Tea Guides

Cozy Christmas Teas To Savor All Season Long

December 1, 2022

The most wonderful time of the year is here, and we’re here to give you direct insight into your coziest drinks yet! Teas are often the drink of choice to wind down after a busy day celebrating the season or after a hard day at work, pushing on til that long-awaited holiday break. However, they can be enjoyed all day, every day – giving you the perfect thing to reach for whenever you need an extra serving of holiday comfort and joy.

The question is: Which holiday teas are best to sip on during the season? While there aren’t any wrong ways to enjoy your favorite flavors and blends, we do have some great suggestions to help get you in the holiday spirit. Read on for our full list of cozy Christmas tea blends you won’t want to miss as we wrap up the last bit of 2022!

What are the best Christmas teas?

You can make any tea a Christmas tea. Generally, as the weather cools, you’ll want to feel that cozy warmth going down to your toes – which is where warming blends, such as vanilla and cinnamon, come in. There are plenty of other flavors to experiment with that are perfectly matched with the chill and bustle of the season, such as evergreen and spearmint (for energy and cooling), citrus (for warmth, zing, and vigor), and chamomile (for soothing and grounding).

Part of the fun of holiday tea blends is the sense of nostalgia and comfort you can get with each cup. Experiment away – and don’t be afraid to mix and match. You might just find a new flavor you love year-round!

Below are a few of our favorite recommended brews for Christmas teas in 2022. Read on for our full list and links to buy. The time is now to stock up on your favorites!

Vanilla Chai Tea

There’s something so remarkably soothing in vanilla-based chai blends. It’s both grounding and calming, giving you a feeling of presence and comfort with every sip! The flavor comes through remarkably, especially with a loose-leaf vanilla chai tea, allowing each leaf and element to fully release its flavors into your favorite holiday mug.

Our vanilla chai is made up of the classic chai tea inclusions (like bold, rich black tea leaves peppered with cardamom, clove, ginger, and cinnamon) and a few extras. Calendula petals offer a sweet, earthy taste to the otherwise robust blend, and a secondary addition of black and white pepper flakes gives the tea a bolder, brighter flavor and gives you some added health benefits, too. It’s the perfect tea to sip on and get a gentle start to your day or to savor by a fireplace with your favorite cookies and a book.

It’s a great multi-use or year-round tea blend that perfectly captures the spirit of the season…and it makes a great gift, too!

Cinnamon Orange Spice

Snappy, spicy, and richly scented with citrus flavors, our cinnamon orange spice tea blend is the perfect pick-me-up for a late night of holiday gift wrapping or memories by the fire. It’s incredibly tangy and tantalizing, teasing every sense with the sweet-savory aroma of orange zest, South Indian Black Tea, and cloves.

If you love simmer pots, and you also love a healthy dose of caffeine to start your morning off right, than this is the tea for you. Lean into the sweet-scented steam before your first sip – it makes the experience even more magical!

Did we mention the added health benefits? Black tea serves as the base for this tea blend – offering rich anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for soothing a turn-of-the-season sore throat. It’s also one of the most popular among our Tea Kitchen customers!

Holiday Fruit and Spice Blend

Looking for something that tastes and feels like your favorite Christmas memories? Our Holiday Fruit and Spice Blend tea is the best blend for you – infused with the rich flavors of freshly-harvested cinnamon bark, Indian black tea, and spicy, tangy ginger bits. We’ve also included cranberry pieces for their tangy-sweet flavor, pairing perfectly with the warming elements of the other components of the tea. It cuts through well, offering you a nostalgia that will definitely get you in the mood for a little bit of merriness!

That’s not the only benefit, though! Cranberries are considered to be a superfood, offering extensive anti-cancer benefits and increased immune function.

Stock Up on Holiday Favorites With The Tea Kitchen

Looking to get into the holiday spirit? Taste, try, and immerse yourself in the most nostalgic and comforting flavors yet with the Tea Kitchen’s unique blends. Sip and savor all year round, and enjoy our wide selection of Christmas teas and holiday brews. For more information and to shop our store today, visit our website. We look forward to serving you!

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Tea Guides

Tea Spots You Need to Visit in Los Angeles

November 21, 2022

In 1840, the Duchess of Bedford shared her guilty secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, setting a trend that would evolve to become a tradition that we still love to enjoy today. Decadent teas, flutes of Champagne and pretty pastries are a served, while tasty finger foods and potent cocktails company them. This may shock the Duchess of Bedford if she was still here today. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy this experience here in Los Angeles, continue reading.

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840’s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm. It is composed of sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early Afternoon Tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century! The most common teas that were served during afternoon tea were Earl Grey Tea, Assam Tea and Herbal Chamomile Tea.

Afternoon Tea was initially used as a private social event for women who climbed the upper echelons of society. These receptions could have as many as two hundred guests with an open ‘at home’ invitation to visit between 4pm and 7pm, during which they could come and go as they pleased; this was the genesis of the Afternoon Tea as we know it. Today, Afternoon Tea is usually enjoyed as an occasional indulgence or to celebrate a special event, such as a birthday, a pre-wedding party, or baby shower with a group of friends.

Now that you have the history of Afternoon Tea, we thought you might want to check out a tea room in our backyard of Los Angeles. Here are some cool spots we found just for you.

1. Rose & Blanc Tea Room

Starting at just $38 per person, the Rose & Blanc tea room is a great spot for afternoon tea. They pride themselves on having a serious tea drinking culture with teas from around the world. If you’re looking to pair your teas with delicious bites like their spinach quiche, egg and apple pesto croissant sandwiches, macaroons, scones, and more, this is the spot for you! Right now, they only take reservations on Friday’s and Saturday’s. They tend to book up rather quick so make your reservation in advance!

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

We could not make a list of the best tea spots here in LA without including the iconic Peninsula in Beverly Hills. It doesn’t get any more luxurious than afternoon tea at the Living Room inside the Peninsula Beverly Hills. Prices here are a bit more steep, starting at $115 per person which includes finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with clotted cream, along with an option for free-flowing champagne by Laurent Perrier. To add to the delicious food and champagne, you will be accompanied by a classical harpist and pianist. How dreamy does that sound?

3. The T Room

The T Room is one of the most affordable options to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea in LA. Located in Montrose, the family-run operation offers tea service for $28 that includes lingonberry chicken sandwiches, warm scones, and plenty of pastries. They have a long list of teas to try so you can come back often and try them all!

4. The Wayfarer Downtown Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a tea room that is whimsical and unique, this is your spot. The Alice in Wonderland-themed tea service (yes, you read that right!) is decked out in mood lighting, plush couches, and even has a Zoltar fortune telling machine and vintage pinball game. It’s located in the basement of the Wayfarer hotel and it sure you leave you wanting more! The tea service starts at $45 per person and includes standard sweet and savory offerings. Best of all are the boozy tea infusions, like the Curiouser & Curiouser made with chai tea and rum.

5. Hello Kitty Grand Cafe

This tea spot is located in Orange County which may seem far (LA people, IYKYK) but this spot is worth the drive! Located in a speakeasy-like space hidden behind the Grand Cafe, this is every Hello Kitty lovers dream spot. It’s decked out with plush pink booths and an onslaught of sweets and savories including a smoked salmon sandwich on a pretzel croissant and a goblet of fresh fruit with coconut cream. Tea is priced at $60 per person at this spot. Don’t forget to make a reservation before making the drive out there!

6. Rose Tree Cottage

Sitting just east of LA is the Rose Tree Cottage. The name alone could make us want to give it a try. This tea house is one of the most charming in town. The menu consists of cucumber sandwiches, scones with Devonshire clotted cream, and sticky toffee pudding all served by a suited butler. The dress code here is enforced so be sure to dress up for this one.

You could even check out many of our loose leaf tea collections at The Tea Kitchen and host a little Afternoon Tea Party in the comfort of your own home. With many flavored loose leaf teas or black teas to try out, you could try a few host some friends to a tea party everyone will enjoy!

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3 Teas to Enjoy this Fall

November 9, 2022

Even for people who consider themselves to be tea drinkers all year round and sachet connoisseurs, there is something indisputably special about sipping from a steaming mug during the fall and winter months. It’s possible that the evident connection between cold weather and hot drinks is what causes tea to work its magic on us. In addition to this, one of our favorite things about this time of year is the abundance of delicious tins with flavors that are appropriate for the season. The possibilities range from unique interpretations on some of our most beloved holiday sweets to spices and seasonings that perfectly encapsulate the essence of autumn.

It’s the most delightful time of the year to be merry and bright! Not the winter holidays; it’s autumn!

The start of cooler weather is something that we here at The Tea Kitchen couldn’t be happier about. Even while we enjoy passing the warm summer days by the lake or on our front porch with a glass of iced tea in hand, there is nothing quite like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater and wrapping your hands around a mug of your favorite fall-flavored tea as the temperature begins to drop. A cup of a hot drink is an essential accessory for cold weather attire, such as sweaters, blankets, and rainy days. To get the most out of a cup of tea, you should drink it in the fall. It’s time to switch things up from your usual chamomile and honey infusion and find a new fall-flavored tea that quickly becomes your go-to beverage. We have compiled a list of the most unique tastes of tea to enjoy during the fall season.

Apple Spice Black Tea

Our Apple spice black tea delightfully fresh and sweet, with hints of lovely cinnamon spice. Cinnamon and red wine can be used to create your own Gluwein at home. Apple Cinnamon is a soothing blend of black loose leaf tea that is reminiscent of the autumn season in New England. This tea was made to honor the beauty and flavors of fall, and if you prefer sipping on a glass of warm apple cider, you’re going to absolutely adore this tea. This particular tea is best enjoyed on days and nights that are cool, wet, and cloudy. Apple Cinnamon herbal tea is perfect for cinnamon enthusiasts since it satisfies all of their cravings: double apples, double cinnamon, a touch of rooibos, and a sprinkling of marigold flowers. This tea has a flavor that is truly traditional for the fall season.

Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend

Our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is the perfect tea for this holiday season. A great cup of tea is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day or night, and it also has the added benefit of soothing. A fan favorite throughout the colder months, our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is the ideal beverage to share with your loved ones over the holiday season. This energizing tea is a mixture of select black tea leaves from India, chunks of sweet orange, small bits of tart cranberries, small bits of spicy ginger, and warming cinnamon sticks. It is a concoction that is sure to wake you up. Our Holiday Fruit & Spice Blend is going to become one of your favorites very fast because of the careful blending that went into it.

Cinnamon Orange Spice

The South Indian black tea, orange peels, cinnamon, and cloves that go into our Cinnamon Orange Spice Tea help give it its signature flavor. This tea’s popularity as a hot beverage as well as an iced beverage can be attributed in part to its enticing aroma, which is accompanied with a pleasant taste that is reminiscent of orange and spices. Even the chilliest winter night can be made more bearable with a cup of this tea, as well as any tropical evening! The zesty and invigorating Cinnamon Orange Spice tea is perfect for a warming pick-me-up first thing in the morning or as an afternoon pick-me-upper.

We are ardent believers that tea may be enjoyed throughout the whole year, from calming hot teas in the depths of winter to reviving iced teas in the middle of summer and any season in between. There is, however, nothing that quite hits the spot like a good cup of tea, particularly during the beginning of fall when the temps begin to turn and the leaves change color. We wish you the best of luck in savoring these flavors of autumn while also taking pleasure in the changing of the seasons and everything that October has to offer.

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Teas to Boost Your Focus Naturally

May 16, 2022

Are you looking for an extra boost of focus and adrenaline ahead of your busy day? Using tea to help you reach new heights in productivity and focus is a strategy used for years. The teas in this list offer unique, plant-powered, and natural ways to give you heightened awareness and focus without coffee’s buzz and crash. Below, we’ve listed the top focus boosting teas to help you get through your next “busy period” — finals, a work project, or your next Monday morning.

What teas are best for productivity?

Don’t reach for the coffee if you’re looking for a drink with a bit of kick to get you through your day. Read on to learn which teas you should drink to hack your mindset and boost your productivity:

Jasmine tea

Jasmine tea is known for its fruity-floral taste and light, crisp mouthfeel. Experts believe that you may be able to enjoy higher levels of brain function and health with every cup, leaving you feeling refreshed, focused, and ready to take on your day. Besides promoting emotional resilience, jasmine blends can also have 15-60 milligrams of caffeine per cup, depending on the brew cycle. You don’t have to worry about a crash, though, as jasmine also has high levels of L-Theanine. This is a chemical that soothes the brain and can put you in a more calm and focused state.

This tea isn’t just a great tea to enjoy hot or iced. Instead, try spicing up your next meat rub by adding dried jasmine leaves and petals for a more herbaceous, sweet, and clean finish. You can view other uncommon tea-based rubs here for some dinner inspiration.

Black tea

Black tea has been well-known for its ability to wake you up, competing actively with coffee when it comes to the caffeine content and potential for productivity with each cup. Black tea can also give your body a powerful antioxidant boost, perfect for keeping you healthy throughout the cold and flu season. An additional perk of using black loose leaf tea is its consistent, clean, and earthy taste, offering you a reliable “blank palate” for you to personalize with your favorite infusions or sweeteners. You can also personalize the overall caffeine content in your brew using these strategies for a more tailored-to-you tea experience.

Considering going back to coffee on those extra-busy days? We recommend against it. Enjoying black tea instead of coffee also offers the added benefit of lowered cortisol levels and higher resiliency over time, helping to manage your physiological system well under stress. You can enjoy black tea brewed or infused into this amazing black tea oatmeal recipe if you’re in a rush. We know that you’ll love it as much as we do!

Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea is a great choice for you if you struggle with remaining alert and awake throughout your day. This type of tea has a minty-fresh taste that can also offer an added therapeutic benefit through its aroma and help frame your mind in a more work-ready way. The elements in peppermint tea stimulate and process in the areas of your brain that control productivity and alertness, making this the perfect tea to reach for on early mornings or late nights at work.

This herbal tea doesn’t contain caffeine, which is ideal for tea drinkers who are sensitive to caffeine or simply want to avoid the buzz and crash. If you’re looking for a more mild tea experience, you may want to stir in a few spoons of honey or sweetener of choice. The delicious and fresh notes of peppermint tea mixed with the sweetness can give you an experience similar to dessert.

Make tea a part of your productivity ritual

Making tea a part of your productivity process and habit can help you to prepare your brain for periods of intensive, deep work and focus. It doesn’t just have to be a black tea to give you a productivity boost, it can other types of teas, giving you all the benefits you need to get a little extra energy and a little extra focus so you can get through any task.

We pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality tea leaves and blends from all corners of the world — and creating unique and delicious blends to suit every unique palate. Browse loose leaf tea you can buy on our shop.

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Time to Relax: The Best Teas for Stress and Anxiety

April 13, 2022

The act of taking a moment to prepare a cup of tea and slow down can help to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and leave you feeling a little more balanced. The type of tea you consume can also help reduce these feelings. Anxiety affects over 40 million people in the US alone. If you have experienced stress, anxiety, trouble sleeping and more, you may be looking for new ways to alleviate symptoms. A cup of tea might help relieve stress and anxiety, and could help you get better sleep. Here are our top teas to help!

Matcha

Most teas made from the camellia sinensis plant contain some amount of L-theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes relaxation and stress relief. In particular, matcha has even higher levels of L-theanine than other teas, the result of the shaded growth period the tea undergoes before harvest. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine is known for producing a calm, meditative state and what matcha enthusiasts often refer to as a body high. Matcha does have caffeine in it so be careful if you are sensitive to caffeine. If you are, this should not be drank before you wind down for bed.

Peppermint

Peppermint tea is a refreshing sip that is delicious both hot and cold. It acts as a natural antispasmodic and sedative to help relax both your mind and body. Plus, peppermint has shown to be great for your digestive system, which can be helpful if your stress or anxiety levels tend to bring on tummy troubles. Because it helps to relax muscles, peppermint tea can also help to soothe tension headaches brought on by stress and anxiety, even just by inhaling the scent of a warm mug of peppermint tea. Plus, if you’re feeling anxious and overwhelmed by all you have to get done, peppermint tea can be a great option to give you a natural energy boost while also leaving you feeling calm and balanced. Our ginger peppermint tea is a great tea to sip on during those cold winter months to warm you up and help with an upset stomach!

Green

Loaded with antioxidants, green tea is often thought to be synonymous with physical health – but it’s great for your mental health, too. Green tea is one of the best teas to drink to help with anxiety. One of the many antioxidants it contains, a flavonoid called epicatechin, helps to protect your brain from oxidative damage, helping to combat the negative effects that stress has on your body and can also be helpful for improving memory. Again, since this is naturally caffeinated, be aware when you are consuming if you are sensitive to caffeine!

Chamomile

We could not make a list of best teas to de-stress without chamomile! With a smooth flavor that makes it easy to sip on, chamomile tea is one of the most popular tea flavors. Because it’s an herbal tea, the caffeine-free blend won’t spike your anxiety levels, and can be sipped on at any time of day. Chamomile tea is made from dried chamomile flowers, and comes in two varieties: German chamomile and Roman chamomile. The tea helps to naturally increase serotonin and melatonin levels in your body, leaving you feeling relaxed without feeling drowsy. Plus, it can help relieve tension by relaxing muscle aches and soothing headaches often associated with stress and anxiety.

Passionflower

Passionflower tea is calming for the nervous system and a great way to reduce anxiety and stress and promote more restful sleep. It has long been used as a natural remedy for anxiety and to increase GABA levels by the Aztecs, Incas and the South American Indians. It is also a great source of phytochemicals and alkaloids, which work to help reduce stress chemicals in the body to help you feel calmer and more relaxed. It’s also great for sleep and helps to relieve inflammation protecting your body from all those negative aspects of stress like skin issues, digestive troubles, and restlessness.

If you want information on how to brew the perfect cup of tea check out our brewing guide!

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A Beginners Guide: The Six Types of Teas

March 23, 2022

All teas come from the same plant called Camillea Sinensis. What makes these teas different from one another is the processing of the tea leaves. There are six mains types of teas: Black Tea, White Tea, Green Tea, Oolong, Dark and Yellow Tea. You may be reading this thinking, “Well what about Rooibos and Chamomile? These are actually considered Tisanes. Lets jump into all six of these teas and their qualities!

White Tea

White tea is known to be one of the most delicate tea varieties because it is so minimally processed. White tea is harvested before the tea plant’s leaves open fully, when the young buds are still covered by fine white hairs, hence the name “white” tea. White tea is typically only harvested in spring.

White tea has a very light, refreshing taste to it. You can expect sweet honey notes and lightly vegetal flavors, from a delicate Silver Needle to a more full-bodied White Peony.

White tea has many benefits to it as well! Thanks to minimal processing, white tea has the most antioxidants of all. These help protect the body from free radicals, fight disease and keep you and your immune system healthy. White teas have also been shown to help reverse skin damage caused by stress, diet and sun, and can even help the skin to rebuild resistance to stress.

Black Tea

Black tea is one of the most popular tea selections out there. It has a bold flavor and long shelf life. There are many types of black tea ranging from Earl Grey to English breakfast. Black tea leaves are allowed to fully oxidize before being processed and dried, which makes the leaves dark brown and gives the tea its signature flavor profile. Black teas tend to be bold and brisk, and they are often described as astringent.

After the leaves are picked, they are gently bruised and allowed to fully oxidise. During this process the leaves will turn from the green you see on the bush to the brown we recognize as tea, before finally being dried.

Black tea is loaded with health benefits. Thanks to their high caffeine content, black teas will give you that kick to get you out of bed in the morning. Unlike coffee, the caffeine in black tea is slow-release and therefore leaves you feeling energised for longer. Black tea is also naturally high in flavonoids, powerful antioxidants known to help lower cholesterol, thereby reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Green Tea

Green tea is another extremely popular tea among tea drinkers. The taste of green tea varies. Green teas can range from the sweet, floral character of a Chinese green, such as Jade Tips, to an intense vegetal Japanese Sencha, the flavor depending on where the leaves are grown and how the leaves are heated. Green tea is widely believed to be bitter in taste. However, this is usually due to burning the leaves with boiling water. When brewed at lower temperatures the resulting flavor should be smooth, clean and even sweet. The leaves are plucked, slightly withered, then immediately cooked to preserve the green quality and prevent oxidization. As a result of these methods, green teas have a much higher concentration of chlorophyll, polyphenols, and antioxidants than other tea types.

Green tea has been shown to have positive effects on parts of the brain used for memory, increasing cognitive functions. Green tea is also a favorite for many nutritionists thanks to its effect on the metabolism. Matcha, in particular, is often included in smoothies, energy balls and pre-workout snacks.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is often overlooked despite having some of the most varied and exciting flavor profiles. From lighter ‘green’ oolongs to the darker, more heavily oxidised oolongs, it is this varying level of oxidation that makes this tea type so exciting, offering a huge spectrum of flavour. Expect everything from a light and floral to a dark and aromatic.

After the leaves are picked (usually whole shoots), they are gently withered to remove some of the moisture from the leaf, before being tumbled in a bamboo drum. This process bruises the leaves and provokes oxidation. Oolongs are semi-oxidised which means that unlike black teas which are allowed to oxidise fully, for oolongs the process is halted after a certain time. The period of oxidation varies depending on the type of oolong being produced and can vary from 10% oxidation for a ‘green’ oolong, to over 60% for a darker Oolong. The leaves are then pan fired at high temperatures before being rolled and dried.

Oolong has been shown to help so many areas of your skin! From anti-aging to eczema to a healthy radiant glow, oolong is the way to go!

Dark Tea

Many people assume dark teas and black teas are the same. They are not! Dark teas are actually closer to green teas in they way that they are processed in the beginning. They then go through a fermentation process. The most common dark tea is Pu’er tea. It is one of the oldest types of tea, with a history dating back more than 2,000 years. Pu-erh teas are often described as having a subtle mushroom-like taste. This ancient tea originates in Yunnan province on China’s southwestern frontier, where a temperate climate and lush landscapes, teeming with biodiversity, provide ideal growing conditions for tea.

In China, pu-erh tea has long been sipped to achieve a variety of health benefits, such as improvements in heart health and reductions in cholesterol levels. It’s also said that pu-erh tea can help promote weight loss, enhance eyesight, stimulate circulation, and soothe hangovers.

Yellow Tea

Yellow tea is produced similarly to white tea and green tea though an additional step is added. This extra step produces a tea that brews into a golden hue and features a mellow flavor without grassy notes. Yellow tea is a Chinese tea that is difficult to find outside of China. That’s because the process to produce this tea is time intensity, requires additional labor, and proves to be difficult when it comes to large-scale quality control. As a result, there are only three main types of yellow tea available on the market today!

Yellow tea undergoes a production process that is similar to green tea but includes one extra, time-consuming step. The leaves are harvested in early spring and immediately dried using direct sunlight or gentle pan-firing. Once dry, the leaves are wrapped in wet paper or cloth to induce a mild oxidation process through steaming. The yellow tea leaves are oxidized for up to three days and may undergo additional firing or drying rounds. This tea processing method produces a yellowing effect on the tea leaves.

Yellow tea is packed with antioxidants including polyphenols and catechins that are beneficial to overall health. These antioxidants work to prevent damage known as oxidative stress, which is caused by the presence of free radicals. This type of stress is known to breakdown healthy cellular processes and can contribute to premature aging as well as mental decline. The tea is naturally calorie-free, making it a good choice for people on weight loss plans that are looking to replace sugary sodas with healthier alternatives.

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Top 5 Springtime Teas To Enjoy

March 8, 2022

Tea is delicious any time of year and can be made in any way to give you an ideal beverage of choice for whatever weather or occasion you find yourself in. Spring is an especially great season to enjoy tea in, as it brings with it a beautiful bloom of fresh, lush greenery that seems to stretch as far as your eye can see. You’ll also see an entire season of nourishing rains and growth, celebrating the end of winter and looking forward to a new beginning. Teas can capture this taste and natural beauty easily, giving you a delicious drink to sip on and experiment with. In this blog post, we’re discussing the top five springtime teas that you can enjoy — all year long!

Benefits of enjoying spring teas

You may think that a tea’s benefits are the same at any time of year. While that is partly true, you can gain extra health benefits simply by enjoying your favorite brew during this special season. Experts have found that winter can significantly slow your circulation, leaving you feeling restless and sluggish. This is made worse by the early darkening hours and other seasonal elements and weather shifts.

Making tea drinking a regular habit in the spring can help to rejuvenate your system and get your blood pumping quickly, also bringing with it the added benefit of additional energy and an immune boost ahead of spring flu season. You can also enjoy the added benefits of seasonal allergy repression, as certain teas such as Butterbur have been found to be just as effective as prescription allergy medications.

Springtime teas to enjoy this season

There really isn’t a wrong time for tea, but there are certain flavors and styles that can particularly pop during certain times of the year. Maybe the shift in the season has you feeling adventurous, and want to branch out into new flavors — such as a fresh and tart blueberry, lemon, mint, and black tea blend, or a springtime cherry rose sencha. In either case, we have you covered! Read on to learn about five teas that you can indulge in this springtime season.

1. Blueberry White Blend

Nothing says spring like the honey-sweet, light, and floral taste of a quality white tea blend! Pair this with your favorite fruit addition, and you have a bouquet of flavors that will fall over your tongue with all of the nostalgia and fresh starts that spring can bring. If you’re looking for a new tea to enjoy in your morning rotation, this blueberry white tea blend makes a great choice. White tea is an oral protective tea, and can also have anti-cancer and antibacterial properties thanks to its extensive antioxidant profile. It also is known for giving you a slight morning pep without sending you into a caffeine buzz, as it only has 15-30 milligrams of caffeine. This is one of the lightest caffeinated teas you can drink, as other types of tea can have double this amount per cup. Blueberry additions add to this lovely mix, making it the perfect base for any drink. Add in your favorite dried petals or fruit bits from loose-leaf blends to make this a fruity infusion of your own!

2. Chamomile Tea

We know chamomile herbal tea is a classic, but it’s a classic for a reason! This tea shouldn’t be overlooked in your springtime tea collection, as it can provide soothing benefits and reduce the pain of seasonal sore throats. If you’re dealing with allergies, it’s known as a natural antihistamine. This can gradually help build your immunity to seasonal allergies over time if taken on a consistent basis. If you’ve never tried it, you should — its light and airy flavor blended with notes of fresh, herbaceous taste can make for the perfect daytime drink.

3. Good Morning Oolong Blend

Start your morning right with this bright, full-bodied Good Morning Oolong blend! This tea is like sunshine on your palate and offers you the morning zest and zing that you’re looking for to help get you motivated for your day. Oolong tea comes with its own health benefits and is a great choice if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s also known to help reinforce heart and bone health.

4. Dragonfruit White

Dragonfruit white tea is a great blend to sit and sip by your favorite sunny spring nook. The refreshing and exotic tastes of the fruit pair beautifully with the light and sunshine-like experience that the white tea adds to any blend. Dragonfruit is known for its cloyingly sweet undertones and fresh, tart aftertaste. You can experience the best parts of the flavor profile with each sip, as the heat extracts the most benefit and oils from the leaves. This tea is delicious either hot or iced.

5. Lemon Ginger Herbal Tea

We just had to include this zingy, flavorful lemon ginger herbal tea blend on the list! The ultimate cure for stomachaches, bloat, and fatigue, this tea will help refresh you and get you ready to take on your day. Lemon is packed with antioxidants and can offer significant protection against heart and liver disease. Ginger is ideal to settle your stomach and adds a refreshing taste to this blend! Enjoy this hot or iced, and savor the herbaceous and fresh flavors of the season with lemon-ginger herbal tea!

We hope you enjoyed this list of the top teas to sip on this spring. What would you add to the list?

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Exploring The Cold Brew Process — Boost Your Tea’s Flavor Naturally!

February 21, 2022

Tea is delicious in any form…but cold-brewing your tea can amplify more nuanced flavors and give you a beautiful, full-bodied brew. Cold-brewing is a simple (yet often overlooked) step that you can take to boost your tea’s natural flavor and benefits and can be done with tea tools that you can find around your home. Read on to learn more about the tea cold brew process.

Benefits of cold brew tea

Cold brewing tea is a Japanese-based tradition that has impacted tea enthusiasts around the world today. The purpose of cold brewing is to preserve as much nutritional benefit and taste as possible, creating a crisp, refreshing, and one-of-a-kind beverage as a result.

There are additional practical benefits that you can enjoy with each cup, including a lesser amount of tannins in each brew. This results in a cleaner, fresher taste, and avoids the bitter aftertaste that some teas are known for. If you’re working with caffeinated leaves, you can also expect slightly fewer milligrams of caffeine to make it into your cup — helping you avoid that dreaded mid-afternoon crash.

Types of teas to use for cold brew tea

The tea experience comes down to elements of personal preference, which gives you ample room to experiment with the cold brew process. You can technically enjoy any type of tea cold-brewed, but you may have mixed results depending on its natural strength, taste, and composition. Generally, you’ll want to stay with loose-leaf tea blends for ultimate flavor and feel, but you can also use your favorite bagged teas in a pinch.

Common cold-brew friendly teas include:

Green tea
Herbal tea
Black tea
White tea
Passionflower tea
Hibiscus tea
…and many, many more. Time to experiment!

A great way to explore the tastes that you can create is to use blends from specialty tea shops. You’ll get to indulge in exotic blends, like autumn cranberry black tea or Cloud & Mist green tea. Generally you’ll find flavored teas and green teas that are cold brewed due to the aromas. You’ll also find a wealth of information about how you can optimize your cold brewing process.

Exploring the cold brew process

The cold brew process is effortlessly simple, and can often be done with things that you can find around your own kitchen. That’s just one of the many reasons we can’t get enough of delicious, cold-brewed tea. Below, we’ve outlined the steps that you can take to enjoy fresh cold brew tea today:

1. Choose your tea & your vessel

Choosing the right tea for the cold brew process is simple — choose your favorite blend and get ready to enjoy! If you’re feeling more on the adventurous side, you could also shop around and indulge in a special tea blend to experiment with.

Lighter flavored, sweeter blends can be made even tastier with this process, as cold brew often results in a more sweet taste due to the lack of tannins present through the brewing process. Consider experimenting with a floral tea, such as jasmine, or delving into something light such as oolong-based blends. In either case, the result will be a refreshing glass of cold brew tea.

You can make any vessel work, such as a pitcher or oversized decanter. You can even purchase a dedicated cold brew pitcher. These often include a strainer attachment to keep your loose leaf teas intact, allowing the water to flow over them and capture the flavor off of the leaves.

2. Prepare your tea

The question you’ve been waiting for: how much tea do we add to the pitcher for the perfect glass? Well, the answer may vary. Experts estimate anywhere from 2 tablespoons to 5 tablespoons is the right amount for a pitcher filled with 6 to 8 cups of water. You can take the time to make multiple batches and experiment with the perfect concentration for your favorite blend.

After you’ve determined your ratio, fill your pitcher with water. You’ll want to float the leaves or tea bags on top lightly, letting them fall naturally into the water. Allow it to sit out of the fridge for up to one hour before refrigeration, after which you’ll leave it uncovered and undisturbed in the fridge for 8 to 12 hours.

This time is crucial to help the flavors disperse, leaving you with a well-rounded and delicious glass of tea. It will also result in a more flavorful cup of tea due to the longer steeping time but will deliver that flavor without the afterbite of bitterness that hot brew styles tend to offer.

3. Garnish and enjoy

After the brew is complete, you will have a delicious pitcher of cold brew tea. However, there’s always room for improvement — which is where your garnish comes in. You can easily uplevel your experience by garnishing your tea with a zingy lemon wedge or with fresh notes of picked mint from the garden. You can also enjoy with some raw sugar to help elevate the notes of sweetness in your glass.

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Tea Guides

The Tea Kitchen’s Loose Leaf Tea Brewing Guide

February 2, 2022

Making the switch from tea bags to loose leaf tea can feel intimidating at first but we promise it is easy and worth it! When you steep loose leaf tea, it has more room to expand and infuse the water with its many vitamins, minerals and aromas, resulting in a much stronger and flavorful drink. Whether you are a fan of earl grey or a herbal chamomile, we got you covered. We created an entire guide from what tools you need to how to steep the perfect tea every time. To brew the perfect cup of tea, you will need a few basics that you probably have laying around your kitchen right now!

About Tea

True teas are made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. The Camellia Sinensis plant can be found in Asian and African countries, but is primarily native to the Eastern regions of Asia. It grows in tropical and sub-tropical climates. Today, tea is grown and produced in every continent except Antarctica.

In order to achieve the flavor of a certain type of tea, there are different processes the leaves must undergo. The different cultivation types allow teas to develop different scents, aromas, flavors, and colors. Oxidation plays a huge role in this process.

The type of tea that requires the least amount of cultivation is White Tea and is typically a great tea to start with as it is the easiest to brew. The delicate aroma and flavor of white tea is achieved through picking young tea buds that are tightly enclosed in new tea leaves. Because of the lightness of white tea, it is often combined with floral notes to create a tasty infusion. Our White Peony Tea is a perfect example of this delicious combination.

Green tea has a quick turn around due to the lack of oxidation. Green tea leaves can be picked in the morning and served as tea the same evening. Because it does not undergo the oxidation process, green tea retains the chlorophyll and minerals from the plant and remains dark green as it produces a more astringent flavor. Green tea can be associated with various different health benefits including promoting brain function and cardiovascular health. To read more about the different benefits that come alongside green tea, read our post on the health benefits of green tea. Some of our favorite green teas to brew, including Chinese Sencha and Jasmine Special Grade Green, can be found in our online collection.

In contrast to green tea, Black Tea is oxidized which is how it earns the dark brown coloring. Following the oxidation of the tea leaves, they are fired in an oven to stop the process and allow the leaves to turn color. Black tea is generally stronger and more potent than the other types of tea. It is a common tea that can be used to make Southern Sweet Tea, and afternoon tea as the British tea tradition stands. One specific Black Tea that is commonly served at afternoon tea is Earl Grey tea.

Oolong tea undergoes partial oxidation allowing it to find its place in between black and green teas. It combines the astringent flavoring of green tea and the complexity of black tea. Oolong tea is rich in flavor and like any other tea, you can control the strength of your tea by the timing of each steep.

What you’ll need:

Loose leaf tea of choice. Picking out a quality leaf is crucial for the perfect cup of tea. Some easy tips to follow are: the larger the leaf, the higher the quality and the better the flavor; Smell the tea to make sure it hasn’t gone stale. Generally speaking, if it smells good it will taste good; For herbal teas, you want to focus on color and scent; if the herbs are faded or don’t have a fragrance, they are probably too old.
Electric kettle, stovetop kettle or pot. No worries if you don’t have a kettle lying around. You can easily use a pot that you have in your cupboard. Your trusty old French press is also perfect for brewing tea! Nothing special here; use the press like you always do and use tea leaves instead of coffee (just make sure to clean the press very well first so you don’t get any coffee flavors mixed with your tea). If you are interested in stepping up your tea game and are needing a new teapot, check out this blogpost for the best teapots.

Tip: If you don’t have a thermometer laying around, use this rule of thumb: 180° F = bubbles form on the bottom of the pot, 195° F = the first bubbles begin to rise, 212° F = full rolling boil.
Tea infuser. If you do not have a tea infuser, you can use a kitchen strainer. If you do not have a kitchen strainer, you can place the tea leaves directly into the hot water for infusion. However, the tea prepared by this method will be harder to drink for someone not used to drinking this way because tiny bits of leave will float on the surface. You can avoid the tea leaves hitting your lips by blowing a bit in your cup.

Fresh water. Tea is made up of nearly 99% water. This primary ingredient definitely deserves some consideration! Using clean water will help with the best taste for your tea. Using water that has been in your kettle overnight may result in a stale tasting tea, and we definitely do not want that!

How to:

1. Pour fresh water into your tea kettle or pot and bring to appropriate temperature.

2. While waiting for water to boil, add the appropriate amount of loose leaf tea to your tea infuser. Place the tea infuser inside your teapot or mug.

3. When the water reaches the desired temperature, pour it over the tea infuser into your mug or teapot. This will allow the water to circulate through the leaves.

4. Time your tea. Once the time is up, dunk the infuser a couple of times to circulate the water. Remove the infuser.

5. Serve in your favorite mug and enjoy your delicious cup of tea.

Brewing Guidelines:

Black Tea
If you like your black tea to be full bodied and rich, we recommend steeping it with boiling hot water. If you are looking for more of a caffeine kick, black tea with broken leaves will release caffeine more easily.
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 190 to 210 F

White Tea
White tea is usually quite forgiving when it comes to brewing. It is hard to over-brew and it shouldn’t get too bitter if you steep it at high temperatures. However, lower temperatures might give you a more nuanced brew, so this is a great opportunity to experiment and find out for yourself what you prefer!
Teaspoons: 2
Brew time: 3 to 4 minutes
Temperature: 170 to 180 F

Green Tea
Green tea is slightly more sensitive to temperature, especially with Japanese green tea. Make sure to keep your water temp lower so your tea does not come out bitter.
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 1 to 3 minutes
Temperature: 170 to 180 F

Oolong Tea
Oolongs vary significantly in the level of oxidation. Some lighter oolongs are much closer to green teas (you’ll recognize the low oxidation level by the green color of the dry leaves). Therefore, brewing these teas at a lower temperature might bring out some interesting notes and flavours. However, in general oolongs are quite forgiving and can be brewed with boiling water.
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 170 to 180 F

Herbal Tea
Unlike real types of tea such as green and white teas, herbal teas are much easier to brew. They also steep for longer, too!
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 3 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 190 to 210 F

Chai Tea
Chai tea’s base is black tea so, like above, if you like your cup full bodied, make with boiling hot water. If you are making this as a chai tea latte, using whole milk will bring ut all the richness in the spices (but all milks will do!)
Teaspoons: 1 to 2
Brew time: 4 to 5 minutes
Temperature: 205 to 212 F

Must Try Loose Leafs:

If you are a newbie to brewing loose leaf, your safest bets are black and herbal teas. These tea types are more forgiving with the brewing temperature and timing. Our recommendations for black teas are China Keemun, Autumn Cranberry Black and Vanilla Black tea. For herbal teas, Hibiscus Flower and Lemon Ginger are fan favorites.

FAQ’s:

How do I store my tea? Will it go bad?
Tea should be stored away from light, moisture, and strongly flavored or fragranced foods. Storing in an airtight container is recommended. Green and white teas will keep fresh for up to a year. Black and oolong teas for no longer than a year and six months.

Can loose leaf tea be reused?
Yes, if the tea is green or oolong. Do not reuse black tea. When reusing tea increase the brewing time with each successive infusion to ensure sufficient taste.

What are the health benefits of drinking tea?
We have some great blog posts written on the benefits of tea here!

Make sure to follow us on Instagram @theteakitchen for daily tea tips and more!

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Tea Gifts Tea Guides

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Every Tea Lover

January 26, 2022

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Look no further. We created a list of the best gifts (especially for the tea lover in your life) to give this Valentine’s Day! There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm mug in hand, whether it’s filled with a calming chamomile, caffeinated English breakfast or flavorful matcha; especially when it’s a meaningful gift. Weather you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, yourself or with your galentines, here are out top choices for this year!

Digital Electric Glass Kettle

The Chefman Electric Kettle has a digital touch display with programmable steep times and boils water faster than traditional methods. This kettle has eight presets included to make it easy to get the perfect hot water for your all teas including black, herbal, oolong, white, green, and delicate teas! Just pick your preset and the hot water boiler can make up to 6 cups.

Tea Storage Container

Nothing says I love you quite like making sure that person always has the freshest cup of tea possible. This beautiful, vacuum sealed container is the perfect gift for all tea lovers!

A Tea Subscription Box

Our tea subscription box is the perfect gift. What’s better than being able to try out new teas from around the world? Monthly tea subscription boxes are a great way to find new teas that you love. We have over 100 teas to try and a tea for everyone.

Hand painted tea kettle

This vibrant tea kettle has more than just one use so it makes the perfect gift! This Indian kettle has been handpainted by trained Pattachitra artists of Odisha. This kettle is a tribute to Odisha’s rich art and culture interpreted for the modern home décor through their artistic manifestations. This kettle is not to be used as a pot on the stove. It can be used for Home Décor, as a planter, as kitchenware, a jewelry holder and is ideal for serving!

Matcha Chocolate

I don’t think many people would be upset with chocolate as a gift. Especially not on one of the biggest sweets days of the year! This matcha chocolate melts in your mouth and is loaded with antioxidants! As a bonus, you will be supporting a small business. It’s a win-win all around!

Gold Heart Tea Infuser

Everyone needs a tea infuser handy! This beautiful gold tea infuser filter is the perfect way to say ‘I Love You’ to the tea lover in your life. It is made with high quality food grade stainless steeled is rust free. Because of this, you will have this piece around for years and years to come.

Heart Shaped Tea Mug

These heart shaped double lined mugs are the perfect way to show your partner, friend or yourself love each morning! The double-layer glass with handle allows you to safely hold hot drinks without worrying about getting burned or slipping. This design eliminates condensation on the external glass. The insulation effect it creates keeps beverages hot or cold.

Green Tea Bath Bomb

Everyone can benefit from some extra self-care time. This green tea bath bomb infused with lavender is the perfect gift to do so! It also has all-natural epsom salt for true self-care, sore muscles and pure relaxation. It cleanses and detoxes your skin in a natural and gentle way.

A Tea Infused Sweet

Looking to make something yourself? We have a whole blog dedicated to tea-infused desserts and treats that is sure to make every tea lover smile. To add a v-day flare, add a few drops of food red food coloring to these recipes!

Which one of these would you give your Valentine? What ever you choose, being present is the best thing you can be. Even spending the morning sipping your favorite tea together can be a meaningful gift to your Valentine. If you get any of these gifts, be sure to let us know!

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at The Tea Kitchen!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram @theteakitchen for daily tea posts, recipes and inspo!

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