Just before I left for the WTE, my order of first flush tea from the Charleston Tea Plantation arrived at my door. I was so busy with work and packing for the trip that I didn’t get to try the tea before leaving for the show. To order the tea, I called the number listed on the tea plantation’s website. I had the privilege of speaking directly to Bill Hall to place my order. Bill Hall has been a partner of “the farm” for many years. His passion for tea is truly contagious. Listening to him refer to “America’s Only Tea Plantation” as “the farm” was very entertaining. You can really tell that the tea plantation is his passion. Mr. Hall is a celebrity as far as I’m concerned. It’s a somewhat embarrassing fact that I’ve watched Modern Marvels: Tea like 20 times. Bill Hall is a large part of the show that aired on the History channel. He describes the various processes necessary to make black tea during the documentary. So, to actually talk to him directly was an honor. At the show, I told him I got the tea on Thursday evening, but I’ve yet to try it. As passionate as he is, he nearly scolded me (in a friendly manner) for not trying it. He was very adamant that first flush tea needs to be consumed as soon as possible. It’s not a tea that should be left on the shelf. So, first thing this morning, I’m enjoying American Classic Tea.

Now, the tea tasting…first of all, the scent of the dry product is mesmerizing. If you could “package” the scent of the perfect spring day, I’m pretty sure this is it. The actual tea leaves are very fine. Therefore, a short steeping time was in order. I bet I let the tea steep for less than a minute to get a perfect cup. The spring-like aroma stays with the tea after it’s steeped. The tea has a very fresh and smooth black tea flavor. This tea is as fresh as I anticipated. As the tea cooled in the cup, the flavor remained. I’m sure I could throw some sugar in the cup, and make a good sweet tea. However, I think I’m just going to enjoy this one hot. The only way to appreciate this tea is to try it for yourself. Just remember to shorten your steeping time to avoid making a bitter brew. I can almost guarantee that the scent I’m picking-up from this tea is identical to the air breezing through “the farm” on a perfect spring-time morning. Many thanks to Mr. Hall and the Bigelow family for giving us this rare treat!

• Visit the Charleston Tea Plantation: Charleston, SC (Wadmalaw Island)

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It must be awesome to be a part of Bigelow tea and the heritage that surrounds the company. I’m sure any one reading this post knows of Bigelow Tea. The U.S. family owned and operated tea company is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. They own the Charleston Tea Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s often dubbed “America’s only tea plantation.” My goal is to some day make it there. I truly admire their passion for tea.

Now, the reason I’m writing today is to let you know about their blog. That’s right, they’ve had a blog for a short-while now, and they keep it up-to-date. You’ll be notified of both the good and the bad happenings within the Bigelow tea company. In addition, you’ll get the message directly from the top. So, check it out. One more important note: on May 12, 2007 @ the Charleston Tea Plantation, they are holding a First Flush Celebration from 10am - 5pm. That should be pretty cool to attend. See the links below for details:

• Bigelow Tea Blog
• First Flush Celebration @ the Charleston Tea Plantation
• Shop online for Bigelow Tea

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Well, it’s still a long drive from my house, but it’s much closer than India, China, or Japan.

Bigelow is a family-owned tea company based in Fairfield, Conn., that was founded in the late 1940s by Ruth C. Bigelow. They are credited with owning the only U.S. tea plantation located in Charleston, S.C. Their tea can be purchased in most major grocery stores across the United States.

Touring a tea plantation is a goal of mine. As my interest and passion for tea grows, a trip to a tea plantation is a must. To truly understand the climate, see the camellia sinensis and watch the various processes of tea production would be truly amazing.

Maybe someday I’ll get to go. I’ve read many stories from various sources about their trips to tea plantations and their experiences with true tea gurus, and they are all inspiring. The history and mystique behind tea is just fascinating.

For now, a tour in Charleston South Carolina would be a good starting point. If you weren’t aware of Bigelow’s family owned tea company, visit bigelowtea.com.

I’m going to order some of their loose tea in the near future. I’ve tried Bigelow’s Cinnamon Stick in a teabag. I wasn’t overly impressed, however, I want to give their loose tea a try.

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