Petra House- tea

 

http://www.petrahousewa.com/

 

 

 

 

 

girls night out... we went out for Mediterranean tonight. It was so delicious.

 

 

my sister and niece

 

Arabic tea, $2.50

I asked if they sold the tea there, she said no.  she said it comes right from Jordan.

 (Side note: The teapot is held high in the air by the head of the household, and poured into the small glasses that have fresh mint inside of them. The height serves to make the tea bubble a bit on top)

 

Such a fun night sitting on floor and hanging out with my sister and niece.  I may try to hunt down some Jordan Arabic Tea now...

 

tea with baklava

BOBA Smoothie- bubble tea with Katie- 400th post!!!!

 

 

 

TODAY IS THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MY BLOG!!! And this is my 400th  post!!!!

While in Seattle Washington this past weekend I had some of my favorite tea... Bubble Tea!!!  I discovered in back 2012 at the Portland Saturday Market.  I love love love it.  I know when I have a tea shop some day, we will sell Bubble Tea.

 

Boba Smoothie

Every day, the staff at Boba Smoothie blend fresh fruits and other ingredients to create smoothies, teas, and non-dairy milk teas. But the sweet flavors of fruit and tea aren't the drinks' only feature—the cups fill with chewy boba pearls, which add a burst of texture to every taste...

 

I got the coconut milk bubble tea with pineapple jellies. It was really good.  I think I may prefer the boba pearls  (or tapioca balls) in the tea better, but this was a fun change.  It was funny in this mall there were 3 bubble tea kiosks, in another mall we went to there was one bubble tea kiosks, and at home you can not find theses anywhere!!!!!

My niece Katie and I enjoying our bubble teas

 

Tukwila South Center Mall 2800 Southcenter Mall
Unit K1223
Tukwila, Washington 98188
206-244-2153

 

Mount of Olives Jerusalem Mint

 

I found this tea makes GREAT ice tea.  I put 4 bags in a gallon container and let it sit for at least 8 hours before I have any to drink.  Then I let the tea bags diet in the tea until I am finished with it.  Since it is an herbal tea the tea bags can sit in the water as long as you want and never get bitter.  I have been mixing more and more herbal mint teas together and finding some really delightful iced tea blends.  Remember to "PLAY WITH YOUR TEA!!"

new electric kettle and the importance of water temperatures.

I got this new great kettle for the office.  The water just would not get hot enough from the coffee dispenser.  And I prefer not to microwave my water.  At the Massillon Discount Store I got this tea kettle for under $20.00.

It is great, and the fun thing is that it turns colors as the water heats up. 

I am not putting a link to this Tea Kettle Company, because this particular tea kettle is no longer made, probably why I got such a great deal on it.  I added to the kettle a little note for people so they know what temperature they will want their water at for certain types of tea that they may be making.  IT IS SO IMPORTANT TO HAVE YOUR WATER AT THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE!!!   It does effect the way your tea will taste.

General Notes on How to Brew Tea First, try following the instructions your supplier gave you. If you're not fully satisfied, try using a lower temperature, brewing for more/less time or using more tealeaves.

When in doubt, use cooler water. Whereas teas can be ruined by water that's too hot, they are rarely hurt much by water a few degrees too cold. (Many British tea drinkers will likely disagree with me on that point. For the record, I'm referring to loose-leaf specialty tea that is to be consumed without milk or sugar.)

Boiling water and then letting it cool removes oxygen from the water and decreases the flavor of the tea. It's better to bring water up to (rather than down to) the appropriate temperature.

How to Brew White Tea
Most people agree that white tea should be brewed with water that is well below boiling and that higher temperatures will scald the tea. I generally use water that is around 160 degrees Fahrenheit (about 75 degrees Celsius), which is when tiny bubbles (about 3 mm each) form on the bottom of a pot of water on the stove.

How to Brew Green Tea
It's better to err on the side of lower temperatures with green teas. If your green tea tastes bitter or overly grassy, try brewing it at a lower temperature. Most green teas are best when brewed well below boiling temp (212 degrees Fahrenheit), at somewhere between 150 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit (about 65 to 80 degrees Celsius). If you're warming water in a pot, this means it will have either tiny bubbles forming in the bottom of the pot or tiny bubbles (about 3 mm) rapidly rising to the surface of the pot.

Steamed Japanese green teas tend to require lower temperatures than other green teas. Some scented or shaped green teas (like Jasmine Pearls) may be brewed at slightly higher temperatures. Yellow tea should be brewed much like green tea.

How to Brew Oolong Tea
The best temperature for brewing oolong tea depends on how you're preparing it. Gong fu brewing usually requires higher brew temperatures (as well as more leaves and very short brew times) compared to Western-style brewing.

For Western-style brewing, oolong tea is generally best when brewed between 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (88 to 93 degrees Celsius). If you're looking at a pot of water in this temperature range, it will have bubbles that are about 5 mm in size and a moderate amount of steam.

How to Brew Black Tea
Some delicate black teas (like First Flush Darjeelings) require lower brewing temperatures of around 180 to 190 degree Fahrenheit (80 to 93 degrees Celsius). However, most black teas can be brewed between 200 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit (88 to 100 degrees Celsius). I usually use around 205 degrees Fahrenheit (which is just below boiling), whereas in the U.K. they tend to use 100 degrees Celsius (which is a full boil, as well as a small science joke).

When warming water in a pot, it will have small bubbles (between 4 mm and 8 mm) and a moderate to large amount of steam when it is between 190 and 200 degrees Fahrenheit. By the time it has reached 212 degrees Fahrenheit, it will have very large bubbles, with no small bubbles remaining.

How to Brew Pu-erh Tea
Some say that pu-erh tea should be brewed with fully boiling water (which is, as you may remember, 212 degrees Fahrenheit, 100 degrees Celsius, and a presence of very large bubbles and no small bubbles in the pot). I find that brewing most pu-erhs with temperatures around 205 degrees Fahrenheit (96 degrees Celsius) is optimal.

Whereas fully boiling water has no small bubbles, water at 205 degrees Fahrenheit has a mix of smaller and larger bubbles.

How to Brew Herbal Teas / Tisanes
Tisanes (a.k.a. 'herbal teas') come from many different plants, so their brewing instructions vary widely. A few (like catnip and yerba mate) should not be steeped in water that is fully boiling. Others (like fennel seed) should be boiled to release their full flavor. (Actually boiling teas or tisanes creates a decoction rather than an infusion.) However, generally speaking, water at a full boil (212 degrees Fahrenheit or 100 degrees Celsius) will work


http://coffeetea.about.com/od/teaandtisanebasics/a/TeaBrewingTemperatures.htm

Zhenas Raspberry Earl

 

http://www.zhenas.com/stackable-black-tea-bags.html

Black Tea Stackable

Black tea tin stackable sampler. Each sampler contains four embossed recyclable air tight tins containing four sachets of 100% certified fair trade and organic tea for 16 total sachets. Flavors include: Peach Ginger, Coconut Chai, Raspberry Earl and Gypsy Rose.

 



Peach Ginger: Biodynamic, Ceylon & Indian Black tea made with organic ginger root and organic peach flavor.
Coconut Chai: Indian black tea, organic cinnamon, ginger, cardamom pods, whole cloves, orange peels, nutmeg, org. black pepper, organic cinnamon essential oil and organic coconut flavor
Raspberry Earl: Biodynamic, Ceylon & Indian Black tea, with Italian Bergamot, Freeze-Dried Raspberries and organic raspberry flavor.
Gypsy Rose: Chinese Black Tea, Red and Pink Rose Petals and organic natural flavors

 

While visiting my sister in Vancouver she had this fun tea to try. 

I had the Raspberry Earl, it was very tasty. 

Lipton Bavarian Wild Berry Black tea

 

I love it when companies come out with the sachet bag!  It really does help give the tea more flavor.  The tea leaves can move around better.

 

I liked this tea warm or cold.  It has a nice fruity flavor.  I did not get a overwhelming sense of one particular fruit, but it was just a nice fruity flavor. 

 

Bavarian Wild Berry Black Tea

Brew a cup of pure, black Lipton^® Tea infused with the vibrant flavor and robust aroma of sweet, wild berries in this delicious blend that contains tea flavonoids.

 

http://www.liptontea.com/product/detail/141446/bavarian-wild-berry-tea

ARGO Ginger Peach

Ginger Peach Loose Leaf Tea - 4.4oz

Dawn picked up this tea when she was in Chicago and she let me try some.  I rather enjoyed it.  I still refer the Argo White Peach to this, but it still was good.

Product Details

Black tea blended with spicy ginger and sweet peaches

• Net Wt 4.4oz - Packed in recyclable glass bottle
• Makes about 52 servings
• All natural black tea
• Premium loose leaf tea

Price: $12.95

http://www.argoteastore.com/Ginger-Peach-Loose-Leaf-Tea/dp/B001JTES40

tea infusers...

 

Was at this cute store in the Seattle Westfield Mall this weekend and found these adorable tea infuses.  That is all I need is more tea infuses, but these were so cute I almost purchased some,

My favorite was this hanging monkey for around $12.00....so cute!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

I found him a Amazon for $3.50 (plus $5.00 shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Monkey-Infuser-Drip-Tray/dp/B005SQ4BJW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398876999&sr=8-1&keywords=monkey+infuser

tea with Katie, Wild Orange Blossom from Teavana

Hanging out with my niece at a mall in Seattle Washington, we taste tested some Teavana tea. It was  Wild Orange Blossom.  We both enjoyed it. 

It was sweetened in the store, so not like I would normally drink it at home, but I still thought it was very good.

 

http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/herbal-teas/p/wild-orange-blossom-herbal-tea

Description

A tribute to the plentiful citrus groves along the Indian River, this bright favorite blends orange slices and pretty rose petals.

Refreshing orange infusion with light floral undertones

DILMAH Ran Watte

I like black teas, when I can add milk to them.  I prefer my black teas to have a floral or fruity flavor at times, but this one had neither and I still REALLY liked it....and I DID NOT add milk.  It is a very light black tea.  I found it very tasty.

http://www.watteboutiquetea.com/press_trade.html

Ran Watte (meaning Golden garden, in the style of Champagne! From the roof of the paradise island at 6000 feet, it contains rivulets of flavour that linger and refresh, enliven and delight. This beautiful golden orange tea boasts an elegant lemony flavour.
A lively cup. Light and delicate in character. A light refreshing palate with a mellow after-taste. Perfect with petit fours

 FROM THE WEBSITE:

Tea lovers will be forgiven for corking their teapots and storing them on the wine rack, when Dilmah releases its latest range of boutique teas, the Watte series.

The launch of Watte (pronounced – ‘what-the’ and meaning garden in Sinhala, the main language in Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon), is more significant than just another new line. It represents a radically different and innovative approach to tea, specially made to suit the discerning palate. The tea is produced at 18 Dilmah tea gardens in four different plantation regions of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), offering pure, authentic tea and retaining the distinct flavour and character of each region.

"Ceylon is recognised by discerning tea drinkers as the home of the world’s finest tea. We grow tea from sea level to over 7,000 feet elevation with the flavour, aroma and taste of tea changing almost every 250 feet. Sadly, the commoditization of the tea category in the last 30 years has meant that consumers have not had an opportunity to savour this wonderful variety. Watte changes all that by bringing to supermarket shelves genuine Single Region Tea, garden fresh and individually wrapped in foil." says Dilhan C. Fernando, son of Founder Merrill J. Fernando, and Marketing Director of Dilmah.

Tea is similar to wine with climate, soil and elevation affecting the character of the tea. The tea plant Camellia Sinensis is grown at varying altitudes in Ceylon, long considered the home of the world’s finest tea, and it is specially hand picked. It is then withered, rolled, fermented, fired, and sorted before being packed.

The Watte series took the most part of five years in preparation and is the dream of Dilmah founder, Merrill J. Fernando. The launch of Watte represents a concerted effort at Dilmah to craft a selection of unique teas and to develop the perfect packaging to deliver Watte in perfect condition and freshness, to tea drinkers around the world.

"Watte allows you to choose a tea to suit your taste. When you look at a cup of Watte tea, you will immediately notice the difference in colour. Ran, meaning Golden is grown at around 6,000 feet elevation in a cool climate and its appearance is light with a wonderful bouquet, compared to Yata, meaning low elevation which is grown in warmer conditions at sea level and is darker in infusion, being strong."

By following the simple guidelines that are in each pack on the type of water and brewing process, every tea drinker can enjoy a wonderful new experience. Watte is an appreciation of the uniqueness of character, aroma and flavour that these four regions of Ceylon offer.

The Watte series took the most part of five years of preparation and experienced tea taster Merrill J. Fernando invested in tea gardens, specialist tea manufacture and state of the art packing technology to follow his dream of genuine Boutique Tea, for tea lovers worldwide to enjoy.

Adding to their Gourmet appeal, the Teas are exquisitely presented, individually foil-wrapped to retain freshness and flavour. A Limited Edition Watte Tea Presenter (left) is also available for the true Tea Aficionado.

"I wanted to share with tea drinkers my enjoyment almost every day for the past fifty years in tasting a variety of unmistakably different teas, each with its own subtle flavour, scent and mouthfeel. Whether your preference is for strong, or light and delicate tea, I guarantee you will find a tea to delight amongst my Watte Teas," says Merrill.

And to fully enjoy each tea, Merrill suggests, "Carefully follow my brewing guidelines when preparing Watte. Having prepared the perfect cup, savour the delicacy of the aroma of each Watte Tea and after you take each sip, allow the lingering aftertaste to swirl around your mouth to appreciate the flavour to its completion".

The Dilmah Watte series of Boutique Teas will be available at speciality and gourmet shops, and fine dining establishments in Europe and Australiasia initially. Given the limited availability of these very special teas, the line will have selective distribution. For tea connoisseurs in areas where Watte is not available, the Watte website – www.watteseries.com offers a Tea Sommelier service which will ship Watte on special order. Dilmah Tea can be visited online at www.dilmahtea.com

TEAVANA Sakura Allure

This is one of my absolute favorite green teas.  It is fruity and does NOT have a strong green flavor taste.  It is pretty and it smells good.  I highly recommend this if you like the fruity flavor! 

REMEMBER with green tea do NOT have the water too hot and do NOT steep the tea for more than 3 minutes, it makes a world of difference when you steep it correctly

I am not sure why some of these pictures won't flip, but I guess I am just keeping you on your toes!

http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/green-teas/p/sakura-allure-green-tea

Sakura Allure Green Tea

Price reflects 2oz (25-30 teaspoons per 2oz)

$7.98

 

Description

An enchanting green tea blend, enhancing the clean refreshing taste of cherry, pineapple, mango, rose, and hibiscus. The Kyoto temple's sakura blossoms in full bloom make the spiritual coupling of floral and fruit come alive as rose and hibiscus intertwine with lively cherry, mango, and candied pineapple.

Bright and lively cherries and hibiscus blend with soft rose and mango

Lipton Blueberry & Pomegrante

 

I tried this tea the other day and I found

I really liked it.  It was light and refreshing. 

I also like the blueberry and pomegranate combination. 

I recommend this tea!

http://www.liptontea.com/product/detail/141515/blueberry-pomegranate-white-tea





Blueberry Pomegranate White Tea

Savor every sip of this delectable taste treat of luscious blueberry and succulent pomegranate. White tea is an ancient blend created from the tips of tea buds before the tea leaf blossoms, and perfect with these fresh fruit flavors

MIGHTY LEAF Aloe Serenity

 

 

I bought a 6 pack of tea.....there are small trial tins.  A great way to taste a bunch of different teas with out spending a lot of money.

 

 

 

http://www.mightyleaf.com/index.cfm

Aloe Serenity green tea is soothing and smooth, a floral noted healthful blend combining green tea leaves with inulin, rose petals and calming aloe. A rich infusion that aids digestion, Aloe Serentiy green tea will surprise you with its complexity and unique taste.

Character

Leaves

Green tea, aloe vera, inulin powder, rose petals

Aroma
Soothing notes of aloe and rose

Color
Golden green

Taste
Floral aloe notes and smooth green tea

okay- I've said it in the past, and I will say it again.  We all have DIFFERENT taste buds.  I did not care of this tea.  I let Dawn from work try it, and she did not care for it.  But, then I let my friend Marci try it and she loved it!  So, if you once tried a tea and you did not like it, that does NOT mean you do not like tea...that just means you did not like that particular tea.  Keep trying a variety of teas.  It is fun to try new teas. You will eventually find the kind you like, you will actually probably find a lot that you like.

TEALIGHTFUL LAVENDER LEMON TEA CAKE

Lavender Lemon Tea Cake - 4 oz. - ORGANIC - CUSTOM BLEND!
Organic lavender, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon peel, lemon oil and vanilla bean!
Handcrafted by Tealightful Treasures in small batches with the world’s finest herbs and spices. This 100% organic blend features lavender, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lemon peel, lemon oil and natural vanilla bean!
Price: $17.50

http://www.tealightfultreasures.com/

I really enjoyed this tea. This a delicious drink.  I would say it has more lemon then lavender if you were curious.

Gevalia Ancient Cherry tea

Ingredients: Green Tea, Licorice Root, Natural Flavor, Soy Lecithin Contains: Soy

http://www.gevalia.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gevalia-Site/default/Search-Show?q=cherry+tea

For some reason I was not a fan of this tea.  It was not very strong and I just found it kind of plain. Maybe someone else will love the flavors, but I don't plan on having this tea again.