Teas Etc | Tea Traveler™
I’m always looking for new ways to enjoy tea. Lately, I’ve been drinking more coffee on the go than tea because my wife always has a pot ready in the morning and we have plenty of coffee travel mugs handy. In order to get back into my usual tea consumption habits, I had to find a companion for my early morning travels. Teas Etc offers a product called the Tea Traveler™. There are pros and cons to this product, but the pros far out weigh the cons for me. The issue some people will have with this product is it was designed to allow you to place your tea leaves in the container, add water, seal the strainer and lid, and go. You drink the tea with the leaves in the Tea Traveler™. The strainer separates the leaves from your mouth as you take a drink. If you try to use your normal tea leaf to water heat ratio, you might be left with a bitter brew – no one wants that. So, you need to apply some common sense. Going with the suggestions from Teas Etc., the common sense approach was to use less tea. I have been using approximately the same water temperatures I would normally use to steep tea. To date, I’m very happy with this approach. The Tea Traveler™ is a stylish and functional on-the-go tea container. The product is 100% BPA free.
So far, I’ve tried Teas Etc.’s: Huang Jin Gui (oolong), Golden Monkey Superior Organic (black tea), and Bai Hao Silver Needle Organic (white tea).
Teas Etc | Bai Hao Silver Needle
Today, I want to focus on Bai Hao Organic Silver Needle (Yinzhen). This tea has been a real treat. As the name suggests, the dry tea leaves show the white “hairs” of the tea buds with a needle-like appearance. As the tea steeps, the leaves take on more of a darker green color. It has a very pure flavor, and it is a refreshing tea to drink. The natural sweetness mixed with a hint nature’s breeze gives this tea a very calming characteristic. What I love about elegant white teas of this quality is the fact that not only is it organic, but it makes you feel grounded and healthy as you drink the tea.
Preparation: Steep the leaves for at least 2-3 minutes in water that has cooled from a boil (maybe 190 degrees) for about 3-4 minutes. Filtered water definitely helps to bring out the subtle notes of the white tea.
Teas Etc.’s view of the tea: “A scrumptious all bud white tea from the world renowned Fujian province in central China – obviously a cut above. The pure clean character and woody tone stands out with a lingering, smooth finish, and makes this tea quite memorable.”
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