TeaBlogger

This gorgeous tea pitcher is just waiting for me to experiment with some nice iced mint teas or maybe even an apple raspberry…. If only it weren’t out of stock! Don’t worry, sweet pitcher, I’ll be on the lookout for you. More info at Bodum.

Strange as it might sound, the major difference is that “high” tea is not the more refined of the two. High tea was mostly devoured by commoners at around 6 o’clock and was one biscuit short of a full meal, if you know what I mean. Afternoon tea, however, was taken between lunch and a late dinner at 8 or 9 by the upper crust.

So when you think of tea parties that require tiny sandwiches, lace doilies, and hats… it’s an afternoon tea you’re dreaming of.

The world of tea is diverse, with many different types to choose from. The major differences between teas come from how they are produced, but this also has a significant impact on how and where we drink them. Some types of teas are common, some not. The most common types of tea you may run into are:

Black Tea

Black tea is everywhere, from iced tea at restaurants to your grandmother’s Victorian tea cup. It may have the widest range of all teas as well, from simple Lipton to delicately refined varieties Mariage Frères. My personal favorites lie somewhere in the middle. Black tea also has a huge number of blended and flavored varieties. These include teas like Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Chai, Darjeeling, and many others.

Black tea is called black because – unlike other teas – it is fermented in addition to being withered and dried. This gives you the rich amber color that’s so warm and yummy.

Find out more about Black Tea, at:

• Wikipedia
• Celestial Seasonings

Green Tea

Legend has it that green tea is the oldest of all teas, and it also has the rep of being healthiest for you, although recent studies have suggested that black tea might be just as good. Green tea is wonderful pure and is sometimes blended with things like jasmine or chamomile or flavored (especially with fruit like orange, pomegranate or apricot). Refined varieties include Gunpowder green tea and Dragon Well. You will find green tea in your local supermarket, sushi bar, or Japanese tea ceremony.

Green tea is less processed than black tea, and it is never fermented – only withered and dried (which is why it retains its green color). It can be sweeter, lighter, or more delicate and usually has a pale green or a soft golden color.

More about green tea, from:

• Wikipedia
• Salada.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is popular in China, as well as Chinese restaurants. Nothing goes as good with a fortune cookie to me. Oolong tea has a distinctive taste, and can be intensely pungent.

Something of a blend between green and black tea in both coloring and flavor, oolong tea is partially fermented, as well as withered and dried.

Go more in depth about oolong at:

• Tea Muse
• Wikipedia

White tea

White tea is increasingly more available due to beverage companies’ ongoing quest for a drink that’s new and different. Once rare, you can now get Lipton Diet White Tea with Raspberry at the convenience store. Of course, finer white teas with poetic names like silver needle and white cloud do not taste exactly the same…. White tea is the sweetest tea and usually has a very pale golden color. It may also be even healthier for you than green tea.

Like green tea, it is never fermented; it is only withered and dried. The difference is that the leaves for white tea are picked while they are still “babies” – young leaves that have not quite opened yet.

Find out more at:

• Wikipedia
• White Tea Guide

Herbal Teas

Strictly speaking, herbal teas are not teas, but “herbal infusions” or tisanes. This is mostly because they actually contain no tea. Popular favorites such as Peppermint, Lemon, or Orange Spice are enjoyed in much the same way that true teas are, though, and so I think they are sister drinks, at least. Part of the same family. As long as you know the difference, I see no reason to deny anyone the pleasure of a nice Lemon Ginger just because it has no camellia sinensis in it.

More about herbal teas at:

• Wikipedia

Red tea is also not really a tea, because it is actually made from a different bush, grown mostly in Africa. It is very sweet, slightly nutty, and the brew is (you guessed it) red.

More about red tea at:

• about.com

While we’re at it, email me if you’ve got an interesting site!

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Out of a flower petal. They may not be practical, but they’re fun. And they might look great in a china closet. If I had one.

Here they are, from the folks at wrapables.com.

You know you always wanted one.

Celestial Seasonings has a great interactive teaSelector that is not only fun, but beautiful too. Look at those gorgeous illustrations! It recommended Victorian Earl Grey for me. I’ll have to give that try.

This teamaker leaves my mouth watering… Not only has it got some great curves, I can dress it up, and it’s got brains too. For black teas, brew with leaves in the basket and depress the plunger to stop the brewing process. For herbal teas, let your tea leaves float freely; the teamaker will strain as you pour. Now that’s sweet. Check this beautiful baby out here.

In reality, though, this might be a bit too sensual for me for my everyday tea. Sometimes you just want a sturdy mug for a bit of orange pekoe with milk to unwind. But for a more sexy sophisticated occasion, this could be just the trick.