August’s Teas
Over the next three months we’ll be featuring teas from one of my recent favourite tea companies: Royal Tea of Kenya. I’ve been drinking unblended single estate teas from China, India, Sri Lanka and Japan for over 15 years, so my excitement at finding a quality importer of Kenyan teas has put me on cloud nine. Their teas are unblended and pesticide-free, owned and harvested by Kenyan farmers throughout the country. Royal Tea of Kenya imports teas directly from the Kenyan small-scale farmers to bring you the very best of what Kenya has to offer. This month we have Mt. Abedares, a black tea with natural grapefruit notes. As well this month, we have the return of Meditative Mind, one of Tea Sparrow’s all time favourites. For my fiancée Ariella, it was her first time trying the tea and it instantly inspired her to create an ice cream that is pure culinary genius. The way the jasmine and rosebuds pair, balance by the subtle white tea, all held by the thick, rich, cold creamy base, is enough to stop any ice cream fanatic dead in their tracks. Check out her recipe at http://goo.gl/WcfKJR.
Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family
Royal Tea of Kenya’s Mt. Abedares Premium Tea
Description: This tea is a lovely gem among the expanding range of excellent black teas from Kenya. The sweet aroma of the dry leaf promises a lovely brew in the cup, and the tea exceeds that promise, brewing into incredibly rich, flavorful liquor. The tea is a honey-amber color, with strong citrus notes of blood orange and grapefruit.
Ingredients: Orthodox Black Kenya Tea
Steeping Instructions: Steep 1 teaspoons per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 4 minutes.
Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 2 teaspoons per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.
Health Benefits: Most people don’t realize black tea comes with many of the similar health benefits as green tea, including reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, among many others. As well, black tea is said to increase energy, aid in digestive health and to promote healthy skin and hair. Black tea’s tannins are also great immunity-boosters.
Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “It smells amazing and the taste exceeds the smell. Savour slowly, this tea deserves it!”
Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast – “Citrus notes having a dance party on my tongue. Yum!!!”
The Tea Spot’s Meditative Mind
Description: Our beloved blend of pure Chinese white tea, rosebuds and jasmine pearls creates an experience of aromatherapy that sharpens the mind and arouses the senses.
Ingredients: White Peony, Jasmine Pearls and Moroccan Rosebuds.
Steeping Instructions: Steep 1 tsp per 8 ounces (1cup) of not quite boiling water for 2-3 minutes.
Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 1 Tbs per 8 ounces (1 cup) of not quite boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Enjoy with a touch of honey.
Health Benefits: By now, the health benefits of green tea have been well-established. Here are just a few of the reasons we love it so much: it’s been shown to fight cancer and heart disease, lower cholesterol, prevent diabetes and stroke and to fight infection. It’s tough to beat that!
Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast – “Mild and gentle flavour but still feels rich and fulfilling.”
Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “Textured, toasted salad tea. So light and gentle but full of fragrance for taste.”
Florapharm’s Chai Americiane
Description: Delightful and exotic blend from German tea blender Florapharm. Offers an intoxicating aroma from the moment you open the tea till the last drop in your cup.
Ingredients: Black tea, cloves, cardamom, orange peels, flavor, cinnamon.
Steeping Instructions: Steep 2 teaspoons per 10oz of boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes.
Health Benefits: Most people don’t realize black tea comes with many of the similar health benefits as green tea, including reduced risk of stroke and heart disease, among many others. As well, black tea is said to increase energy, aid in digestive health and to promote healthy skin and hair. Black tea’s tannins are also great immunity-boosters.
Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast – “Sweet cinnamon soulfulness. Lightly steeped, it warms the body or brew it strong adding honey and warm milk to make a great dessert tea.”
Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast – “Wonderful naturally sweet taste. The cinnamon aroma with the strength of the black tea gives you a real perk. Great with milk, really balances the tea.”
Sonnentor’s Spring Kiss
Description: Mint and licorice with a gentle touch of lemon. Lots of mild flavors balanced so you can taste them all.
Ingredients: Lemongrass, peppermint, raspberry leaf, cardamom, liquorice, cornflowers, roseflowers.
Steeping Instructions: Steep 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.
Health Benefits: Lemongrass tea is known to aid in skin health, and to fight inflammation as well as cancer. It is also known for its detoxifying properties. Did you know that peppermint tea has been used medicinally for centuries? It is known to improve digestive health, reduce headaches, support menstrual health, lower fevers, and reduce inflammation.
Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast – “A sunny beautiful, minty liquorice, zing zang up-lifter. Nicely balanced and does not need honey.”
Zeta Newis, Tea Sparrow Family – “Amazing balance between so many pleasant flavours mint liquorice lemon wonderful.”