SUMMER HOURS

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

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

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

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

By the White Moonlight

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 !!

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 !

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.