29 Jun 2010 - posted by Michelle
Michelle from Tea Global here. Thanks for your interest in receiving our tea news and special offers.
I have just returned from the World Tea Trade Expo in the USA where I participated in several incredible tea events and drank amazing teas. One tea I particularly enjoyed was an African stem tea called Malawi Antlers. It was a white tea made entirely from the velvety stem of finely plucked tea bush shoots – it looked and felt like soft downy deer antlers and brewed a delicious sweet cup. At around NZ$800 per kg it is unlikely we will offer white antler tea in our range but we are really excited about new blends and products we are currently working on for you – we will keep you posted.
In this issue:
- World Tea Expo Update – Tea is Hot!
- Recipe: Chicken Noodle Oolong Soup
- Tea Tips
- Special Offers - Save Money on Bigger Packs of Stir Tea, Free Stir Tea Caddy
- What’s Happening at Tea Global – The launch of our first tea class
1. World Tea Expo Update – Tea is Hot!
Around 5,000 tea business representatives gathered together at the World Tea Expo, viewing 250 exhibitors representing 45 countries.
Traditionally the US is not associated with specialty tea however, like New Zealand, there is growing interest in it. It is projected that the US tea market will expand by more than $7 billion in the next two years, with nearly three quarters of that growth in the specialty and premium market.
There was an outstanding selection of beautifully crafted tea. What is apparent is that an increasing number of countries are now producing teas that might be considered non-traditional styles e.g White Tea which originated in China is now being offered by other countries e.g India and Hawaii, black teas from Bolivia. Specialty tea remains majestic in its simplicity – nothing added to the harvested leaf apart from the tea masters expertise.
Some companies are stepping away from the spirit of tea and the simplicity of the leaf and are now fusing coffee beans with tea leaf. I discovered a new and interesting selection of high quality flavoured teas which I consider fit nicely into the category of dessert teas – a sweet offering to finish a meal.
It was a real thrill to see the NZ oolong tea company Zealong (Hamilton based) at the Expo with their recently launched specialty oolong tea selection.
There is no doubt that demand for caffeine free blends is growing – I enjoyed infusions of bamboo, aloe vera, the ever popular rooibos and guayusa (pronounced wah-yoosa, harvested from a plant native to the Ecuadorian rain forest). A real highlight was discovering tulsi – a sacred plant from India. Sometimes referred to as holy basil it is considered an elixir of life in its country of origin, India. I am currently working on incorporating tulsi into our range – it is delicious with undertones of mint, cinnamon, cloves and basil.
I experienced tea in many guises – tea candles, tea body moisturisers, tea perfume, tea wines, tea spices, tea smoothies, tea biscuits, tea chocolates, tea jam, instant tea, tea books, tea magazines along with all the usual tea accessories.
Running concurrently with the World Tea Expo was a series of tea education programmes – I attended nine of these education sessions over three days. One was a two hour class on cheese and tea pairing – a fun combination that we will incorporate into our tea education classes (we also enjoyed tea infused port and Assam shortbread in this class).
The tea industry is certainly no longer simmering, it is red hot – pour yourself a cup of Stir Tea and enjoy!
P.S The Specialty Tea Institute
Since 2006 I have been studying with the Specialty Tea Institute (STI) in the USA. On June 15th in Las Vegas I was part of the first group (and sole Kiwi) to complete the new Level 4 tea class and exam – The Technology of Tea. This full day course is the highest level paper currently offered by STI and was an incredibly fascinating study on what happens with the natural chemistry of the leaf once it is plucked. The day culminated with a written exam and I was extremely relieved that I had received the 96 page class manual to study weeks in advance.
Be part of our new Tea 101 Class that we are really excited to be offering – no exams involved and absolutely no prior experience required – just come to learn fun and interesting things about tea.
2. Recipe: Chicken Noodle Oolong Soup
- Keep winter chills at bay. Incorporate tea into your cooking with this chicken noodle oolong soup recipe – it is a meal in itself. Click here for the recipe using Full Moon Oolong (Pouchong) Tea.
3. Tea Tips
Tea keeps giving – after you have enjoyed your brew, consider using your leaves for:
• Keeping your refrigerator smelling fresh – Place a dish of dry used tea leaves in there to absorb some of the smells
• Soothe Puffy Eyes – Use damp, cool tea bags (or our tea filter bags) placed on your eyes to remove puffiness
• Soaking in a tea bath – fill one of our tea filter bags with tea leaves and put in your bathtub for a relaxing soak.
(Tea Tips extracted from a fun new tea book by Australian author Camellia Cha, called Curiosi-Tea)
4. Special Tea Offers – Save Money on Stir Tea, Receive a Free Tea Caddy
Complimentary Stir Tea Sample
With every on-line order until the end of July 2010 we shall enclose a complimentary Stir Tea sample for you to try. We shall refer to your history of buying with us and enclose something we think you may enjoy.
Plus Save Money on Bigger Packs of Stir Tea
We now offer our selection of Stir Tea in larger bags. Purchase bags 2.5 times the standard size and save 10%, 5 times the size and save 15%. Just click on the drop down box to the right of each tea to select your preferred size. The larger bags are resealable to ensure your tea remains in top condition.
New Stir Tea Caddies – Receive one Free Stir Tea Caddy with all 500 gram bags of Stir Tea
Until the end of July 2010 with each order of the new 500 gram bags of Stir Tea we shall enclose one complimentary Stir Tea caddy. This is perfect for storing your tea close to hand in the kitchen (they also look great). They hold around 100 grams (depending on the style of tea and size of leaf) The umbrella colour represents the style of tea you have chosen and will be matched accordingly.
Complimentary Gift Wrap
Don’t forget to mention on the notes section at checkout if your purchase is for a gift. It is our pleasure to offer a complimentary gift wrap.
5. What’s Happening at Tea Global:
The Launch of Our Tea Classes:
Join us in the first of our tea classes – Tea 101. Learn interesting and fun facts about tea whilst sampling several exquisite teas. Even if you have been drinking tea all your life we guarantee you will learn something new. Get hands on with tea to:
• Learn more about the four main classes of tea – black, oolong, green and white – what’s the difference?
• Explore tea tastes and flavours with equipment used by tea professional (absolutely no prior experience required)
• Be part of a small group (maximum 5) with a common interest in tea
• Be captivated by the beauty of tea.
Tea 101 takes around 2 hours and costs $28 per person.
It is offered on Fridays and Saturdays in Queenstown starting at either 9.00am or 3.00pm.
Classes are subject to minimum numbers. Other days or times may be available by special arrangement. Contact us to enquire or click here to register for Tea 101.
Group Presentations:
I am available to speak to groups on tea or assist you to make tea the central focus or theme to an event. Tea is a fun and interesting topic with wide appeal – not everyone may be a tea drinker – but nearly everyone has a tea story! Please contact us directly to discuss your specific requirements.
Your Tea Stories and Recipes
Please keep your tea stories, ideas and recipes that use tea as an ingredient coming, we love hearing from you.
Remember ‘A proper tea is much nicer than a very nearly tea, which is one you forget about afterwards’ – A.A Milne.
