Specialty Teas
Brief History | Tea Facts | Health Benefits | Tea Preparation | Tea Leaf Reading | Tea Parties
The Story of Tea
According to Chinese mythology, in 2737 B.C. the Chinese Emperor, Shen Nung, scholar and herbalist, was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water. A leaf from the tree dropped into the water and Shen Nung decided to try the brew. The tree was a wild tea tree. Shen Nung liked what he tasted. The history of tea had begun.
From the earliest times, tea was renowned for its properties as a healthy, refreshing drink. By the third century A.D. many stories were being told, and some written, about tea and the benefits of tea drinking. It was not until the Tang Dynasty (618 A.D.-906 A.D.) that tea became China’s national drink and the word ch’a was used to describe tea.
In 1767 an Act of British Parliament attempted to impose a tax on tea being shipped by the East India Co. to American colonies. The infamous Boston Tea Party in 1773, which occurred because Americans refused to accept dutiable goods ashore, led to the War of Independence . A band of Boston men, disguised as Native Americans, boarded the ship Dartmouth and threw 340 chests of tea overboard. The British government's closing of Boston Harbor and the arrival of British troops on American soil started the historic War of Independence.
Tea Facts
All tea comes from one plant, Camellia Sinensis, which is related to the evergreen family. Depending on where it's grown, nature and climate dictate the quality of tea, much like wine and coffee. The teas we sell are premium young-leaf teas found on only the top two or three inches of the plant.
There are three ways of processing teas. The most common method in the United States is the black tea method. The tea color is a result of the chemical changes that occur to the leaves when they are given time to oxidize, before drying, during the manufacturing process. Tea leaves that have been given full time to ferment become black tea. Oolong leaves are those that have been given a shorter time to oxidize or semi-ferment. Tea leaves that have been dried without time for oxidation or fermentation remain green in color.
Health Benefits of Tea
Digestion—All teas are chock-full of essential oils and polyphenals. They aid digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices.
Teeth—Tea contains fluoride, which is a mineral that prevents the development of bacterial plaque leading to tooth decay.
Vitamins—Studies show green tea contains significant amounts of vitamin C. All tea contains small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, such as potassium.
Cardiovascular System—Tea reduces triglycerides and cholesterol. It lowers the incidence of heart attacks.
Cancer—High in antioxidants, tea has been shown to reduce the incidence of skin, lung, liver and stomach cancer in lab tests. The antioxidants in two cups of black tea are equivalent to the antioxidants in one glass of red wine, seven glasses of orange juice or 20 glasses of apple juice.
Nervous System—Tea increases alertness, reduces fatigue and improves concentration.
Folk Remedies—While not scientifically proven, tea is believed to promote longevity. Tea has been used as an antibacterial agent, a salve for insect bites and sunburn, and as a drying agent for fungal infections.
Tea is an amazing all-encompassing alternative beverage!
Tea Preparation
The amount of time needed to brew your tea varies depending on the leaves and the drinker’s individual taste. Careful timing is essential for brewing tea. A very general rule to follow is the smaller the leaf, the less time required for brewing. Broken grades of tea leaves and most Darjeeling teas only need 3-4 minutes to brew. Whole-leaf teas often need 4-5 minutes. All teas, however, will become bitter if brewed for longer than 5-6 minutes. When brewing tea, use a timer, and not with your eyes. It is a common mistake to brew the tea until it looks a particular color or shade. The color of the tea is a poor indicator of the tea’s taste.
General Steeping Times
Green Tea 1-3 minutes
Oolong 2-3 minutes
Herbal 3-4 minutes
Black 4-5 minutes
Mrs. Kelly’s Tea
We sell Mrs. Kelly’s tea leaves. Grounded Specialty Coffee offers premium young leaf teas found on only the top two or three inches of the plant.
Whole, uncut leaves retain their natural aromatics and essential oils resulting in better taste.
In bulk, we offer 2 oz. bags of Mrs. Kelly’s loose-leaf teas, including black, green and herbal. Let us know of any special requests.
Tea Leaf Reading
The art of tea-leaf reading is a very old form of augury, or telling of fortunes, by the symbols seen in random objects. Tea-leaf reading (tasseography) is a lot like dream interpretation. Follow your first impression, no matter how far-fetched.
Mrs. Kelly’s great-grandmother’s method on how to read tea leaves:
- Brew a pot of tea and add leaves directly to a cup without a strainer. A large leaf usually works best.
- Drink the tea, and while you do, reflect on a question you wish the leaves to answer.
- Upon completing the cup, swirl it three times in the direction away from yourself.
- Turn the cup upside down onto its saucer.
- Allow the leaves to tell their story. First impressions are important. They suggest an answer to the question that was thought about while drinking the tea. Study the leaves; pictures and images will appear…
Afternoon Tea
The tradition of high tea goes back many years. In England, in the late 1700s, there were two meals daily, breakfast and dinner. Dinner was served very late in the evening, so it was a very long time between meals. The Duchess of Bedford complained about a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon. Afternoon tea was her invention to keep her going until dinner.
Tea Parties
Remember dressing up in grandma’s old hats, high-heeled shoes and gloves and sitting down to a tea party? You would have a friend over to share in the adventure, or maybe entertain with your favorite doll or stuffed animal. Let us help create memories for your child. Ask for details about a children’s tea party. You supply the kids and stuffed animals, and we will provide the rest.
Or, treat yourself and friends to an Afternoon Tea. Tea or coffee, scones, tea sandwiches and assorted pastries are served in the afternoon—or make it a private party in the evening. Call for dates and details.
Tea Menu - Fine Loose Tea Selection
Black Teas
Black tea is made from leaves that have been fully oxidized, producing a hearty, deep, rich flavor in a colored amber brew. It is the oxidation process that distinguishes black teas from green. Black teas have a fuller and richer flavor compared to unprocessed green teas.
Apricot: Black tea scented with natural apricot extracts and dried fruit.
Assam: A strong, robust black tea with malty flavor--a perfect morning cup.
Chai: A traditional Indian blend, scented with cardamom, cinnamon, clove and vanilla.
Darjeeling Organic: The champagne of teas with a light delicate flavor and aroma.
Earl Grey: Premium black tea leaves scented with bergamot. It has a hint citrus flavor.
English Breakfast: A traditional blend of black teas. Smooth, pleasing and a universally satisfying in flavor.
Holiday Tea: Ceylon Tea infused with cranberry and vanilla extracts, then blended with orange peel, cinnamon and dried fruit.
Raspberry: Premium black tea leaves and raspberry leaves—fresh and fruity.
Spiced Orange: A hearty mix of black tea, spicy cinnamon, orange peel and orange extracts.
Green Teas
Green teas are not fermented. The leaves undergo three treatments: roasting, rolling and firing. Roasting kills off the enzymes responsible for oxidation. The leaves are hand-rolled into various shapes. Green tea is an excellent thirst-quencher and can be drunk throughout the day. Nearly all green teas come from China or Japan.
Apricot: Green tea scented with natural apricot extracts and dried fruit.
Genmaicha: Japanese green tea blended with roasted rice.
Jasmine: High flower content green tea with a smooth, full body.
Mango: Green tea infused with mango extracts, then blended with dried mangos.
Minneapple: Perfect blend of apple and cinnamon extracts infused with green tea and fruit.
Strawberry: Premium grade green tea infused with extracts of strawberry and herbs.
Herbal Infusions
Herbal infusions or tisanes, such as chamomile, peppermint or nettle, do not contain any real tea leaves. The term “herbal tea” is a misnomer, since these products are not really tea at all.
Chamomile: A relaxing and tasty blend of chamomile, peppermint, spearmint and cinnamon.
Herbal Elixir: A decaf blend of ginseng, gotu kola, ginkgo, kola nuts, orange peel, lemon grass and peppermint.
High-C: A blend of hibiscus, lemon-grass, cinnamon, chamomile and stevia.
Honeybush: South African herb, a naturally sweet, rich cup with no caffeine.
Mint Julep: Caffeine-free blend of peppermint, lemon-grass, orange peel, infused with natural extracts of lemon.
Peppermint Petal: Refreshing peppermint-infused with just a touch of rose and rose petals.
White Teas
White teas are the rarest and most delicate in the world. Produced mainly in China, white tea is made entirely from leaf buds that are covered with whitish hairs. The new buds are plucked before they open in early spring, then withered and dried slowly at low temperatures.
Shou Mei: This tea is quickly dried to prevent any fermentation so it tends to have a purer taste.
Oolong
Oolong teas are semi-oxidized, principally from China or Taiwan. Oolong falls between black tea and green tea with complex flavor and aroma. Oolong tea is more delicate than black tea and more powerful than green.
Fugian Oolong: When immersed, the leaves slowly turn red around the edges. Fugian Oolong has a sweet body and musky odor.
Inquire about new tea arrivals.
Steeping Guidelines:
Green Teas 1-3 minutes
White Teas 2-7 minutes
Oolong Teas 2-7 minutes
Black Teas 3-6 minutes
Herbal Infusions 5-10 minutes
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.” –Henry James
Store Hours
Monday through Saturday: 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tea Parties (reservations required)
Minimum party of 4
Monday through Saturday, starting after 4:00 p.m., with a mandatory 48 hour confirmation. Exceptions would include previously booked private parties.
Inquire about private evening teas for special events: bridal and baby showers, birthday parties, graduations, retirement parties, or just a private get-together for family or friends.