October 2013 Newsletter

22 Oct 2013 - posted by Anonymous

 In this issue we focus on:

1. Flavour – that's intense
2. A little something to go with your cup of tea - Best Ever Ginger Crunch recipe
3. Be in to win one of 3 variety gift packs and tea of the month packs
4. Reduce the stress of long distance travel – a simple brew
5. Parting thoughts

1. Flavour – that's intense

The flavour of each cup of tea is a complex and magical combination of smell, taste and touch.

Our sense of smell is first activated when we inhale the brewed leaf and liquor. Then, once the tea liquor is in our mouth it is activated by exhaling through the nose, this time transformed by the action of saliva and warmth of the mouth. To appreciate the role of this sense you only need to pinch your nose while drinking a cup of tea.  During a tasting session at the World Tea Expo earlier in the year I experimented with this and how the balance of flavours appear to change.  You almost feel you need to tune your taste buds into another frequency.

Our sense of taste is based on five sensations - sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami. The majority of these sensations are picked up by the taste buds in the tongue however there are sensors all around the mouth. The temperature of our cup of tea is very important for the perception of taste. Sweet is accentuated by heat, while bitter, salty and umami are less perceptible when tea is very hot. Sensitivity to sour remains unchanged by temperature variations.

Our sense of touch is at play when we handle the dry leaf but is also perceptible in the mouth with the tactile sensations picking up the texture of the tea. Teas can be thought of talking teas – teas that lubricate the mouth or mediating teas – teas that dry the mouth.

For each of us our sense of flavour can register differently and can be subject to our personal food memory bank. There is one blend in our range that clearly divides opinion and that is the crimson berry herbal tisane. Every summer at the farmers markets equal numbers of customers comment to me on how sweet the blend is or how sour the blend is – they are talking about the same blend – just different perceptions.

Reference: Tea Aromas and Flavours Around The World – Lydia Gautier

2. A little something to go with your cup of tea – Best Ever Ginger Crunch Recipe

One of our sweet indulgences is Ginger Crunch however not just any old ginger crunch will do. It has to be an outstanding example with the right balance of texture in the base and generous intense ginger topping.

Some years ago at the award winning Vudu Cafe and Larderon Beach Street, Queenstown we discovered what we think is the best ever ginger crunch. Owners, Michelle, Chris and Rae have generously allowed us to share their time honoured recipe with you. Try the recipe for a sweet afternoon tea or even easier, next time you are down south pop into Vudu Cafe and Larder for a fantastic selection of food and great cup of tea - click here to view recipe

3. Subscriber Monthly Prize draw – Tisane of the month

In keeping with our theme of intense flavour we have selected the incredibly aromatic Stir Tea Peppy Mint as our tisane of the month. All customers who order Stir Tea online during the month of October will receive a complimentary sample of these pure cut peppermint leaves with their order.

Go in the draw to win one of three gift packs valued at $32.50, including a packet of Peppy Mint and a Herbals & Fruits Variety pack. If you have received this email directly from us then you are automatically in the draw, otherwise CLICK HERE TO JOIN. We shall make the draw for 3 lucky tea lovers on November 1st.

Tisane or Tea – what is the difference?
In the technical world of tea we only ever refer to tea as the leaf (and sometimes stems) of the camellia sinensis plant. Tisanes are infusions brewed from other leaves or flowers e.g. rooibos. All blends offered in our herbals and fruits selection (red umbrellas) are tisanes.

4. Reduce the stress of long distance travel – a simple brew

Planning a long distance flight then don't forget to pack your peppy mint bags for your own in flight beverage service. Make up your own teabags and take them along for the ride. These are the perfect way to relieve stress without putting you to sleep (you could always put the used bags on your eyes to further refresh ... just a thought).

Travelling to London, New York or Paris then take a look at the Tea in the City guidebook series to plan your must do tea experiences - www.elmwoodinn.com/books/tea-in-the-city-series.html. Alternatively try the new online directory of tea shops based on the google maps platform. It is still developing but you can be part of it by adding special tea sites that you find - www.teaplanet.org

5. Parting Thoughts

• Our new tea catalogue is now available listing our current selection.  We shall include a copy with your next order or call by and collect one at the Farmers markets.  It is also available to view online.
  

• Market season starts for us at Labour weekend. Each Saturday we will be in the red barn at Remarkables Farmers Market by the Queenstown airport and Sunday's at the Cromwell Farmers Market in Old Cromwell. Each market day we will be brewing teas so pop by and enjoy a sample and all the other goodies on offer.

• Recently we celebrated our 5th birthday. Thanks to you, our lovely customers, for all your support. We look forward to being of service in the future. 
  

Until next time, wishing you Good Health and Happy Tea Times.  Michelle.