World Tea Expo

Back from the World Tea Expo in Long Beach Ca... Had a great time. Picked up a new book, an updated version of "A Social History of Tea" by Bruce Richardson and Jane Pettigrew.. Excellent!!!! Tasted some interesting teas and sought out a Hunan that I had tasted last year. No luck though, the Chinese from Hunan at the show had trouble understanding what I was looking for but will keep trying. I did go to a great little Tea Room while there. It is The Vintage Tea Leaf on Broadway. Food was great. The two young people working there were great fun and their teas come from International Tea Importers

Drinking Tea is a lot like Life

Drinking tea is a lot like life...As much as we are drawn to share a cup, the experience remains unique to the individual.

Recent Internet Virus

This is what we received this morning regarding the recent internet security threat.

Westhost servers are clean and protected.  Your site is safe from this threat.

You may have already heard of the newest virus that hit the internet late Monday night.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/heartbleed-online-bug/story?id=23256168  

According to the hosting company it is safe for you and your clients to log into your sites.

Tips to make good tea

Tips for making good tea:

Good Water

Correct Water Temperature

Good Tea

Correct amount of Tea

Correct Steeping Time

Good Water: Soft water is the best. Well water with a lot of minerals in it might change the taste of the tea. You may want to run it through a Brita filter.

Water Temperature: White Tea, Oolong, Green Tea are temperature sensitive and will be bitter if the water temperature is too hot. 175 degrees will keep these teas from being bitter.

Black Tea and Herbals want a rolling boil.

Good Tea: Goes without saying, you want to use fresh tea from a reputable dealer.

Amount of Tea: The amount of tea determines its strength. A good starting point is a rounded tsp per 8oz of water.

Steeping Time: Black Tea – 4 minutes

                          White Tea – 4 minutes

                          Green Tea & Oolongs – 2-3 minutes

                          Rooibos and other herbals, steep as long as you want or 6 – 10 minutes

Variable Temperature Tea Kettles

I have been asked about variable temperature tea kettles and here are my two favorites. The feature I like about the Krups is that you can actually make tea in it if you like or just use it as a kettle. Prices are very similar.  I like the Cuisinart also but I have run across a Cuisinart stainless steel kettle that had a strange metallic taste to it. I took that one back.

Another Great Place for Tea in Montreal

This weekend went to Montreal and found a great little place for tea or lunch or brunch.... It is the Gryphon d'Or Tea Room on Monkland St in Montreal. It's in a great neighborhood, incredibly friendly staff and the food is outstanding. For a full afternoon tea you need to make reservations but you can get a dessert tea without prior notice. Check out their website for a look at menus... Gryphon d'Or Tearoom

MY Mistake!!! I bought the wrong Keemun....

I bought the wrong Keemun Panda 1. I always buy the Organic Keemun Panda 1 and somehow last time I ordered, I ordered the non organic.... what a difference. So I should have the Organic Keemun Panda 1 next week and the taste will be back!!!  SORRY!