Tea Stories
The Charm of Maharishi Peach tea January 14 2016
If you can think of a fruit combination that sounds juicier or more sumptuous than peach apricot, please let me know. And evidently, we aren’t the first to hold that opinion. In China, archaeologists working during the time of Chairman Mao discovered evidence of people enjoying apricots and peaches together 4000 years ago. From those ancient times, both fruits made their way westward in the form of cuttings and seedlings, traveling via Persia to Italy and Spain. In Italy, both flourished and rose in such popularity that they became favourites of various rulers of the Roman Empire. What makes the fruits go so well together? Their delicate, intensely sweet flavour profiles. The characters of both fruits together blend into a harmonious explosion of citrusy goodness. And what makes them blend so well with a high grown Ceylon tea? The answer to that question is the natural acidity and astringent qualities of both. Peach and apricot and 4,000 years of history can’t be wrong! We only source teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka – Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. Dimbla and the western estates of Nuwara Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb., whereas Uva and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have their peak in Jul/Aug. This dual peak period allows us to obtain the best for our flavoured teas several times a year. These high-grown districts produce teas that have classic ‘Ceylon’ tea character, noted by floral bouquet and flavour notes, touches of astringency and bright coppery colour. Perfect as the base of our flavoured teas. Flavouring oils, not artificial crystals, give the tea drinker high quality tea that tastes really good.
Liverpool Red caffeine free tea January 14 2016
This flavour of our teas originates from Provence. In fact, there’s an old French saying that has it that to spend an afternoon in Provence, is to spend an afternoon in Paradise itself. The reason for this lies in the fact that the altitude above the Mediterranean is blessed with crisp clean air and lush foliage. Provence literally teems with gardens, pastures and woodlands. A walk down one of its many country roads will have you stopping to pick wild berries, herbs, spices and especially flowers. The abundance of both wild and cultivated flowers. You will find both types of blossoms growing along the roadside, which gives the very air of Provence the aroma of a natural perfumery. In a word, Provence is an intoxicating and tranquil place. (OK, that was two words, but it helps illustrate my next point). My suppliers decided to replicate the experience of a walk in Provence by developing a flavour that is at once heady, full of floral character, and superbly mellow. I believe that this blend of caffeine free Roibos and fresh lavender does just the trick. You will also find it to have a certain je ne sais quois that will inspire you to sit back, close your eyes, and dream of an afternoon in the sunshine. A brew of Rooibos contains nutrients such as: iron, essential for transport of oxygen in the blood, Potassium, Calcium, necessary for strong teeth and bones, Copper, Zinc, necessary for normal growth and development of healthy skin, Magnesium, Fluoride, necessary for strong teeth and bones, Manganese and Sodium, which are necessary for fluid and acid-base balance.
The Charm of Abbey Road Apple January 11 2016
Although apples have a long history in the United States, the cultivation of apples is thought to have originated in ancient Rome. The Romans brought the trees to England, and in turn, the British brought them to Massachusetts. It’s believed that John Endicott, an early governor of the Massachusetts colony brought the first trees to North America in 1629. The apple spread across the States, thanks to the hard work of John Chapman, otherwise known as Johnny Appleseed. He traveled the country on foot planting apple trees. Somewhere along the line, someone struck upon baked apples sprinkled with cinnamon. We are certainly glad they did. Brewing a pot of this tea is like baking an apple pie in a teapot, absolutely delicious. We only use teas from the top 3 tea growing regions of Sri Lanka – Nowara Eliya, Dimbula and Uva. Dimbula and the western estates of Nuware Eliya have a major quality peak during Jan/Feb., whereas UVa and the eastern estates of Nuwara Eliya have heir peak in Jul/Aug. This dual peak period allows us to buy the best for our flavoured tea several times a year. These high-grown districts produce teas that have classic ‘Ceylon’ tea character, noted by the floral bouquet and flavour notes, touches of astringency and bright coppery colour. Perfect as the base of flavoured teas. Tests have been made from various other origins around the world but none made the grade. Flavouring oils, not artificial crystals, give the tea drinker high quality tea that tastes great. Equally enjoyable hot or as iced tea.
Tea sustains us January 01 2016
"Better to be deprived of food for three days, than tea for one."
Ancient Chinese Proverb
Kissing December 31 2015
"Kissing is like drinking tea through a tea strainer - you're always thirsty afterwards."
Old Chinese saying
The existence of Tea December 29 2015
"I always fear that creation will expire before tea-time."
Rev. Sydney Smith
From The Minister of Leaves December 28 2015
Enjoy life sip by sip, not gulp by gulp.Tea in Australia December 18 2015
The Aboriginal Australians drank an infusion from the plant species leptospermum (a different plant from the tea plant or camellia sinensis). Upon discovering Australia, Captain Cook noticed the aboriginal peoples drinking it and called it tea. Today the plant is referred to as the "ti tree."
Through colonisation by the British, tea was introduced to Australia. In fact, tea was aboard the First Fleet in 1788. Tea is a large part of modern Australian culture due to its British origins. Australians drink tea and have afternoon tea and morning tea much the way the British do. Additionally, due to Australia's climate, tea is able to be grown and produced in northern Australia.
Anonymous quote December 14 2015
This morning's tea makes yesterday distant.
Tea to satisfy our cravings December 13 2015
"Tea is quiet and our thirst for tea is never far from our craving for beauty."
James Norwood Pratt
Monty Python December 12 2015
"Make Tea,not war."Charles Dickens' quote December 11 2015
"So I says: "My dear, if you could give me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head, I should better understand your affairs." And we had the tea - and the affairs too.
Charles Dickens in Mrs. Lirriper's Legacy
Times for Tea December 10 2015
The most trying hours in life are between four o'clock and the evening meal. A cup of tea at this time adds a lot of comfort and happiness.
Royal S. Copeland.
Words from Audrey Hepburn December 09 2015
"When you have nobody you can make a cup of tea for, when nobody needs you, that's when I think life is over."
Audrey Hepburn
Tea for The Ellen Show at NBC December 08 2015
Ruth and I have been invited to The Ellen Show tomorrow, the llth day of her Twelve Days of Christmas. We are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for their drive, and I plan to take Ellen a nice selection of Mrs. McCartney's Teas which I hope she will enjoy. It sounds like a fun afternoon, and I will report back with the skinny later tomorrow.
Afternoon Tea in London December 04 2015
http://www.virginexperiencedays.co.uk/champagne-afternoon-tea-for-two-at-the-ritz.
If you really want to impress someone with a lovely gift, how about a voucher for tea for two at The Ritz in London. It may not be Mrs. McCartney's Teas, but I'm sure they will do their best. After all, life is not always perfect.
The wisdom of Theodore Roosevelt December 02 2015
My experience convinced me that tea was better than brandy, and during the last six months in Africa, I took no brandy, even when sick, taking tea instead.
In a letter dated 1912
More profound thoughts about tea November 30 2015
"There is something in the nature of tea that leads us into a world of quiet contemplation of life."
Lin Yutang. The Importance of Living
Matcha for the holidays November 25 2015
How about introducing one of our new Matchas to your loved ones as a holiday gift? You can find it at www.mrsmccartneysteas.com/store.
Maharishi Peach November 21 2015
I just discovered a very nice review of Mrs McCartney's Teas' Maharishi Peach from someone who was attending a Retreat and evidently found it just the right match for the fudge that the Monks provided for afternoon refreshment. Here is the link: http://beatles-freak.com/2015/08/04/tea-for-tuesday-review-of-maharishi-peach/The Art of Tea November 20 2015
"Some people will tell you there is a great deal of poetry and fine sentiment in a chest of tea."
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Letters and Social Aims.
Farrah Fawcett Foundation Cancer Charity Event November 16 2015
Our dear friend Mary Willard has invited Ruth and I to participate in an event for children with cancer at the Santa Monica Museum of Flying next month, and we are happy to be serving Mrs McCartney's Teas to the parents and loved ones, while the children have fun, rides, receive their gifts and share in the celebration. If any of my good tea friends would care to help, you can make a donation via:
http://www.thefarrahfawcettfoundation.org/contact