From the Garden To the Tea Cup

Dont Forget To Book Your Spot !

2012-01-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

We only have a few spots left, reserve yours before its too late!!

Mother Daughter Tea and Tasting

2012-01-14T13:06:00.000-08:00

" Soon to Become a True Richmond Tradition"

Presented by CaryTown Teas & Green Monkey Catering

Lisa Granger, Professional Chef- Green Monkey Catering

Patricia Guillouard Adams, Master Tea Blender- CaryTown Teas

Where; The Elgant Glave Kocen Gallery (www.glavekocengallery.com)

1620 West Main Street, Richmond VA 23220

When; Saturday, February 11, 2012

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm in the afternoon

Enjoy this monthly event with the regional teas paired with the tastings of delicacies from around the world. The February event features loving teas, paired and complimented with a delightful tasting menu.

Tasting Menu

Grand Marnier Infused Strawberries Dipped in Chocolate

Heart Shaped Strawberry Basil Scones w/Strawberry Cream

English Tea Sandwiches

Cheddar Cheese Straws and Fruit

Goat Cheese Chocolate Truffles

Teas

Black Rose

Chocolate Lovers

Plum Oolong

Mother's Bouquet

Make your reservations by calling 804.740.6659 Seating is limited to 35.

Reservations are $15 per person for children and adults(3 or more tickets are$13 per person).

Reservations are accepted until Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at noon or until seating capacity is reached.

Celebrate the Holidays with CaryTown Teas

2011-12-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

We have extended our holiday hours for the month of December, Monday thru Saturday 10 am to 8 pm and Sundays 12 pm to 5 pm. We hope that these longer shop hours will help all of you that have crazy work schedules.

On top of our new hours, we have also started blending our holiday teas, including;

Holiday Chai

Winter White

Hot Cinnamon Spice

Cinnamon Plum

Holiday Blend

Turmeric Ginger

Icewine

Sage Bergamot

Fire Ginseng

And dont forget all of our tea accessories, including;

local tea pottery

glass tea pots & mugs

blooming tea sets

matcha sets

yerba mate sets

prepared gift baskets

custom tea sample chests

gift certificates

tea of the month club memberships

AND plenty of stocking stuffers.....

Yerba Mate + Bike Ride = AWESOME !!!

2011-09-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

I was recently up in the D.C. area to visit some friends and I had the pleasure of bringing my bike along. I lived up there years ago and am kicking myself in the face for never using the W&OD trail . I never knew that northern Virginia had such a pretty hidden treasure.

I spent a lot of time on the trail and there are so many things that I love about it but I have to say my favorite memory is this picture. I stopped under a tree that was right next to these three guys and had a Yerba Mate stop. While they were busy trying to eat my bike I revved up my energy for the next part of my ride.

In remembrance of that awesome day, We are doing a September special. When you buy a Hand Carved Diamond Yerba Mate Set at the discounted price of $50 you will get 2 FREE ounces of both the Roasted Lemongrass Yerba Mate and the Tupa Yerba Mate !!! Also, if you have the chance, I really recommend you check out the trail.

We're BAAAAaaaaaack !!

2011-09-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

And we have a whole shop full of freshly blended teas for you. PLum Oolong and Cranberry Autumn are back for the season, dont miss out!!!!

OFF TO THE FARMS !!!!!

2011-08-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder, Patricia and I will be closing the shop from August 20th to September 6th. We will be visiting some of our various herb farms on the west coast.

If there are any teas that you are running low on now is the time to come snatch them up !! We dont want anyone to run out of tea while we are gone ( we know how much that sucks).

Come in any time Tuesday thru Saturday 11am - 6pm. But dont wait till the last minute, people are rrrreeeaaaallyy stocking up fast !!!

SUMMER HOURS

2011-06-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

Starting July 15th we will be switching to our

Summer Hours

Sunday & Monday

CLOSED

Tuesday

11-6

Wednesday

11-6

Thursday

11-6

Friday

11-6

Saturday

11-6

And we will be CLOSED August 20th thru September 6th. We will be visiting some of our herb farms out west...soooo if you are getting low on tea then you might want to come by and stock up!!

JUNE = NATIONAL ICED TEA MONTH

2011-06-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

It all began on a hot summer day in June 1904, in a city on the banks of the Mississippi River. It was the Worlds Fair and exhibitors throughout the grounds were working to attract fair goers to their booths and ultimately promote their ideas or products. Among them was Englishman Richard Blechynden, representing Indian tea growers; he was overseeing one of the opulent pavilions. Decorated in the finest silks, and staffed by Indian men dressed in traditional garb, who were all meticulously trained in proper tea service, Richard anxiously awaited the opportunity to introduce the finest black teas India had to offer to the crowd of fair goers. The U.S. tea market was dominated by China and believe it or not, green tea was the best seller in the Midwest.

When a heat wave hit St. Louis, Blechynden’s hopes for a successful tea party were dashed. Absolutely no one was lining up to sip hot tea in the sweltering heat and pavilion remained empty.

While contemplating what to do next, Blechynden noticed an ice delivery at a nearby food stand and the idea struck him! He purchased several blocks of ice, borrowed ice picks and put the well dressed staffers to work chipping away and filling glasses, first with ice, and then with brewed tea. The tea was a hit! Cold and refreshing was a sure fire winner on the hot, humid summer days, and crowds lined up to get a taste and cool off. India had finally made a dent in the U.S. tea market and iced tea clearly became the tea of choice for Americans; now 85% of the tea consumed in the US is served over ice.

Drink Recipe: Spiced Rooibos Punch

2011-05-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Spiced Rooibos Punch

Yields 35 cups of punch

If you do not have fresh, juicy oranges and lemons, use frozen lemon juice (defrosted) and a not-from-concentrate orange juice in a carton. The Rooibos can be placed in a teaball (metal or plastic infuser) or use teabags so you do not have to strain it out after brewing.

1 teaspoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon whole sticks
6 quarts cold water
5 teaspoons Rooibos
juice of 6 oranges
juice of 3 lemons
2 cups pineapple juice
3 cups sugar or alternative sweetener, approximate

(needless to say, use organic ingredients)

Place the spices in a cheesecloth or tea-infusion bag, and the Rooibos into a separate bag if using loose. Add both to the water and bring to a boil. Let stand five minutes, then remove the two bags and discard. Stir in the three fruit juices, then the sugar or other sweetener, adjusting to taste. Can be served hot or chilled.

Just Ducking Around

2011-04-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Really excited about these floating infusers, they came in yesterday and are definitely going in some Easter baskets..

By the White Moonlight

2011-03-10T14:06:00.000-08:00

Moonlight White

Moonlight White is made with minimal processing, relying mainly on natura withering. Due to drought conditions this year, the fresh tea leaves had less moisture and during processing, the tea dried at a faster rate, so this lot seems a bit less oxidized and has a noticeably fresher edge to it. Still, this tea has a distinctive fruity, melon, honey and a bit flowery character. It has a truly unique character of ancient cultivated assamica with specific fruity, honey and brisk character that differs from the more savory Fuding white teas. Prepare like white tea or try infusing more leaf, a gaiwan and prepare using the gong fu cha method, similar to making puerh.

This is the first time I have ever seen a white tea fly of the shelf this fast. Truly an amazing tea.

"Tea Time" Mail Art Is Here Again !!

2011-02-23T11:03:00.000-08:00

Patricia and I want to say thank you to all of you who sent us those wonderful pieces! And of course a H-U-G-E THANK YOU to Mim for putting the "Tea Time"mail art call out there. There are so many wonderful pieces!!!

We are Going Home !

2011-02-22T11:19:00.000-08:00

Its been close to half a year and we are FINALLY going home !! We are hoping to be back in the shop at 24 S. Nansemond st. by the 1st of March. Here are a few pictures of what it looks like now.

" Crossed Eyes & Dotted Teas "

2010-11-18T12:54:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Richmond's FIRST optical / tea shop !!!!!!!!!!!

Come check us out, our holiday hours are 10-7 Mon thru Sat & 12-5 Sunday.

3506 W. Cary ( 2 doors down to the left on the other side of Burgers & Fries)

We are getting our signs in tomorrow, for now there is just a sign for Carytown Optical but we ARE here!!

A view from the window.

Changing some bulbs to brighten the space up.

Doing what we can to spice up a drab building.

I actually really love the neon glasses, at night it gives everything a soft glow.

New tea pots!

The optical shop is getting along pretty well, Cynthia is getting new inventory every day.

Neon lips that were once in a "business of the night".....

Stay tuned for the Tea Party/Fire Sale, awesome tea (duh), Designer frames for CHEAP and awesome local art and jewelry.........oh, and tea infused alcohol and wine!!!!

Fresh Off The Boat !!!

2010-11-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

Just got in this morning and just finished blending...Yerba Mate !!! YAY!!!!

Now We Have..

Green Raw Mate

Roasted Mate

Tupa Mate

Lemon Ginger Mate

Carob Mint Mate

IN STOCK NOW !!

2010-10-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

Today is the first official day that we are open in the temporary space (3506 w. cary st. / 2 doors down from the tea shop) with Carytown Optical.

While we are here the hours will be...

Tue-Sat : 1-7

Sun-Mon : CLOSED

Our teas are trickling in so not everything is blended but if you let us know what you cant live without we will put that at the top of we are getting there!!!!

This is what we have

In Stock

BLACK

Assam

Decaf Ceylon

Kenya Milima

English Breakfast

Irish Breakfast

Palm Court

Richmond Blend

Supreme Breakfast

Apricot

Black Rose

Chocolate Lover's

Chocolate Mint

Cranberry Autumn

Decaf Earl Grey

Earl Grey

Earl Grey Supreme

Ginger Peach

Hot Cinnamon Spice

Mango

Mistie's Blend

Paris

Patricia's Blend

OOLONG

Wuyi Oolong

GREEN

Sencha

Decaf Sencha

IZU Matcha

Dragon Pearl Jasmine

CHAI

Masala Chai

ROOIBOS

Green Peach Rooibos

TISANE (herbal)

Sabdariffa Hibiscus

Fire Ginseng

Strawberry Kiwi

Red Clover Blossoms

Peppermint

Egyptian Chamomile

AND DONT FORGET!! We have tea pots, infusers, mesh balls, etc...

The Aftermath...

2010-10-14T06:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the pictures I took right after we got the go ahead to go back into the tea shop.

They really don't do it justice. It was too dark in the back of the shop to actually see any of the fire damage.

Our main problem is the smoke damage..it REEKED in there..every day I got home I had to wash my hair 3 to 4 times and it would still have a slight smoky smell.

It was horrible knowing that we had just the night before, finished blending all the teas and had the shelves totally full and ready to rock.

When we opened up the tins they all smelled like smoke, ironically, the Lapsang Souchong which is supposed to smell smoky, had absolutely no smell to it whatsoever.

Fortunately the company that specializes in fire and water damage arrived ASAP and I just talked to them yesterday and all of our furniture is smoke free and like brand new.

The shop , as of Wednesday is smoke free and now we are just waiting on the contractor to paint the walls and put the new ceilings in.

Again, thanks to everyone for the support. When we re-open we are going to break the shop in right, with a PARTY !!!!

Love you all, you are the bees knees!!

Ah, the smell of burning tea...

2010-10-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday October 6th around 8 in the morning the building connected to CaryTown Teas went ablaze.. destroying CaryTown Optical and Appointments Salon which resides on the second floor. CaryTown Teas sustained major smoke damage along with minor fire damage...

The optical shop and salon have extensive structural damage that will most likely take a couple months to repair, in the meantime you can still get ahold of them by calling their business numbers and also temporarily, Cynthia, owner of Carytown Optical is occupying the space directly above CaryTown Teas.

The tea shop is already undergoing repairs and is scheduled to open sometime in the next two weeks. We have already started to get fresh teas in from our farms and we are blending off site as we speak, so if you need your tea fix you can still purchase through our website .

When the store front opens up we are planning a big re-opening party for all of you lovely folks that have been so wonderful during this trying time...You Guys Are Awesome !!!

.........In the meantime I hope you all enjoy this lovely picture of Patricia from the CaryTown Teas Archives....

The Shop

2010-09-27T09:40:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget how pretty the shop is, I am so lucky that I dont have to report to a cubicle every day....

Lazy Dayz

2010-09-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to share this adorable sight......wish I got paid to do that. When Tartine is sleeping is the only time she isnt getting into trouble...dont let this cutepicture fool you....

2010-09-08T08:31:00.000-07:00

Immunity Booster

Today while riding my bike to work I noticed that besides the wonderful cool breeze, leaves were dropping of the trees ! The time has finally come. Autumn is almost here and with the beautiful gold and crimson leaves comes the cold & flu season.....

So in preparation I have started blended extra strength batches of the Immunity Booster and yes, it tastes awesome. It is great as a hot drink but surprisingly it is wonderful iced too.

CaryTown Teas - 2010 North American Tea Championship Winner

2010-08-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

Richmond, VA ( Aug. 12, 2010). For the second year in a row Richmond's CaryTown Teas has been selected as one of the nation's best tea blenders. In this year's competition, competing against the nation's largest commercial tea producers, CaryTown Teas LLC's Tummy Tonic won second place at the 2010 North American Tea Championship in the Unflavored Herbal Blends category of the Hot Tea Class.

To choose the recipient of this award, the North American Tea Championship judging panel of professionl cuppers asessed eachsubmission through blind organoleptic analysis of the following characteristics: dry leaf; brewed color; brewed aoma; brewed flavor; brewed mouth-feel; brewed harmony. The ratings of each characteristic were then used to calculate an overall numerial value on a 100-point scale, and winners were determined by rank.

In recognition of its excellent evaluation, World Tea Media presents the Second Place North American Tea Championship Award to CaryTown Teas LLC for its Tummy Tonic Blend.

Teapot Tattoo

2010-03-15T11:03:00.001-07:00

Teapot Tattoo, originally uploaded by nicasaurusrex.

so cute.... and look at her shirt, more teapots !

Ladies Love the " T "

2010-03-12T12:35:00.001-08:00

more_tea, originally uploaded by cakemix.

I just started getting really into Flickr. I keep finding these great photos of girls that love their tea just as much as I do. I thought it would be fun to start sharing these sweet finds with you. Hope you enjoy this first one by cakemix

Through the Looking Glass

2010-03-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

Today is a bummer. It is warm yet rainy. It is Friday yet feels like Monday. It is just one of those days.

EXCEPT we just received the new spring harvest of Green Jade !!! It is a wonderful high grown green from western Hubei, China. It is selected from the farmer's earliest spring batch.

I steeped 1 Tbp at 185 degrees for 3 1/2 minutes. It has a wonderful mellow and refreshing character that suggests toasted chestnut and fresh cut grass.

Hot or on ice this is definitely going to be keeping me company this spring.

Rembeng TGFOP Assam

2010-03-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

So last week I was sent a sample of an Assam from the Rembeng estate. I didn't really pay it any mind at first because we are really happy with the Assam that we carry. But as usual, whenever I am in the mood we run out. I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to do a taste test with a couple other Assams that I was recently given. I used the exact same measurements , same temperature, and steeping time.
The Rembeng came out #1 with flying colors. I wont even bother mentioning the other two for fear of making them cry.
Extremely smooth with little to no astringency. Rembeng is definitely a new favorite of mine. It is extremely versatile, I have already forgotten about it while steeping ( left it for approx. 12 minutes) and it was still not bitter at all. It is a great blending base and absolutely fabulous as an iced tea. I highly recommend it to anyone that is a lover of black tea.
So if you are in the area , stop by the shop and check it out.....yes, I ordered it the same day I tasted it.....its that good..AND, of course, it is Fair Trade & Organic !!

Behold the Beauty that is Blooming Tea !

2010-02-08T11:11:00.000-08:00

Every year it is the same thing, teddy bears, chocolates, flowers ...BORING !!!!!!

Put a little thought into your gift this year. You dont have to spend a lot of money to make your lady/man happy. Let them know you have a mind of your own and dont follow the drones.....drones are lame....dont be lame...

Although they are somewhat new to people in the United States, the practice of hand crafting leaves into "blooming teas" is an age-old Chinese art form that dates back centuries.( Remember Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubJgd5HMAhM )

Carefully created by skilled artisans in China these teas are a breath of fresh air , not only are they beautiful but they are a wonderful way to sit back, relax and appreciate the little things in life......like your girlfriend..wink.

Thinking Outside The Cup # 3 , Iron Goddess Shrimp

2010-02-05T12:05:00.003-08:00

This is a recipe that a friend put me onto, he uses Sencha but I seem to really enjoy the slightly roasted flavor that the Iron Goddess of Mercy lends to the shrimp.

Iron Goddess Shrimp

Ingredients

2 Tbp Iron Goddess of Mercy Oolong

1 cup spring water

1 dozen fresh , large shrimp

1 bunch of spring greens, washed and dried

1 tsp lemon zest for garnish

1 Tbp chopped chives for garnish

Instructions

- Steep tea in spring water for 15-20 minutes.

- Pour gently into skillet and heat gently over low heat. Poach shrimp in heated tea for about 3 to 5 minutes, until shrimp turns pink: drain.

- Arrange greens on platter. Scatter shrimp over greens and garnish with lemon zest and chopped chives.

Option: May drizzle a light vinaigrette if desired. Serve with steamed rice.

Tea Can Do What ?

2010-02-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Tea is a completely recyclable plant. Don't pour that leftover tea down the kitchen sink or throw those used leaves into the garbage can Recycle Them !

Tea is great as a deodorant because it absorbs odors , is full of nitrogen that feeds your garden plants and wards of those pesky insects.

Deodorizer

- Is great for cleaning washable surfaces, such as air mattresses, yoga mats and counter tops.

- mix your dry used tea leaves into the cat litter to help diffuse the odor and help deter fleas for both cats and dogs during those hot summer months.

- place your dry used tea leaves in a bowl and place around the house, it will freshen the area. I a couple of days place them on a baking sheet in the sun for about 1- 2 hours and you can do the same thing again.

- place your dry used tea leaves in a bowl in the fridge to absorb unpleasant odors, after about 2-3 days, sprinkle those same leaves around your indoor and outdoor plants.

- after cutting garlic, fish or onions , rub your hands with wet tea leaves to rid your hands of the odor and also the pan in which you cooked.

Plants

- throw your used leaves onto the top layer of soil in you plants and let them naturally rot to release nitrogen which is great for the plant with out using any harsh chemicals .. AND its free !

Insects

- Moths. put your dry tea lives into a muslin bag and place them in your closet or dresser to keep moths away from your wool clothing.

- Mosquitos. place your dry used leaves into a fore proof vessel or right into a camp fire to keep the mosquitos away... and it is pleasant smelling as well.

Carpet

- sprinkle dry green tea leaves onto your carpet and rugs, rub in gently, brush off then vacuum. It will clean and deodorize.

Thinking Outside The Cup # 2 , Masala Tiramisu

2009-12-20T11:01:00.000-08:00

It has been kinda crazy around Richmond lately because of all the snow and I have been trying to post this recipe since Christmas !!!! Sorry it took so long, Hope you enjoy it as much as I do... I am including the ingredients for you lucky ones that can have gluten.... if you would like the GF ingredients just message me.

Chai Tiramisu

Serves: 12

Time to Prepare: 2 hours (includes 1 hour and 30 minutes of time for the ingredients to set)

Ingredients

The Ladyfingers

2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour, 1 tbsp. of baking powder, ¼ cup of finely ground turbinado sugar, ¼ tsp. of salt, 2 servings of prepared EnerG Egg Replacer, 1 cup of soy creamer, ¾ cup of sweet agave nectar, 2 tbsp. of canola oil

The Sweet Cream

1 ½ cups of soy cream cheese,8 oz. of firm silken tofu, ½ cup of sweet agave nectar, ½ cup of finely ground turbinado sugar, 1 ½ tsp. of agar agar, ¼ cup of soy creamer

The Chai

2 cups of strongly brewed Organic Masala Chai

The Garnish

½ tsp. of ground cinnamon, ½ tsp. of ground cardamom, ¼ tsp. of ground cloves, ¼ tsp. of ground fennel seeds, 1 ½ tbsp. of cocoa powder

Instructions

Making the Sweet Cream

Whip all of the sweet cream ingredients together in a food processor until they are thoroughly combined.Simmer this on a medium heat for 5 minutes.Chill it for at least an hour.
Making the Ladyfingers

Combine the dry ingredients together.Prepare the EnerG Egg Replacer in the ladyfinger section.Mix this with all the wet ingredients.Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mix.Load a pastry bag with the batter.Pipe the batter into 3” long, 1” wide cookies, leaving about a 1” space between each cookie.Bake these on 350 degrees for 18 minutes. Option: Do not pipe the batter, but fill a rectangular cake pan with the batter about 1” high and bake the cake for 25 minutes.
Assembling the Tiramisu

Brew the Organic Masala Chai.Mix the spices together and set them aside.Dunk each ladyfinger in the chai tea for about 3 seconds.Line the bottom of a baking dish with the lady fingers.Lightly brush them with a little chai.Spread about ½” of the sweet cream on top of the lady fingers.Repeat this process, making another layer of lady fingers and sweet cream.Sprinkle the spice mix over the top layer of sweet cream.Chill the tiramisu for at least 30 minutes.
Kitchen Equipment
3 Mixing Bowls, 1 Small Mixing Bowl for the egg replacer, 1 Small Mixing Bowl for the spice mix, Whisk, Cookie Sheet, Pastry Bag, Sifter, Measuring Cup, Measuring Spoon, Spatula, Tea Pot, Tea Ball, Food Processor

ENJOY!

CaryTown Teas Presents : Holiday Show n' Tell Extravaganza

2009-11-08T14:02:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-08T11:46:00.000-08:00

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??

2009-11-04T00:26:00.001-08:00

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 !!!!

2009-11-03T14:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T14:34:00.000-08:00

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.