While all the types of tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, how you go about steeping various tea types can be very different. To begin let’s review the 5 key elements in steeping the Perfect Cup of Tea: time, temperature, water, volume and quality of tea tea.
Time and Temperature
Tea Type |
Steeping Time |
Steeping Temperature |
Black Tea |
4 – 6 minutes |
205° - 212° |
Chai Tea |
5 - 8 minutes |
205° - 212° |
Pu-Erh |
3 – 5 minutes |
200° - 210° |
Green Tea |
2 – 4 minutes |
170° - 180° |
Herbal Tea |
5 - 7 minutes |
205° - 212° |
Red Tea |
4 - 6 minutes |
205° - 212° |
Oolong Tea |
3 - 4 minutes |
185° - 195° |
White Tea |
3 - 5 minutes |
160° - 170° |
Don’t rely on color alone to determine when your tea in done, color comes fist while steeping, the deep intricate flavors develop later in the steeping process.
If you do not have or plan to use a thermometer, a general rule is bring your water to a boil (212 degrees) and then remove from heat source. Every minute off a heat source the water will lose about 10 degrees in temperature.
Notes on a few specific types of tea
Water
Don’t underestimate the importance of the quality of water that you use, it is the single most important aspect beside the quality of tea used in determining the taste of your tea.
At a minimum use filtered (carbon-filtered) tap water but it’s best if you can find and use a high-quality spring water, it will make a huge difference in your tea tasting experience. I would avoid using distilled water, it is normally very low in mineral content and can make your tea taste a bit flat. Also a quick tip: use your water as soon as it reaching boiling, don’t allow the water to keep boiling for minutes at a time, this will reduce the oxygen levels in your water producing a flatter tasting tea.
Volume
You want to use about 3 grams of tea for every cup (~8 ounce cup) your plan to make. That is roughly equivalent to 1 tsp, keep in mind most “coffee mugs” that we use every day for tea are closer to 10-12 ounces in size, make sure you adjust the amount of tea leaves used accordingly.
Also, the 1tsp per cup is a guideline, some teas such as white teas may require as much as 2 tsp to reach 3 grams. While a tea like a tightly rolled gunpowder many only need ½ tsp to reach 3 grams. Pay attention to the size of the leaf to help guide the amount of tea that you use
Make sure you are using an infuser that allows your tea to fully expand while steeping, tea can and will expand 2-4 times in size while steeping. If you fully pack your steeper you will not get the full flavor of the tea.
Quality of Tea
It is a bit self-serving but it is true, the biggest determining factor in how your tea tastes is the quality of tea leaves used. Culinary Teas carefully selects all our teas, we go through several rounds of cupping (tea-tasting), multiple tea master’s analysis, as well as due diligence on the tea farmers before we bring in a new tea. We only carry the highest quality teas in the world, from the top 3% of all production.
With very few exceptions, all our teas are naturally flavored and contain no artificial flavors or colors tat might taint your tea tasting enjoyment.
]]>If you’re wondering how to make perfect tea at home, follow these basic steps:
Making tea properly is about more than a job well done. When you use the right equipment for making tea and are patient through the method, you enjoy all kinds of benefits. Here are three:
When you’re looking for the best in equipment for making tea — especially for the highest-quality tea bags and tea leaves in the world — come to Culinary Teas. Browse our site to find everything you need to make brewing the perfect cup a breeze.
]]>Some pairings are so classic, you can’t help but put them together: bread and butter, bacon and eggs, peanut butter and jelly. When it comes to teatime, the match is also obvious: hot tea and scones. In fact, if there’s anything better than a satisfying cup of tea, it’s having that tea alongside delicious tea scones.
]]>
For the best accompaniment to your daily tea-drinking ritual, why not whip up a batch of scones today? There’s nothing like homemade scones to nibble alongside your brew, and making them is fairly easy. Learn how to make scones below.
While many people will claim to have the best scone recipe, scones are fairly simple. For dry ingredients, you’ll need basics such as flour, sugar, butter, baking powder (and/or baking soda) and salt. For liquids, an egg combines with a dairy product: milk, sour cream or yogurt. You can also add dried fruit or chocolate chips — whatever you like. Because they call for such everyday ingredients, they’re easy to make on a whim, such as when teatime is approaching and you want an extra treat.
Here’s a beginner recipe to try, made of items you probably have on hand in your kitchen:
Stir 2 cups flour and a 1/4 cup sugar with 3 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Then, using a pastry cutter, two forks or your clean fingers, add a full stick (1/2 cup) of butter that you’ve chopped into pieces. Combine until the butter is in small bits throughout and the mixture feels sandy overall. Add a beaten egg and 1/2 cup yogurt, mixing until a rough dough starts to form.
Plop the dough onto a floured work surface, adding more flour if it’s too wet and more yogurt if it’s too dry. Flatten the dough with a rolling pin until it’s about 1-inch thick. Then, cut out rounds. Place rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush with extra yogurt. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, or until the scones are slightly golden. Enjoy with butter, jam or clotted cream.
The tradition of eating scones with tea goes back generations in England. Why not join this time-honored ritual and experience the joy of eating freshly baked scones at teatime? You’ll be glad you did! These soft, fluffy delights are the ideal complement to piping hot drinks. Make some yourself to see.
]]>Our customers say:
"Smooth, mellow grape flavor so delicious delightful you almost feel you are tasting grape on the vine. Smells sweet yet is not itself sweet to the taste, but rather is very savory. A delicious tea."
"I was not much of a tea drinker. My husband introduced me to this tea and I fell in love with it. It caught the taste buds of family and friends as well."
Ingredients:
Like all our teas, we start with luxury tea, in this case luxury black and white tea. We then add freeze dried grapes and the legendary Canadian ice wine from Ontario. That is it!
This wine flavored tea appeals to both tea drinkers and wine lovers. We mention this because this tea makes an incredible iced tea with just a hint if subtle sweetness that make a glass just wonderful!
]]>]]>The name Gunpowder was given in the 19th century when a British clerk noticed that the tightly rolled tea leaves resembled pelleted gunpowder for cannons. This helped to preserve freshness and made it a very compact package for transportation. Gunpowder tea is a very common tea in China since 7th century. This tea is p...
Gunpowder tea is a very common tea in China since 7th century.
This tea is produced like green tea but after the steaming process the tea is tightly rolled into what appears to be pellets.
Gunpowder is a more concentrated beverage than any other green tea variety. You only need to use 1/2 teaspoon per cup.The expansion of the leaf after infusion is quite remarkable.
The leaves will open up and the olive-colored drink will surprise you with its sweet, slightly pungent flavor, subtle smoky notes, and lemony aftertaste.
In our collection we have great selection of Gunpowder teas from China and Sri Lanka, see some of our selection below!
Superior Gunpowder has a surprising body and captivating green tea taste with a hint of oakiness.
Osprey Gunpowder Organic is a classic top quality gunpowder, slightly vegetative but refreshing and clean.
Royal Ceylon Gunpowder Green Tea has full body with an intriguing hint of smokiness
Formosa Gunpowder Tea With vibrant peppermint and luxury gunpowder green tea, this is a tea to drink all day long. Organic Moroccan Mint Tea is so soothing and relaxing. An exotic taste sensation! .
Organic Moroccan Mint Tea slightly grassy typical green tea character in the cup.
Gunpowder tea has a surprising high caffeine content, compared to other green teas so enjoy it at the proper time of day or enjoy the Moroccan Mint as the blend of peppermint and gunpowder tea lowers the caffeine to a much lower level.
]]>Are you ready to skip the tossing and turning and enjoy a better night’s rest? Consider a soothing tea to help you sleep. Certain bedtime teas are known for encouraging more restorative rest. Many people swear by them. Sip some of the best nighttime tea and see if it helps you sleep peacefully.
When you’re looking for the best tea for sleep, here are a few ideas to try:
As anyone who’s battled insomnia can tell you, there’s nothing like the power of a good night’s rest. Consider incorporating some of these teas that help you sleep into your routine.
]]>A simple cup of tea is wonderful, but why not try a cocktail for a little variety? Just combine your favorite brew with juice, herbs and/or alcohol to create a refreshing spin on the beverage. To inspire you with a few ideas, here are some tea-based cocktails (and one mocktail) worth mixing:
If you’re a tea drinker searching for a creative take on your favorite cup, consider a homemade cocktail. Shop our enormous tea selection online, find a variety you like, and use it in one of the ideas above!
]]>One common reason people begin drinking tea is because they are trying to quit drinking coffee. If this describes you, you should consider introducing chai tea into your morning routine. You can still get that caffeine boost you need, while also enjoying all the health benefits that tea has over coffee. Here are some reasons why chai is perfect for quitting coffee and some suggestions for delicious blends to get you started.
Coffee is notorious for dehydrating people, and that's one reason many choose to quit drinking. Tea, on the other hand, will keep you hydrated. Replacing your morning coffee with tea instead will replenish your fluids, making you feel fresher and more awake throughout the day. Staying hydrated is also great for your skin.
A cup of chai contains less caffeine than a cup of coffee. This means you can still enjoy a nice cup in the morning for a small caffeine boost, but you'll be cutting back on your caffeine intake. In addition, our body absorbs the caffeine in chai more slowly than the caffeine in coffee. So you can avoid the uncomfortable caffeine jolt and crash, and instead enjoy a calm focus for longer.
Chai gets its delicious flavor from a mix of herbs and spices, and each one comes with its own health benefits. For example, cinnamon has been to increase circulation and improve awareness. It also works to reduce fatigue. Cardamom is a popular ingredient in both Indian and Chinese chai. It can improve lung, kidney, and heart health. Additionally, it helps to elevate your mood. Cloves, another common ingredient, work to relieve pain and can be used to increase the strength of other herbs and spices. Black pepper is used to boost circulation and improve metabolism, and nutmeg can be used to treat sciatica and promote healthy digestion. Ginger stimulates the circulatory and immune systems, and fennel can improve kidney health.
Are you getting the point? The are countless different blends of chai, and each one is full of healthy ingredients. You can pick a blend with the ingredients that provide the health benefits you need most. Here are some suggestions.
This is a traditional Indian masala chai. It is made of Ceylon black tea, ginger, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, and black pepper. This spicy tea is a top seller.
This blend is perfect for the fall time! Flavored with cinnamon and dried ginger, this tea is delicious without needing any added sweeteners. With a cup of this, you won't be missing your pumpkin spice latte.
This mixture contains Malabar Coast Spices. It is flavored with caramel, Belgian white chocolate, ginger, cardamom, coriander, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Perfect for those mornings when you need something extra delicious to get you going.
With its abundance of flavor options and scores of health benefits, chai tea is the perfect option for helping you quit drinking coffee. You can look and feel better when you switch to chai tea. If you're looking for a blend to get you started, check out the selection from Culinary Teas.
]]>Matcha tea has many benefits. Some of the best parts of matcha tea are experienced throughout the entire brewing and drinking process. In addition to a strong presence throughout history, matcha is growing increasingly popular due to its variety and versatility. Enjoy these three matcha teas that make a great addition to your daily tea consumption.
Rooibos matcha has so many amazing qualities. Besides a delicious taste and texture, this tea can help prevent disease and slow oxidation within the body. The powerful antioxidant properties mean that this tea not only makes you feel great on the inside but can also help the complexion of your skin. Oxidants prematurely age your body, so fighting them with every available tool you have is a wise choice. Rooibos matcha also has the added benefit of being naturally caffeine free. This means you can enjoy the positive effects of matcha without the caffeine jolt.
Green matcha powder is what many people think of when they hear the word “matcha.” One use for green matcha powder is the brewing and enjoying of this mellow tea during traditional tea ceremonies. In Japan, tea service and the brewing process is a sacred tradition. The ceremonies call for only the best matcha from plants raised in ideal conditions. You can enjoy a little bit of the ceremony yourself by brewing your tea with a bamboo matcha tea whisk.
Matcha that is white is sourced from Kenya in very high altitudes. This tea is crammed with antioxidants naturally and has a wonderful flavor. White matcha is typically hand-ground and made without any additives or preservatives. Drinking tea that has little to no preservatives will help keep you hydrated and give you all the benefits of matcha. This matcha carries a punch of energy that will help you feel awake and alert.
Once you know about all the benefits of drinking matcha tea, it's not surprising that this tea powder is showing up more and more in cafes and dessert shops all over the world. If you’re looking for your next flavor of matcha to experiment with, visit Culinary Teas online or at a retailer near you. The matcha tea blends available from Culinary Teas are high-quality and expertly sourced for each and every batch. Whether it’s a custom batch or a new flavor combo, Culinary Teas can help make your tea dreams come true. Shop for your new favorite matcha tea today.
]]>Decaf teas are a great way to add water, herbal supplements, and a breath of fresh air to your day without any extra caffeine. While many teas have stimulants or caffeine, decaf teas shouldn’t have any major stimulants that will perk you up or make you feel wired. If you’re at a loss for what decaf teas you need, here are six teas to add to your tea chest.
Many people enjoy English or Irish breakfast tea in the morning, but not everybody wants the caffeine kick these teas supply. Luckily, both English and Irish breakfast teas come in decaf versions as well. With a splash of milk and maybe some sugar, these strong teas can be a great way to start the day.
Decaf teas that are meant to help your digestion will have ingredients that aid your stomach in its normal function. Ingredients like dandelion and ginger are common in these teas. These digestive herbal teas will help stimulate your digestion without the added rush of caffeine.
Though some people drink tea for a caffeine buzz, many people drink it for its soothing properties. There are plenty of calming decaf teas that are meant to bring peace to your inner mind without introducing any caffeine. Ingredients might include lavender or chamomile to help bring a calming sense and renew energy levels.
Teas with Rooibos tea leaves are flavorful brews that typically lack caffeine as the rooibos leaves are naturally caffeine-free. Rooibos leaves are sourced from South Africa, as that’s the only place the plant grows. The blends can be berry-flavored, chocolate, or any other combination of flavors.
Nighttime teas are meant to relax you and help you fall asleep. They often contain soothing ingredients such as chamomile or lavender. Some more exciting blends contain herbs such as meadowsweet and lemon balm. These teas don’t contain caffeine as they’re meant to soothe you.
Blends are a great way to sample many decaf tea flavors at once. Blends rely on the ingredients to work together to form a great new flavor and experience. Blends range from sweet and mild to spicy or exotic flavors. With an array of unique blends to try, there is no end to the types of decaf teas you could add to your day.
Decaf teas can be a great addition to your daily tea routine as they provide flavor and a way to ingest healing herbs. They do all this without adding any caffeine to your normal diet. If you need assistance selecting the perfect decaf tea, look no further than the Culinary Teas. We have a wide selection of flavorful, bold decaf teas. Check out our full selection here.
]]>Teaware can make or break your tea-drinking experience. You can drink all the tea you want, but if you don’t have the right tools your tea time might not be as grand. Here are the four pieces you have to have right now.
This is basic. Get a tea kettle that boils your water for tea. Or if you drink iced tea, get a press or pitcher that makes tea the way you like it. This is a foundational tool, so don’t skimp here. There are also electric kettles that boil water almost instantly and can heat to a specific temperature depending on the type of tea you're brewing. This might be a great addition to your tea consumption habits if you’re looking for a convenient way to brew the perfect pot of tea.
If you've experimented with matcha, you've probably realized that the fine powder is hard to mix just right. The perfect tool for this is a matcha whisk. This tool adds the proper amount of froth and air to the matcha in order to achieve a perfect cup of tea every time. This tool isn’t just suggested. It’s mandatory if you’re working with matcha on a daily or weekly basis. Matcha blender balls are also a great tool. They look like the spiral ball in a protein shake tumbler, and they work similarly. Add it to a lidded container with your matcha and other ingredients, shake it, and go.
Whether your preference is hot or cold, having a tea tumbler is a must. A good tea tumbler will come with a leak-proof lid that will allow you to take your tea on the go. You can also get tea tumblers that allow you to brew the tea right in the tumbler. This saves you the trouble of having to brew the tea separately and then pour it into the tumbler.
Tea infusers are essential when you’re working with loose leaf tea. Infusers come in all shapes and size. There are wand-like infusers that let you grab a certain amount of tea straight out of the tea container and swirl it into a mug of hot water. Other infusers might sit on the top of your tea kettle like a mesh strainer that holds the loose leaf tea in the boiling water. Yet other infusers will come in cute shapes and colors that are meant to be added to a pot or cup of tea and then removed after the perfect amount of steeping time. You can experiment to find which style you prefer, or you can use a different type for different tea varieties.
The proper teaware goes a long way toward improving your tea drinking experience. If you're looking for new teaware, check out Culinary Teas. We offer a variety of infusers, tumblers, matcha whisks, and more. Explore our full selection here.
]]>Tea is great for all occasions. Whether you’re happy or sad, tea can elevate your mood. Here are ten reasons you need a new flavor of tea today.
Hooray for you! You should celebrate. A tea that has exotic ingredients or one that you’ve had your eye on for a long time is perfect for today. Splurge a little, you deserve it.
You finished a massive project today and feel so accomplished. You should, you worked really hard. Take the time for a hot cuppa or a cool glass of iced tea in a flavor that makes you feel special.
Well, sometimes things happen. Drink a cup of tea to center yourself before you handle the consequences of your dog’s digestion. We suggest drinking the whole cup before tackling your next step.
Take a minute for yourself today with a cup of tea. A calming, centering cup of hot tea can help you feel better. And a cup of iced tea can refresh you and help you figure out what to do next. You deserve several cups of tea today.
Treat yourself day? You definitely need a cup of tea. Enjoy a berry tea or cleansing tea while you’re pampering yourself.
Tuesday, tea - they both start with “T.” And that means you need a new flavor of tea to sip. After all, life is about enjoying the little things.
If you’re stressed, there’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea with lemon. Select a flavor of tea that has calming ingredients will help center you and make you feel better. Try chamomile or lavender.
Birthdays call for several flavors of new tea! You can’t celebrate another year without a little adventure. Try a new flavor that you’ve never ventured into to celebrate your special day.
If you forgot your anniversary, someone’s birthday, or another very important date, take some time for a cup of tea. There are flavors and blends that can increase memory. Drink enough tea, and next year you might not forget the occasion.
Wednesday comes after Tuesday and before Thursday. This means Wednesdays are a perfect day for buying a new flavor or tea. Do you see what we’re getting at here? Any day is a great day to buy a new flavor of tea!
Treat yourself to a new flavor of tea for any situation or day. Culinary Tea's gourmet blends pack in tons of flavor and health benefits. Try a new flavor today.
]]>Drinking an anti-inflammatory tea can help with joint pain and arthritis. Active ingredients like turmeric, fennel, and orange peel in the Arthritis Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Tea offered by Culinary Teas are great for relieving arthritic pains. Part of the cause of arthritis pain is oxidation by free radicals. Turmeric and other antioxidants help slow the oxidation process within your body.
Teas with ingredients like ginger and dandelion will help your body’s digestive tract. This is perfect for bloating and other dietary issues. Choose a blend that is herbal and has a mix of ingredients that will both calm your digestive tract and stimulate digestion. Drink these teas as recommended, and don’t overindulge. An added touch of pepper can help stimulate your digestive system, if needed.
Having a hot cup of tea can help soothe some of the most severe cold and flu symptoms. Things like stuffy noses, head colds, and other sinus-related blockages can be softened and stimulated with the steam from a pot or cup of hot tea. A good peppery tea with citrus notes can help reawaken your body’s respiratory system to ease cold and flu symptoms.
Calming teas with hints of lavender can help you de-stress during a trying time at work or at home. Other soothing ingredients like a touch of honey can help bring sweetness without a caffeine buzz. Teas that help promote mental clarity are also a great cup to have before a stressful test or day at work. Ingredients like peppermint can help stimulate memory and focus.
Having a cup of tea to make you feel better is always a good idea. Whether you need a tea for stress, for dietary issues, or for bodily pains, there is a tea out there for you that can help ease your symptoms. The tea-loving team at Culinary Teas wants to introduce you to a tea that can help you. For help understanding the teas Culinary Teas offers, contact us today.
]]>Matcha teas have been used widely for centuries. While ingesting the teas has many benefits, you can also use the tea in your beauty routines. Here are several reasons to incorporate matcha into your daily beauty routine.
Drinking matcha tea can help digestion, so including it in your daily liquid intake can help calm your digestive system. This has several benefits for your beauty routine. Your skin will look hydrated and healthy if you’re consuming the correct amount of daily liquids. Having a healthy gut will also minimize bloating and give you a thinner appearance. Matcha has a plethora of nutrients like iron and antioxidants that will help balance your digestive system.
Matcha has naturally detoxifying properties. Including it in body scrubs, lip scrubs and facial scrubs can help pull impurities out of your skin and give you a healthy glow. Adding matcha into scrubs with sugar will provide a perfect blend to exfoliate as you detoxify your skin. The same properties that make it a great detoxifier also mean that matcha will help absorb the dirt and debris that cause blackheads and whiteheads. Adding matcha to your beauty routine on a regular basis can use those properties to help prevent breakouts. While it detoxifies, matcha can also help energize your skin and promote healthy cell growth and stimulate blood flow. Proper circulation will mean an even complexion that looks healthy and shiny. There are amino acids in matcha that will also help your skin look smooth in addition to giving it a natural shine.
If you treat your hair regularly with a mask, using matcha in that weekly or daily mask can help boost shiny, bouncy locks. The nutrients in matcha that help your gut also come to the rescue when dull color, limp hair, and other cosmetic concerns with hair. Try it out with honey, a raw egg, or lavender essential oil and play around with what works for your hair type.
Experimenting with matcha can have dramatic health benefits. If you’re looking to start drinking and using matcha in your day to day life, check out the selection at Culinary Teas. Explore our tea collection today to purchase high-quality matcha that will put you on the road to a healthier and more beautiful life.
]]>Caffeine can wreak havoc on your body. It’s one of the most commonly used addictive substances in many cultures. If you’re looking to transition away from coffee in your daily life, tea can be a great stand-in when you’re feeling a craving. Here are some reasons why tea can help with coffee detox and some tips and tools to use during that transition process.
Many people are addicted to coffee because it’s a warm, first-thing-in-the-morning boost. Tea can, and does, replace this for many people all over the world. If you enjoy a hot cup first thing in the morning to awaken your senses, tea can fill that role to help you get used to life without coffee.
Another perk of using tea in your daily life instead of coffee is that there are so many blends and flavors to savor when it comes to tea. You can explore all types of tea from all over the world. You can still experiment with tea the way you might with coffee strains.
Iced tea typically has a small amount of caffeine and can be a great way to add a little sweetness and hydration to your day. Iced tea, like hot tea, also comes in a rainbow of flavors and blends. Experiment to find a few of your favorites that you can rotate throughout your week so that your palate doesn’t become bored.
Tea comes in a variety of caffeine levels and includes many decaf varieties. You can gradually reduce the caffeine levels of your tea as you’re getting rid of coffee. This way you won't have to deal with caffeine withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability. Teas like matcha and chai have high levels of caffeine and could serve as your introduction to the world of tea straight off coffee.
If you have coffee as the first thing in the morning and then several times throughout the day, keep your timing the same with a mug or glass of tea. This can help fool your body into thinking that it’s not actually being deprived. Staying consistent will also help ensure that you’re hydrated throughout the day.
If you want to make the jump from coffee to tea, a world of exploration awaits. There are dozens of varieties available at Culinary Teas. The staff is eager to help and answer your questions as you journey from coffee to tea.
]]>Tea leaves have been recognized throughout history for their ability to prevent diseases. For thousands of years, herbal teas have provided protection from illness and have helped treat symptoms. Herbs and plants with medicinal properties can be brewed to make restorative brews. For example, blends like Culinary Tea's Digestive Health Herbal Tea use ingredients such as ginger and mint. These ingredients calm digestive system issues including inflammation, blockage, and other painful symptoms.
Teas can also be perfect for relieving cold and flu symptoms. Ingredients like lemon and ginger help with sore throats. Peppermint and eucalyptus can ease congestion. And echinacea can boost your immune system, speeding recovery.
Tea can also help improve your overall health and quality of life. There are multiple health benefits to drinking tea. Our Refresh & Detox Herbal Tea can help cleanse toxins and impurities out of the drinker's body. Green tea and dandelion tea are available to help boost metabolism and promote weight loss. Some teas can even help ease arthritis through anti-inflammatory ingredients such as turmeric root and fennel.
In addition to being good for your physical health, tea also has many mental health benefits. Blends of tea and herbs mixed with plants and berries can help with focus and clarity. Teas from all over the world, if brewed correctly, can help ease anxiety. Chamomile tea, in particular, is recognized for its calming and soothing effects. This is also what makes it a key ingredient in teas that promote good sleep. Other ingredients that can help you get a restful night's sleep include meadowsweet and heather, which can be found in our organic Twilight Blend. The right tea can even help improve your memory.
The correct tea blend can provide countless mental and physical health benefits. If you’re searching for the perfect blend or strain of tea to benefit you, check out Culinary Teas today. Our gourmet, high-quality blends are made to be enjoyed as well as help provide health benefits. Explore our tea collection or contact us to find the perfect blend of teas to help you feel your best today.
]]>Set up tea checkpoints for yourself, and you’ll never find yourself lacking in tea options. Set up tea stations in your office and at home, in addition to other spaces that you regularly inhabit during your day-to-day life. This means you’ll never be out of reach of a tea chest or tea bag. Tailoring the flavors of your tea checkpoints is also a good way to make your day feel a little more luxurious. Certain teas can help with stress—great for the office tea chest—while others can promote energy, great for tucking into your purse or briefcase for days when your energy is low.
As part of a tea checkpoint, force yourself to take tea breaks. Even if these breaks are only three to five minutes long once a day, take the time to enjoy the health benefits of a cup of tea. If you set aside time to relax and recharge with a cup of tea, your body will thank you. Tea breaks can serve as a great way to de-stress and get away from work for just a few minutes.
We don't always have the option of relaxing and sipping our tea slowly at home. That's why it's great to have a way to take your tea to go. A tea tumbler is a perfect solution for someone who wants to have delicious tea while they’re running errands, on the way to the gym, or doing anything else away from home. Tuck it into your purse, briefcase, or gym bag after you’ve finished your tea and wash it out later for the next use.
Another way to incorporate tea into your everyday life is to make a pitcher of iced tea. With so many flavors to choose from, iced tea can be a fun way to experiment with teas you like. If you make a large pitcher at once, you can easily sip tea throughout the day or fill up your tea tumbler on your way out the door. This is a great option for those busy weeks when you just don't have time to make a fresh pot every time you want a cup of tea.
If you’re curious about ways to experience and experiment with tea, Culinary Teas has a vast selection to choose from. From gourmet teas to tea lover’s tools, Culinary Teas can help. Treat yourself to teaware like tea chests and tumblers, and explore the variety of handcrafted teas we offer.
]]>Tea is a pastime that many people partake in. Getting new flavors of tea can be fun and exciting, but storing teas incorrectly may lead to stale or unusable tea leaves. Here are some ways to store tea so that the quality remains intact and you can enjoy fresh tea as often as you like.
Make sure that tea is stored in containers that prevent light and air exposure. Storing your loose teas and tea bags in a box or chest placed in a cupboard or drawer typically helps extend the lifetime of your teas. Keeping your looseleaf tea in an airtight container will help preserve freshness.
Storing tea in a hot space can make your tea stale and unusable. For a quality tea-drinking experience, store your tea and tea leaves in a cool space. Examples of perfect places to store tea include kitchen drawers and cool, dark pantries.
Part of storing tea is actively monitoring the “best by” dates. As a general rule of thumb, most teas are good for a year, and some teas are good for two years if stored properly. While some teas will definitely tell you they’re expired—an off taste or a weak flavor might give it away—some teas will age a little more slowly and be good for a longer period of time.
This probably sounds like common sense, but making sure that your tea is stored in a dry spot will also help extend the quality and freshness of your tea. If placed in a spot where it might absorb moisture, your tea can grow mold or sour. Plus if your tea leaves get wet, they will brew weak tea.
Whenever possible, store loose tea as tightly as you can. Sealed canisters and sealed packaging (like how your tea arrives from us) are great for loose tea, as they seal out as much air as possible and are dark spaces. These are perfect conditions for keeping tea as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
Tea drinking is an enjoyable hobby, made even more enjoyable with the help of proper storage. If you are looking for tea storage options or high-quality tea, check out Culinary Teas. Culinary Teas carries a range of quality products meant to keep your tea as fresh as possible so that you get a great cup every time. Visit our website to explore our products.
]]>Tea is a staple in many cultures. In particular, tea time holds a special place in the hearts of many tea drinkers. Whether it's high tea, afternoon tea, or elevenses, tea time is a chance to sit down, relax, and enjoy some delicious food and tea. So how did this tradition begin?
Tea drinking as a societal norm in Europe was ushered in by the Spanish royalty in the mid-1660s. By the late 1800s, drinking tea was all the rage in Great Britain, and the British royalty had set a dedicated time for tea and snacks. This tea time fell at roughly 4 o'clock PM, between a reasonably timed lunch and the customary 8 o'clock PM dinner time. Thus “afternoon tea” was written into history and strictly maintained by the tea-loving Brits. By the early 1900s, there were several different times throughout the day when royals and regular folk alike sat down all over Britain to take tea and light snacks.
Tea time prevails because people everywhere are hungry for consistency and a continued sense of tradition. Many uphold afternoon tea and elevenses—introduced in the mid-1900s, it’s tea and snacks served at 11 AM as a “second breakfast”—as the law of the land simply because it has always been done in their life. Like most traditions, tea time is comfortable and brings joy.
The different tea services also gave people the chance to visit and to teach young people the proper way to socialize. This is why minding manners and being polite is often associated with afternoon tea time. Through the years, it as a social gathering that had many functions. In addition to polite conversation and manner lessons, there were political and business ventures that could be settled over tea. More simply, tea time put everyone in a room together and made them address each other with conversation, witty exchanges, and social performances.
Overall, tea time has endured history for its ability to bring people together. From folks who know nothing about tea to the most well-read tea aficionados, tea time is a common ground for people to talk, enjoy each other’s company and—most importantly—enjoy a cup of tea and a few treats together. While we at Culinary Teas have many cutting-edge tea gadgets and unique tea flavors, we also love keeping tea simple and enjoying its deep history.
]]>
Are you switching from coffee to tea, or are you trying tea for the first time because you heard about all the health benefits? No matter what your reasons for starting to drink tea may be, the tea world can be hard to navigate alone. There are many different tea and teaware options, so you may not know what exactly you need or where to start. This beginner's guide to the tea world will help you better understand tea and figure out where to start when getting into loose leaf tea.
Many people who say they are tea drinkers usually just pick up tea bags from a local grocery store. While this is a convenient option, tea bags can sit on a grocery shelf for months at a time and can go stale and lose their flavor. When choosing loose leaf tea, you are ensuring the best flavor and quality of tea. With loose leaf tea, you get whole tea leaves without the ground bits and fillers that often go into bagged tea. On top of great taste and quality, loose tea is also environmentally friendly. Since there is less packaging for loose tea leaves, you are reducing your carbon footprint.
Another useful item to have as a drinker of loose-leaf teas is a reusable tea bag. We can't always enjoy our tea leisurely in our own home. A reusable tea bag is a great way for you to enjoy your favorite premium tea even on the go.
What is Fun to Have
Just like anything else, tea brewing has accessories that aren't necessary but are fun to have. The first teaware item that is more fun than necessary is a tea bag string holder. These hold your tea bag string in place and keep it from falling into your mug. The best part is they come in fun shapes and sizes like King Kong. Another item that isn't necessary but is fun is sugar cube tongs. If you take your tea with sugar, a set of cute tongs are a great way to add a little fun to the brewing process.
Start Brewing Today
Now that you have a better understanding of what you need, what is useful, and what is fun to have when it comes to brewing tea, it's time to start buying. If you are looking for the perfect teaware to start your new brewing adventure, then you should check out Culinary Teas. We have all the tea and teaware you need plus fun accessories. Click here to see our full teaware collection.]]>Morning meditation will help you begin your day in the right mindset. In general, meditation teaches us to be in the moment and find inner balance. Sitting in a focused state when the day is new and quiet allows you to see all the possibilities before you.
Often when you wait to meditate until later in the day, the opportunity is lost in the normal activities and rush. Trying to find time to meditate can result in stress which is the exact opposite of the purpose of meditation. Scheduling this time in the morning instead helps ensure you begin your day grounded and purposeful.
The small goal of tea meditation is mindfulness. Simply feeling the warmth of the cup, appreciating the aroma, and experiencing the taste as it touches your lips and rolls down your tongue is meditating. Tea meditation is ignoring all the tasks ahead of you, forgetting the expectations of the world, and just focusing your efforts on enjoying your morning cup of tea.
Combining morning meditation with your cup of tea is a simple way to begin your day fully present. Before you know it, the tea is gone, and you are heading out into life. Preparing the tea and placing yourself in a meditative state ensures your practice will be incorporated into your day.
Green tea is good for relaxation and also provides a mental boost that can be an excellent pairing for meditation. However, tea meditation is best when drinking a variety of tea you enjoy. Starting your day with your favorite cup of tea helps to embrace the meditation state and ensures you appreciate the experience.
Studies have shown that consistent meditation eases your stress and has many health benefits. Similarly, drinking tea is also linked to reduced stress, lower risk for heart disease and diabetes, and many other health benefits. Obviously, combining the two is a recipe for success.
The smell of the tea, the warmth of the cup, and the taste will slowly become a daily ritual in your meditation practice. Beginning your morning the same way each day can make tackling life’s biggest problems slightly easier with a clear mind. This is the time to enjoy life’s little moments and sip slowly. Namaste.
]]>The increase in tea consumption across generations has been partially attributed to tea's many health benefits. Tea touts many mental, physical, and emotional health benefits. These days, millennials and baby boomers alike place greater focus on a healthy lifestyle and mental and physical wellness. Full of antioxidants and immune-boosting ingredients, tea offers an excellent, natural alternative to other beverages that people are now steering clear of for health reasons.
Another quality of tea that has allowed its popularity to filter down to millennials is its wide range of varieties. The teas that baby boomers had available to them were mostly limited to varieties such as black, green, and Earl Grey. In contrast, nowadays most people are familiar with a huge variety of teas including black, flavored, white, herbal, chai, and many more. The option to choose a tea based on your mood or situation is part of the beverage's charm for millennials.
Millennials also crave change and love new experiences. Tea varieties allow you to experience a different culture through flavors grown all over the world. Exotic blends and specialty shops that carry them contribute to the growing fascination millennials have with tea.
The increased general knowledge of tea varieties has been made possible by an increased availability of tea. Tea and all its varieties are more available to us than ever before. In this digital age, millennials have grown up with almost anything available at their fingertips, and tea is no exception. With a few clicks of your mouse, you can order an Indian masala chai or a premium milk oolong from China.
Despite the long-held association of tea with older generations, according to a study completed by YouGov, tea is actually more popular with millennials than with baby boomers. The study found that while coffee is the preferred beverage of choice for the older generation, millennials show an increasing preference for tea.
So there you have it. With its health benefits, fun varieties, and wide availability, tea has won over the hearts of millennials. However, even with all the recent developments in tea culture, nothing can change the sense of calm and comfort that comes with a hot cup of tea. That is a feeling that transcends generations.
]]>
Also, if your interested in signing up to fund-raise with us, please see this link: http://culinaryteas.farmraiser.com (if the link does not work please copy and paste to your browser)
We think Tea makes a nice choice for fundraising and it is a healthy choice too! Thank you for taking the time to check us out!
]]>It may be the world's Healthiest Beverage!....New at Culinary Teas. Organic Rooibos Matcha
Smooth with bitter chocolate notes. Finishes cleanly.
Luxury Ingredients: Rooibos* *Organic
Small Batch Blended and Packed in: Canada
Tea(s) From: South Africa
Region(s): Cederberg
Antioxidant Level: Low
Caffeine Content: None - Caffeine Free Herb
1/2 tsp with 8oz hot water and stir vigorously or 1/2 tsp in 2 oz of water stir until a paste like consistency, add 6oz hot milk, sweeten to taste...ENJOY! I enjoy it with a little honey along with the hot milk.
]]>Cheese and wine pairing is very well known combination. What about pairing cheese and tea? Both tea and wine are high in tannins, and they are both astringent. Some teas are aged in the specific way as wine.
Here are a few great cheese and tea pairing we recommend you to try:
We would love to hear about your favorite cheese and tea combination. So please share and enjoy trying out our pairing ideas.
Happy pairing !
]]>A few other Green classics we'd be remiss not to mention are Pear Sencha Green Tea, Green Apple Green Tea, Imperial Dragonwell Tea, Blue Mango Green, Jasmine Green Decaf, Peach Apricot Green Tea, and Superior Gunpowder Tea.
Japanese Genmaicha, Houjicha are great choices too.
The brewing method is very simple. For one cup use 50% more tea leaves than recommended in the Brewing recommendation. Steep as directed for hot tea.
Now it is the important part, once brewed, immediately pour tea into a cup filled with ice. The rapid cooling locks in the aroma.