Cousins, tea flights, and tea sets from Japan

I love weekends filled with spontaneous adventures and tea...

So my cousins were in from out of state for my aunts 88th birthday.  I have not seen them in a long time, it was so good to catch up.  And what better way to catch up then over tea?!!

My cousins humored me and said I should, "Bring my A tea game."  So I did!!

I made tea flights, golden milk lattes, and they each made their own chai tea blends.

I was in my element- sharing tea with those I love.

I made some of my favorites- 

Soho by Harney and Sons

Coconut Oolong from Golden Moon

Warming Walnut from Tealightful

Lemon Raspberry from Plum Deluxe

Again, I say everyone has different taste buds- because we all liked different teas on this flight.  The one thing we agreed on was the Golden Milk Latte I made first was everyone's favorite.

Golden Milk Lattes are super healthy for you!  This one is caffeine free and made with oat milk and maple syrup.  I was a huge hit.

https://www.amazon.com/Ayurvedic-sweetener-Servings-Turmeric-Anti-Inflammatory/dp/B073Y8J9DL/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=golden+milk+latte+powder&qid=1682187383&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTTZETVA4T1AyWlY0JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjUwNDU2MjVUWU1YOFVSWVRCRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTg1OTg2MU9IWVk0WVNaRU1OSyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

$12.71 and it makes 120 servings.  This is my favorite of the Golden Milk powders I have tried.

I then brought out my spices from India so they could each make their own unique Masala Chai blend.

I shared about the spices and their health benefits.  They smelled and even tasted to see what the spices would do to their tea.

We talked about the typical spices found in Masala Chai- like star anise, green cardamon pods, cinnamon, ginger and black pepper.

We talked about some of the unique things you would find in a Masala Chai- like turmeric, red chili, fennel, and coriander seeds.

They each made their chai that day and then took some home for another time.  The key when making chai with milk is getting your milk warm enough- without scolding- to pull out the chai flavors.

My cousin sent me a pic this week that he made his chai at home and it was still great!  I love this!!

Here are the 3 of us 51 years ago and now....

Another fun treat was my uncle who was with the Navy picked up this tea set when he was in Japan for his wife, my aunt.

My aunt has since passed and they were cleaning out the house and thought I may like this tea set.  You know I do!!!  I adore it!!

It is a Kyusu teapot, traditional in Japan, and has 5 double walled teacups.

Kyusu is a teapot with the handle on the side, traditionally the handle is 90 degree to the spout.  These teapots came about in the Song Dynasty, 960-1279.  They were used to brew green tea,  These tea pots are said to steady and ensuring a truer taste of tea.  The side handle is the Yokode.

Most common green tea to brew in the Kyusu is Sencha. If you use a clay pot, the clay can absorb the flavors, so it is not uncommon to have one pot for one kind of tea.  One Kyusu for green Sencha, one for genamicha, one for hojicha, etc.

The tea set also came with this great table cloth and napkins.

Passport to Tea 2013, Japan and Matcha Tea

9 am class has 4 seats available

11 am class is sold out!!!

Matcha is a stone ground green tea- traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.

Matcha is an ancient way to make tea, it goes back over 2000 years and started in China, and the Japanese are the only ones still doing it this way today.

Matcha is made from a specific tea leaf- not just not any green tea. The leaf is a little larger leaf- they allow it to grow a little larger (no buds or small leaves) but they don't want it to get too large and waxy or glossing and rough. 

 Matcha comes from tea leaves picked in Japan.  They are plucked early to mid May.   20 days before they pick the leaf they start to shade the tea.  This produces high levels of chlorophyl and theanine levels rise.  This gives high level benefit.  They steam it for 15 seconds to stop the oxidations and then they dry the tea.  They then take out the stem and vein, you just have the meaty leaf- they make it uniform and they try it again.  The tea master tries the levels of tea and then makes his blend.  They then grind into matcha.   They grind with the stone mill.  It is microfine.  It takes a slow process.

3 general grades of Matcha

ceremonial- has to to be stone ground

standard

cooking- ice cream, dusting of truffles

So many things effect the grade- if the leaf is not fully shaded for 20 days.  If it is the second flush and not the first flush, how much attention to de-veining- stems and veins in the tea will effect the grade.

Ask for organic- since you are consuming the tea.  Stay away from fertilizers and pesticides. 

Best way to judge Matcha is by eye. You want a vibrant, dark, green color

Store it properly- don't let light get in, make it airtight too.

Matcha is very reactivate and will age quickly, keep only 1 yr.

Matcha gives you 100% of the health benefits- you are consuming the leaf.  With other teas you may get 20% of the health benefits.   Matcha is 10-20 times higher in antioxidants then a really good green tea.  High levels of Vitamin B&C and minerals.  Theanines are the highest too.  

Theanines are only in tea and one kind of mushrooms.   Theanine is an amino acid found naturally in the tea plant.   Matcha has the highest levels of theanine.  It crosses the blood brain barrier, directly effects your brain chemistry, its help you to relax and controls stress.  It helps your dopamine levels- improves your mood (calmness and happiness).  Also stimulates alpha brain levels/cognitive function- makes you more aware, more creative,  and lastly boosts immune systems.

Matcha level is the highest level caffeine of any tea.  Some do get nausea on an empty stomach, so you may want to eat first.

Making Matcha

Traditional way- 

Need- 1-1 1/2 teaspoons Matcha, 3/4 C water- 176 degrees, bowl, sifter, scoop, and whisk

Water should be 176 degrees (not too hot), warm the bowl first with some water- then pour out the water. 

 scoop matcha into the sifter and sift to get rid of lumps

add a tiny amount of water to dissolve Matcha, whisk it in

Once dissolved add the rest of your water, go in zig zag with the whisk, do this for about a minute, wanting to get a foam on top

With Milk for a latte-

Need- 1- 1 1/2 teaspoons Matcha, 1 T warm/hot water- 176 degrees, 3/4 C warm/hot milk - 176 degrees, bowl, sifter, scoop, and whisk

Water should be 176 degrees (not too hot), warm the bowl first with some water- then pour out the water. 

 scoop matcha into the sifter and sift to get rid of lumps

add 1T of water to dissolve Matcha, whisk it in

Once dissolved add your warmed milk, go in zig zag with the whisk, do this for about a minute, wanting to get a foam on top

New easy way-

Need- 1- 1 1/2 teaspoon Matcha, electric milk frother, water or milk

add water into frother, then a scoop of matcha

turn on and it whisks it automatically for you.  Some frothers will also heat the water or milk for you.  Or keep it cool for you.

With any of these methods you can add honey or sweetener to taste if you want- I prefer no sweetener.

You can also make the matcha and then ice for an iced matcha

Kombucha Slushy at Thai Lanna

I headed to Thai Lanna & Sushi Bar with my friends Monday night.  Monday nights there are certain sushi rolls that are $4.99.

I have eaten here before, the food is excellent and the staff is friendly and helpful.  I also like that they have a drive thru- it's super handy to pick up food...and tea.

On a side note, Thai Lanna supplies the Thai Tea that Ohio Tea Company carries, Thai Lanna Jasmine.  It is a beautiful tea.  I love the mix of black and green tea with the floral jasmine notes.

I ordered the Lemon/Ginger Kombucha Slushy.  It was okay.  It was really sweet and I didn't get the kombucha flavor.  I have had their butterfly pea tea and bubble tea, I think I prefer those drinks to the slushy.

http://thailannasushi.com/

This sushi was really good.  I think my favorite was the eel and avocado.  I did also like the white tuna, I think that is the first time I have ever had white tuna.

A fun night with good friends.

I recommend this little gem in Canton.  The food is authentic and delicious. 

Mom and Me Tea Party April 29 in Wadsworth OH

Book your seats now!!!!

This is going to a LOT of fun!  We will talk about tea and each person will have fun making their own fruit blend.  

New World Spice and Tea Traders has a great selection of dried fruit that you will be able to blend together to create your own favorite tea!

Dainty Tea Cups, delectable delights, and an afternoon sharing a love of tea with mom at our Mom 'n Me Tea Party.

During this shared moment between mom & daughter, we will demonstrate how to host a proper tea party. Get dressed up, wear your hats, and revel in all the fancy of this fun afternoon event. This event is the perfect opportunity to get out those Spring Dresses and spend some one-on-one time bonding over a love of tea with your littles.

• Teas to share

• Pastries, Cookies, and Finger Sandwiches

• Instructions to host a Tea Party at home

$25 per mother/daughter pair

$5 for each additional sibling

To reserve your spot at our first annual Mom & Me Tea Party, email us at newworldspiceandtea@gmail.com or stop by to let us know.

We can't wait to see you!

                             Mothers and Daughters will have fun with the photos prop area as well.

This should be a fun afternoon for all who come!

Sign up now!!!