Friday, February 6, 2015

Confessions of a tea blogger



Seattle-area tea maven Cinnabar tagged me with this ongoing social-media escapade a year ago, and I'm just now getting around to it (shameful!). Following her contribution, I'll answer the same round of questions about how this whole venture got under way oh so many moons ago.

1. How you were introduced to and fell in love with the wonderful beverage of tea?

The introduction, I suppose, can be explored in No. 2 below. The falling in love came much later, and much harder. I was serving a fellowship at Columbia University back in 2000-2001. Outside the main campus gates, at 116th and Broadway, was a shop/cafe called Tealuxe. It's a Boston chain that at the time had dipped its leaves into the Manhattan market (today, the only Tealuxe shops are in Harvard Square and Providence, R.I.). I was 30, but found myself back in an undergrad groove — needing someplace besides my cramped apartment to study and take in occasional nourishment. That Tealuxe shop was perfect in myriad ways. The interior was cozy and good for hunkering with books. They served nifty snacks, mostly easy sandwich-things crisped in a hot press (the PB-'n-honey on wheat, gawd, makes my mouth water still at only the thought of it). And it was the first real tea shop I patronized, one with dozens of drawers behind the counter containing a vast variety. That's when I first learned of life beyond Lipton, and where I started tasting the rainbow, as it were. (An earlier post rambled on about this, too.)

2. What was the very first tea blend that you ever tried?

The snoot in me demands that I begin by noting that I like my whiskey blended and my tea straight. Numerous well-crafted blends have taken my fancy — if you're going to blend and/or flavor tea, do it like TWG — and, as noted below, I start most days with a breakfasty blend of some sort. But I'm happiest with a single-source tea from a good estate. That said, my origin story is dreadfully typical: I first drank tea as a youngster with my mom, and it was good ol' Constant Comment. The world abounds with such stories, and I'm proud to be one of them. Who knows how old I was, but it occurred at a time in life when I actually wanted to have a conversation with one of my parents, so I'm thinking post-driver's license and pre-college. It wasn't a regular ritual, but it was a nice way we developed to check in with each other (well, for her to check in with me) — the occasional shared cups of that steamy, spicy treat (still a sentimental fave) and bit of gab. That has to be the first association with tea as a facilitator of pause, a generator of respite, a conduit of commune-ication. Thanks, Mom.

3. When did you start your tea blog & what was your hope for creating it?

This blog began in April 2009. I was a writer who needed an outlet other than the topic dictated by my profession, but mostly I sought to officiate an exploration of what turned out to be a superb tea city. We'd moved to Chicago a few years earlier, knowing damn little about the place. Smack in the middle of the arctic Midwest, I expected little of its tea offerings. But even a cursory investigation of shops indicated I'd set the bar way too low. Once I'd cast about online and discovered that blogging about tea was actually a thing, I thought, why not. With much to taste in town, I set up the blog basically as a way to give myself assignments, to provide some officialdom to the excuse of trying out more shops. One of the best moves I ever made. Exploring tea in Chicago enriched my life, no bones about it.

I also knew from the beginning I didn't want to review teas, at least not as the overt mission of the blog. My day job exhausted my critical faculties, but mostly I thought (and still do) that foregrounding them in the experience of tea suffers said experience. Train the palate, keep it sharp, sure. But tea is about so many other things, things well beyond thumbs pointing up or down.

4. List one thing most rewarding about your blog & one thing most discouraging.

I simply set out to taste some great tea — I hadn't even thought about the cool people I'd meet in the process. That was the more rewarding experience. Keeping up this silly lil' blog proffered my some absurd credentials, which led me into the circles of stupendous other teafolk such as bright (intellectually and spiritually) Lainie Petersen, wickedly funny Steven Knoerr, and veritable tea master and now fellow Left Coaster Tony Gebely. Our occasional get-togethers were marathon affairs, often with creative themes, always rich in tastes and talk, and I miss them.

Discouraging? Only that there's so much tea to discuss and so little time. I'm just another well-meaning blogger who's tired of apologizing for my long dry spells here.

5. What type of tea are you most likely to be caught sipping on?

For many years, I've started most mornings with the organic Dianhong from, of all places, World Market. Just a great China Breakfast blend with enough oomph to start the day. They've just discontinued it, and my world is askew. So I've switched to alternating between the Irish Breakfast and the superior Scottish Breakfast from a good shop here in San Diego, Point Loma Tea. Afternoon choices depend on mood. Usually a Darjeeling or, if I'm flush, my beloved Keemun. Sometimes something green, especially if I'm still working; sometimes the great white from Tea Gschwendner. Occasionally (more and more these days) an oolong, if I've the space to do it right and the time to enjoy and resteep.

6. Favourite tea latte to indulge in?

I'm not sure I've ever had a tea latte. I can probably count on one or two hands the number of times I've put milk of any kind into my tea — discounting Chai, of course. And I wouldn't go near that bubble stuff with a 10-foot straw.

7. Favourite treat to pair with your tea?

Depends on the tea, the time of day. Some pairings are standard. I can't fully enjoy occasional morning oatmeal without a stout cup of Barry's. If I brew a strong green, like Gunpowder, I love pairing it with a dark chocolate. Keemun works so well with savory snacks — the best of which is something Lainie turned me onto a while back, for which I will never be able to thank her sufficiently: peanut butter and bacon sandwiches. If I'm served a last supper, it must be that.

8. If there was one place in the world where you could explore the tea culture, where would it be & why?

So many lands to choose from. Of course, I'd love to explore East Asia and India. I've had the luxury of investigating Hawaii's burgeoning tea culture, and I spent a heavenly week doing nothing but drinking tea in London. My dream voyage, however, would be a long trek across Russia. I'd like to start at the Chinese border somehow, drinking some tea prepared in ancient ways — with a little butter and salt, perhaps, chipped right off the brick. Then journey through both time and distance heading west, experiencing the country's rich tea culture from dark, shocking samovar brews all the way to Euro-posh afternoon tea in St. Petersburg. That sounds effing heavenly to me.

9. Any teatime rituals you have that you’d like to share?

Nothing major, except in the afternoons when I really need the pause. I've written of it before: to force myself to stop working, stop distracting myself, I simply take off my glasses.

10. Time of day you enjoy drinking tea the most: morning, noon, night or anytime?

As above, morning and afternoon, every day. The occasional herbal at night. I favor a Dublin toddy (black tea — usually decaf at a late hour — with lemon, ginger, cinnamon, plus whiskey or brandy) before bed, especially this time of year.

61 comments:

  1. Hi, Thank you for this great article. I appreciate your sharing your thoughts behind creating this blog. I love tea a lot, I prefer Puer tea especially Puer tea from MistyPeakTeas.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Impressive!Thanks for the post Anybody want Ceramic teapot with infuser may follow : Ceramic teapot with infuser

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awesome content written by the author if anyone wants to buy black tea and other teas like green tea online , CTC Tea and orthodox tea they may visit halmari tea website one of the global tea exporter from India.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Nice article .Thanks for sharing the open tea shop.Want some more knowledge about the tea shops so that i can implement it for my tea shop.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Buy loose leaf tea online In the time of stress, people often go for a cup of tea and that too the black one. Anyone who is regular tea buff knows that it is not a healthy thing but people consume it anyway because it is a great way to release stress.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am a Green tea lover & I enjoy reading your blog a lot. With everyone going green, even in food choices, green tea has gained tremendous popularity across the globe. This is great and detailed information about green tea. If you want to buy wholesale green tea at the best price. so I have good news for you. just simply open this link for contacting and also rates of Green Tea This agency provides a very good & affordable rate of Indian Brew Green Tea .

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shop a wide range of tea cutlery designs for a wonderful tea experience with Tasse De Thé. Modern & unique selection of tea accessories for the serious tea lovers. 100% Organic Teas. Premium Tea Accessories. Luxury Teaware sets

    Tea Blends Online

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice blog Thank You for sharing this blog. i was searching for a Indian Tea related blog. beverages online online beverage store
    for more details CLICK HERE

    ReplyDelete
  9. Incorporate more and more tea to your paste, little by little. Keep stirring and smushing the paste with the again of your teaspoon, until eventually it’s all evenly dissolved and there aren't any lumps left.

    We at Teabloom are delighted to supply beautifully packaged and often appreciated items for $20 or less.

    Address your Dad to some healthier tea gift that he can take pleasure in working day just after day. These tea gifts and equipment, with clear strains and a contemporary touch, certainly are a considered one of A form encounter that every father can take pleasure in.

    Learn More About: How To Make Tea
    If you really can’t stand to view another advertisement again, then you should consider supporting our get the job done with a contribution to wikiHow.

    Moreover, following pursuing Guidance around the tea’s first box will activate about about 60% of these compounds. Then again, brewing tea inside of a microwave had significantly better outcome.

    When steeped in warm water, these leaves bit by bit blossom right into a bouquet of spectacular bouquets and exquisite flavors. Teapots

    Flowering Tea brings jointly magnificence and artwork to free eco-friendly tea. Pioneered by Teabloom®, artisans take freshly picked inexperienced tea leaves from larger elevation gardens and handsew them with edible bouquets to return up with exceptional flavors and unique types.

    Regardless of the origins from the title, the consume is now a favorite almost everywhere! So now, I’m likely to demonstrate ways to make bubble milk tea at home.

    Featuring Remarkable top quality with a contemporary aesthetic, Teabloom’s private tea makers offers some thing exceptional for many different instances.

    So who’s to mention This is often any various? Why are denatured proteins routinely a lot less delicious than intact types? A fried mushroom is usually extra fulfilling than the usual Uncooked just one, why should tea be any distinct?

    However, this method calls for extra tea compared to the very hot brew Variation. You can select whichever strategy you want to make bubble tea. Both of those recipes will probably be provided underneath. Just make sure the final tea is just a little sturdy, to make sure that it may be diluted with milk, and even now have an incredible flavor.

    You should speak to your physician relating to a eating plan/nutritional approach that's ideal for you. This Web-site is directed only to U.S. consumers for products and services of Unilever U.s..

    Fill a glass with ice. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes or crushed ice right up until it's not less than 50 percent complete.

    Tips More About: How To Make Tea
    The video clip was met with confusion and horror on TikTok, with lots of viewers suggesting the consume Michelle created isn't “tea”.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Whether or not you prefer cafe-type lattes or perhaps the concluded bubble milk tea, tea with milk by no means will get old. Continue for probably the most popular techniques to consume milk with your preferred teas.

    This crystal apparent teapot holds forty ounces which is designed from our Distinctive lead-cost-free borosilicate glass. It is ready to withstand Severe temperatures and is highly resilient. Simply put, it's the best teapot For several years of enjoyment. Tea for A person

    Tea – I generally make my tea the working day just before. If I’m making chilly brew, I just let the tea sit at place temperature right up until the following day. If I’m earning scorching brew tea, I make certain to strain the tea after brewed, and Permit the tea interesting to area temperature BEFORE storing it while in the fridge. Brewed tea can be stored while in the fridge for about 2 times. After that, it begins to shed its freshness. Tend not to add milk right up until you’re ready to serve the tea. Boba pearls – As stated in my earlier article, boba pearls are very best served although heat to ensure they continue to be chewy in the drink.

    Learn More About: How to Make Tea Businesses Idea Guide Step By Step
    It's a tragic thing for essiac not to be available to All those in will need as a result of monetary problems and our organization will likely not enable that to occur. Which brings me to...

    Let the tea steep. The tea should really steep for approximately 2 minutes, unless the Instructions on your own brand name of tea specifically point out normally.

    As an alternative, When you are around striving new brewing procedures, producing tea inside of a microwave could be the appropriate Alternative for you personally. It’s unbelievably simple, doesn’t call for Considerably teaware and saves you a large number of your time.

    Make use of a stovetop kettle that should whistle when the drinking water boils or turn on An electrical tea kettle that should flip off routinely as soon as the drinking water boils.

    I attempted putting h2o in my mug then the heating it up and Placing the tea bag inside of. I Permit it sit for a while, but Once i tasted the tea, it absolutely was gross and very watery. How am i able to fix this?

    Location the tea bags in a large mug. Right after situating the bags inside the mug, pour the boiling water around them. Black tea will work greatest for iced milk tea prepared in this method, but oolong tea would also work very well. Regardless of the tea you choose, it ought to be relatively strong.

    By profession, I'm a software program engineer. Everyone has one powerful driving force in self that let one evolve above boundaries, my passion is written content generation. Next my ambition, I'm founder and CEO at TapeDaily with purpose of giving significant-good quality articles and the last word purpose of reader pleasure.

    was found to get microwaving his tea, and that was plenty of to result in quite the flutter of tuts on the net – but it appears that a scientist by the identify of Dr Quan Vuong, a researcher at Australia’s University of Newcastle, is the first antagonist listed here.

    Needless to say, This is certainly good details to listen to, though the query stays- how am i able to make my very own iced tea to avoid the harmful selections? Creating iced tea just isn't a posh procedure, but once again, It is far from as simple as refrigerating a cup of tea prepared from tea bags.

    These antioxidants, that are a lot in freshly brewed tea, can provide many health benefits in the human body- from warding off getting old signals and cutting down possibility of wellbeing conditions to boosting metabolism and immunity. (1)

    Tips More About: How To Make Tea
    In a nutshell, milk powder tea is practically nothing much more than tea with milk powder. There are a few measures You will need to be unique about, otherwise it’ll arrive out just meh, as opposed to outstanding.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for Informative post. Unik Corporation is one of the Fruits and vegetable washing basket manufacturers in India.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Get Hemp teabags boxes from The Customize Boxes. The Custom Hemp Tea Bags Boxes are designed in a way by our specialist that they are fulfilling dual purposes: attracting the customers and saving the item packed inside.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Looking for the best franchise business in india
    under 5 lakhs? Checkout the link for more details.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi there,

    Thank you so much for the post you do and also I like your post, Are you looking for Buy Gunpowder Online? We are providing Buy Shot Guns Online, Buy Hand Guns Online, Buy Ammo Guns Online , Buy Rifles Online, Buy Bullets Online , Buy Primer Online, Buy Hand Gun Ammo Online, Buy Brass Online, Buy 9 MM Gun Online, Buy Gun Powder Online, Buy Guns Online, Buy Reloading Online, Buy Gears Online, Buy Firearms Online, Buy 9MM Luger Online, Buy Guns From Premium Gun Mart , Buy Online Guns, Buy Latest Guns Online , Buy Latest Firearm Parts Online, Buy Latest Bullets Online, Buy Latest Rifles Online, for you with the well price and our services are very fast.
    Click here for href="https://www.premiumgunmart.com/product-category/powder/" />title" Buy Gunpowder Online| Buy Ammo guns Online | Buy Firearms Online |Buy Primer Online" />MORE DETAILS......

    Contact Us: +15592481585
    Email Us At: info@premiumgunmart.com


    ReplyDelete
  15. I love green tea more than anything. Its like a adrenaline rush flowing through my body that keeps me happy and motivated.

    ReplyDelete
  16. A better gaming experience will attract players to invest more time in NBA 2K22 and are willing to buy NBA 2K22 MT.

    Attached link: https://www.gamems.com/nba-2k22-mt

    ReplyDelete
  17. Really very informative and the way you present your information attracts visitors to read a more informative blog from your website. Check out chamomile green tea online

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for sharing this valuable content with us. I have something useful to share with you regarding Top garment export houses in india , I hope this will give you some suggestions to work on your upcoming blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Green tea is one of the most popular herbal drinks in the world. It’s expected that the global tea market will reach US$77.784 billion by 2026.It’s one of the most beneficial and cheapest beverages in the market, and its rising popularity raises many questions, one of which is how much green tea should be consumed in a day.
    If you like having green tea every day, a thermos flask is a great way to keep the beverage hot. Ikom Store has a huge range of flasks available in various colors for you to buy. Whether you want to take the green tea to your office or save it for later, to buy Stainless Steel Flask would be a great choice.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Thanks for sharing such information.
    Ashwini Amruttulya is a famous tea in Maharashtra that fulfill consumer demand for tea through its shop. It has an estimated over 10 shops in Nagpur and intends to expand to 100 shops in Maharashtra, India.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Path Of Exile players' progress in the game is inseparable from the blessing of POE 3.16 Currency.

    Attached link: https://www.poecurrency.com/

    ReplyDelete
  22. This blog is very informative. We also visit us custom tea boxes at affordable rates.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Amazing post, If you want to start Flirt chat and start dating international people then CMX Chat Rooms is the best platform for you,
    Keep sharing your post.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Text/Call: + 1 424 835 1429

    spore wellness cognitive, buy penis envy online, buy changa online, changa for sale, buy changa online, 2-fma-powder available, where to buy changa, 4 meo pcp buy online, buy ketamine hcl crystal powder online, changa buy online on sale. Good stuffs Available I’m allowed maximum in my possession. I am looking to supply a min of 1 oz of the following mushrooms to anyone who wants . We do discreet ######## and no signatures during delivery. The parcel has no label indicating it is carrying the what. We do give high discounts for orders above 2 to 3 pound



    For all interested, do email us back with your order. Below is some of our available strains Good for Pain, cancer, insomnia..

    #buy penis envy online:::::::::::: Grade: AA

    #buy changa online:::::::::::::::Grade: AA+

    #changa buy online on salee::::Grade: A

    # buy ketamine hcl crystal powder online :::::::Grade: AA

    #2-fma-powder available::::::::::::Grade: AA

    #4 meo pcp buy online::::::Grade: A

    And many more..


    Deliveries 24/7 everywhere!!!! very clean smelling, awesome taste and VERY potent stuff. purged for hours so no impurities left.

    Website: https://psychedeliccurestore.com/
    Email : info@psychedeliccurestore.com
    Contact: +1(424) 835 1429

    ReplyDelete
  25. We make Hemp Teabags Boxes as per your brand needs. Our Hemp Tea Packaging is the best CBD Packaging in the market.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello people! Are you looking for profitable franchise business in India? Checkout for more details: best franchise in india Thanks for comment opportunity. You have a great blog by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Shop Printed custom packaging boxes, windows, in new styles and personalized sizes. Our design support shipping services are free at wholesale prices.
    personalized custom packaging boxes

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello People! Are you looking for best profitable franchise business in India? Cool! Tea Time offering low cost and Best Franchise In India checkout their successfull franchise stories. I can suggest you to go and learn about beverages industry to gain more profits as much as you can with in a short time. Coming to Tea Franchise - Tea Time Group is moving like boom with more profits. Hope you like this information.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for sharing such an amazing post with us, If you want to Join free Online Chat Rooms. Please visit CMX Chat Rooms now.

    ReplyDelete
  30. OXO Packaging is one of the leading manufacturer and supplier of hemp boxes with logo in USA. We have a large collection of Hemp Teabags Boxes which are used as packaging for tea, coffee and other products. Contact us to get free delivery all over the USA..

    ReplyDelete
  31. Premier Packaging is providing the best Hamburger Boxes for your brand. Burger packing containers will market your emblem. Many humans begin their enterprise.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Printed tea boxes are better than standard tea boxes because they're more stylish. A printed tea box has a unique and stylish design that will stand out from the crowd. Plus, printed tea boxes are usually more durable and longer lasting than standard tea boxes.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Thanks for such an informative post. You have mentioned the amazing fact. your articles are always amazing. micro nano bubble generator keep posting!
    Bubble Bath Powder keep posting!



    ReplyDelete
  34. Making your tea boxes super adorable is not as easy as you think it to be. To cut you some slack, here are three different ways to customize your tea packaging.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This restaurant is famous for its traditional décor and floor seating which are undoubtedly part of the charm, with well-established décor. Buyers can still enjoy its famous tum kha (a galanga and coconut milk soap) and pad phed Talay (a seafood soute) easily from food delivery.

    ReplyDelete
  36. great content. thnx for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  37. Premium Green Tea Bag

    Premium Green Tea Bag – Dip Tea Bag (30 Nos. Bag) ... Green tea potent antioxidants, which help to build immunity and have antibacterial properties.

    to get more - https://greenkettles.com/product/premium-green-tea-3/

    ReplyDelete
  38. tulsi lemongrass tea

    This tasty tea blend balances ginger with Tulsi and lemongrass to bring an active and vibrant, refreshing taste with a green tea base.

    to get more - https://greenkettles.com/product/green-tea-tulsi-ginger-lemongrass-3/

    ReplyDelete
  39. It's very nice topic, I'm very impressed it. Thanks... answer

    ReplyDelete
  40. thanks for sharing the blog
    I've tried many green teas, but the Organi
    Anti Aging Premium Green Tea
    Chamomile Green Tea

    ReplyDelete
  41. Here we provide jobs in Mumbai from Job vacancy result company . And we also provide jobs in different state. Thanks for commenting
    Jobs in Mumbai
    Jobs in Mumbai
    Jobs in Mumbai
    Jobs in Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  42. Along with the vibrant range of Indian teas, Chai Chun also offers the best-in-class tea accessories to complement the opulent teas. the best glassware online and level up your tea game. Pick your perfect tea and matching accessories with Chai Chun.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Okayti not only offers pristine orthodox Darjeeling teas but also elegant tea accessories to elevate the tea experience. Fine teas deserve finer accessories to complement the intricate and sublime textures.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Darjeeling tea is appreciated globally for its distinct tapestry of flavours and fragrances. Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Darjeeling, Okayti has been producing opulent orthodox Darjeeling teas since 1888.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Black tea leaves processed in the heritage factory of Okayti steep an exemplary cup with a delicate tapestry of enticing fragrances and flavours.Black Tea LeavesHarvested, processed, and packed with an immense passion for tea, every tea from Okayti is a centrepiece in itself.

    ReplyDelete
  46. The procurement team at Chai Chun is always on the run to procure the finest and freshest teas from the best tea estate s in India. Loose Leaf Tea Along with opulent flavour and herbal teas, find the best loose-leaf teas from the finest estates.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hello Dear Admin, Nice To read your post, I am really very thankfull to you.
    This is Harsh from Blue Tea which is the famous Tea brand in India deals in Herbal Tea. Blue Tea or Butterfly Pea Tea is a flower tea made by infusion of natural Butterfly Pea Flowers in hot water. These are totally natural and Caffeine free.

    ReplyDelete
  48. The estate is perched in the undulating mountains of the Mirik region in Darjeeling Oolong Tea Online Darjeeling and its heritage factory has been producing the best quality teas adored by millions globally.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Buy the finest and organic Darjeeling tea leaves at the best price. Only available at Okayti Tea Darjeeling Tea Leaves renowned globally for its unparalleled taste and pristine aroma.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Shop the finest and authentic single-estate Darjeeling Tea leaves from Okayti at the best price. Darjeeling Tea Leaves Precisely handpicked from exceptional tea gardens. Brisk and aromatic with subtle floral notes.

    ReplyDelete
  51. You can conveniently buy premium organic india green tea online from Coffret Marketing Pvt. Ltd. Experience the goodness of this refreshing and healthful beverage, infused with the natural essence of Tulsi, all from the comfort of your home. Order now for a revitalizing tea-drinking experience.


    Name- Coffret Marketing Pvt. Ltd
    Phone- 91-8800661858, 8800661868

    ReplyDelete
  52. Boba Protein combines the best of both worlds: the delicious, indulgent flavors of boba tea protein with the nutritional benefits of protein. It's a game-changer for those looking to fuel their bodies with a tasty treat while meeting their protein needs. With its innovative concept and irresistible taste, Boba Protein is sure to become a staple in the fitness and wellness community. Whether you're craving a post-workout refuel or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free, Boba Protein delivers on taste, quality, and nutrition. Cheers to a healthier, happier you with Boba Protein in hand!

    ReplyDelete