September 29, 2011
When the world is at odds,
And the mind is at sea,
Then cease the useless tedium,
And brew a cup of tea.
_
There is magic in it’s fragrance,
There is solace in it’s taste;
And the laden moments vanish,
Somehow into space.
_
And the world becomes a lovely thing!
There’s beauty as you see;
All because you briefly stopped,
To brew a cup of tea.
-Author unknown
No need to add any further sentiments to this ode. The words so sweetly sum up the importance of taking time for tea!
Cheers,
the TeaLady
September 21, 2011
Grahame and I have just come back from England and drinking lots of TEA was certainly on the agenda, in part due to the inclement weather we had for the whole 2 weeks! So it was ‘Oh well let’s go have another cuppa’.
Our first tea outing was planned ahead and it was actually a sunny afternoon when we arrived in the city of ELY.(SE England) Laura had reserved a table at Peacocks Tea Room and it was just delightful. The afternoon tea was excellent, consisting of 3 different sandwiches, scones with your choice of jam, followed by a cake of your choice. I managed to eat the sandwiches and scone but had to take my cake home, there was simply too much to finish. This was all washed down with copious amounts of tea (we all chose different ones!) served in individual teapots.
During afternoon tea (an earlier post explains the difference between high tea) we had a debate about the best way to eat scones. If you were following correct etiquette then you would place your clotted cream and jam on the side of your plate, select your scone, slice in half and break into a bite sized piece. One would then apply cream and jam (or lemon curd from a blog post from the Spring) as each piece was eaten, taking sips of tea in between.
However, I am not talking correct etiquette here. In Yorkshire (a post bit about my hometown Harrogate) we don’t mess about with bite sized pieces! Our debate was ‘Do you put jam on first before cream or cream on first before jam’.
I have always put jam on first and never really thought about changing the habit of a lifetime of scone eating, but it totally changed the taste experience and I loved it. Grahame really enjoyed too! Let us know which way you like your scone. Please post on our Facebook page.
Thanks to Laura for finding this gem of a tearoom and thanks to Peacocks for the delicious afternoon tea.
How do you like your scones? Jam or cream 1st?
This holiday was our second of the summer, we visited northern Michigan in the Spring and here is a link to my earlier post.
Cheers,
the TeaLady
September 16, 2011
Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a small tree native to the subtropical Atlantic forests of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. This evergreen member of the holly family was introduced to modern civilizations by the indigenous Guarani of Paraguay, Argentina and Brazil. An infusion, brewed from the dried leaves and stems of the tree, is consumed by millions of South Americans as a healthful alternative to coffee.
What does the tea taste like? Well yerba mate lives up to its name ‘cup herb’, it is very herby or vegetal/grassy but can be very agreeable if made correctly! Water must NOT be boiling as this can cause bitterness. Steaming hot is quite sufficient. This is what Michael drinks most Saturday mornings at the Local Tea Company tent at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market.
Yerba Mate Tree
Yerba Mate in Gourd with Bombilla
I am a fan of our Roasted Mate. As the name suggests when preparing the herb it is toasted as part of the drying process, imparting a slight roasted taste. The leaf is dark and tastes almost coffee-like, and is a good choice if you are trying to ‘kick’ the coffee habit!
Michael prefers our Sweet Orange Mate which is a blend of green and roasted mate along with some citrus and licorice which tends to soften the ‘herbieness’ a little. Either way, you will receive a surge of energy and mental clarity which really gets you on the right track and sets you up for the day!
Like most teas, Yerba Mate is surrounded by legends. First discovered centuries ago by the indigenous people in South America, Yerba Mate has become revered as the ‘drink of the gods’ because people survived drought and famine drinking this tea. It is said to enhance health, vitality, and longevity and is now becoming an alternative to coffee in many other areas of the world too. With 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, high antioxidant levels and naturally occurring caffeine, yerba mate is a very well balanced stimulant!
Mate has some amazing qualities which make it a whole body tonic. The stimulation comes to us via 3 components called Xanthine Alkaloids: – Caffeine, Theophylline and Theobromine (found in chocolate!) This mighty combination along with minerals to support the nervous system and B vitamins to relax the muscles produce a balanced and long lasting physical and mental stimulation!
You may find comments about Yerba Mate having ‘more anti oxidants than green tea’ so lets just say Mate contains ‘abundant anti oxidants’ and is low in tannins, so can be brewed very strong without any bitterness which also makes it easier on the stomach. Along with a massive burst of energy, Mate will curb your appetite, raise your metabolism and burn calories i.e. loose weight. Sounds easy if all you have to do is drink Yerba Mate.
As with all teas you can change the experience to suit you. Brew your favorite way, whether in your favorite tea pot or a Travel Mug or a Tea Maker or a T sac. Give it a try and let us know what you experience. Gracias.
Cheers,
the TeaLady
August 21, 2011
Whenever we sample Selby Select at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market it is a good day. Selby Select is our best selling tea and was created to celebrate Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Orange peel and trace yogurt blended with rooibos, Selby Select is a bit of sunshine in your cup. Caffeine free sunshine!
We also sampled iced Earl Grey and a green tea from Kenya, Kosabei Plantation FAIR TRADE. We posted Who is Earl Grey? earlier this week and here is a link to a earlier post about rooibos. This week we will offer $1 off packet of all three teas; Selby Select, Earl Grey and Kosabei Plantation FAIR TRADE green tea for online purchases. And all orders over $40 ship at no charge.
Picture of the day is Papa Peperonata, Adrian with his son Nico. See our Facebook page for the entire album.
Papa Peperonata and Nico
We are off next Saturday so see you in September. Sip Locally.
md
August 17, 2011
Most tea lovers are familiar with Earl Grey. One whiff of this tea reveals the distinctive aroma on the nose and in the cup. This is a very traditional black tea with the addition of oil extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a very fragrant citrus fruit.
What about the man behind the tea?
Earl Grey
Charles Grey (1764-1845) descended from a long established Northumbrian family seated at Howick Hall and was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge. He became the 2nd Earl Grey, was a politician in the Whig party (Democrats) and he became Prime Minister at the ripe old age of 22! His first parliamentary address as PM was in 1787 and concerned a recent free trade agreement made with France, to which he was very opposed. He was involved in four years of political reform, the author of the Reform Bill of 1832 (which saw the reform of the House of Commons) and had an enormous impact on the development of democracy in Britain, abolishing slavery throughout the British Empire in 1833.
The Whig historian T.B. Macauly wrote in 1841,
‘At an age when most of those who distinguish themselves in life are still contending for prizes and fellowships at college, he had won for himself a conspicuous place in Parliament. No advantage of fortune or connection was wanting that could set off to the height his splendid talents and his unblemished honour.’
Outside of his political achievements Earl Grey enjoyed the life! He was said to be tall, slim and strikingly handsome, had 10 sons and 6 daughters with his wife and fathered at least one illegitimate child! Earl Grey enjoyed gallivanting around the country, breeding dogs, playing cribbage and also found time to have an affair with the Duchess of Devonshire.
There are several tales as to how the tea was named after such a noble and colorful figure! According to the most popular legend a grateful Chinese mandarin whose son was rescued from drowning by one of the Earl’s men, first presented the blend to the Earl in 1803. This legend seems to have little basis as the Earl apparently did not set foot in China and the use of bergamot to scent tea was then unknown in China. Jackson’s of Piccadilly claim they were the originators of the recipe, which was given to them by the Earl himself.
While the truth is not known, like the very popular Earl himself, this tea is one of the most well known flavored teas in the world. Many people who I chat with in the Carriage House Tea Room at Selby Gardens do not care for the very distinct flavor of Earl Grey. I have found by offering samples of Earl Grey, that most people have never experienced a good quality, loose leaf tea and the quality of both the tea and the bergamot is paramount! Any deviation can result in an unpleasant tea with a residual taste on your palate.
Loose Leaf Earl Grey
Contrary to my British tea drinking habits, I have become a fan of Iced Earl (Me thinks the Earl would not approve!) Delicious, so be sure to try for yourself. When brewing Earl Grey hot, I actually infuse for only 2 minutes and then enjoy multiple infusions from the same leaves. It is the perfect accompaniment to tea sandwiches and cakes (Mmmm!) but just drinking alone is fine too. ‘Gallivant’ with your Earl, and find your favorite way to enjoy.
We offer two version of Earl Grey Black tea, one is our premium blend Earl Grey and we also offer an Organic Earl Grey. You may be surprised to find you like the Earl, now that you know a bit about the man behind the tea.
Cheers,
the TeaLady
August 4, 2011
A favourite book of mine offers an interesting quote or excerpt about tea, and I would like to share it with you. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome was first published in 1889, and was intended as a serious travel guide about a boating holiday on the Thames between Kingston and Oxford. However, it turned out to be a very humorous account detailing the adventures of the three friends Jerome, George Wingrave and Carl Hentschel along with a fictional dog called Montmorency!
When I read this excerpt today, it seemed so clever and witty, evoking powerful thoughts about the beverage I so love…. tea. Enjoy.
‘It is very strange, this domination of our intellect by our digestive organs. We cannot work, we cannot think, unless our stomach wills so. It dictates to us our emotions, our passions. After eggs and bacon, it says “Work!” After beefsteak and porter , it says “Sleep!” After a cup of tea (two spoonfuls for each cup and don’t let it stand for more than three minutes), it says to the brain, “Now rise, and show your strength. Be eloquent, and deep, and tender; see, with a clear eye, into Nature, and into life: spread your white wings of quivering thought, and soar, a god-like spirit, over the whirling world beneath you, up through long lanes of flaming starts to the gates of eternity!”
Jerome K. Jerome, Three men in a Boat.
What type of tea does it take for you to rise and show your strength, be eloquent and deep or indeed spread your white wings of quivering thought? It would have to be a good strong cup of Yorkshire Harrogate for me! Here is a earlier post about Yorkshire. Please share your comments and take time for tea.
Cheers,
the Tealady
June 29, 2011
I have just returned from a wonderful vacation in the beautiful Northern Michigan. It was my first visit and I enjoyed seeing the lakes, countryside and flora particular toMichigan, which is so different from Florida. The lilac was in full bloom and I couldn’t get enough of it!
As always, tea was on the menu and I searched for an establishment where I could indulge my passion away from Local Tea Company. After researching online, I found only one option in our vicinity which was called the Good Hart and Soul Tea Room. The tea room takes its name from a small village, Good Hart which is situated by the Tunnel of Trees on the cliffs of Lake Michigan. Sounds idyllic? It was a haven of peace and serenity which I would like to share.
Good Hart & Soul Tea Room
The tea room was part of Primitive Images Rustics , an amazing log cabin that the owner Ceci Bauer transported from Canada and rebuilt in this location. Filled with a treasure trove of rustic furniture and collectibles it was delightful to browse. In a bright room at the rear was an area devoted to all things tea where Grahame and I met Jessica from Texas! Only her third day of working, she presented the tea menu with confidence and knowledge.
It was not easy to choose from the great selection of teas! Jessica offered the lids of the storage canisters so we could appreciate the bouquet of several teas before I decided on Jasmine Pearl and Grahame on Mandarin Citrus White. To accompany tea we had scones and jam, which was made from local cherries of course!
We took a small table on an outdoor patio where we sat in dappled sunshine, surrounded by beautiful trees, listening to the birds sing and watching chipmunks play hide and seek. This was so…very relaxing, and a perfect setting for the excellent cuppa that Jessica served. A teapot each was maybe a little ambitious! Alas, I have never been known to leave a good pot of tea, so I enjoyed the moment and drank every drop! I tried to capture some of the ambience in this photo
Our Tea
Being fans of ‘all things local’ it was great to find the delicious scones were from a local bakery called Crooked Tree Breadworks (Petoskey) and the Cherry Bomb jam from a local company called Wee Bee Jammin (Manistee) The tea was from a local supplier in the Traverse City area some of which are blended with local herbs and flowers.
Nobody else joined us for tea (early part of June is low season) for which we were grateful as this only enhanced our experience at the very aptly named Good Hart and Soul. Thank you to Jessica and Lindsey for the lovely service and if you are ever in this area of Harbor Springs be sure to visit this delightful tea room.
Cheers, the TeaLady
May 22, 2011
“BREAD AND WATER CAN SO EASILY BE TOAST AND TEA’
This is a lovely quote (author unknown) that came to mind this morning. I was actually making some Lemon Curd at the time but I also had a visitor in the Carriagehouse Tea Room at Selby Gardens that told me he would not drink tea because his mother always made him have toast and tea when he was sick! Of course she would, mothers know what is good for you.
I also felt sorry for him! Toast and Tea is a custom most of us have such good feelings about and I for one can sample this pairing at any time of day. There is nothing as simple or as tasty as toast and tea, unless you add a little lemon curd that is!
Lemons are in abundance here at the moment and as they keep arriving by the bagful at my house I just keep churning out the Lemon Curd! I got myself a cup of jasmine tea and Lemons at the ready. Want to have a go too?
This is a very easy recipe and method to follow. You will need preserving jars which have been sterilized in boiling water. I put the lemons in same water as it makes the juice release easier. I usually double up the recipe, but to make one batch you will need:
Juice and Rind of 1 lemon (I have been adding rind of an extra lemon too!), 2 eggs, 2oz unsalted butter, and 3oz sugar.
Place in jar and refrigerate.
It tastes delicious and is so worth the effort. I love giving to friends and of course, the suppliers of all my Lemons! Lemon Curd is also the perfect accompaniment to scones, so maybe next time we will make scones.
I recommend putting on the kettle and making a pot of Yorkshire tea and sit down to enjoy some toast and tea. Mmmm!
Cheers,
The TeaLady
April 22, 2011
“The Spirit of Easter is all about Hope, Love and Joyful living.” -Anonymous.
Easter celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead and is Christianity’s most important holiday. As with Christmas, over the centuries various folk customs and pagan traditions have become a standard part of this holy holiday (whether you agree with it or not!) and includes Easter eggs, bunnies, baskets of candy and CHOCOLATE. There are lots of stories about the connection of eggs (re-birth) and bunnies (originally hares actually and a symbol of new life in ancient times) but I am not sure how the chocolate connection came about.
Most of us have no problem with chocolate being included, reason or not! At Local Tea Company we cannot offer chocolate eggs or bunnies but a very special tea we call Chocolate Honeybush.
Chocolate Honeybush
Honeybush is an herbal infusion or ‘tisane’ grown in the Langkloof Mountains of South Africa. Read more from a previous post on Honeybush to learn all about this lovely tea.
Some might say that Honeybush is not complete without the addition of those chocolate and caramel pieces and if you smelled and tasted this version you might agree!
You will find us this weekend serving and delighting our customers with Chocolate Honeybush in the Carriage House Tea Room at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens and Saturday morning at the Sarasota Farmer’s Market. We can guarantee plenty of love and joy too. Please join us if you can for a chocolate celebration (without the calories!) but if you are not local then visit our online shop to stock up on your Easter supplies and be sure to share with all your friends too.
With good wishes to you all for the Easter holiday.
Cheers,
the TeaLady
April 12, 2011
I am glad to announce that here at Local Tea Company we have added another tea to our Organic cultivation varieties.
Pear Mu Tan is a White tea grown in Fujian Province, China. White teas are surrounded by folklore and mystique heralded from ancient China when this delicate tea was proclaimed by Emperors as “the culmination of all that is elegant”
White teas are the least processed of all the categories of tea. The newest leaves are carefully picked when they have a silvery appearance which comes from the hair or ‘hao’. They are lightly withered which turns them into an artists palate of hues, ranging from silver to green to brown and results in a light fluffy mixture of leaf pieces that yield a subtle and delicate flavor.
Pear Mu Tan White Tea
I had been asked several times about a Pear tea and after using this tea for several days in my travel mug, I knew we had to have it! This type of White tea is known as Pai Mu Tan which means “white peony” and is produced from a variety of tea bush called chaicha, so it seemed natural to name this tea Pear Mu Tan.
There is evidence that Pear has been used as a food since prehistoric times so is a perfect partner for White tea. To compliment the pear, there are dried apple pieces, mango cubes and marigold blossoms which results in shimmering golden liquor with a lingering fragrance and sweet, fresh mellow taste. This is a truly beautiful tea both dry and infused.
Please note, this tea is organically cultivated but has not pursued the requirements to be designated ORGANIC.
White teas are becoming very popular now as they are considered to be the most beneficial of all teas for their health benefits. With more antioxidants than black or green tea, white tea has anticancer properties, is heart healthy, has a calming (anti-sagging!) and detoxifying effect on the skin and the ability to strengthen our immune system. An added bonus is that it tastes so good!
There are debates aplenty about the amount of caffeine in White teas; could it be that as the tea is made from young leaves that they contain the most concentrated amount of caffeine? The fact that we infuse for less time and at a lower temperature may mean less caffeine is released…and so on. We may never know the exact reason and it really does not seem to matter too much!
In my experience I have found White tea VERY agreeable to my body function. I do not seem to get as overheated or troubled with the caffeine content and therefore have been able to drink later into the day. See how it works for you!
Pear Mu Tan is a tea that really keeps on giving and certainly wears the title ‘the culmination of all that is elegant’ very well.
Cheers,
the TeaLady
Sip Locally 