Custom Tea Flavors
This is becoming a most satisfying part of my job as the “tea lady”. When a customer asks about something they are looking for, in particular, I set about seeing if I have ready access to it through my distributors. If they don’t have it I start thinking about what I can create that will meet your taste. You get small samples to try before I finalize the blend, though sometimes I will go ahead and order or blend it up if I’ve fallen in love with it myself.
So far I’ve created the “WellBody Ginger Green” for a local acupuncturist who wanted a decaf ginger and green tea blend. Adding pineapple and mulberries to the mix takes the bite out of the ginger with a natural hint of sweetness. I was recently asked to make a caffeinated version which has become the “Travelers Ginger Green”.
Another favorite is the Organic Honey “Show-Me” Rose, made with rose petals from a local farmer. Sweet, delicate, and lovely.
Custom blends are made in small batches and will sometimes only be available seasonally, depending upon the ingredients. Right now I’ve got some strawberries and mint calling for blending to create a taste of summer for a mid-winter pick-me-up.
As of Feb 2010, finally got Pumpkin Ginger Spice tea made from the pumpkins that I got from “Our Garden” farm in New Florence, MO. Have had lots of compliments on it, and a few customers have made it their favorite. It will only be around for as long as I have pumpkin to make it; then you will have to wait till next Fall to get more.
Which Earl?
or Sencha? or Jasmine? With multiple offerings for some of our teas you may be puzzling over which one you may like best. If you would like to try a sampler (1/2 oz of each) please email for pricing.
As a point of reference though….
For the Earls – Earl with White Tips has the strongest floral/bergamot flavor and the Teatulia Earl of Bengal has the lightest hint of floral, with the Organic Earl Grey somewhere in between.
Hawaiian Tea
The closest thing to “local” I have found so far. What I currently have is the last of what is available from Hawaii until later in the summer.
A lovely black tea grown on the volcano of the Big Island. It has the properties of an earthy oolong, which means it can be resteeped multiple times and the flavor changes with each steep, taking you deeper and deeper into the essence of the plant itself.
Another remarkable property of this tea is that it does not get bitter if left in the pot. I like to brew it in a french press, adding water as I empty it, and enjoying it all afternoon.
This tea would make a lovely special gift for the tea lover in your life. With the benefit of multiple steepings, the 1/2 oz package can produce at least 24 cups of tea.
Its flavor would go well with meats and savory foods. Give it a try for your next special gathering.
p.s. – I might get some of the fresh tea leaves later this summer. I’m told they have a bitter flavor and lend a wonderful accent to salads and cooking. Do let me know if you would be interested in trying this delicacy.
New & Upcoming Teas
I’ve been listening to your requests and have just gotten a shipment of new tea flavors.
I’ve found more organics with yummy flavors. Some of the new teas may be ready for the 3/14 market at St. John’s; and I’ve got more surprises in store for the 3/28 market at Schlafly.
Attendees of the High Tea at Local Harvest Cafe will have the pleasure of experiencing teas that definitely won’t be available until 3/28, including a preview of one that will be offered iced this summer at the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market.
Looking forward to seeing you at the next market.