CaryTown Teas Presents : Holiday Show n' Tell Extravaganza

Starting at 5:30 pm and going right up until 9:00 pm on Sunday night , November 22th we will be hosting a trunk show featuring handmade jewlery by local artists Didi Chisholm and Buttafly Vasquez !

There will be a tea tasting and some unique tea cocktails too.. YES.... FOR FREE !!!

We are located at 24 S. Nansemond st.

Located in the Ukrops shopping center (next to Burger & fries)

Thinking Outside The Cup : Idea #1

Tea isnt just for drinking , for centuries it has been used for all sorts of different things from dying fabrics to soothing tooth aches..you can even cook with it!

Here by popular demand is the first installment of "Thinking Outside The Cup" a monthly post about all the various uses of tea.
Now that we are getting into these cooler months I thought I might start with one of my favorite autumnal recipes....

Puerh Baked Chicken Breast

For the Rub:

-3 Tbp Autumnal Leaves Puerh ( if you prefer it to be more subtle 2 Tbp)

-1 Tbp Sea salt

-2 Tbp cumin seeds

- 2 Tbp paprika (smoked)

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees

-Combine ingredients and grind until fine

-Rub (free range) chicken breasts with olive oil and then with the rub.

-Bake for 30 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

-Switch the oven to broil and grill for 5 minutes on each side.

.....pairs well with acorn squash drizzled with a little maple syrup , salt n' pepper...and of course a cup of tea!!!

Hey Mistie ? What is Fair Trade??

I think the most commonly asked question I get in the shop is " what does fair trade mean?"

Here are a couple answers to that question.

Fair Trade is much more than a fair price! Fair Trade principles include:

• Fair price: Democratically organized farmer groups receive a guaranteed minimum floor price and an additional premium for certified organic products. Farmer organizations are also eligible for pre-harvest credit.
  
  
• Fair labor conditions: Workers on Fair Trade farms enjoy freedom of association, safe working conditions, and living wages. Forced child labor is strictly prohibited.
  
  
• Direct trade: With Fair Trade, importers purchase from Fair Trade producer groups as directly as possible, eliminating unnecessary middlemen and empowering farmers to develop the business capacity necessary to compete in the global marketplace.
  
  
• Democratic and transparent organizations: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers decide democratically how to invest Fair Trade revenues.
  
  
• Community development: Fair Trade farmers and farm workers invest Fair Trade premiums in social and business development projects like scholarship programs, quality improvement trainings, and organic certification.
  
  
• Environmental sustainability: Harmful agrochemicals and GMOs are strictly prohibited in favor of environmentally sustainable farming methods that protect farmers’ health and preserve valuable ecosystems for future generations.

Holiday Rock n' Shop !!!!

Wondering what you are going to get those special people in your life??????? The sexy ladies of Cherry Bomb are hosting an awesome craft fair at Gallery 5 December 6th from 12pm to 6pm. They handpicked local vendors to sell their wares including us!! We will be there selling tea "paraphanalia" and some other extra special treats. I cant imagine a better way to shop than at a rad gallery while listening to groovy music spun by sweet, sweet ladies..AND THERE IS MORE !!! The money they raise from this event will go towards helping Gallery 5 fix their leaky roof as well as the Fan Free Clinic !!!!!For more information check out their blog http://www.cherrybombrva.blogspot.com

The Beginning of Tea : Chinese Version

Legendary emperor Shen Nung is said to have discovered many medicinal properties of plants. Worshipped as a god for the many gifts he gave to China, the discovery of tea is attributed to him and even dated to 2737 B.C. The story goes that one day, while resting under a tree, Shen Nung, who always boiled his water, saw a few leaves fall into the pot. When he drank the resulting brew, which he found delicious and refreshing, he "discovered" the stimulating beneficial properties of the tea leaf.

It goes without saying that Shen Nung was a pretty cool dude , not only did he boil his own water but he mandated that the citizens of China do so as well....he even introduced Marijuana to his people as a pain medication....I would have to say that If he was around now days , he would definitely be one of the popular kids.