[-] I tried out a new display tea yesterday. In general, my experience with these teas is that they are fun novelties, but the tea itself is generally lacking. The flavor is either minimal or compromised by extraneous flavors and scents. I still enjoy them, though, purely for the show.
Noble Essence from Teaposy was a very pleasant surprise. This bud was composed of silver needle white tea scented with magnolia. This was a beautifully crafted display tea - it opened smoothly and elegantly. The bloom it exposed was not the most beautiful I've seen, but it was certainly lovely in its own right. The website shows it as a yellow bloom, but it had more pink tones in my pot. Perhaps it was the age of the tea - The use by date is today. :) You can see a photo of the full bloom to the left.
The flavor was actually excellent. There was a floral quality that reminded me of roses. Apparently it was actually magnolia. I thought of honey also - the warmth and fullness of the flavor. The white tea itself though definitely dominated the profile. This was a wonderful display tea. I even brewed it another time. These display teas can often offer 3 - 4 infusions.
Tea: Noble Essence Source: Teaposy Type: Display tea - scented silver needle white Brewing details: 1 blossom at 212 degrees for 3 minutes Comment: A really flavorful, highly recommended display tea
[+] I tried out a new display tea yesterday. In general, my experience with these teas is that they are fun novelties, but the tea itself is generally lacking. The flavor is either minimal or compromised by extraneous flavors and scents. I still enjoy them, though, purely for the show.Noble Essence f ... more [290508]
[-] My New Year's resolution? Drink more tea! A lot of people seem to agree, as evidenced by a recent tea article on Reader's Digest that made the top ten list on digg.
Side notes:
"Bag it." I wonder if, when they say tea from bags had the highest antioxidant content in Consumer Reports' testing, they meant compared to bottled and instant. I think that must be the case, as full-leaf tea is higher. What do you think?
"Dunk the bag." Yes, or the brew basket. But don't squeeze the bag! It only makes your tea bitter (ah, tannins).
"Brew a batch." Did you know that antioxidants are lost as tea sits out? Brewing it means it's much fresher than, say, bottled tea, but letting it sit in your fridge kind of defeats the purpose if you're trying for antioxidants, especially if it's not in a sealed container (like bottled tea is).
[+] My New Year's resolution? Drink more tea! A lot of people seem to agree, as evidenced by a recent tea article on Reader's Digest that made the top ten list on digg.Side notes:"Bag it." I wonder if, when they say tea from bags had the highest antioxidant content in Consumer Reports' testing, they mea ... more [290507]
[-]I've been thinking a lot about recipes and appropriate attribution (source citation). I plan to someday publish a tea cookbook of my own - and so I am sensitive to using others' recipes without proper attribution. I've also been doing some research. Here is the best summary I've found.
Here is my Recipe Attribution Policy, based on how I would like others to treat me:
I won't publish the recipes from newly released magazines or cookbooks without direct permission from the author. This is, after all, a part of people's livelihood and I don't want to interfere with sales.
For recipes that come from sources that are not new, I will attribute the source. For example, if I am using a recipe from my Betty Crocker cookbook, I will say so. If I've altered that recipe slightly, I will say so (or say "inspired by" or something similar).
For recipes that are my own, I will not provide a citation.
Does this policy make sense to you? I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thank you!
*Image from corbis.com
My Recipe Attribution Policy - http://stephcupoftea.blogspot.com/feeds/2073329113872333560/comments/default
[+] I've been thinking a lot about recipes and appropriate attribution (source citation). I plan to someday publish a tea cookbook of my own - and so I am sensitive to using others' recipes without proper attribution. I've also been doing some research. Here is the best summary I've found.Here is my Rec ... more [290505]
If you're out tonight please drink responsibly, you don't want to spill your brew on anyone do you...
Happy New Year's Eve - http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2100169811187313576/posts/default/4511415965578073851?v=2
[+] Happy New Year's Eve...If you're out tonight please drink responsibly, you don't want to spill your brew on anyone do you... Happy New Year's Eve - http://www.blogger.com/feeds/2100169811187313576/posts/default/4511415965578073851?v=2 ... more [290491]
[-]Description (from tavalon.com): A sweet & sour, caffeine & sugar-free blend of Chamomile, Blood Orange, Cranberry, Apple, Cherry and Hibiscus flowers.
Review: I probably shouldn't be reviewing this tea. It tastes terrible. It smells even worse. If I were in a worse mood I would say it tastes and smells like ass, but I am feeling generous today. This is NOT for me. It is tart, bitter, sour, it tastes like melted Sweet Tarts in hot water. I know this review is useless but I am posting it anyway.........so, if you like super tangy teas that taste like Tazo's Passion (which will haunt me forever), this is a good pick for you. If not....don't go near it. It is like a tractor beam of gross.
The Good: none The Bad: see above More Information/Buy: Tavalon After Dark
Tavalon After Dark - http://authoritea.blogspot.com/feeds/9194493140454074284/comments/default
[+] Description (from tavalon.com): A sweet & sour, caffeine & sugar-free blend of Chamomile, Blood Orange, Cranberry, Apple, Cherry and Hibiscus flowers.Review: I probably shouldn't be reviewing this tea. It tastes terrible. It smells even worse. If I were in a worse mood I would say it tastes ... more [290503]
Happy New Year, STeaP viewers!! Hope that all of you are safe and with loved ones for New Year’s Eve, and don’t forget that a strong cup of tea the morning after the festivities will help you recuperate for New Year’s Day festivities. :)
For discussion of this and other episodes, or to ask questions about STeaP or tea in general, check out our online community, or leave comments at STeaPtv.com!
STeaP #63 - Happy Golden New Year - http://www.steaptv.com/2008/12/31/steap-63-happy-golden-new-year/
[+] Happy New Year, STeaP viewers!! Hope that all of you are safe and with loved ones for New Year’s Eve, and don’t forget that a strong cup of tea the morning after the festivities will help you recuperate for New Year’s Day festivities. :)
Host - Brandice
Guest Co-Host - Dianah
... more [290494]
More and more, I continue to see the old Mother Nature versus human reductionism controversy rear its ugly head. Tea certainly hasn’t escaped the scrutiny of the reductionists. It is no different than what has been happening with medicinal herbs since the onset of the pharmaceutical industry in the late 1920’s. I’ll give you my opinion, but you will have to decide for yourself where you stand on the issue.
There are a myriad of studies that commonly isolate only one compound (Epigallocatechin 3 Gallate [EGCG] in particular) from green tea, and study its effects on various aspects of health, while claiming they are studying the health effects of green tea. Now, don’t get me wrong. These types of studies are not necessarily bad. The problem is that studying one component of tea is not the same as studying the effects of regular green tea consumption on health. Fortunately, the latter is also being studied, albeit to a lesser degree. The reason this is an important distinction is that although EGCG is an important and biologically active polyphenol, there are many more active phytochemical compounds in the tea plant. To think that EGCG is the ONLY active compound with health benefits is, in my opinion, tunnel vision thinking.
This becomes a potentially problematic issue once you start identifying and extracting specific compounds from plants and removing them from the natural, ecologically-balanced environment that Mother Nature has created. This perfect balance provides us with a number of wonderful health effects with no or limited negative side effects. Once you start isolating individual constituents from medicinal plants, you run the very common risk of creating significant side effects as well. Now, there is no doubt that EGCG is a very potent compound, of which concentrated extracts will be a boon to the armamentarium of weapons in our fight against disease. My only concern is the reductionistic, over-pharmaceuticalizing of natural compounds in general, and EGCG in particular. I would like to see a responsible use of these highly concentrated compounds. Whereas it’s very difficult to drink too much tea, it is quite easy to take too much concentrated EGCG.
My recommendation for general good health is to drink lots of tea and plain water on a daily basis, eat healthy, balanced meals with a lot of fiber, and exercise regularly. If you have a specific acute health issue, then taking a product with more concentrated levels of EGCG (or the other catechins in green and white tea) for a period of time could be very beneficial.
Natural vs. concentrated extract - http://www.tching.com/index.php/2008/12/31/natural-vs-concentrated-extract/
[+] More and more, I continue to see the old Mother Nature versus human reductionism controversy rear its ugly head. Tea certainly hasn’t escaped the scrutiny of the reductionists. It is no different than what has been happening with medicinal herbs since the onset of the pharmaceutical industry i ... more [290506]
[+] This is the most convenient way to consume good tea on the go.Just add matcha. Add cold water. Shake vigorously.And so this is how one heads out with tea.Peace Travel Tea - http://mattchasblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7945659999953577549/comments/default ... more [290496]
Welcome to the World! We're so glad that you're here!
A sweet little treasure sent from above, a coo and a smile, wrapped up in love...
One small hand to hold in yours, One small face to smile, One wet kiss as he says "good-night" One small child.
Catch the moment, put it in your heart The years too soon will fly. These are precious moments, more than money can buy.
Two small arms to hold you tight, Two small feet to run, Two small eyes full of love for you, One small son.
Catch the moment and put it in your heart and never let it go. Save it for the years to come when he, too, will know.
One small hand to hold in his One small face to smile. One small kiss and he says "Good Night" One small child.
Darling baby, Jacob Scott Many happy hours you'll share with those who love you as they generously dote on you, teach you, and share life's lessons with you.
Congratulations to your happy parents!
And special congratulations to my friend, Paula. I know you'll enjoy many precious moments being grandma to your adorable, new little sports guy! What a wonderful Christmas present; a sweet little one!
Happy times ahead! Enjoy them all!!!
Baby photos Copyright Paula and daughters 2008
Darling Baby Boy - http://www.gracioushospitality.com/feeds/7066829537217813752/comments/default
[+] Welcome to the World! We're so glad that you're here!A sweet little treasure sent from above, a coo and a smile, wrapped up in love...One small hand to hold in yours, One small face to smile, One wet kiss as he says "good-night" One small child. Catch the moment, put it in you ... more [290495]
