Thursday, September 16, 2010
Favorite # 8 - Tea
My grandmother was Scottish and emigrated to Canada at a young age, so my mum's side of the family is mostly Canadian. As a result, tea was always a staple in our household. When I was little, my mum and I would sip tea together and I felt so sophisticated! One Christmas, she took my brothers and me to the Tea Room at the Four Seasons (now the Fairmont Olympic Hotel) in Seattle for a full tea service and I was in heaven. When we were sick, she would make us lemon tea with honey and throw a shot of brandy in there to knock us out. (No wonder I'm such a lush now!)
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My love affair with tea has continued to grow as I've gotten older. Even though I usually stick with the classics (black, green and white tea), I'm always on the hunt for new teas. I buy most of my tea in bulk, loose leaf form from Market Spice Tea in Pike Place Market but I've found a few varieties at Teavana and other specialty tea shops that I love. I also live across the street from Cost Plus, which has a great selection of both bagged and loose leaf teas.
I like to steep my tea for a long time so it gets that extra strong, earthy, almost bitter flavor. I drink it extra hot, usually with no sugar or milk. With certain teas, I'll add a splash of lemon juice.
Do you like tea? What are your favorite types of teas and how do you drink them?
*Please do not infer from this post that I don't like coffee. I love coffee. I also live in Seattle where it's required by law to drink a minimum of 3 specialty coffee beverages per day. I fulfill my coffee quota on a daily basis and enjoy every minute of it. I just really, really like tea.
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9 comments:
I love tea as well. Nothing beats curling up with tea and a book on a rainy NW day. I tend to stick with black teas, not so much for the fruity herbal stuff.
I'm a big tea fan as well, I think it stems from my g. grandma. I used to drink it daily with her and especially when I was sick so now I have all kinds at home.
My favorite though is from Tea Forte, the black currant. I feel fancy when I drink it (probably because of the cute little pyramids) but I usually buy the loose leaf even though it's messier.
Oh my gosh! When I was a wee little lass my Mom took us to high tea at the Fairmont before we saw the Nutcracker. We dressed up and it was awesome. I felt so grown up!
I usually stick to the cheap Trader Joe's teas. Their new Duchess Grey is my favorite. But I like anything with bergmot in it.
I was just thinking about my love for Market Spice tea, perfect for this rainy Seattle weather. I'm also a big fan or any variety of mint tea. PS - LOVE the coffee disclaimer at the end, classic!
I'm drinking tea right now! I love orange teas.
I think people who drink tea are fancy. I'm trying to become one of those people. I just started trying out different types of tea earlier this year, thanks in most part to my friend who's a "tea pusher" and makes me try things. So far I really like red teas.
@E - I'm with you, I don't like the herbals very much. I love a strong, black tea!
@Cass - I LOVE those Tea Forte pyramids! My mum puts a few in my stocking every year at Christmas.
@Nikki - Is Duchess Grey similar to Lady Grey? If so, I'm a fan. It has the wonderful bergamot flavor, but is also light and citrusy. Tastes great both hot and iced!
@Kim - I love the wonderful sweet spiciness of Market Spice! I had to add that disclaimer in there :-)
@Ashley - Mmmmm, I love orange teas, too, like the classic Constant Comment. Delicious!
@Becky - I love red teas! I prefer it just plain, but I've had some good tropical infusions that are pretty tasty.
I'm also a tea drinker, though it's not surprising considering I'm from England; tea drinking's practically in our DNA!! ;-)I love black teas, especially a good English Breakfast, and drink them hot with a moderate amoount of milk. Not too much, not too little...I'm one of those awkward people somewhere in the middle lol.
ronald brought me some fancy english tea last week. i can't get enough!! i LOVE tea!
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