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Episode 1 - Let's Start With The Basics (21.3 MB)
Show Notes
Favorite Brews
Afternoon at the Palace
- Blend of Darjeeling and Keemun black teas
- www.teapalace.co.uk
Yunnan Fancy
- Black tea from China
- www.peets.com
Tea 101- The Basics
Types of Tea
White tea
- a type of tea which has new buds which are picked before they are open. The buds have a silver color and are dried. This tea contains more active cancer-fighting antioxidants than green tea, less caffeine and has a sweet light taste. Some excellent white teas to try are - White Peony and 100 Monkeys.
Green tea
- leaves are picked, allowed to dry and then are treated to stop any fermentation. The brew is a light green color with a grassy taste. This tea has the ability to inhibit the development of certain cancers and has other health benefits. Some excellent green teas to sample are - Dragonwell and Sencha.
Oolong tea
- known as semi-fermented and has a unique appearance. The tea leaves look like they have been rolled up in small semi-balls. The brew is a bright golden-yellowish color with a strong and pleasant aroma. My favorite oolongs are Ti Kwan Yin and Formosa.
Black tea
- processed by withering, rolling, fully fermenting, and drying. This tea has the strongest flavor and the most caffeine. The brew can be a dark red or dark brown color. Two of my favorites are Lady Londonderry and Darjeeling (MIM Second Flush).
How to brew tea
Don't leave the tea leaves in the pot!
England has a tea estate in Cornwall called Tregothnan. This is exciting news! I'm currently trying to buy some single estate tea!
The only tea estate in America is in Charleston, South Carolina! It is called the Charleston Tea Gardens! The tea that is produced there is called "American Classic Tea". I have tasted this tea! It tasted like a "Lipton" type tea in a tea bag. I would love to see this company produce fine loose leaf tea instead of teabag fannings.
Tea in the Media
Women's Entertainment Network
I mentioned a show called "American Princess" that premiered August 7, 2005. In one of the episodes the ladies that were competing for the title of "American Princess" were taught all about Afternoon Tea!
Tea Gadgets
Electric Tea Maker
If you have one of these please let me know how you like it!!!
Tea Culture
Chado The Way of Tea
- Japanese Tea Ceremony
- More information on future podcasts.
English Afternoon Tea
- English custom started by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford who decided to indulge in tea and light refreshment in the afternoon. It was a "snack" to tide her over until the late evening dinner time.
- More information on future podcasts.
Cruising for Tea in my Mustang
Comments about tea rooms within 100 miles of Sacramento in Northern California. There are many great tea bars, tea rooms and cafes as well as tea merchants in the Sacramento Area!
