Just Don't Call That Store Bought Wizened Foliage Tea
by Nicole
The Daily Mantra finds it amazing what American’s will pour water on and call tea. Even worse are the over-packaged, and over-priced wizened pieces of bitter foliage that masquerade as so-called fine teas, and are sold by some of the biggest names in the beverage world. We recommend you give your taste buds a treat, and invest in some real fine tea. Two of our favorite tea purveyors are Tokyo’s Lupicia and Paris’ Palais Des Thés, which both have excellent online stores.
For a simple, yet stunning green tea, try Palais Des Thés’ Gyokuro, from the Japanese province of Uji. Only the tenderest buds are selected and handpicked for this delicate tea, which, when brewed, is the most vivid of jade greens. If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, try their Thé du Hammam, which was inspired by a traditional Turkish recipe; a Chinese green tea base is infused with orange flower water and green date pulp, with red fruits and exquisite rose petals adding a delightful scent and color. For something a little lighter try Thé Des Alizes, a green tea mixed with white peach, kiwi and watermelon, which is refreshing when served either hot or cold. Lupicia also offers some exceedingly fine teas. We like their delicately scented Vietnamese Lotus tea, and their two high grade Jasmin teas. Their Jasmin Dragon Pearl tea is made from new shoots thick with white hairs from the Tailao Mountain in the Fujiang province of Japan, and their light and fragrant Chinese Jasmin Chun Hao is a staple in our cup.
While you’re shopping, ween yourself off un-eco-friendly (and more expensive per cup) tea bags, and pick up a decent tea pot to brew your loose leaf tea in. Make sure the pot you choose has a removable strainer, so you can take the leaves out before your tea gets over-brewed and turns bitter. Bear in mind, many of the finer teas only need to be immersed in hot water for as little as 30 seconds, depending on the type of leaves. And since all the teas we’ve recommended have not a hint of bitterness when correctly brewed, leave off the sugar and don’t even think about milk. Finally remember, tea is more than a drink; it’s a ceremony, a treat and a time. Find a china cup you like and savor the moment along with the tea.
Image from left to right: Jasmin Chun Hao, Thé du Hammam, Jasmin Dragon Pearl, Gyokuro, Lotus Tea and Thé Des Alizes
