Tea Blog

The calendar may say it’s still Summer, but my mind and heart are saying “Fall is here!” I’m in a Fall-time frame of mind, which means my tea time planning is being adjusted accordingly.

There are certain things that we in the Northern Hemisphere—and especially in North America—associate with each passing season. Spring brings a bright rainbow of flowers in bloom, showing off hues of white, yellow, orange, pink, red, blue, and purple alongside fresh growth on lawns, trees, and fields in brilliant shades of light green.

The spring air is fresh yet full of the fragrance from those new blooms and from grass and crops sucking up nutrients from the soil under a warming sun. During these months, we tend to crave lighter foods and drink lighter-tasting brews or blends flavored with lemon, flowers, and citrus notes.

Summer is the time of continued growth, but intense heat and higher humidity can make you feel languid and in need of tea served cold, with or without ice and sweetener. Along with iced brews, your tastebuds naturally go for lighter flavors and refreshing herbs like mint that make you feel cooler. Fresh garden salads and light tasting dishes pair beautifully with those sunny Summer teas.

Stepping Into the Rich Flavors of Fall

That brings us to Fall. The angle of the Sun becomes less direct due to the Earth tilting on its axis. The leaves on the trees are triggered by this shifting light to cease chlorophyll production and lose their green, allowing a gorgeous tapestry of hidden colors to finally show through—from the pale yellow of quivering aspens to the bright oranges and reds of sugar maples and the rich, deep browns of the oaks.

The air turns crisp and cool as the humidity drops. Apples are harvested alongside pumpkins, squashes, sweet corn, and other autumn crops. Even in our modern day, this seasonal shift seems to trigger the baker in us all; pies, hearty casseroles, and baked goods start filling our kitchens.

Such richly flavored comfort foods, usually served piping hot, need robust, full-bodied teas to accompany them. Autumn Flush gourmet loose leaf Darjeeling teas are a natural choice for this time of year, offering a deep, muscatel character. Strong, single-origin premium loose leaf Ceylon tea and golden, tippy Assams also fit the bill perfectly.

If you prefer green tea varieties, Japanese houjicha or an earthy, toasted authentic genmaicha tea blend provide an incredible savory, nutty warmth that grounds you on chilly afternoons.

Preparing for the Cold Months Ahead

These rich autumn selections will not only go well with your Fall-time frame of mind, but they will perfectly prepare your palate for Winter. When the true winter freeze sets in, richly spiced teas (usually called “chais” in the U.S.) and heavy, malty Assams call out to give you that deeply satisfying, “keep warm” feeling from the inside out.

Enjoy every sip of the changing season!

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