Tea Time for Bleeding Hearts
Photo by Justin Pumfrey/Getty Images
Is there anything more exquisite than a well-brewed cup of tea, especially when it’s gray and inconsolable outside? Here are a few of my current faves:
 Both fair-trade- and organic-certified, SerendipiTea’s loose-leaf ceylon green tea (Idulgashinna Estate, Sri Lanka) has a deep, mellow, and toasted taste, yet it manages to remain light on the tongue with no bitterness, even after it’s been steeped for longer than usual. Pair this with a pinch of dried rosemary leaf for an extra one-two-punch of flavor and antioxidants. Tip: When steeping with fresh or dried herbs, cover your mug or teapot, as the steam can carry off the beneficial oils you want. ($14 for 4 oz, SerendipiTea)
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 The increased chatter over the ether about yerba maté (pronounced “MAH-tay”), plus a dangerously low supply of ceylon green in my office cubicle, had me zeroing in on a bag of Guayaki’s loose-leaf traditional yerba maté (Itabo Rainforest Preserve, Eastern Paraguay) during lunch. A natural hint of sweetness, with a mild tartness reminiscent of oolong. Maté is said to contain less caffeine than regular tea (i.e., Camellia sinensis) does, containing, according to Guayaki, “24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, and 11 polyphenols, a group of phytochemicals which act as powerful antioxidants.” Rainforest-grown, certified organic, and designated as fair trade by the Fair Trade Federation. Next, I want to Feel the Good Energy!™ with some of the company’s flavored varieties, which include Mocha Maca and Vanilla Nut. Check the Web site for a list of retailers. ($8.95 for 8oz, Guayaki)
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 Sympathy for the Kettle, down on St. Mark’s Place, makes a mean orange-chai latte with frothed soy milk and a touch of honey. An organic and fair-trade blend of Assam and Nigiliri teas, with orange peel, ginger, cardamon, clove, vanilla and cinnamom. Absolutely delicious if you’re in the mood for something sweet and creamy. ($15.50 for 4 oz, Sympathy for the Kettle)
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What are some of your favorite teas?
Related article:
1. Eat a Bowl of Tea: Masala Chai Muffins
azgoddess said,
October 19, 2006 at 4:56 pm
having visited the factory near denver colorado - celestial seasonings makes some of my most fav teas…red zinger has been the longest loved one…but i try the new ones also..smile
Felicia C. Sullivan » Blog Archive » things worth reading… said,
October 19, 2006 at 5:02 pm
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Eunice said,
October 19, 2006 at 6:02 pm
are you sure you want to ask me that question? i’m something of a tea fanatic (as well as a coffee junkie…)
1. eden organic genmaicha (i drink this religiously)
2. dragon phoenix jasmine pearls (tenren in chinatown)
3. tazo wild sweet orange
4. bieglow cranberry apple
5. dragon well (lung ching) green tea (from some chinese herbal store in flushing)
6. ti yuan kan oolong (same here)
7. oregon chai
i think that’s about it. i’m not a big fan of black tea, unless it happens to come with cream and sugar. :)
looking at my list, it occurs to me that with exception of genmaicha, none of the teas i drink are fair trade certified or organic. i should change that… hopefully the flavor won’t be compromised. not to mention it’s probably time for me to update my tea chest. :)
Gina said,
October 20, 2006 at 1:51 pm
Pumpkin from Adagio
Heavy Petal said,
October 20, 2006 at 2:13 pm
“Sympathy for the Kettle” - love that name!
I *heart* Blackcurrent Rooibos from T in Vancouver.