – Herbals Made with Fruits

There are teas with fruit added and then there are infusions made from or with the taste of fruits. I searched through the list of hundreds to point out a few to get you started. See them on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

An Orchard in Your Teapot, Pt. I – Fruit in Your Tea

Fruit is great tasting and good for you. Fruit in tea is both of those plus the wonderful flavors and benefits of tea. What could be better? With all of the choices out there, which fruit teas do you choose? Try some of my favorites, listed on The Taste of English Tea Blog.

A Very Special Mother’s Day Teatime

Even if your mother can be with you in person, you can still celebrate Mother’s Day with her. Start with a photo and a great pot of tea. See what I mean on The Taste of English Tea Blog.