It's All About Tea

This week, the Northeast coast has been hit by a blizzard, and of course, many of us reached for something warm. Something hot. Tea! Granted, most of us tea heads drink tea year-round, no matter the outside temperature. And undoubtedly, there's something exceptionally satisfying about warming up with hot tea when the weather is chilly. (Read more)

Although the jasmine flower originated in Persia, it was introduced to China and planted there during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Tea, of course, had already been well established in China by then. The pairing of jasmine flowers with tea leaves (creating Jasmine Tea), however, likely began much later – most records point to the Song or Ming Dynasties.

Jasmine tea is a favorite among those who love sweet and highly aromatic teas. While most teas develop floral notes naturally from their origin and processing, jasmine tea’s fragrance comes from the tea being scented with real jasmine blossoms.

The flavor of a quality jasmine tea will be sweet, refreshing, and exceptionally aromatic! When brewing jasmine tea, the aroma of the flowers fills the room immediately. It’s a celebration of the senses. The aroma of jasmine tea is known to relax and lift the mood. Many tea drinkers find that regular jasmine tea sessions help them feel calmer and more content. When choosing a tea for relaxation, we recommend jasmine tea without hesitation! (Read more)

Oh, the weather outside is getting frightful… well, at least in the Northern hemisphere! And the body and soul starts craving something warm, comforting, and toasty. Tea always gains new meaning when it helps warm our body from the inside out during the frosty months. Besides, we all like the sound of Christmas tea. But how about when you don’t drink commercial flavored teas? In that case, we’ve put together the ultimate list of quality loose leaf teas for the seasoned tea drinker desiring a Christmasy ambiance! (Read more)

The story of fine ceramics in China is inextricably linked to the evolution of Chinese Tea Culture. During the Song Dynasty, Henan province flourished as the cultural and economic heart of the empire, where the arts reached an apex of sophistication. It was during this era of whisked powdered tea (Dian Cha) that the renowned Ru Ware (Ru Yao) emerged, at first as elegant bowls and vessels designed to complement the aesthetics of the imperial court. While the teapot itself would not be invented until the Ming Dynasty, the legacy of Ru-style stoneware began here, setting a standard of beauty that tea lovers still revere today. (Read more)

Any tea advice blog you turn to will say the same thing. Never use soap to wash your teaware. This is absolutely correct. Soaps and detergents can impart unfavorable flavors on delicate teaware. Usually, a quick rinse with hot water should suffice. However, what about those times that our teaware needs a little extra cleaning? (Read more)