Mad Blog of Tea!

Tea Review: Iced Teas by Salada

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 18:20:00 +0000

It's time to chill out with some refreshing iced tea, an innovation that goes back to 1904, when a tea vendor decided to help people cool off at the St Louis Worlds Fair. This truly American invention is now one of the most popular ways to drink tea, thanks to the RTD bottled industry. And every June is National Iced Tea Month.

There are numerous way to make iced tea. Either you can use cold water and steep your tea for an extended period of time or you can brew hot tea and then ice it down. There are a bevy of iced tea makers - machines dedicated to the sole practice of making tea, often with convenient pitchers, which in its self can be a handy item to own.

So when I was asked to try Salada Tea's Iced Tea Line, what with it being the National month-long celebration of icy camellia sinensis, I was more than happy to oblige.

Now there's nothing that differentiates their tea from any other tea that you could use to create iced tea, if you were using tea bags, although their iced tea bags are indeed bigger. I tried to show the difference in this photo. And while the instructions say to use 2 of these "Family Sized" bags, I found that using 3-4 tea bags was better because the taste of the green tea is fairly washed out.

This fairly washed out taste is common with "naturally decaffeinated" teas because to decaffeinate them they must be soaked (twice) in the processing - leaving you with a less robust taste. This process also diminishes the antioxidants that people prize green tea for having, which means any supportive health claims having to do with "decaffeinated green tea" are grossly over-exaggerated.

I tried all 3 of the iced teas (Raspberry, Tropical and Peach Nectarine), only to find them to be rather similar. A weak iced tea accented by a touch of fruit flavoring.

I wish I had something more to say besides "hey, I like the super-sized tea bags" but I am now the owner of 3 big boxes of 18 mega-tea bags.....and as they say, "That's Salada Tea".

Tea Review: Coconut Creme Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:42:00 +0000

Coconut Creme Tea from Persimmon Tree

I have a passion for anything tropical, from palm trees to ukulele music. It's a well-known fact that Madam Potts lives on a tropical island in her own mind. So when I was asked to review this tea, I queued up the Arthur Lyman CDs.

Tea Company: Persimmon Tree Tea

In Review: Coconut Creme Tea

Dry Review: White Peony leaves, accented Blue Cornflowers, Red Safflower and white bits of shaved coconut

Steeped Review:
HOT: This subtle white tea is infused with a coconut essence, that makes for a simple pleasurable delight. The enjoyment is in its simplicity.

ICED: I think I like this even better when iced. The natural sweetness of the coconut makes for a refreshingly cooling drink!

Personal Thoughts: It's overly simple - the blank canvas of a light white tea whereupon a splash of coconut has been added. The main thing I question is the use of flavorings which are not accounted on the website as being either natural or artificial. In every "herbal" infusion of theirs, they allude to a flavoring, which for me means that something is added and/or covering up in the name of low-quality and instant flavor association. I realize that this is a popular practice these days - but not one I personally enjoy.

NOTE: There are people with allergies to "artificial" and even to "natural" flavorings, so this is something to be upfront about.

That's Some Bloody Good Tea!

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:33:00 +0000

As many of my readers know, I love blending tea for musicians and bands because the added inspiration that comes along with the music adds a level to the blending process. I also love that when the final product has been created that you can Hear AND Taste the music.

Upon opening the form that The Bloody Jug Band emailed me, the first thing I noticed was that all of their answers were in a Red Font and naturally wanted a red-hued tea. These guys were serious about their branding. And they were seriously into creating something you've never had before. Other stand-out answers included that they wanted a "Florida Swamp Noir" feel to their blend...and the pleasant request that their tea be "bad ass".

They sent me a CD, which helped me understand what they meant by "bad ass" and "swamp noir". Who would have thought that songs about robbing graves, the walking dead, death and disease could be so catchy? I get a thrill out of cruising around town listening to their EP "First Drops".

(EDITOR's NOTE: this EP is the most outrageously fun $5 you're going to spend all month)

We ended up making not one tea....not two teas....but three Bloody Jug Band "Jambor-Teas" - because you simply can't cram all this bad ass inspiration and enthusiasm into one blend. It goes to show, the more personality you let shine through on your form, the more inspired your tea becomes.

The 3 Jambor-Teas are:
The Bloody JamborTea - this spicy herbal blend brews up bloody red. Designed to get you going, wake you up, get the blood flowing with the use of spices. Caffeine-free. This tea is Hot Blooded!!!

BBQ JamborTea - It's a BBQ you can drink. With 13 ingredients in this hickory smoked concoction, this tea is good enough to eat! (it also doubles as a spice rub, so technically I guess you can)

Swamp JamborTea - yes, I said swamp. And sure enough this green tea, roots & valerian mix is every bit as earthy in taste and smell like a Florida Swamp at Midnight. If you like earthy teas, then you'll be curious to try this one.

What more can I say?...

It's been a hell of a lot of fun for me as a blender to create a color, a food experience and a topographical location. You never know what sources of inspiration will come your way.

Because these 3 Teas, dare I call them "bad ass blends", are ONLY available on the Bloody Jug Band website, you'll have to order them there. And while you're at it, pick up a copy of their first EP and give yourself a true multifaceted experience.

Taste & Hear the music.

Music needs a Party...Why not make it a Tea Party?

Haiku Tea Ware: Best Gift Ever

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:08:00 +0000

Over 3 years ago I stumbled across a unique tea ware idea in the form of Haiku Tea Cups. I immediately blogged about it because I wanted one so bad (and I’m still hoping she will expand to tea pots!) Each cup comes with a haiku which you can write yourself or have her write for you. In the spirit of haiku, which prides itself on simplicity, Teaspoons & Petals’ creations are not over done – white cups, black lettering – artistically hand-painted. It’s not every day you find something that is both functional and poetic.

What I love about a finely written haiku is how much can be said with so few words.

Words often fail us. Sometimes, words feel too small to convey the love and respect that you may have for another person or situation. Right when you want to say everything, you find yourself speechless.

So when it came time to honor a friend of mine, who had accomplished so much, and who has meant the world to me, the haiku helped me form the sentiments I wanted to convey and Teaspoons’ Haiku Tea Ware helped me deliver that message.

Friendship, like tea, is enjoyed in many sips.

My cup runneth over.

Where's the Party at?

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 16:35:00 +0000

After what has seemed like an eternity, it is time to pick up the proverbial pen and begin writing once again.

The year prior (affectionately known as 2010) brought with it a marathon of articles and blog posts like never before. I was fortunate enough to be writing for The English Tea Store and for Examiner.com, in addition to this blog, and getting paid to do so. By the end of 2010, however, the "mad tea party" became a "virtual" tea party, attended only by me and my computer. The only tea time I was having, was the time I took to write about tea online. All too often, I was only "enjoying" the cup or product that I was writing about, as I wrote about it. "Sharing" online is not the same as actually sharing in person.

I began to fall out of love. I was no longer mad about tea, but I had become frantic about creating tea-based content. So much writing to keep up with, so little time. I was losing the purity of this simple pleasure. So to salvage my relationship with my love of tea, I had to let the writing go...

For me, tea is something to be shared with others. I can think of no better custom that that of an afternoon tea party - stopping your day to enjoy tea and food and conversation, I mean, what could be better??? Let there be Friendship and Laughter and Cake!

So while I haven't written about it, 2011 has become the Year of the Mad Tea Party. At least once a week, a small party of friends and acquaintances shows up to my house to drink tea. Sometimes that includes lunch, sometimes we assemble tea projects and orders, sometimes there's baked goods and there's always music. It's amazing what can happen with the littlest invitation - like asking others to drink some tea with you.

So to those of you who have come over to my house, have brought over friends, and have raised a mug of tea with me -- thank you. Thank you for being part of the madness and for bringing back the Love.

The wisdom of tea

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:30:00 +0000

Today started with a pot of tea.

Not unlike many a morning, but today was not any other morning. Today I turned another leaf older. And so as I sat there in bed with the teapot that I gifted had myself last year from the cute little shop in Cape May, and the tea that I had bought at Mariage Freres in Paris, and a small teapot shaped plate holding out the finest lemon cookies, which has become my new favorite tea snack...I began to reflect upon all things I experienced and achievements I was witness to (for myself and for my closest friends) since my last birthday. Before celebrating the coming of the new year, I wanted to celebrate the passing of the last one. I wanted to be mindful of the days I had enjoyed before rushing forward for all the days that have yet to come.....

There is something in a pot of tea that lends itself to mindfulness. to patience. to quietude.

Tea asks that you be present, holding still, a slow meditation of time and temperature.

There is a wisdom to tea in that it requires us to take our time.

And if time is all we have, then I'll take mine slowly....so that I can savor the flavor of each and every day.

<3

Madam Potts on Qs House

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 19:59:00 +0000

For the past 3 years, my company, Mad Pots of Tea! has been a loyal sponsor of Qs House - an internet show about the music industry, which "brings music artists and fans together each week to learn, to laugh, and to drink" - featuring unsigned musicians and other such talented guests and entertainers.

As a sponsor, not only do I supply the studio with my teas, but the winners of the Qs House Artist of the Year receives their own special blend of tea. Seeing as singers tend to drink lots of tea, this partnership has opened up an entire pathway to creative and talented artists, which I love. I consider myself a tea artist and so inspiration begets inspiration and creating blends based on musicians is by far my favorite blends to make! Some of the Artists I have met on Qs House and created teas for include: Spiral Trance, Jen Grinels, Anyone's Guess and Orange Avenue.

So when I got the chance to be on the show, it was especially thrilling. Q asked some great questions and did a lot to feature my unique blending process and the growth of my little operation.

DOUBLE BONUS: being on the show with John & Stormy from THE BLOODY JUG BAND (the catalyst and inspiration behind my 1st product line, called "Jambor-Teas", BBQ, Bloody & Swamp - more on that soon). John also performed in Qs Living Room for me, seeing as I don't make it down to his neck of the woods there in Florida very often. If you haven't checked out The Bloody JuG Band, you don't kn0w what you're missing. One word: Bad ass.

Listen to MADAM POTTS on Qs HOUSE
(also featuring Australian Band: The On Fires)

NovelTEAS is BACK!

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 01:48:00 +0000

Novel Teas in Red Bank, NJ

After a few months of wordless silence, wondering the plight of the only place to geta proper cuppa tea in this area of mine, I am overjoyed to announce the return of NovelTeas in Red Bank, NJ.

Not only are they back (under new management), but they have started back up again with the literary and musical events that made it such a popular place in the first place. I wrote often about the events under the my NJ Tea Examiner column, and invited as many people as I could to every event - as each were infused with a creativity and uniqueness that is hard to find and that comes only from genuine sharing and passion.

In the past week they had local Rumson author, James Weil, sharing from his book Swiss Chocolate and Jamacian recording artist Malek Mia, performing from her debut album, I'm Here.The new management has also been able to do what the original owner was unable to make happen and that is serving a lite fare lunch throughout the week. Finally, not only can I invite someone to tea, I can invite them to lunch at my favorite tea cafe!

While I didn't have lunch the other day, I was happy as anything to order a nice pot of Paris Tea (teas supplied by Harney & Sons).

Quincy Mumford

Don't miss their next event this upcoming Wednesday

Quincy Mumford

singer-song writer with a laid-back twist

WHEN: July 13th
TIME: 7 - 10pm
TIX: FREE

For more info on Quincy, check out his website: here

Ain't it Keen?

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sat, 21 May 2011 00:42:00 +0000

I was pleased as punch when I got an invitation to be one of the first tea companies to be featured on Keen Tea Thyme's blogger-ific pastiches of all things & people TEA!

She did a great job taking the numerous details of this long and winding journey towards doing what I do and sharing it in a way that made me feel like I was reading about someone else. Someone much cooler than me. Someone I would like to have tea with...

Keen Tea Thyme's Interview with Madam Potts

Tea and Chocolate Event in NYC May 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sat, 07 May 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Pairing in Your Pocket
A complimentary tea & chocolate tasting
with Vosges Haut-Chocolat & Sanctuary T

Tea and chocolate soothe and excite at the Vosges Chocolate Tasting hosted by Sanctuary T. Join us as we lead you through ten different tea and chocolate pairings. Sanctuary T’s new line of easy-to-carry pouched teas, BYOT, encourage you to catch a moment of tranquility wherever you may find yourself.

When paired with a Vosges Haut-Chocolat candy bar, the experience is elevated to one of decadent equilibrium. Each guest will enjoy 10 tea and chocolate samplings as well as tasting notes and be lead in a sensory tasting experience.

This is a FREE event. Space is limited so an RSVP is required.
Please RSVP to: RSVP@sanctuaryt.com

Tuesday, May 10, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Sanctuary T
337B West Broadway
New York, NY 10013
www.shopsanctuaryt.com
www.sanctuaryt.com

**********************
Note from Madam Potts
This event is NOT to be missed. My favorite NYC tea place, Sanctuary T is pairing up with the hottest, trendiest and tastiest artisnal chocolate place, Vosges -- it is a match made in heaven.
That being said, as I will be on a plane to Florida I will be missing it...but really....I recommend this event highly!!!!

Geisha Tea Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:32:00 +0000

One of the things I love doing (when I'm not blending tea) is rummaging through junk-tique stores, eyeing the vintage serving pieces and wishing my life included more dinner parties. But seeing as I don't even own a dining room, this remains as a fanciful daydream. But that never stops me from trolling yard sales, thrift stores and places stocked with bric-a-brac from floor to ceiling. The excitement of the unknown treasures never ceases.

And so it was my good fortune to find this:
By my Internet searching, I found out that this Lithophane Dragonware was made in Japan, made popular in the mid 19th-century. What looks like an ordinary tea cup magically reveals the picture of a geisha girl when held up to the light.

At first, I thought it was just a really cool tea cup. The raised tactile painting on the dragon and on the cup handle make this a unique find in an of itself, but then to see the spectacular detail that is revealed in the light, makes owning one of these indeed a prized possession. Apparently you can eBay whole tea sets...but I never find that as satisfying as having unearthed something like this from the dark recesses of junk-tique store.

Now I've drank tea out of it only once, as I am afraid to wash the cup too often for fear of losing some of the color or the paint. Like any collector's item it is more about having it than using it.

I wish my camera was more distinct to show you just how many details are present in her hair, her face, even the brocade of her garments.

It is a true work of art.

I found this really cool website which had some information on Lithophanes, how they are done, and which countries have been known to produced them. My favorite thing is the Gallery of Geishas and other such subjects that made it into the mad world of the Lithophane.

Tea Lovers Help Japan

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:55:00 +0000

REPOSTED MESSAGE FROM OBUBU TEA PLANTATIONS
As many of you already know, Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations is collecting donations at www.obubutea.com/donate to create a fund for helping individual tea lovers and resellers recover and rebuild.

We have so far collected over $1115 through "purchases" of "sakura sencha of cheer" and "sakura sencha of hope", our virtual cups of tea for those who have been affected by the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake. We hope our small effort will directly impact specific individuals and businesses as they repair and refurnish their, and in one case relocate their business.

Donation link: http://www.obubutea.com/donate

EXTEND YOUR SUPPORT: Please consider placing a link to our donation site on your own website!

DIRECT RELIEF
Obubu itself has used company funds to donate 2000 sets of soup and noodles, ramen and tea candy to Ishimaki City in Miyagi Prefecture where some 2000 people were living at the Ishinomaki Kahoku Center and Sumiyoshi elementary school. Our contact there, Mr. Ito (and his dog Chibi), helped to coordinate. With help from Obubu in publicizing how to send food and clothing, the center was able to receive some 350 boxes of goods. (See photos of people holding up thank you messages on Sankei Shimbun Newspaper Online: http://photo.sankei.jp.msn.com/info/data/2011/Earthquake/hinanzyo/0321ishinomaki/ )

PHOTO & ART CONTEST: "LET HOPE BLOSSOM!"

What was originally intended to be a contest celebrating spring and the new spring flush of tea has been reappropriated for the effort to raise hope and cheer in Japan. Obubu is giving away weekly prizes of sakura tea and overall prizes of winners' choice of three tea bags. We also allow entrants to choose to make their photography and artwork available on http://www.operationsakura.org for use by others doing fundraising for Japan.

Photographs will be shown to Japan through our Japanese website www.obubu.com, and will also be featured on various tea blogs including www.travelandtea.com
(please contact us if you'd like to feature entries)

Thank you all for your support!

KEEP UP TO DATE ON RELIEF EFFORTS HERE

to Llama Land and back!

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Fear not for I have not stopped writing...but at times I just need to step awaaaaaaay from the computer. Heck, sometimes I need to step awaaaaay from it all and so I did exactly that. I was fortunate enough skip off to Peru and spend just shy of 3 weeks down there in "Llama Land".

Peru was an amazing adventure. For me, I found the people full of color and the mountains full of wisdom. Scaling Machu Picchu was by far the highlight of this adventure. Travel is and always will be a huge part of my life. The experience of seeking out the far ends of this earth are what keep me going.

What does this have to do with tea?.......nothing. Yes I drank lots of tea while I was in Peru. No matter where we went, whatever hotel or restaurant it was always McCollins tea bags. No frills tea stuff - though admittedly their standard black tea was fairly tasty and had a unique flavor.

And of course to deal with altitude sickness, I was drinking "coca tea", and also chewing the leaves for extra measure. I thought the coca tea tasted like yerba mate, very earthy and leafy. I even took the coca tea bags and added them into my water bottle each day. Here's a picture of me as a coca dealer. Contrary to belief the coca leaves themselves have no psychoactive or alterative affect - but it does keep headaches at bay. I don't think I saw loose tea anywhere....perhaps it's an untapped market.

Slowly but surely my feet are returning to their daily path.
Slowly but surely, my fingers are recalling their dance steps across my keyboard.

I love travel.....but it's good to be home.

Spotlight: Libre Tea Travel Thermos

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 03:29:00 +0000

As many a tea drinker knows, steeping and enjoying a proper cup of tea on-the-go is often a challenge. Keeping the tea hot, without burning your hands, allowing the tea leaves to properly unfurl for a proper steep and also keeping the tea leaves separate to avoid over-steeping and how to deal with the aftermath of wet leaves are among the most desirable aspects needed to make “mobile tea making” happen.

I’ve tried out other travel tea mugs, which I am grateful for their efforts, but indeed there was lots of room for improvement. Finally the challenges have been net! The Libre Tea company is now featuring their Glass ‘n Poly Travel thermos line. My favorite thing about it, besides the sleek design & stylish packaging, is the flexibility it offers its sippers!

The Libre Travel Tea line starts with a long cylindrical glass’n poly chamber. The glass inside protects the taste of your tea (please don’t make me drink from plastic!), while the polycarbonate exterior allows for durability. This design works advantageously to keep the tea hot without burning your hands. Also, I love that you can see your tea. I enjoy seeing the color of the liquor and also like knowing how much I have left!

The top divides into 2 separate sections. The first section has a concave screen, which attaches to the cylinder and also to the outside covering (dig the cool hologram - nice touch guys!). The outside covering acts as a cap for the device and/or as drip cup, depending on how you steep your tea. The screw-top design offers spill-proof peace of mind.

Steep Method #1: Place tea leaves in the bottom of the cylinder. Add hot water. Screw on screen & top and go. Enjoy the dance of the leaves which have lots of room to steep. Remove top cap to drink the tea. The concavity of the screen holds back the tea, while allowing you to sip comfortably from the mug.
Downside: Easy to overstep, seeing as the leaves are sitting in the water the whole time.
Upside: Fast, easy and great for herbal infusions which get stronger, but not bitter.
Tea used: I tried this with my Jenn Grinels blend. As she is a touring singer, who loves tea enough to have her own blend, I felt using her blend to test drive this mug was only appropriate.

Steep Method #2: Place tea leaves in the concave nook of the screen and attach the top cap to it. Fill the glass ‘n poly chamber with hot water and attach the top & screen combo to it. Now turn the chamber upside down until tea is properly steeped. To enjoy, remove the top & screen as one unit and drink directly from the glass ‘n poly (or if you can throw the tea leaves away, reattach the screen and sip comfortably as in Method #1).

Downside: Removing the top & screen can be difficult do to the vacuum that gets created. In fact, overall the screw-cap feature which makes it possible was something I had to futz with every time. Also, this method cramps doesn’t give as much room to unfurl for a quality steep, which also affected the usual steeping time.
Upside: No leaves in my tea and the top acts as a drip cup when it’s time to sip my tea.
Tea Used: Thé de Impressionists from Mariage Freres– a green tea mild spices and purple flowers.

I have been using this travel tea mug everyday. It easy to use and easy to clean too. I am so glad that I have one of these and will certainly be gifting this item to some of my tea loving friends! I'm now ready to take this tea party To Go!

Thank you Libre for setting me free!

Love, Love, Love, Love, Tea.

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:15:00 +0000

I've been writing, dear reader....I've been writing...just not always here. But if you love tea, which you must or else you wouldn't be reading this tea blog, then allow me to direct you to some of my other writings - recently all having to do with love and tea.

Falling in Love....with Tea

Steeped in Love!

7 Ways Tea Increases Love

Tea is love and like any passion it is best when shared!
xoxox,
Madam Potts

The Romance of Jasmine Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:43:00 +0000

There is a lot to be said for Valentine’s Day - a day that the collective conscious of the world will focus on love. All this talk about love is fine, but what’s love without a little romance? Can you be romanced by a cup of tea? Oh, I think you can and I don’t doubt that you have already been romanced.

Tea will snuggle and cuddle your insides with its warmth and love - just like a good Valentine should! The senses are heightened and if we have chosen well then we fall madly in love with the tea and the steamy romance begins.

Not all teas have the same sensual elements. So my #1 choice for a romantic cup of tea is Jasmine Tea. Everything about Jasmine tea can be seen with the rosy-glasses of romance. From the way it is created to the final moment of taste sensation, jasmine tea speaks the language of love.

Consider that the initial tea season comes in the Spring – a time that the world breaks forth with new life, a time marked by the blossoming of new love and flowers. It is in the first few weeks of the first flush that the buds and leaves must be plucked and the fresh blossoms of the jasmine flower chosen and then are layered within the tea leaves. Then the two leaves are curled up together in a tight union. Upon completion the two are now one and the scent of the jasmine have infused the tea. The soft flowery fragrance of the jasmine tea is the very essence of romance. And the taste of a quality jasmine tea is nothing short of divine.

If you want to show your love this Valentines’ Day, don’t just say it with flowers – say it with flowers and pearls, by sharing the gift of pearled jasmine tea!

Product Review: It’s Moringa

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 05:46:00 +0000

It’s Moringa is an nutritional supplement made from the pulverized leaf of the Moringa Tree. Had I not been given this sample to test out, I probably would never have heard of this product, which in my Internet research is being touted as the super hero of the health world. This nutritionally-packed product hails from Africa and is slated to have (per tablespoon) 46 antioxidants, protein, iron, calcium, amino acids, plus a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals. Lose Weight, Feel Great! It’s Vegan & Gluten-Free!

It’s Moringa is not the only company starting to market this product – so chances are we will be hearing more about the Moringa plant in the near future. Perhaps I am ahead of the curve then on knowing about this and you can say that you read it here first.

Review: Despite the fact that they are calling their product the It’s Moringa Superfood Tea, it is not a tea. It is an herbal product, but has no camellia sinensis. Much like Matcha, this product is a powder. The powder is so fine that it diffuses right through the teabag that they sell it in. Should you choose to buy any Moringa, I suggest purchasing the canister, as it clearly doesn’t work cleanly in teabag form.

For lack of better description, the taste of Moringa is extremely green and leaf-like. It tastes similar to Nettles. Again, as a “tea” (or infusion) it’s not my favorite taste but this product is versatile. Their website suggests using it in soups and stews and shakes, so I tried it out as part of my morning breakfast shake. I added a tablespoon of Moringa to my usual recipe of soy milk, bananas and wheatgerm. It was a fast and easy way to boost the nutritional content of shake. I am considering buying a canister, because I’ve been looking for a whole foods supplement and I hate taking pills. Or maybe their cookies!

About the Company: With 2/3rds of the world suffering from either undernourishment or malnutrition, It’s Moringa has partnered up with Vitamin Angels and Nourish America to help end this crisis. A portion of each product goes to these organizations, so you don’t just nourish yourself, but you help to nourish others at the same time.

The History of Tea in America 1/27

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 04:08:00 +0000

On Thursday, January 27th, Elizabeth Knight, author of such books like Tea With Friends and Tea in the City: New York will be hosting a lecture about the history of tea in America at the Mount Vernon Museum & Gardens, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

Elizabeth Knight is the former tea sommelier for the historic St. Regis Hotel (also located in NYC). Widely recognized as one of the country's foremost authorities on tea and entertaining, she has appeared on national television and radio programs including WNBC's "Today in New York," WOR's "Food Talk," The Travel Channel, HSN and QVC.

According to Knight, tea is as individual as the culture from which it’s produced, and this presentation will explore that notion from an American perspective. Tea will be served.

HISTORY OF TEA
Thursday, January 27th, at 6:30pm
Tickets are $20

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum
421 East 61st Street
New York, NY
212-838-6878

For tickets or additional information visit www.mvhm.org

Event found on the Newark Tea Examiner.

Steeped in the New Year

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 05:09:00 +0000

2011 is going to be a special year. Perhaps I'm superstitious about the date ending in two like numbers, or perhaps it's the fact that 2011 kicks off the second decade in the new millenium. But whatever the reason, there's always something new to talk about, a new tea to sip, a new pot or cup to use, a new cafe to check out, a new friend to meet....sometimes indulging in the small things helps us increase our perspective and our enthusiasm!

Recently my writings have been for other publications, and so in keeping with the New Year's theme for just this one last time, I'd like to share some links on this topic.

Tea Helps You Stick to Your Resolutions

New Year, Old Tea?

Make a Champagne Toast with Tea

Talking about NEW things: This blog has it's first sponsor, Sanctuary T. I'd like to welcome them aboard. If you can't make it to SoHo in NYC, then by all means, check out their quality line of teas and innovative products online.

Reflections 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

I had hoped for a longer more detailed reflection of 2010, but time is what it is, and as the subtitle states, these are pretty random ramblings of a tea enthusiast. In the past 2 years, blogging has increased across the board for every industry or topic. There are more blogs than ever before, so if you're reading this one, I truly appreciate the time you're spending here, and hope that the content is something that makes you curious, that makes you smile and that makes you feel like like drinking more tea.

The goal for 2011 is to bring even more people together, using tea as a catalyst, an excuse, a common bond, a creative reason. For the first time ever, I threw an open house on a day I was blending teas and may do that more often.

Watch also for the Traveling Tea Party. This will be a series of parties that simply an excuse to get people together socially...face-to-face. I've been feeling too virtual. Face time is becoming increasingly rare and as such, more important.

So whether you attend a party I'm throwing, someone else is throwing or if you decide to throw a party of your own -
let 2011 be The Year of the Tea Party.

Happy Sipping and Warm Thoughts!

xoxo,
Madam Potts

one day left of 2010...

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:02:00 +0000

I'd like to thank my readers for supporting another year of my madly blogging about tea. And with one day left to the year, I've taken a moment to recall some of the things that happened this past year within this wonderful world of tea.

I've met some new tea friends, traveled to visit new cafes, started sharing virtual cups of tea with my Twitter peeps, added a Facebook account for Mad Pots of Tea!, threw a tea party at a local art shop, created more PersonaliTEAS this past year than any other year and finally started getting a few reviews, which delight me to no end that people find my teas as fun as I do! If it wasn't for tea I would never have made it to Paris this year - which is by far my favorite memory of 2010.

This year also saw me launch my own massage business, which has left me less time to blog - but ideas are still brewing! Indeed, I want to start a 2nd blog site, featuring my 2 favorite things, tea and music.

Going forward, I would like to spotlight more mad blends from other companies, as they have become wickedly popular. In fact, my own madness seems dwarfed by some of the experimental blends that I have found. (If you have a tea you would like me to review, please send me an email).

All my best to you and may your days be steeped in love and infused with happiness.

Teaching with Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:59:00 +0000

The High Tea Society
I was sent this article from the Washington Post the other day and wanted to share this with everyone.

The High Tea Society offers college-prep courses and teaches fiscal responsibility to young and low-income girls, in order to make a change in their lives and the community as a whole. Better living through tea.

The Gift of Tea: DIY style

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:28:00 +0000

There is a never-ending supply of tea, tea wares and tea-related gifts for the tea lover that you can buy. Oh, there are teapots and fancy flowering tea sets, to special honeys and unique blends aplenty! So when I was invited to the Steeped in Beauty: DIY Holiday Gift Workshop, which was held on December 4th in Philadelphia, I knew this would spark some thoughtful and fun ways to share my love of tea with others.

The event itself was lead by two Philadelphia residents passionate about tea and wellness: Jolene Hart, a certified Beauty & Health Coach, and Alexis Siemons, a tea writer & branding consultant, and the founder of teaspoons & petals blog and her delicately crafted line of haiku teaware. Not enough amazing things can be said about her Haiku-wares. I've said it before and will no doubt be featuring them again because they are so awesome they rock my inner tea pot.

The event started with Jolene Hart as she led us through some easy to make natural beauty and health products like a Peppermint Lip Balm, A Spicy Holiday Sugar Scrub, and a Natural Fragrance Oil Diffuser Set. Not only how to make them, but how to personalize and create a lovely presentation in the packaging of them (Thank you Ikea for cheap goods!)

Then Alexis took the floor and shared how to make tea cards, tea soda, and even a matcha lemon poundcake.

I especially like the personalized tea note cards - so easy to do and a great idea for any occasion - even if it's just to say "Hi!" to a friend across the miles... In the photo, you'll see a tea pack of Orchid Oolong from Mighty Leaf Tea Company. After teaching us how to make the card, she shared a special way of enjoying the Orchid Oolong in a cup of hot cocoa. The essence of the tea with its rich and floral notes gave the cocoa an exotic feel.

We also learned how to make a tea soda. a festive beverage with a million flavor possibilities! Simply carmelize some sugar and tea together, into a syrup. Bottle and enjoy. To serve, pour a bit of the syrup into the glass and add club soda or seltzer. Here I am holding my cup of fizzy tea soda.

Not only can you use any leftover tea to make the base for the soda, but when creating a card or gift tag to go with the present, steep the note card in tea for an vintage, antique look.

I look forward to trying my hand at the gift ideas that Jolene and Alexis presented. Also, when they have their next event, I will be eager to attend. The communiTEA spirit was certainly alive at this DIY Gift Workshop. I have since been in contact with the lades who were present - and everyone who was there left steeped in excitement and in inspiration which is the most beautiful thing of all.

For more info & better pix of the things made: Visit Tea&PetalsBlog

Who doesn't love Bacon (tea, that is....)

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 05:07:00 +0000

In the very beginning of the month, I featured a small yet unique trend in tea - that of "manly teas" and the marketing of tea to men , called "Real Men Drink Tea". I love a catchy concept as much as the next person, and it was a lot of fun to write about. In so doing, it led me to purchase some Bacon Tea from Man Teas - after all, bacon makes everything taste better, right? Seeing as I love crazy blends, this kind of tea madness has my name written all over it!

My favorite part about having this tea was asking my guy friends, "Hey, would you like to try this Bacon Tea I just got the other day?" and each one in their own flourished way exclaimed "But of course!!!!" My favorite reaction was from my friend, Dave who rolled his eyes and said, "as if you need to ask...I mean..it's BACON!"

Smoky Bacon Tea
from Man Teas
Lapsang Souchong, Bacon Bits and Bacon Flavoring

The Quick Review: Yes, this smells like bacon. However, and I'm not alone on this....the smokiness from the Lapsang overpowers the bacony taste that I was hoping for. Now, as I LIKE Lapsang all is not lost.

Because then....

Then I tried some more manly accoutrement to accompany my Bacon Tea experiment and I found that a shot of Scotch or Brandy was indeed more hearty (though, I like them in any black tea). And my favorite way to enjoy this tea was with a nice cigar. Yes, few teas can stand up to the robust flavor of a finely rolled cigar, but I believe the Bacon Tea scores 2 extra points for being cigar-worthy.

I don't think it gets manlier than that....and I certainly had a fun time with this one. Perhaps I'll try their Beer Tea when it becomes available again!

Travels from a Tea Cup: Washington DC

noreply@blogger.com (Madam Potts) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 05:09:00 +0000

One of the last times I got a chance to visit our nation's capital, I was sure to take in the sites, including a trip to the National Gallery museum and of course, a stop for a spotta tea. In one trip I hit two places - from having lunch and tea with my best friend at Teaism at Dupont Circle, to enjoying a day alone to romp about DC and happening across Ching Ching Cha. That my best friend happens to live on the Maryland side of DC means that I happen upon DC fairly often.

So this last trip, the only thing I HAD to do was to go check out ZenTara Teas. Since their opening (in the beginning of 2010), I have been excited about stopping in. I think I found them on Twitter and started following them. Located in Bethesda, MD, just 2.5 blocks from the Red Line on the Metro.

Of course what I found was a perfectly inviting place. Zen Tara Tea has over 100 teas to choose from, but a wall of tea wares, accessories and gifts - all of which would be a glad addition to my set (Holiday Hint!) In the time that I sat there, I managed to go through 4 pots of tea. And of course I bought my favorite: Earl Grey with Roses. They also had a light fare (a little East meets West) and some baked goods.

While they are still in their first year of business, it would look like the good people at Zen Tara Tea have ingratiated themselves into the neighborhood. I saw friends catching up, young families coming in for a rest, people reading books, people writing and others working on their laptops. This is the kind of place that you want to spend time!A little safe haven open from 8am - 8pm every day (except Mondays).

They also have a tasting room and a whole Calendar of Events. I wish I lived in the area so that I could attend some of the events which they host monthly. These people know from good tea...

So during my time, I go the chance to speak with the gentleman who's running the show. And I lazily spent 2 hours, taking in the rush and buzz of people, writing in my journal and generally reflecting on my trip overall. And overall, I must say, that I can't wait to make it back to Zen Tara Teas!