Tea-Time Tips

APPROXIMATE CAFFEINE CONTENT OF TEA (5 oz cup)
1 minute brew – 10-35 mg
3 minute brew – 20-45 mg
Instant Tea – 12-30 mg

TEA BAGS

Invented in 1904 by Thomas Sullivan of New York City, first using them to send samples to his customers instead of sealing it in more expensive tins.

TEA ETIQUETTE

At some Formal Afternoon Teas,
a guest is chosen by the host to act as a ‘tea-pourer’.
This is considered an honor and their role is to serve the tea
to fellow guests.

TEA LIFE

Black Teas, if properly stored, may retain their flavor for up to 2 years from the time it was picked.

Green Teas are unfermented and are best consumed within 6 months.

TEAPOT CARE

It’s best to rinse your teapot with warm water only.

Using soap or any cleanser in the pot can affect the flavor of your tea.

Simply rinse the teapot using warm water and a sponge, then turn the teapot upside down on a towel to air dry.

Teapots should never be placed in a dishwasher as abrasive scrubbing can ruin a teapot.

ICEY TEA TIP

After storing iced tea in the refrigerator, it may turn cloudy.

Just add a small amount of boiling water to clear it up before serving.

DARJEELING TEA

Darjeeling is called the champagne of teas and is grown in India’s Himalayas

TEA PARTY DECOR

Use what you have on hand; familiar items that reflect your personal style. Floral tablecloths, scented candles, special plates and cups you’ve collected over the years. Your guests will enjoy a variety of teapots, floral and whimsical……Add a vase of fresh spring flowers from the garden or use a collectible teapot as a vase. Play music softly in the background.

REFRESHING PEPPERMINT LEMONADE TEA RECIPE

Makes 4 (10-oz) servings.

2 cups boiling water
4 tsp.Peppermint Tea
2 cups cold water
1 container (6 oz.) frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed. Do not dilute.

In a teapot, pour boiling water over Peppermint Tea (in tea infuser).

Cover and Steep for 5 minutes.

Remove tea infusers. Combine tea, cold water and lemonade concentrate in a pitcher.

Pour into ice-filled glasses and add a garnish of lemon slices.

A CUP OF HOT MINT CHOCOLATE

Serves 1

1 Peppermint Tea Bag

1 Cup Milk

1 Tablespoon Hot Chocolate Mix

Add 1 peppermint tea bag to a cup with milk. Heat to almost boiling. Remove the tea bag.

Add 1 tablespoon of Hot Chocolate to cup and stir.

TEA IN AMERICA

USDA figures estimate that today’s Americans consume more than 2.2 billion gallons of tea each year.

TEA STORAGE

Tea should be stored in an airtight, opaque container in a cool, dry place. Do not store in the refrigerator because condensation can ruin the tea. Many tea retailers sell tea in metal tins that close tightly, which are probably best. Clear glass jars are acceptable only if you can keep them in a closed cupboard away from light. If you reuse containers, avoid using materials that retain odors, such as plastic, as the tea will pick them up.

MILK?

The most popular additions to tea are: honey; milk; sugar; lemon; milk and sugar; lemon and sugar; lemon and honey.

Cream is too heavy for most teas and should be avoided in favor of milk.

Like cream, whole homogenized milk is too heavy and strong tasting for most people. Low-fat or skim milk seems to work best.

Milk and honey don’t seem to go very well together.

Do not add milk and lemon. The acidic lemon juice instantly curdles the milk.

Do NOT add anything to green or oolong tea; they are meant to be drunk straight.

TEA PARTY IDEA

Have a Tea Party for Moms and Daughters.

Give favors! Give a Teapot to each Mom and matching Mugs or Cups and Saucers to each daughter.

They’ll love it!

REMOVE CAFFEINE FROM TEA