National Oatmeal Month
Posted on | January 24, 2012 | No Comments
It’s National Hot Tea Month and we’ve been celebrating at the Fancy Food Show and Specialty Tea Institute Tea education classes in San Francisco.
Tea rooms, tea bars and specialty tea companies across the nation hosted tea classes, tea tastings and special tea events.
Did you know it’s also National Oatmeal Month? What better way to celebrate both than by having a Berry Berry Oatmeal Scone with your favorite pot of hot tea? See recipe at Amazing Scones website.
Health benefits of both are well touted but at this point, who cares? The yummy goodness of both make me forget that they are also good for us!
Oatmeal Scones
In what ways do you use oatmeal? A spa scrub, skin calmative? Have a recipe to share with us?
Green Tea Helps Reduce Belly Fat
Posted on | December 15, 2011 | No Comments
- Green Tea Cocktail
And A Merry Healthy Christmas to You, Too!
Green Tea to Reduce Belly Fat?
It may be a season of mistletoe and holly for many people however it’s also a good time to think about ways that green tea is good for you and why you’d serve it as the beverage of choice during the holidays.
Santa should think twice about more cookies and milk and replace them with catechins (pronounced catty-kins) (although I, too, am a cookieholic)! Green tea trims belly fat? New research shows that catechins, the nutrients in green tea, combined with exercise help trim fat bellies.
The Journal of Nutrition cites green tea’s positive effect on weight loss. Quoting: Green tea catechins have been suggested to have antiobesity effects. Experiments in rodent models demonstrated that tea catechins produced acute increases in fat oxidation (3–5) and reduced dietary fat-induced weight gain (5). In humans, a green tea extract containing a mixture of catechin polyphenols and caffeine significantly increased 24-h energy expenditure and reduced 24-h respiratory quotient, indicating an increase in the ratio of fat:carbohydrate oxidized.
Making light of serious situations is not my intent so please accept these studies as excellent references to the benefits of drinking multiple cups of tea per day.
More encouraging information comes from Web MD which gives four key ways to reduce belly fat: exercise, diet, sleep, and stress management.
Tea and Exercise
How many cups of tea per day? Based upon other studies that I’ve read, it appears that 5-6 cups per day is a good intake. Depending upon your cup, mug or glass size, this is as little as two tall glasses per day – a replacement for water intake with vital nutrients added!
Exercise has been a large factor in the green tea and oolong tea studies that I’ve read. But you probably already knew that it means bicycling, the gym, or going for a jog (here in the Northwest, I call it going for a slog). Trimming belly fat is difficult right? Truly, you can appear slimmer and become healthier. Tea and exercise!
The photo captures Shakti Tea’s beautiful green tea presentation so think of ways to treat guests (and Santa?) to green tea this holiday season. Be bright. Be bold. Be beau-tea-ful.
Elephants in the Tea Garden
Posted on | December 9, 2011 | No Comments
Tea and Elephants?
Asiatic Elephants
The November, 2011, issue of National Geographic was practically dog-eared when I finished reading and rereading the article about Daphne Sheldrick’s work with Orphan Elephants in Africa. The article gave an in-depth revelation of elephants’ family lives and it was easy to see the similarity between elephant behavior and human behavior.
Elephants in View
It was with much speculation about what motivates all of us that I read the news about elephants invading a tea garden in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal yesterday. From Newstrack India comes the following recap:
Angry Elephants in a Tea Garden
A herd of angry elephants from neighbouring forest wreaked havoc on a tea garden in Nagrakata block in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal on Wednesday.
The locals tried to drive out the animals from the tea plantations however, angered by the presence of a dog, the elephants (tuskers) came rushing towards the tea gardens.
“We led the elephants away from the tea gardens. We were leading them the other way, but they could not go down the slope. Then the elephants got angry due to the presence of a dog and turned around and came upwards. And right now around five or six elephants are here and later many people also gathered over here,” said Rohit, one of the tea garden guards.
The presence of over five tuskers in the area drew a crowd of curious onlookers to the tea gardens. According to the residents, the elephants came in the area to eat paddy crop.
Elephants in India
India has over 50 per cent of world’s Asiatic elephants, unlike other animals, the elephants do not have marked territories, as they tend to roam from one place to another in search of water and food.
Instances of wild elephants entering into tea estates and other areas, where human beings reside are quite common because of human encroachments on elephant habitats, which restrict their movement leading to man-animal conflict.
The Asiatic elephants are commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Malay Peninsular, Vietnam, Cambodia, Java and Laos. Courtesy Jalpaiguri, Dec 8 (ANI).
Tea Garden in West Bengal
Tea Gardens in India
Note: India has approximately 13,000 tea gardens and is one of the world’s largest suppliers of tea. India Tea Garden
Earl Grey Cranberry Tea Bread Recipe
Posted on | December 8, 2011 | No Comments
Twinings Earl Grey Tea Bags
Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey tea seems to always go well with fruits or citrus of any kind including oranges and cranberries. Earl Grey flavor is better known as oil of bergamot from the Italian fruit, citrus bergamia.
Any time of year is cranberry time and the new flavored dried cranberries are wonderful. Substitute Pomegranate or Blueberry Cranberries for a tweak, allow the bread to dry and then give it a sparse drizzly swiggle of royal icing.
We used Twinings Earl Grey tea bags however there are other fine brands of Earl Grey tea, too.
Earl Grey Cranberry Bread
1/4 cup boiling water
4 Earl Grey teabags
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1 cup sugar
3 each large eggs
1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3 Tbs orange zest, grated (zest of one orange)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Butter and flour a loaf pan or bundt pan or use baking spray.
2. Infuse tea bags in 1/4 cup boiling water for 10 minutes. Squeeze out all the liquid, discard the bags and allow the tea to cool.
3. Toast walnuts on a cookie sheet in a 350 degree F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until golden in color. Do not allow to over bake. Cool then chop finely.
4. Beat together the eggs and sugar until smooth and pale yellow. Add soft butter. Beat well.
5. Sift together the flour, baking powder and baking soda. Lightly dust the cranberries with some of the flour mixture in a separate bowl and set aside.
6. Slowly fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. When well mixed, add the tea and stir well. Add the walnuts and stir. Gently fold in the cranberries. Do not over mix. Turn the batter into a prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Servings: 12
Yield: 1 loaf or 1 bundt cake
Oven Temperature: 350°F
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Inactive Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Earl Grey Cranberry Tea Bread is perfect as a hostess gift, for a tea party or a home alone treat!
Have a favorite Earl Grey recipe? We’d love to know about it.
Share the recipe with friends!
Herbal Teas Help Menstrual Cramps
Posted on | December 7, 2011 | No Comments
Cup of Chamomile Herbal Tea
How Herbal Teas Can Ease Menstrual Cramps
There are few things that can bring a busy woman to a complete standstill faster than menstrual cramps. It’s unfortunately one of those “suffer silently” type situations but that doesn’t mean you should do nothing about it! While there are many different medications on the market to help menstrual cramps and all the unfortunate aches and pains that come with having a period, there are more natural, holistic ways to settle the discomfort within. In fact, herbal tea is not only soothing but is known to help alleviate some of the pain associated with menstruation. Here are some herbal teas that may help take a bit of the pain out of your period.
Research has found that herbal tea, chamomile in particular, actually has anti-inflammatory capabilities and can also help calm the nerves. A study which was released in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry in January of 2005 added credibility to the ancient Chinese belief that herbs are the best medicine.
There are two main ingredients in chamomile that, when ingested, are seen in high levels in urine samples (as tested in the study), hippurate and glycine. The first hippurate is a byproduct of the flavoniods which are present in herbal tea and give it some of its health benefits. Hippurate is also known for its antibacterial activity which has been found to help fight off infection. The second, glycinen, has been found to actually reduce muscle spasm and relax the nerves, which is why it is thought to greatly help ease menstrual cramps.
Even when you take a less in-depth look at the benefits of tea, there is something very soothing about warm tea when you are uncomfortable. The simple act of sipping tea is associated with leisure and comfort.
In the same 2005 study, the participants who drank chamomile tea for 2 weeks and then stopped actually saw medicinal effects last for up to 2 weeks after they no longer drank the tea.
Other tea types aside from chamomile have also been associated with menstrual cramp relief. Some of the most popular are as follows:
- True cramp bark
- Ginger
- Raspberry leaf
Additionally, many women find relief from making a bath tea from these different herbs and soaking their discomforts away. For this type of bath, chamomile and ginger are excellent choices.
There are other things you can do to try and prevent this uncomfortable cramping as well. Studies have found that women who exercise regularly and keep their weight at a healthy number are far less likely to experience severe cramping. Also, women who take vitamin supplements that are rich in calcium and magnesium tend to experience less pain as well.
If you find that your cramps are unbearable, it’s a good idea to see a doctor just in case these are signs of a more serious problem.
Emily Murray is a contributing writer for KwikMed, the company recently appointed by Watson Pharmaceuticals.
My Review of Adjustable Bib Apron, 27 inch
Posted on | September 8, 2011 | No Comments
Our Spun Poly aprons look. breathe and feel like 100% cotton; are stain resistant. color-fast and have great washability. No ironing. No shrinkage. Features – Heavy 7.5 oz. Spun Poly Twill – Three pockets – Adjustable neck strap – Finished size: 26in long. 27in wide
World’s Best Apron
Pros: Terrific fabric, Overall excellent quality, Love the pockets, Perfectly sized, Durable, Adjustable straps
Best Uses: Personalization, HORECA, Catering, Gifts, Branding, Special events
I’ve purchased KNG aprons off and on over the last ten years – in various colors, styles and fabrics and keep coming back for more.
They are a great value.
(legalese)
Writing About Tea at World Tea Expo
Posted on | June 26, 2011 | No Comments
Tea Time Magazine at World Tea Expo 2011
Tea Magazines and Tea Blogs and World Tea Media
The merry cheery buzz of tea enthusiam is increasing on the World Tea Expo exhibition floor this morning as exhibitors prepare to share their tea knowledge, tea sources, and tea wares with businessess in attendance. If you’ve attended many trade shows, you know what I mean. It’s a sensual experience at any tea gathering from tea party to tea room to tea trade show. The pleasant hum of cheery voices rises from the trade show floor to the press room.
Tea Blogs
Who would have thought there were be so much tea commune and social activity generated by tea blogs? Jason Walker and I were discussing the growth of The Association of Tea Bloggers this morning. An “association”? It’s a good place to find credible tea blogs.
The #1 Tea Blog is TChing, Michelle Rabin’s group, also comprised of world tea experts and authoriteas. It’s a busy group with multiple postings per day.
Tea Magazines
It seems that Fresh Cup has been around forever and its content is always….well….fresh and insightful – primarily written for the trade, it is a good reference tool.
Pearl Dexter, Tea A Magazine, is here. Pearl’s magazine is creative, jam-packed with beautiful tea photos from around the world.
The Tea House Times, Gail Gastelu, booth is busy with multiple activities and is always interesting.
My apologies to all those great writers that I haven’t mentioned. I’ll catch you later, okay?
One simply cannot go without a subscription to Tea Time Magazine, a Hearst Publication, along with Victoria Magazine. And so groupie that I am, here is a photo in the beautiful Tea Time Magazine booth.
About: World Tea Expo and World Tea Media – tea show to the stars.
Kitchen TLC A Winner at World Tea Expo
Posted on | June 24, 2011 | No Comments
Kitchen TLC Scone Mixes
Kitchen TLC Artisan Chocolate
- Kitchen TLC Scones
2011 World Tea Expo
As I walked the exhibitor aisles at World Tea Expo this morning viewing booth of tea friends such as Elmwood Inn’s Benjamin Press, Fresh Cup and Tea House Times, I could hardly suppress my enthusiasm about new tea related products recently developed.
The most eye-catching packaging of interest … meaning the packaging made me want to eat, drink and be merry…is from Kitchen TLC.
2011 Baked Goods Winner – World Tea Expo
Tea Infused Scone and Shortbread Mixes by Kitchen T.L.C. include these scone mixes: Buckin’ Chocolate Chip Chai, Strawberry Hibiscus and Earl Grey Cranberry. Shortbread mixes include: Orange Rooibos, Western Chai and Lavender Tisane.
They are amazing scone mixes even for those of use who usually bake from scratch. I’ll upload packaging photos tomorrow as we were a little rushed today.
About World Tea Expo
World Tea Expo 2011, which is the largest and most prominent event for the tea industry, caters to tea retailers, restaurateurs, food service leaders, hoteliers, spa owners and other business professionals who want to learn more about the latest opportunities and tea trends, which consumers can expect to see more of in the future. The event takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 24 – 26, and conference registration and details are available at World Tea Expo.
From $0 to 2 Million in Tea $ales
Posted on | June 15, 2011 | No Comments
Tea Financial Prosperity for Bhakti Chai – One Sip At A Time
Read more…. Financial Post reports on the prosperity and generosity of Bhakti Chai.
Devotees of Bhakti Chai’s fresh, organic tea drinks include Whole Foods customers throughout the Rocky Mountain region, as well as those of local coffeehouses and retailers.
How Teas and Herbs Can Help You Get Pregnant and Have a Healthy Pregnancy
Posted on | June 15, 2011 | No Comments
Herbal Teas and Tisanes
Teas and tisanes “herbal teas” can be so much more than an enjoyable beverage! Did you know that there are teas that boost fertility, tone the uterus, and help you have a healthy pregnancy? These are some of my favorite teas for women who are trying to conceive or are already expecting. They all have a pleasant taste, as well as added health benefits!
Nettle Leaf Tea
Nettle leaves contain an awful lot of vitamins and minerals – vitamins A, C, D and K and iron, potassium and calcium. With all that goodness, it is hardly surprising that nettle leaf tea is known as a fertility booster for both men and women. During pregnancy, sipping this tea regularly can help you prevent iron-deficiency anemia, hemorrhoids, leg cramps and urinary tract infections.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Red raspberry leaf tea, also called simply RRL tea, is increasingly popular among pregnant women and is known as a uterine tonic. This tea contains large amounts of calcium which benefit both you and your baby, as well as vitamin C, E and other minerals. Not only does RRL tea increase your fertility, it is also said to prevent miscarriage and help reduce pregnancy signs and symptoms like morning sickness, and help bring in breast milk after birth. Besides that, it just tastes great!
Teas To Fight Morning Sickness
Peppermint is a natural nausea remedy, and drinking this tea throughout the first trimester when you are feeling rough can go a long way in reducing morning sickness. Other women do better with lemon and ginger tea, which also combat pregnancy nausea and vomiting, or fennel seed tea. Fennel seed tea can also come in handy later on in pregnancy when you are suffering from heartburn. Drink a cup as soon as you finish a meal for the best effect.
Parsley Tea
This common kitchen ingredient can be used in tea. Many women have problems with varicose veins during pregnancy, and herbalists recommend parsley tea to both prevent and soothe them.
Are you contemplating how to get pregnant ? Olivia’s blog, Trying To Conceive, covers topics like fertility, pregnancy, birth and babies. With her free ovulation calendar it will be easier to pinpoint your fertile days.
keep looking »
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