Japanese Black Teas, Who Knew?

I just had a visit from a young English customer...he has just finished his 2nd year at Oxford. He knows his teas. He has just made me aware of Japanese Black Tea. I went on line and have ordered a small sample to try. I'll let you know when I get them. He says that they have a very unique taste.
As soon as he left the shop I received a note from another new customer telling me about Australian teas that are supposed to have less caffeine and reduced tannins compared to other teas. I'll try to get hold of some of that as well. Ah, the limitless world of tea.

Bad News about Cuppouri Infuser

I just spoke with the manufacturer of the Cuppouri infuser. He informed me that he has 110 left and they will no longer be making them.

I know many of you really liked them so wanted to let you know, there are only 110 left. I will probably have them around the 10th of Dec.

The infuser travel mugs are back in stock!!!!

Bohea

For those of you who were waiting for me to get Bohea in, it's here.

Bohea
Grown high in the Wuyi mountains of China this remarkable tea was once the talk of Europe and made a splash in American history as one of the teas thrown overboard at the Boston Tea PartyGrown high in the Wuyi mountains of China this remarkable tea was once the talk of Europe and made a splash in American history as one of the teas thrown overboard at the Boston Tea Party
It is a smoked tea but very different from Lapsang Souchong, lighter with an oakey smoked taste..... small tin $8

Tea Trip to San Francisco

The first part of May I took a short trip to San Francisco. They have some amazing places for tea that I would highly recommend. First and foremost, don't miss the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park. The garden is awesome and have some tea and mochi while you are there. A real surprise was "Samovar". There are 3 of them around the city and they have a very innovative menu, a wide variety of tea, knowledgeable staff, and beautiful presentation. Bring money, it's on the expensive side but worth it. China town was dissappointing to me for tea, but down at the Ferry Building or in Berkeley, head to the Imperial Tea Court. This tea room and tea shop are focused on Chinese tea. They serve it Gong Fu style. Looking for an inexpensive British style tea?, head for Leland Tea Company. Leland offers a wide variety of teas, scones, tea sandwiches etc.

I also went to Berkely to have lunch at Alice Water's Chez Panisse. It was very nice...food was exceptional, simple and fresh. The reason I went was that years ago I read a book called the "The Agony of the Leaves" by Helen Gustafson. Helen worked at Chez Panisse and had a love of tea. Consequently she taught them how to do tea right. I wanted to see if after her passing they continued to "serve tea right". They do!!! Although the number of teas they offer are few, they make a great cup of tea. They are one of the very few restaurants in this country that do it right.

All of the places mentioned above have websites... google them and the next time you are in San Francisco, check them out.

Tea Lovers

No matter where a tea lover is or what he has to work with.... they make do and must have their chai.

Growing Ginger at Home

March 23, 2010

I find that many tea drinkers are also big fans of Ginger. Ginger is very easy to grow at home in the house. The next time you use ginger from the store to cook with, whatever you don't use, throw into a pot of dirt and keep it watered. In about 2 weeks you will see little sprouts pop out of the pot. Don't plant it too deep, you want it to eventually grow big roots at the surface of the dirt so harvesting is easy. Every time you use your ginger, throw the peels and what you don't use into another pot and start another. I have been growing ginger at home for several years now. I have used it in Kombucha that I make, cooking, candied ginger, for ginger syrup, and a ginger liqueur. It makes great gifts for friends.

You can put them out in the garden in the warmer weather but bring them back inside before frost.