Cooking with Tea

Cooking with tea can be an exciting adventure. Just like spices, the tea leaves can add interesting, exotic, and unusual flavors to your favorite dishes. Try adding your brewed tea to broths for soup or sauces. Or add tea leaves to baked goods to make savory breads and cookies. Tea can make an ice cream or yogurt dance with flavor. If you like the tea, then you will like whatever you cook using the same tea leaves!

If you aren’t sure what the best way to brew your tea here is a previous post that can help get the flavor from your tea leaves.

https://www.bostonharbormt.com/brew-great-cup-tea/

I encourage you to use the tea leaves just like you would any herb or spice in the kitchen. I have included a couple of my favorite recipes for you in this post.

Montana Gold Tea

An orange flavored tea with hints of cinnamon and clove, this tea is wonderful for adding to rice. Brew the tea as usual and use instead of water. When the rice is cooked, add raisins and walnuts.  It is also great for steaming vegetables particularly beets, carrots, and broccoli by placing the loose tea leaves in the water. By using the leaves while steaming, it infuses the food with the elements of the tea. It is absolutely fabulous for steamed fish as well.

Himalaya Tea

Again this green tea with essence of jasmine and pineapple lends itself well to the method of steaming as you can brew the tea and use in place of the water when cooking rice or vegetables. Add pineapple tidbits, walnuts, or other favorites to the rice. This can be served with a teriyaki sauce.

Lapsang Souchang

This tea has a smoky characteristic that is great for all kinds of meats. Parboiling the meat with the loose tea leaves gives the meat a wonderful taste like it has been smoked. Another use is by smearing your fish, especially salmon, with olive oil and then using the leaves as a rub before broiling or grilling. An additional treat is to use while preparing hard boiled eggs. Crack the shell lightly and boil the eggs with the tea in the water for 15 minutes. When you peel the egg, you have a marbled effect. The taste is outrageous!

Damiana

Damiana is kind of like oregano and is a medicinal herb tea. Rub it on a roast (pork, beef or other) before cooking. It is great for any tomato based dish such as goulash, spaghetti, soups, or Sloppy Joes. This is also a wonderful addition to any stir fry. Although I haven’t tried it, others have recommended using this herb in scrambled eggs.

Okay, now you have the idea! Get to cookin’!

Different Kinds of Tea

Your Cup of Tea

The different kinds of teas can be confusing, but most often we go by what we like and how it tastes. Tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that help our bodies protect against inflammation which can lead to many diseases. What are the types of tea? Well, it depends on how the tea is produced during the oxidation process. For instance, white tea is the least oxidized tea. The process of oxidation allows the leaves to wither and air-dry after being picked. Black tea is the most oxidized tea allowing the leaves to wither then they are rolled or crushed to start rapid oxidation.

Process of Oxidation

White tea is pale with a subtle, sweet taste and, as I said, the least oxidized of the teas, but it has a high amount of antioxidants. Caffeine count per cup is approximately 15-20 mg.

Green tea has a high concentration of polyphenols. It has about 20-30 mg of caffeine per cup.

Oolong is partially oxidized and studies show that it can help stabilize blood sugar levels. The leaves once withered are bruised to stimulate more oxidation and then fired to remove the moisture. It is 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup.

Black tea is the most oxidized tea with 40-60 mg of caffeine per cup.

So no matter what your taste and preference, tea is a healthy way to go if you want to prevent disease and build immunity. The roomier the tea bag, the better flavor due to more circulation of the leaves. Bulk is best and will yield the best tea as the leaves can unfurl and release more flavor.

Health Benefits and Side Effects of Green Tea: Useful Websites

Listed below are some great websites that discuss the health benefits and side effects of green tea. Being a plant-based product, the way green tea is processed is of great consideration.

One of the important points  I got from the posts is the reason green tea is healthier is in the process. The fermentation process is avoided during the green tea production as opposed to the processing of black tea. The flavonoids and catechins are the antioxidants which help reduce the free radicals in your body.

What Else in a Nutshell?

Polyphenols are the elements that give green teas their benefits.

Blood sugar levels can be regulated if you drink green tea after meals.

It has been known to help kill cancer cells.

Green tea helps with metabolism.

These are only a few small examples of what green tea can do to help with your health. I am blown away by the many benefits in these posts and I hope you take time to read through them. Come in to the shop to get some of the best quality teas in town! 

WebMD

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea#1

Healthline

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea

Lifehack

https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-of-green-tea-that-you-didnt-know-about.html

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies: fiction or fact?

Herbal remedies do their job because of the properties they contain. They are not magic potions. In the roots, leaves, flowers, berries, bark or seeds, herbs have specific biochemical properties that are healing and restorative for our systems. We’ve come to the point in our high-stress lives where we need all of the healing and restorations we can get.

Being a natural resource, they have no additives, preservatives, or dyes. They aren’t sweetened with sugar or sugar substitutes, and they are not mixed with other ingredients that could compromise the herb’s effect or give you something you don’t want or need.

The water in herbal teas plays a vital role to increase the effectiveness of the remedy. The water diffuses the potency of the herb and delivers its properties in a manner that is harmonious with your natural body processes.

Confused? Where to Start

There are hundreds of herbs with healing properties, and each herb has its own unique qualities. This can be very overwhelming and can become “a garden of confusion”. One of the remarkable qualities about many herbs is the fact that they can do more for your body than merely treat symptoms. In many cases, they can treat the symptoms and the underlying weakness. When you take herbs as teas, you get the benefits of the herbs and some delightful drinks, too.

Start very simply. Seek out one herbal tea that might be useful for your current needs. If you find two herbal teas to help you, that alone would make your discovery of herbs worthwhile. Over time as you learn to trust the gentle relief and healing benefits that herbal teas bring, you’ll find more teas to help you resolve everyday disorders. Then one day you’ll realize that you’ve made a break-through. Plain and simple drinks. Plain and simple healing.

How Much – How Often?

You don’t need to take handfuls of herb capsules, or drink the same tea ten times a day to reap the benefits of an herbal remedy. One great tea, once a day, is a positive step forward. Two great teas a day can be a real health advantage.

If you are just starting to use herbs for their healing properties, I would recommend that you begin with moderate doses, like the dose in one cup of tea in the morning. When you are using teas for healing treatments, a good rule is to take the tea as you need it, once or twice a day, and use it for one week.

* Taken from the book 20,000 Secrets of Tea by Victoria Zak. This book is available at Boston Harbor Tea and has an informative list of herbal teas for various health conditions.

Christmas Party

Be sure to come see us during the Christmas Party for some merriment and Christmas cheer. It is on Saturday, December 16, from 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

It’s also Boston Harbor Day. The Boston Tea Party was a political protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston, Massachusetts 1773 caused by the Tea Act.

Looking forward to seeing all of you! Merry Christmas!

Here are some of our customers’ quotes about our shop:

“This is the quaintest, little tea shop I have ever visited. I LOVE it! When you walk in, you feel right at home.  And I have to say I love how every room is decorated and how everything is displayed (especially the “smell room”). There are endless options here. Cathie is the sweetest lady and she knows every tea like the back of her hand. If you have any questions, she will have an answer…. I recommend this place to everyone who loves tea…..You’ll be hooked on tea even more!”

“Love the space, the different rooms, the aroma, and the lovely woman who showed us new things and taught us new things. It made us a life-long customer just from going one time today and we will gladly come back again and again. Prices are worth the natural and healthier choices. There are great blends available too.”

 

Everything Stops for Tea, My Dear

Everything stops for tea, my dear. In England, afternoon tea was introduced by royalty due to the fact that they had to wait until late hours before having dinner so they had tea and a little snack.  It became a favorite social event during the 1800’s and a tradition.

Many phrases have come into our language as a form of expression such as the following:

Not my cup of tea:  does not prefer, enjoy, or like

A tempest in a teacup: anger over a trivial matter

Tea and sympathy: a picture of offering a cup of tea to someone in need or sympathy

Not for the price of tea in China: not for anything: not for any incentive

Tea party: a wild party

Have you heard of these commonly used idioms or phrases? Many of us have used these indicating that tea is an important part of our culture and lifestyle. I don’t think any of us have to worry about proper etiquette serving tea these days, but there is something about sitting down with a cup of tea either alone or with a friend that is soothing and uplifting.

Come in during this Christmas holiday season to enjoy a cup or two with us. Bring a friend!

 

 

How to Brew a Great Cup of Tea

Bulk Tea

Brewing a great cup of tea doesn’t take rocket science, but it does take patience. As you probably know, there are many tools to help brew a cup of tea if you purchase bulk tea. However, it takes some knowledge of quantity and quality of the tea leaves, the amount of water and temperature of water, and the time for infusion. Making a mistake on any of these elements can lead to a strong, bitter taste that will give you a less than positive experience with tea.

Purified water is best to use versus distilled water. Purified water will still have some of the coveted minerals which can actually enhance some teas. The water should also begin by being cold rather than a warm or hot water. Furthermore, bringing it to a gentle boil is crucial to a good cup of tea. Boiling the tea at a gentle bubble will help to purify the water further.

Green tea requires a more gentle boil to bring out its delicate flavors. Conversely, black tea needs a heavier boil in order to enhance its baked sweetness due to being fully oxidized. Secondly, the length of time it takes for green teas is generally shorter while the time for heavier, black teas could be longer.

Types of Containers and Tea Strainers

Tea strainers range in type and style. There are tea balls, tea spoons, and tea infusers for every preference. Comically, some are fashioned into shapes like dolphins, deep sea divers, and tea bags just to appeal to the tea user. They range from stainless steel to silicone styles.

Tea pots can also impacts the tea when brewing. Green tea needs less temperature, therefore, porcelain or glass tea containers are good. Black tea requires a hotter temperature.  Hence tea pots made of iron or Chinese yixing ware retain heat over longer periods of time than porcelain or glass.

General Tea Preparation Guidelines

• Bring fresh, cold water to a boil in a kettle.
• Remove from heat when it reaches a gentle boil.
• Poor into a warm tea pot or tea cup (poor hot water into container prior to the tea water to keep temperature more consistent)
• Add proper amount of tea to the pot or cup determined by number of people drinking the tea.
• Poor water over the tea leaves and strain later or use a tea strainer to infuse the tea into the container.
• Steep for required amount of time, usually five minutes, for preferred flavor and strength.

A cup of tea is a symbol of hospitality all over the world. There is nothing like drinking a fresh, brewed, flavorful tea with a friend. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Featured Fall Teas

Be Ready for Fall

Be sure to check out our featured teas for fall. The air is getting cold and soon we will need to keep our insides warm.

Harvest Time

These featured teas are blends of herbs and teas such as Harvest Time which is made up of Wild Cherry Bark, Rosehips, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Lemon Peel, Orange Peel, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Blackberry Leaf, Cloves, Red Clover, Sage, Extracts.  Caffeine free as well, this makes a very fine “tea” to sip in the afternoon or evening.

 

Grandma’s Apple Pie

Another one to try as autumn begins is Grandma’s Apple Pie with an apple cinnamon taste with actual apple bits and almond pieces. It is a black tea with a crisp, fruity flavor.

 

Yerba Chai

If you like the chai flavor, sip the Yerba Chai, a roasted yerba mate blended with a warm blend of spices. Chai is typically made up of cardamon, allspice, cinnamon, cloves and ginger; all the spices that bring fall to mind.

 

Anise Spice

Lastly, try the Anise Spice tea sure to satisfy the licorice over. It has anise, cinnamon, black licorice combined with a black tea. Of course, anything with a black tea is caffeinated.

It will soon be crisp, cold autumn weather so be sure to stop in to the Boston Harbor Tea shop to stock up on your favorite drinks to keep you warm!

 

Calming Medicinal Herbs

Many calming and natural medicinal herbs are used as nature’s way of soothing nerves. These plants are highly absorbable by the body, therefore, very effective in reducing the anxiety and tension that comes with stress.

Natural Tension Tamers

Most noteworthy, listed below are only a few of the many natural tension tamers we offer at Boston Harbor Tea.

German Chamomile

From Germany, chamomile eases sleep, relaxes the muscles in the body. Some people have benefit in the digestive tract by relieving spasms, abdominal pain, gas and bloating.

Linden Leaf and Flower

This herb from Bulgaria reduces internal stress, muscle tension, and relieves anxiety. It also has a                                 calming effect on the heart to ease heart palpitations.

Kava kava

Origin, Figi, Kava Kava has a calming effect, eases heart palpitations, and relaxes muscles. Furthermore, it relieves anxiety, tension and emotional stress. *Note: It can be intoxicating in high doses.

Medicinal Herbs from South America and Mexico

Damiana 

– helps to soothe and strengthen the brain and nervous system which calms the nerves, eases tension headaches, and gives you that feeling of well-being.

Yerba Mate

– builds resistance to stress.  It contains B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B5) and vitamin C – the anti-stress team. Pantothenic acid (B5) stimulates the adrenal glands which regulate the production of hormones including adrenaline and cortisone. Yerba Mate is a stimulant and even though it helps with stress, you do not want to blend it with these other calming herbs.

Passion Flower

– grown in India and Mexico, conditions and tones the nerves and relieves pain. Being an overall “nerve conditioner”,  it is good for all nervous disorders including nervous tension, irritability, anxiety, agitation, stress induced disorders, tension headaches, and exhaustion. It is an anti-spasmodic that relieves muscle spasms such as twitching, nervous coughs, and hyperactivity.

 

Medicinal Herbs from USA

Skullcap (Blue)

– strengthens and tones the nervous system alleviating tension, anxiety, and the jitters. Additionally, hysteria, nervous exhaustion, depression and panic are also reduced by skullcap. Customers say this herb eases nervous tension and internal stress that comes with withdrawal from drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and tranquilizers. It also helps in aiding sleep.

Valerian Root

– works as a tranquilizer and a sleep aid. It relieves pain, tension, and the effects of strain. It quiets and soothes the brain and nervous system. *Note: this should not be used with sleep medications and can cause hallucinations in high doses

 

 

Rest & Relaxation for Us All

R & R (Rest and Relaxation)

Hey, all you awesome Boston Harbor Tea fans. I wanted to give you all a heads up. We will be CLOSED from September 17, 2017 to October 2, 2017 for some needed time off. So please get stocked up on any teas or herbs you might be needing. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING!!!

CLEANSE: R & R ( Ream out & Rejuvenate )

This time of year is a good time to cleanse as well. Come in for your cleansing teas and herbs for the full 22 days. Fall is a great time to cleanse in order to get rid of harmful toxins in your body especially before we head into the holiday season. This can be tailored to your specific blood type or just a general cleanse package if you aren’t sure of your blood type. Certain blood types work differently and so the herbs are chosen according to what works the best for your body.

Cleansing of your body’s organs can be an effective way to help improve the body’s way of functioning properly along with relieving and possibly eliminating ailments that can become troublesome to you. A cleanse is a process of cleaning the blood by removing impurities and toxins from the liver and lymph system which play a large role in processing what is put in the body. When these two organ systems get backed up, other organs like the kidneys, gallbladder, and intestines have to process what the liver and lymph system could not. This can affect every cell in the body, both short and long term.

The best part is while you are detoxing, you can eat natural, whole foods at the same time!

CLEANSING TEAS/HERBS:

Acid Removal:

Burdock, Catnip, Meadowsweet, Pau d’Arco, Plantain, Slippery Elm, and Spearmint

Blood Cleaner:

Burdock, Goldenseal, Plantain, Sarsaparilla and Yarrow

Female:

Calendula, Chaste Tree Berry, Damiana, Dong Quai, Milk Thistle, Motherwort, Paul d’Arco, and Slippery Elm

Heart:

Astragalus, Calendula, Dong Quai, Ginkgo, Ginger, Hawthorm, Motherwort, and Suma

Kidney:

Cleavers, Cranberry Powder, Damiana, Hawthorm, Horsetail, Marshmallow, Plantain, and Red Raspberry Leaf

Liver:

Calendula, Cleavers, Dandelion Leaf, Dandelion Root, Marshmallow, Milk Thistle, and Slippery Elm

Lungs:

Elder, Goldenseal, Hyssop, Lungwort, Marshmallow, Mullein, Plantain, and Pleurisy root