Archive for December 2nd, 2013
Tea
Savoring a mug of cinnamon laced hot tea, I realized how comforting and satisfying is a good cup of tea.
My beloved Grandmother made the best iced tea in the world. But like her Southern Fried Chicken and Cornbread stuffing, try as I might, my tea just does not hit her mark. But that does not stop me from enjoying the rich pleasures of tea.
Tea has a long history. Perhaps dating as far back as 1000 BC in China. Tea is an essential part of Chinese medicine, and has many contemporary applications for healing. And, it would be an oversight not to mention the ramifications of The Boston Tea Party spilling over into contemporary politics. However, my focus is enjoyment of tea.
Tea ceremonies thrive in almost all cultures of the world; Britain and Japan being most notable. If you have never had the pleasure of experiencing High Tea, you are missing out on a memorable event. Several first class hotels throughout the world offer High Tea and traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies. For example, the Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans serves an authentic English High Tea. They also offer themed Teas; The Princess Tea for young girls and The Alice in Wonderland Tea. And, at the Kitano in New York, you can arrange a Japanese Traditional Tea Gathering Ceremony.
I am happy to have found a Jasmine tea like one from my youth. I love Rooibos and Blackberry. In summer, Hibiscus and Mint over ice with a squeeze of Meyer Lemon is so refreshing. And watching Numi tea blossom in clear glass pots is simply downright cool.
Won’t you join me? Any season is a good season for tea.