Posts filed under 'Generaliteas'
When a new team member joins our company we always emphasize the importance we place on one of their duties; drinking on the job. It usually gets a smile since this is not something one is normally told at a new company.
But it is serious to us. In order to do a good job helping our customers select teas and tisanes one must be able to explain the flavors of each selection. This is no small task, as we usually have 100-110 selections at any given time. They also change by season, and when the new crops come in. I also explain that there are two things on whuch they can count; The teas we carry will all be of good quality, and they will not like some of the flavors they encounter. The key is to be able to explain the tastes and why they are of great quality.
Naturally I also spend a decent amount of time each week sampling new offerings. When asked if I get tired of this, I also just smile. Even after half a decade doing this, I still feel a little like I am just relaxing, not really working. After all, sitting around sipping on some of the finest beverages in the world is not a bad way to spend part of your work day.
I guess there are some real perqs in this business after all!
It’s a Big World…Drink It Up!
August 25th, 2008
It is a fact that about 80% of the tea consumed in the US is iced. We see the trend in the stores as the consumption of cold drinks inreases, and the purchase of loose tea focuses on those that do well on ice.
In spite of the fact that other cultures avoid iced teas, I notice that I will drink more flavored teas during the summer as well. (Summer Companion and Tropical Paradise Rooibos come to mind.)
It is really interesting to see that different flavor components come out when a beverage is served cold rather than hot. So today as it warmed up I grabbed a Blacksmith Blend which is one of my favorite everyday drinkers. The blend has enough strength to satisfy, and yet stay smooth.
Many consmuers have resigned themselves to most iced teas tasting rather flat and indistinguishable, so it is a lot of fun to introduce new customers to teas that have more taste than they have come to expect from bags left in the sun to brew.
All this reminds me that I will be in big trouble if I don’t remember to bring some tea home for the weekend!
Enjoy!
July 2nd, 2008
I make it a point in the morning to relax and enjoy my first pot of tea before I look at what is going on in the ‘real’ world. As a retailer, I am naturally concerned about how this rocky economic landscape will affect the sales of tea and tea related accessories. Retail sales in general are weak, so what about tea?
So far tea has been holding its’ own and then some. Sales for the first two months of the year have been brisk. Not that I have any real explanaiton for this, or know if it will continue.
I wonder if people realize that tea is one of those affordable ‘luxuries?’ For one thing, tea is inexpensive. I enjoy wine, but cannot afford to drink the top wines in the market. The price of tea however makes even those top offerings within the reach of most everyone. Also, you can open up a pouch or tin of tea, and drink it over several months. Wine does not do well 3 months after the bottle has been opened.
Tea is also is an inexpensive way to improve your health. A few cups of green tea a day has been shown to have multiple benefits. Tea is also a good alternative to many of the other beverages we consume daily.
So hopefully tea will be recognized as an enjoyable way to improve your health, and treat yourself well.
It’s a Big World…Drink it up!
March 6th, 2008
Oolong teas are among my favorites, so when we sold out of our Rou Gui a month or so ago, I was resigned to the fact that I may need to wait until next spring to enjoy this again.
Fate smiled on me though, as we received a sample from another of our friends a couple of weeks ago. I wasted no time in cupping this oolong tea and was immediately struck by the aroma of cinnamon for which this tea is noted. The aroma translates nicely in the taste of the tea as well. It is smooth, slightly floral, with a cinnamon flavor that makes this a complex and exciting tea.
I only hope that we have enough to hold us until the spring crop!
Enjoy!
January 25th, 2008
I notice that just like many of my patrons, I tend to drink many of the same teas on a regular basis. Though we have about 100 varieties on the shelf, I gravitate towards some comfortable favorites. Every once in a while after I make a tea for a customer that I have not tasted for a while, I sip some of the same. A little light goes off in my head, and I remember why we have this in our selection!.
It was that way this morning. I looked at our tea wall for something bold, and ‘rediscovered’ our Khongea Golden Bud Assam. As soon as I opened the tin, the full smooth aroma told me that I selected the perfect tea with which to start my day. It has the strength and bold taste I need to get going, but is full of golden tips which makes it very smooth.
New Year’s resolution: Add variety to the day; Drink a different tea every day!
Enjoy!
January 11th, 2008
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This has become an important holiday for many. If you don’t think so, just skip getting your significant other a gift or card and see what happens. I did this one year, thinking we could save a little money at the time, and I get reminded of my lapse of good judgment on a regular basis!
Consider tea as the replacement for flowers and chocolates as the quasi official gift for Valentines. Think about it for a moment. Flowers are beautiful, but they sit on a counter and die after a few days. Chocolate is great, but it gets hoarded by the recipient (at least in our house!) Tea however offers several distinct advantages.
First of all, it is economical, so you can give without breaking the bank. (Yes I know my ‘thriftiness’ shows up again!) It lasts for months, so is a reminder of your thoughtfulness and generosity. Many of the teas are visually attractive, especially those with flowers in them. But most importantly, tea is meant to be enjoyed and shared with others. If done right, we slow down a moment, and spend time with each other while waiting for the tea to infuse, then while drinking we converse and enjoy one another’s company. What better gift for Valentine’s Day than one that will allow us to spend time with those that are special!
So next time you get to vote on this (or act) consider a gift that is really special, your time over a special tea that you chose!
February 7th, 2007