Tea has been proven to have multiple benefits, from being a means to soothe anxiety to a source of healthy antioxidants. As we’ve previously discussed in Tea as a Daily Mindfulness Practice, tea can even serve as a simple way to practice mindful behavior so that we react to adversity without lashing out at those around us. One of the best parts is that tea tastes amazing wherever it is made in the world. Looking to expand your knowledge of tea? Here’s a closer look at how tea is enjoyed in other countries.IndiaAs early as the 12th century, the Singpho people would smoke cane parcels packed with toasted Assam tea leaves. It was in the early 1900s that Indian tea-drinking culture adopted the British affection for...
It's been over 7 years since we got together with Umami Mart in Oakland to blend some teas to match their mostly Japanese collection of high quality drink and bar furnishings, settings, and consumables.
Ohayo is a morning blend ( おはよう - "Good Morning") designed for awakening with the strength of coffee but not the jolt to start one's day. Hojicha, Chicory Root, and Cassia SeedsOyasumi is a nighttime blend ( おやすみ - "Goodnight") designed for comforting nourishment at the end of a cold winter day. Green Rooibos, Brown Rice, Shitake Mushroom, Shiso Leaf
Ah, jasmine tea. Who has not enjoyed savoring the sweet floral notes of a nice green jasmine tea; perhaps while sitting in a Spring garden. But have you tried the osmanthus flower? Grown on shrubs that grow into large trees, these flowers have bright peachy notes that are used for tea pairing as well as in rice wine that is traditionally consumed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Jasmine flowers straddle the long rolled silver tip green tea in a delicious and predictable way. Osmanthus flowers on rich green oolong give a nice veggie body with sweet floral notes swirling above. Guihua and puer is a luxurious combination like raspberries and chocolate or like Springtime in Autumn. A great thing to bring to your...
One the most favored types of tea in China is Mao Jian (毛尖 - hairy tip) style. It's similar to Mao Feng (毛峰 - hairy peak) style* but uses only the tips and buds of the tea plant rather than all the leaves to give a lighter more floral character.Yunnan province in southern China is the ancient home of the tea plant, and the rich red hills are filled with old, large tea trees with thick and hearty leaves, most of which get turned into various cakes, bricks, and nuggets in the traditional manner of Puer Teas.So it was a delightful surprise to find Yunnan leaves being made in the more delicate Mao Jian style. The light tippy floral notes...
