December’s Teas – 2013

Christmas has always been large part of my life. From early childhood I remember it being that one time of year when adults came together in full jovial form. I come from a very happy family, but Christmas always seemed to bring laughter with conversation that filled the room from eggnog brunch to punch bowl twilight. As I entered my adult years, I quickly realized that the eggnog and punch that we drank as kids was not what the adults were drinking. As an ode to innocent memories past, this Christmas season we have created a series of tea cocktail recipes. The top four, as voted by our members can be found at this link, http://goo.gl/lBiPo3.

May this holiday season bring you all the joy and blessings life may offer.

Michael Menashy

Tea Sparrow Family

Sonnentor’s Organic Santa’s Secret

Description: Cinnamon sweet, Christmas citrus spice. No wonder Santa keeps this one a secret. The Perfect stocking stuffer!

Ingredients: Apple pieces, Hibiscus, Rose hip, Cinnamon Ceylon, Pears, Quince, Essential Oils, Organic Orange, Cloves, Vanilla.

Heath Benefits: The phrase “herbal tea” or “tisanes” usually refers to infusions of fruit or herbs made without the tea plant. Regarding their benefits, apart from being the perfect refreshment on hot summer days, they are also packed with vitamin C. So it’s a great way to get your vitamin C without having to eat all the sugars that come with whole fruits.

Michael, “Christmas in a cup. Apple, cinnamon, and spice – perfect for those that are naughty and nice.”

Aromatica’s Nut Crunch Rooibos

Description: This tea is deliciously divine. The green rooibos, fruit pieces and hazelnut crunch make this the perfect seasonal blend. With a dash of milk you have warm apple pie à la mode in a cup.

Ingredients: Green honeybush, green rooibos, apple pieces, raisins, flavor and hazelnut pieces.

Heath Benefits: This incredibly flavoured caffeine-free tea is growing quickly in popularity but did you know that it also contains high amounts of antioxidants? Although the antioxidants found in rooibos tea are different from those in green tea, they are still known to fight off free radicals in the body. Rooibos tea is also known to fight off cardiovascular disease, liver disease and lower blood pressure.

Jenny, “Apple and nuts in a deep rooibos base that drinks like hot chocolate. Love it.”

Florapharm’s Snowflake

Description: A great blend of black tea with almond gives this tea a Marzipan flavour.

Ingredients: Ceylon and China black tea, coconut rasps, natural flavour, almond flakes.

Heath 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, “Marzipan rose love. A warm marzipan childhood memory.”

Elmwood Inn’s Cherry Rose Green

Description: Japanese sencha blended with rose petals and cherries – all the flavor and aroma of a spring orchard.

Ingredients: Japanese sencha green tea, rose petals and cherries.

Heath 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!

Zeta, “Spring time in Japan, cherry blossoms whirl with green tea swirl. Peppy and pretty on the tongue.”

Sonnentor’s Organic Peppermint – Bonus Tea!

Description: The perfect peppermint tea.

Ingredients: Organic Peppermint

Heath Benefits: 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.

Darcy, “Big beautiful dried leaves, mild crisp flavour. Delightful!”

December’s Teas Have Been Delivered, Enjoy!

November’s Tea – 2013

Ladies and Gentlemen, are you ready for ‘Round 2’ of the Earl Grey – White Tea Challenge? This month, we have two light heavyweight contenders. Both of these teas came in second place in their respective categories: Rishi Tea’s Earl Grey Supreme and Might Leaf’s White Orchard. We can’t wait to hear what you think. Look for ‘Round 3’ in February’s Tea Box: The Heavy Weights… With autumn’s chill upon us, we thought we would warm things up with Teaja’s Naked Chai, an incredibly smooth spiced herbal chai. For the herbal chai category, this is definitely one of my favourites! And bringing back a classic in the rooibos category: Aromatica’s Vanilla Honeybush. September 2012 was the last time we featured this tea and it was a fan favourite. For as common as vanilla blended with honeybush is, this tea really distinguishes itself with its golden caramel silky taste. Enjoy!

Rishi’s Earl Grey Supreme

Description: A special reserve for Earl Grey lovers, we infuse a smooth liquoring Keemun and a bold flavored Yunnan with 100% natural essential oil pressed from real bergamot citrus fruits. This oddly shaped citrus fruit from Southern Italy is what gives traditional Earl Grey its flowery and sweet citrus aroma. One of our British customers claims this is the best Earl Grey blend ever. What a compliment!

Ingredients: Organic Fair Trade Certified™ black tea and natural essential bergamot oil.

Heath 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, “The bergamot smell is intoxicating. After steeping, the taste 100% delivers. With a bit of honey and a spot of milk I can’t wake up to anything else.”

Mighty Leaf’s White Orchard Tea

Description: Mouth-watering fruits of melon and peach harmoniously blend with the delicate notes of pure China white tea. Pairs well with fruit, a cream-based dessert or pastry.

Ingredients: White tea, green tea, natural flavours, and flower petals.

Heath Benefits: Because the white tea leaves are virtually undisturbed from their natural state when they are picked, they maintain a higher amount of antioxidants than their cousins, green and black teas. Some other interesting facts about white tea: it helps promote dental health as well as building a stronger immune system.

Zeta, “So light when you drink it, but the after taste is a rich citrus spicy. Love it.”

Aromatica’s Vanilla Honeybush

Description: Smooth aromatic vanilla caramel flavour. Delicious hot or as an iced tea.

Ingredients: Honeybush, natural vanilla flavour, and vanilla bits.

Heath Benefits: This incredibly flavoured caffeine-free tea is growing quickly in popularity but did you know that it also contains high amounts of antioxidants? Although the antioxidants found in rooibos tea are different from those in green tea, they are still known to fight off free radicals in the body. Rooibos tea is also known to fight off cardiovascular disease, liver disease and lower blood pressure.

Jenny, “Mellow. Sweet. Gold. ”

Teaja’s Organic Naked Chai

Description: Keep warm this holiday season with what is hands down the best caffeine-free cuppa chai you’ve ever tasted. Cardamom and clove top notes, augmented by ginger and cinnamon, with a faint but delightful aroma of black pepper present in the smooth, fresh finish. This beautiful blend of spices imparts exquisite aroma with impeccable taste.

Ingredients: Organic cardamom, organic cinnamon, organic clove, organic black pepper, and organic ginger.

Heath Benefits: Naturally caffeine-free, this delicious organic blend of warming chai spices freshens breath, aids in digestion, enhances circulation, balances blood sugar, and boosts immune health.

Michael, “So clean and mild, but totally spicy too. Top marks to the blender.”

October’s Tea 2013

Earl Grey tea has been at the heart of Tea Sparrow since we started this club. We have been sent well over 100 different styles of Earl Grey tea throughout the years and to this day only 4 have ever made the grade among our Tea Party enthusiasts. This month, we’re featuring not one, but two of them: Florapharm’s Manhattan Earl Grey and Aromatica’s Organic Earl Grey Vanilla Rooibos. We also started our White Tea challenge back in March of this year and after trying 63 different white teas and white tea blends, we have rounded it down to our members’ 3 favourites. This month, we introduce you to The Tea Spot’s White Wedding Tea. The salty maple syrup toffee taste won the hearts of the whole team and with no hesitation we said, “I do.” Heads’ up: over the next four months, keep an eye out for the other finalists in our White Tea and Earl Grey challenges. Enjoy!

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family

The Tea Spot’s White Wedding Tea

White Wedding Tea is a celebration of fresh white tea leaves & caramel notes of roasted chestnut. A sweet bouquet & tiny white flowers adorn this full leaf white tea. These Bai Yun tea leaves impart a great body & flavor which lasts over multiple infusions.

Ingredients: White tea, jasmine flowers and roasted chestnut flavoring.

Heath Benefits: Because the white tea leaves are virtually undisturbed from their natural state when they are picked, they maintain a higher amount of antioxidants than their cousins, green and black teas. Some other interesting facts about white tea: it helps promote dental health as well as building a stronger immune system.

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “Wow, it taste like salty maple syrup toffee. Earthy, festive, smooth and sweet.”

Florapharm’s Manhattan Earl Grey

This full rounded Earl Grey has a light and mild taste, perfect for gentle morning wake up.

Ingredients: Black tea, sunflower petals, flavour and mallow blossoms.

Heath 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.

Zeta Newis, Tea Sparrow Family – “A new morning favourite for my tea cupboard.”

Aromatica’s Organic Earl Grey Vanilla Rooibos

Organic rooibos with the same fragrant bergamot as regular Earl Grey, but with the addition of rich vanilla to round out the profile.

Ingredients: Rooibos, calendula petals, almond slices, vanilla, and bergamot.

Health Benefits: This incredibly flavoured caffeine-free tea is growing quickly in popularity but did you know that it also contains high amounts of antioxidants? Although the antioxidants found in rooibos tea are different from those in green tea, they are still known to fight off free radicals in the body. Rooibos tea is also known to fight off cardiovascular disease, liver disease and lower blood pressure.

Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast – “Light, slightly sweet, with a wonderful clean flavour. The almond and bergamot blend is fantastic.”

Tiesta Tea’s Nutty Almond Cream

Sweet almond with apple and cinnamon provide a nutty finish to the soothing blend. The unique nuttiness is unobtainable anywhere else.

Ingredients: Apple pieces, crushed almonds, cinnamon pieces, beetroot pieces.

Health Benefits: The phrase “herbal tea” or “tisanes” usually refers to infusions of fruit or herbs made without the tea plant. Regarding their benefits, apart from being the perfect refreshment on hot summer days, they are also packed with vitamin C. So it’s a great way to get your vitamin C without having to eat all the sugars that come with whole fruits.

Zeta Newis, Tea Sparrow Family – “What a pleasure. Waves and waves of Yumminess! Have it for dessert with a touch of honey or with milk as well.”

September’s Teas Have Been Delivered, Enjoy!

“I told you so”, is rarely the most pleasing phrase we hear in a day. However, when it comes from Joy, owner of Royal Teas of Kenya, it’s my favourite thing to hear. This month we are featuring Royal Tajiri Tea, an exquisite orthodox black Kenya tea which comes to us from Joy. We are also giving our last shout-out to summer blends with Citrus Sunburst: sweet, tart and totally awesome ice! And we are featuring one of the best quality rooibos teas we have tried: Earth, from Tree of Life Teas. They have recently developed an incredible rooibos compressed puck made to use with your espresso machine called “Rooispresso”. If this sounds interesting to you, let us know and we will be happy to include a free sample in an upcoming Tea Box. Enjoy this month’s selections!

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family

Tree of Life Tea’s Earth

Description: The soothing combination of sage, lavender and a touch of bergamot in the caffeine free based Rooibos Earth Blend makes for the perfect cup of relaxing stress reducing tea. Find peace.

Ingredients: Organic Rooibos, Organic Lavender, Organic Sage, Organic Purple Carrot and Bergamot.

Health Benefits: This incredibly flavoured caffeine-free tea is growing quickly in popularity but did you know that it also contains high amounts of antioxidants? Although the antioxidants found in rooibos tea are different from those in green tea, they are still known to fight off free radicals in the body. Rooibos tea is also known to fight off cardiovascular disease, liver disease and lower blood pressure.

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “A lavender, bergamot, rooibos wow.  Fantastic look, great smell, great tastes. Truly rooibos greatness.”

Zeta Newis, Tea Sparrow Family – “Wow, the Lavender is absolutely perfect.”

Royal Tea of Kenya’s Royal Tajiri Tea

Description: Royal Tajiri is an exceptionally pleasant tea, with a bold, red liquor. It provides what so many black teas aim for, but are unable to deliver: delicious aroma and a rich, expansive flavor. It performs well brewed strong, for the traditional English style milk-and-sugar tea drinkers or brewed mildly for those who prefer a more delicate cup.

Ingredients: Orthodox Black Kenya Tea

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 – “Morning, day or night this tea is always the perfect cup.”

Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast – “The quintessential black tea. A must try!”

Tiesta Tea’s Citrus Sunburst

Description: Its glow is similar to the setting sun over an island paradise. Burning with colors of deep orange, thick reds and bright yellows. Feel like your feet are in the sand and the beach island wind is in your hair.

Ingredients: Papaya cubes, mango bits, apple pieces, hibiscus blossoms, orange slices, pomegranate arils, and safflowers.

Health Benefits: The phrase “herbal tea” or “tisanes” usually refers to infusions of fruit or herbs made without the tea plant. Regarding their benefits, apart from being the perfect refreshment on hot summer days, they are also packed with vitamin C. So it’s a great way to get your vitamin C without having to eat all the sugars that come with whole fruits.

Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast – “The perfect balance of citrus and hibiscus. Fruity, fun and bright.”

Zeta Newis, Tea Sparrow Family – “Wonderful ice tea. Fruity notes make me so happy.”

Bird Pick Tea’s Floral Awakening

Description: Stimulate your palate with this unforgettable sweet tea. Floral Awakening is an original Bird Pick blend in commemoration of this year’s new Spring harvest. Its golden brew boasts naturally sweet apricot and rosy notes that are sure to awaken the senses.

Ingredients: Organic Shoe Mei White Tea, European Rose, Osmanthus Flowers.

Health Benefits: Because the white tea leaves are virtually undisturbed from their natural state when they are picked, they maintain a higher amount of antioxidants than their cousins, green and black teas. Some other interesting facts about white tea: it helps promote dental health as well as building a stronger immune system.Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast – “Earthy, natural, rosy and rich. Flavoured green that feels earth bound.”

Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast – “Naturally sweet and the white tea matches the rose perfectly. Love it.”

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.”

Tea Party 25, 2013

Once a year, foodies from across Vancouver come together to celebrate specialty cuisine, fine foods & snacks, over a bar stocked with international liquors and beers at the event known as EAT! Vancouver. So as I’m sure you can imagine, this year Tea Sparrow found a home at EAT! Vancouver and the show found a place close to my heart. While at the show we signed up a wonderful array of tea enthusiasts and authentic characters. The 25^th Tea Party was in dedication to our newest family members.

1. Today we decided to wrap up the loose ends in the tea cupboard. With just a few samples remaining from Tiesta Tea, Mighty Leaf and The Tea Spot we brewed them head-to-head. But what would a tea party be without a new tea blender  for a dash of excitement, so introducing tea blender, 3 Teas.

2. Welcome Tea Sparrow members Jing Jing & Roslyn.

3. For our first round we brew white and green teas. We have Lavender White, Peppermint, Ginger Green by 3 Teas and Jade Tips by The Tea Spot.

4. The first round goes over well, but this is a tough crowd. I’m a sucker for anything with lavender so 3 Teas has my number, but the rest of the table feels the lavender is too overpowering.

5. After the Tea Party we mix some extra white tea I have into the Lavender White. We serve it for friends and it win over the crowd this time, serving the tea both hot and iced.

6. During Round Two we sample the last three Mighty Leaf teas we have: Earl Grey Decaf, Orchard Oolong and Brazilian Fruit.

7. Welcome Mathew & Tanya. As we wait for the teas to brew we smell the blends and discuss the leaves.

8. The teas brew beautifully.

9. The round goes over well and everyone likes the teas but alas nothing scores well enough for a Tea Box.

10. Onto the last round; we brew the herbal teas: The Tea Spot’s Sweet Lullaby and Tiesta Tea’s Granny’s Garden & Ginger Sweet Peach.

July’s Tea Box

Tieasta Tea’s Flap Jack Oolong

Description: Remember that excitement of waking up to fresh-made pancakes smothered in maple syrup? Bring back that childlike enjoyment with a nostalgic maple aroma of full-favored oolong leaves, blended with fresh picked walnuts straight from California.

Ingredients: Oolong tea, walnut pieces and maple syrup.

Steeping Instructions: Steep 2 teaspoons  per 8 ounces (1 cup) of not-quite-boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes.

Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of not-quite-boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes.

Health Benefits: This tea, known in China as ‘black dragon tea,’ boasts many health benefits such as maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, aiding in weight loss, maintaining healthy teeth and bones, as well as reducing stress and promoting healthy skin.

Zeta Newis, Tea Sparrow Family – “It’s the perfect match to a strong oolong. Mmm…love it.”

Jenny Dent, Tea Enthusiast – “Round subtle layers of coconut nutty bliss. The best oolong blend I’ve tasted.”

Bird Pick’s Tranquili-Tea

Description: Tranquili-Tea is a harmony of lavender, chamomile and mint leaves that offers an herbal combination known to soothe and calm the body. Best consumed before bedtime, this tea has a delightfully melody of sweet floral flavors and minty undertones that truly appeases one’s senses.

Ingredients: Chamomile, Lavender and Mint.

Steeping Instructions: Steep 2 teaspoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 5 minutes.

Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 1 tablespoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 4 to 5 minutes. Add a touch of honey to round it off.

Health Benefits: Chamomile throughout the ages has been regarded as a medicinal cure-all. It was considered a universal remedy by the ancient Egyptians, and the Romans and Greeks used chamomile flowers as a compress to apply to wounds to speed healing. It’s no wonder that modern medicine has been able to find so many additional health benefits to this flower as a tea. Here are but a few: chamomile tea boosts the immune system and fight infections associated with colds. It also helps relieve muscle spasms and menstrual cramps, relaxes the nerves, soothes the stomach, reduces inflammation, improves liver function, helps relieve back pain and rheumatism and is most well-known as a sleep aid.

Jenny Dent, Tea Sparrow Enthusiast – “The mint blended in adds such a twist. The lavender blends harmoniously too. Mellow, soothing, enjoyable; a definite yes for all chamomile lovers.”

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “Second favourite chamomile all time. Really smooth, minty, super flavourful. Touch of honey makes it desert.”

Might Leaf’s Mandarin Rose Tea

Description: Mandarin Rose boasts a garden of aromatic, candy-pink petals and rich black China tea leaves that result in a delicate wine essence with hints of chocolate and rose. This exotic Mighty Leaf signature blend offers a fragrant and visually memorable experience.

Ingredients: Black Tea, Longan Fruit and Rose Petals.

Steeping Instructions: Steep 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 4 minutes.

Tea Sparrow Suggests: Steep 1 tablespoon 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.

Darcy McMurray, Tea Enthusiast – “The rose comes through perfect. A heavenly iced tea.”

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “Add a touch of honey if drinking hot. It will give it an extra richness. But iced, drink it as is, just perfect.”

Bird Pick’s Indian Cinnamon

Description: A bold aromatic tea with spicy and sweet undercurrents. Indian Cinnamon Tea combines a lightly robust black tea with pieces of cinnamon bark for a satisfying brew. Cinnamon has been known to boast antibacterial properties as well as aid in lowering LDL cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Ingredients: Cinnamon Bits, 100% Natural Cinnamon Flavor, CTC Indian Black Tea.

Steeping Instructions: Steep 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces (1 cup) of boiling water for 3 to 4 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.

Michael Menashy, Tea Sparrow Family – “So beautiful, so flavourful and so richly floral. Doesn’t need anything, just perfect!”

July’s Teas Have Been Delivered, Enjoy!

From tea growers to blenders to world-leading sommeliers, our community includes people at every step of the process. We taste dozens of teas each month, with no affiliation to blenders, and chose the blends that inspire us most to share with you. We do this by having our team of tea connoisseurs and sommeliers sample and score the teas for look, region, aroma and of course, taste. We take pride in delivering a variety of world-class blends to your door every month – we feel we deserve it, and so do you!

Check out July’s teas below. Now taking orders on June’s teas, shipping on the 17.

Testimony

Growing up we all had our heroes: parents; teachers;  athletes and comic book characters. Never did I think the Mad Hatter would be the one I would most emulate. Sure, I don’t have a talking mouse, invisible cat or white rabbit, but I do have my own crew of off-the-wall regulars who guarantee me my own person gong show. By nature, I love to elevate anything I do, so it struck me one sunny afternoon: why not spike the punch bowl at the next tea party? And spike it I did. Two of the teas this month along with two teas from last month we have created delicious summer Tea Cocktails. Follow this link to try out our simple recipes that everyone has been raving about, http://bit.ly/15rp9VV. This is part two of my favourite Tea Box yet, so with no further ado, Enjoy!

Note for inside Tea Boxes

Tea Sparrow Tea Party Cocktails

Growing up we all had our heroes: parents; teachers;  athletes and comic book characters. Never did I think the Mad Hatter would be the one I would most emulate. Sure, I don’t have a talking mouse, invisible cat or white rabbit, but I do have my own crew of off-the-wall regulars who guarantee me my own person gong show. By nature, I love to elevate anything I do, so it struck me one sunny afternoon: why not spike the punch bowl at the next tea party? And spike it I did.

For two of the teas this month along with two teas from last month we have created delicious summer Tea Cocktails. Follow this link to try out our simple recipes that everyone has been raving about, http://bit.ly/15rp9VV. This is part two of my favourite Tea Box yet, so with no further ado, Enjoy!

Tea Party 24 – 2013

The Tea Parties are always a ridiculously good time, filled with laughter, humour, and general mayhem. And why not? The Mad Hatter has always been a suitable role model for young girls and boys. This Tea Party embodied all that I hold dear. So I tip my hat with a huge thanks to Ariella, Jenny, Michelle and Evi to an incredible and wacky afternoon we all spent over tea.

1. The three contenders today are the Tea Spot from Boulder Colorado, Samovar Tea Lounge from San Francisco and Le Palais des Thés from Paris, France.

2. As Ariella tries to set up the score cards and I brew the first round of teas the laughter begins. After about 4 mins of jokes the timer goes off just to discover no one has poured the water into the tea pots.

3. Round one is the green/white tea brew off. The Tea Spot’s White Wedding brings in three 10/10 and two 9.5/10. For the first tea of the day…unheard of! Congratulations Tea Spot.

4. Evi takes a closer look at Samovar’s Ryokucha, a sencha ground tea.

5. Welcome Tea Sparrow member Evi to her first Tea Party.

6. Everyone is hard at work, just barely. We decide to draw self-portraits instead of writing our names on the score cards.

7. Round two goes to Samovar’s Cacao Mint. Fun playful sweet taste that seems to match the mood of the day just right.

8. Michelle confirms with smiles.

9. Evi is a singer and writer so she is particularly inspired by the Tolstoy’s Sip blend from the day’s third round.

10. Ariella captures the mood of the day.