In the maturity that is now my 27 years, I have grown into a tea snob.
I realize this because I no longer shy away from requesting it at restaurants when a waitron comes up to me with a coffee carafe. Whereas I used to respond, "no thank you," I now boldly ask for tea. This past weekend, when my request was overlooked, I went to the bussing station and poured it myself. Granted, this request usually nets me a small cup of tepid water and a Lipton tea bag (the worst in my opinion due to a bitter aftertaste), but I feel I've scored a point for the Leaf Team. The Beans are still dominating the game though.
When I have thoughts like this, I also feel my Aunt Joanne tendencies coming out. The blood we share must be ripe with antioxidants, because I sound more and more like her when it comes to tea. She goes so far as to carry her own tea bag in her purse to avoid the cheap ones at restaurants. While that used to sound crazy to me when I was younger, the idea sounds like a good one now.
While my dad was on the Bean Team, my mom played for Leaf. She was by no means a starter, as she only drank tea in cold weather, or occasionally at a full breakfast. Last year I found myself needing a cup every morning while I waited for my car to warm up. That scared me so I turned to decaf for a while to break the habit. Now I only drink the caffeinated stuff when I really need a jump start.
Though I haven't matured into loving the loose stuff, I definitely have branched out as far as the pre-bagged types. My favorite everyday black tea is Tetley, but I like the Twinings brand for some different types of black tea. I love the Snapple white tea bags, and their herbal berry one is so delicious it's like a dessert. Traditional Medicinals are good for what ails you. With all, I take Splenda, sometimes a little honey, sometimes a little lemon depending on the tea, and milk, or luxury of luxuries, cream if it's available.
There's a little storefront for rent in our hometown, and I've often dreamed that it would be a great coffeeshop, with cute desserts and a homey feel. I think if I owned it, the featured item would be tea, and we'd have a little coffee on the side. Maxwell House.
Friday, September 14
To a tea
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4 thoughts on this topic:
Ok, your posting prompted me to respond. Go Leaf Team! If you really want a jump start try Barry's Gold Blend tea. It's Irish and it really brews quickly so keep an eye on it. I love the taste of it with a healthy helping of half/half (since it's so dark to begin with). A French friend has had me try Twinings Lady Grey. Funny, I like it much better when I have it at her house, than when I drink it at home--I think it's the company. My everyday favorites lately are Bigelow English Teatime and my regular Lemon Lift. I keep the Lipton on hand for company that doesn't feel comfortable with other blends... I'll have to try the Snapple, usually I'm not big on herbals.
I love the Lady Grey - she's much more palatable than the Earl. They're both better with lemon than with cream, although I usually use cream for lack of lemons. I will have to check out Barry's. I'm not an herbal fan either, but this is like juice...the girls would probably love it.
ahhh tea. you have become one of them. it becomes an addiction. be carefull
Having spent my junior year in England, it goes without saying that a good cuppa tea is fa-boo. You should try organic Zhena's Gypsy Team (gracious green). It comes in the lovliest little sachets and is so yummy. (Breakfast Bliss and Sense of Peace are also good -- they're all fair trade, too, which is nice.)
K.
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