We haven't even reached Halloween yet but we are extremely excited to tell you that we now have Christmas Crackers available for your purchase. It's never too early to stock up on them as gifts or for yourself! And it's also never to early to talk about Christmas! What are Christmas Crackers? I had …
Tag: Tradition
Tea Traditions — The Netherlands
The Dutch were among the first to bring tea to Europe. At that time, each transport of a shipment of this precious commodity from its source in China to what soon proved to be an eager and thirsty public was fraught with hazards and took months. I, for one, am grateful for the profit motive …
Tea Traditions — South America
Tea traditions in South America don’t just involve true tea (from the Camellia Sinensis bush). They also involve two beverages made from different plants entirely but confusingly also called tea by the locals and by various tea vendors: guayusa (pronounced gwa-YOO-sa) and Yerba maté (pronounced MAH-tay). All three beverages have to be considered when looking …
Tea Traditions — “High Tea” Then and Now
“High Tea” has changed since it began in the 1600s. This evolution has taken a strong turn from its origins. These days, many tea rooms in the U.S. tout “High Tea” as their most special tea of the day, a time to serve taste-tempting dishes like crab salad with mint and lime and dress up …
Tea Traditions — Europe
Generally speaking, we tea lovers in the U.S. have Europeans to thank. Specifically, the Dutch. Holland was thriving, with great artists like Rembrandt, a rich culture and traditions, and strong ties to areas of the world such as the Far East that supplied much sought after goods like tea. That tea was the catalyst for …
In Tea, Milk Comes First
In tea, there is often a proper order to things (like the Byrds song “Turn Turn Turn”). Grow the tea, then harvest it. Process the tea, then package it. Stock the tea, then sell it. Buy the tea, then enjoy it. The enjoyment can also have a certain order. Heat the water, then steep the …
