Isn't tea great?: 20 February 2005

Saturday, February 26, 2005

Attention all arrogant fingers...

Ladies and Gentlemen with fingers lend me your ears... all those without may turn their ears elsewhere. Outlined below are some guidlines for polite and considerate tea drinking in regards to where to stick those little digits:

The best way to hold a tea cup is to slip your index finger through the handle, up to almost the first knuckle, then balance and secure the cup by placing your thumb on the top of the handle and allowing the bottom of the handle to rest on your middle finger. Contrary to popular belief, the ring and pinkie fingers should not be extended, but should rest by curving gently back toward your wrist.
There are two theories about this. One considers the Chinese custom of drinking tea in small cups with no handles. The hot tea tended to burn the tender, sensitive skin of the pinkie fingers, causing them to hold them away from the hot cup. The other theory dates back to the middle ages when the gentry, or upper classes ate with only three fingers and the commoners ate with all five. To extend one's pinkie was an indication of arrogance, an inflated self-importance and was really rather rude. So despite the fact that children often play "tea party" and drink with their pinkies raised, it really isn't a considerate gesture and should be eliminated.

This has changed everything. I'm not always altogether sure what my pinkie is up to, but I'm sure going to be a good deal more vigilant of the little fellow.

Courtesy of http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/etiquette.html ... good tea chat here.

Friday, February 25, 2005

How do you like your tea pot?

As promised here is a very detailed look at my tea pot. Sometimes people think that it does not matter whether you use a tea pot, cafetiere, sieve or one of those strange ball shaped strainers you can buy from Whit*ard to make your tea. Can I say that I think those people are dreadfully wrong. Having tea is not just about putting a tea bag in a mug, stirring it around, putting the milk in and drinking - making the tea in a good tea pot is all part of the experience. I would consider a cup of tea made hastily in a mug to only be an average cup. Making a good cup will definately involve the use of tea pot. Nowhere else can you get the experience and aroma than when you make tea in a pot.

Now to the pot itself. I used to use a standard tea pot with the classic Whit*ard strainer. That was fine and made a very good cup. As you will from the photo, I no longer use my strainer but instead use 'The Stay Fresh Hot Tea Pot'. This gadget keeps the tea hot for at least 2 hours after brewing and keeps it fresh so it doesn't stew. Not only that but it makes a massive 5 mugs of tea. Buying this will set you back about £20 which, though it might seem a lot, is really worth it. This tea pot will save you time, energy and tea bags, and has the trendy 'see thru' look which put together makes for a great tea experience.

If you want to buy one of these tea pots then you can do at Argos or probably any shop that sells good tea equipment. You won't regret it!

Thursday, February 24, 2005

Sugar - a blessing, not a curse

Hi folks

Thought I'd introduce myself to this great celebration of tea by exploring what sugar adds to our tea-drinking experience. I am not, of course, talking about Whittards or any of the more refined teas, merely your quintessential cup of Tetley's/Fairtrade (I am trying to wean myself from the former to the latter). Now there are those who will argue, but whilst this variety of tea is all very well and tasty on its own, sugar in this tea represents additional value for your cup. I have come to understand that two sugars is merely for the sweet tooth and/or the late night student, and I fall into the latter category more often than many think I should, but one sugar is an amount for all occasions. Instead of going to your kettle and pouring out the routine tea without thinking, and possibly taking that little bit less care with your cup (horror!), having two options over how you take your tea makes you think, and you take more care in preparing the perfect brew for your mood. Soften your tea with a little sugar and enjoy the experience so much more.....

Of course, since tea is great anyway, having it without sugar is perfectly fine too...just don't limit yourself.

[Ed: The views contained in this article are not the views expressed by the other members of the team who strongly oppose the use of sugar or other sweetners in tea.]

Ode to Tea

I do not presume this to be the best, nor the funniest, not the most moving Ode to Tea ever written, but it would be wrong to have a tea site without at least one poem. Feel free to add your own.

In a mood I may be,
Maybe I have hurt my knee,
Or possibly recovering from brain surgery,
but there is one sure way to fill me with glee.
It is tea, oh yes, tea. tea-tea.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

How to make an orange blossom

Today I have tasted the delights of 'Orange Blossom'. On a cold, snowy day it warmed my heart. For those of you who haven't come across this cracking tea it is a black tea with a fruity and aromatic citrus flavour. It can be bought at a very well known English tea merchants. It would be wrong to mention the name here so I will refer to it only as Whit*ard [there is a link to their page at the bottom of this site].

The photo above should give you a good idea of the colour of the tea. Unfotunately you don't know how it smells but I can tell you it is good! One person who drank it once said "it's smooth and slips down your throat, it is like drinking syrup". Doesn't rot your teeth like syrup though does it? In fact, tea is good for your teeth. Winner all round.

Those are my thoughts on 'Orange Blossom'. I'd recommend you try some. Take a trip to your nearest Whit*ard and you can pick some up for £3. Enjoy!

[Note: I'll be talking about my extraordinary 'Stay fresh' tea pot in a later post. Keep checking back!]

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Why tea is better than coffee...political.

- Tea contains less caffeine than coffee
- Tea is better for 'dipping'
- Black tea contains Polyphenols; preventing our cells from turning cancerous- awesome!
- Come on guys, tea is just downright groovy! If it wasn't, why would people call it a party? (ever heard of a coffee party??)
- According to comedy legend Peter Kay's Mum...a cup of Tea
"cools you down." In fact, Peter speculates that dehydrated athletes are given tea after marathons.

Monday, February 21, 2005

Snow scene

Here is a picture of the view from my window at university in Durham.

Etiquette of tea parties

I believe there are several important factors to consider when hosting a tea party: ....[ctd below]

1. Choice of tea
2. Method of brewing
3. Tea drinking vessels
4. Appropriate conversation
5. Appropriate music
6. Choice of cake/biscuits/other finger food.

Most importantly and central to the success of a tea party, is the choice of tea. However this is a specialised subject which i believe is affected by the age and preferences of the guests, time of the party, location and many other factors so I won't be considering it any more in this summary. I believe that tea party tea should only be made in a fine quality tea pot with freshly drawn boiled water and with fresh milk (if required). Tea should really be served in teacups with saucers which will also help to prevent accidents and discomfort from consuming too much tea. Subjects of a contraversial nature should never be discussed at tea parties. Also any subject which is likely to cause embarassment or discomfort to any of your guests is best avoided. Steps should be taken to avoid a tea party becoming too rowdy. If unfortunately your tea party does get out of control it is the duty of the host to remind visitors of correct tea party etiquette. A suitable choice of background music can add a relaxed feel and provide a suitable topic for discussion at a tea party. Some light classical or some french impressionist music is always appropriate. Anything dissonant should never be heard at tea parties. I recommend that choral music should be used with care depending on the musical maturity of your visitors. Biscuits and food are another large area and therefore i will only comment that biscuits or cake should always be offered, preferably off a plate rather than just passing a packet around. Plates should be provided with cake and anything too messy is best left alone.

I realise this is just a short summary and perhaps contraversial. Your comments are welcome

How much caffeine does tea contain? Controversial.

The caffeine content varies with each tea based on the type, where it is grown, how it is processed, exposure to heat, brewing time, water temperature and number of infusions. Dry tea can have more caffeine than dry coffee by weight due to the difference in yield. [ctd below]

Brewed tea typically has one-third the caffeine content of brewed coffee, depending on the preparation methods.Herbal infusions do not have any caffeine at all. Decaffeinated teas have approximately .4% of caffeine as measured by dry weight analysis. Generally, this yields 3 to 4 mg. per cup of brewed tea. Green tea has less caffeine than black tea due to the processing methodology, the use of lower water temperature and a shorter optimal brewing time.

Basically nobody really seems to know. Fact. I hope to post about the powerful, and consciousness-depriving effect a cup of ordinary tea has on the Kenny G-meister, but that's for another day.

Sunday, February 20, 2005

Industrial Cleaning of Mugs

It is a naive person who believes the goodness in tea has nothing to do with the mug. If the mug is not right, it has a detrimental effect on the tea experience.

I will tell you of an experience that happened last week. After a Chinese takeaway, four of us decided we would end the perfect evening with a perfect cup of tea, which I offered to make. Unfortunately, all my mugs were dirty and needed washing. Not deterred, I went into the communal Kitchen (always a dangerous move) and took the 'fairy liquid' from the sink. After washing the mugs, and rinsing them as good as I usually do, I filled them with the classic Assam Twinnings Tea. After passing it to my friends, Dave made a spluttering noise followed by "What have you put in this tea?" Upon inspection on the 'fairy liquid' it was not your usual ceramic cleaner..but industrial cleaner suitable for vehicles and upholstery. It was a mistake and there was one point when Dave feared for his life.

Moral of this story: For teas sake, use, don't abuse the mugs.

What is Chai?

Chai (rhyming with pie) is the word for tea in much of the world. It is a centuries-old beverage, playing an important role in many cultures.
Chai from India is a spiced milk tea that has become increasingly popular throughout the world. It is generally made up of:
• rich black tea
• heavy milk
• a combination of various spices
• a sweetner
The spices used vary from region to region. The most commonly used are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and pepper. Indian chai produces a warming, soothing effect, acts as a natural digestive aid and gives one a wonderful sense of well being. It is difficult to resist a second cup.
Chai is therefore becoming increasingly popular. Many industry analysts are predicting that chai will eventually become as popular and common as coffee lattes and cappuccinos.

Coming up on 'Isn't tea great?'

Coming up in the next few days we'll be publishing 'The dummies guide to behaving at tea parties' along with an answer to the question 'What is Chai tea and why is it so popular?' Check back later in the week for these posts.

How to make tea?

Good Morning!

We all have our own methods about how the perfect cup of tea should be brewed. This is what Tea connisseurs Twinnings Recommend:

Follow these simple steps to ensure that the tea you serve is perfect every time.

1.Only use freshly drawn cold water, ensure that kettles or water boilers are de-scaled regularly and that teapots are spotlessly clean.
2. Teapots should be warmed with hot water, which is then poured away.
3. Use the recommended number of tea bags or one teaspoon of loose tea per cup. For one person use a 10oz tea pot, for two persons a 20oz tea pot is recommended.
4. Water should always be freshly boiled and boiling when added to tea.
5. Leave to brew for 3-5 minutes before serving. Stir before serving.
6. Pour a little milk into each cup before pouring the tea through a strainer if necessary, and sweeten as required.

What are your thoughts on this?

Snow and tea

Another thing that is great is snow. We've had snow here in Durham, UK today. It's great! And best of all, it goes well with tea. Not in it (though I haven't tried that) but you can't beat a nice hot cup of tea in front of the fire with snow and cold outside. Ahhhhh! Bring on more snow!