Tea Updates Archives - Teas and Weaves

Tea Brewing Tips

kathy / October 1, 2023

As we head into Fall and Winter, Hot Tea becomes an even more popular choice for a refreshing beverage. In light of this, we thought it might be time to post a few tips on how to brew that perfect cup of tea: Black Tea: Boiling water – 1 level teaspoon per 6-8 oz cup. Steep for 3 minutes for most black teas. No milk with Darjeeling’s. Honey or sugar recommended with any black teas – although some black teas are best served without milk or sweeteners, with an addition of a slice of lemon. The above applies to flavoured and blended black teas. Chai: What is Chai? Chai is basically black tea with spices. Most people in the North West part of India drink tea with some basic spices, milk and sugar. Traditional masala chai has ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. Chai can also be made with lemon grass, fennel, cardamom and black pepper. To make 2 cups of chai: Take 1 cup of water, add two heaped teaspoons of chai tea and bring the mixture to boil. When boiling, add 1 cup of milk and bring the mixture to boil again. Let it simmer and cool a minute. Strain and serve sweet. Oolong Tea: Hot water up to 195 degrees, 1 level teaspoon per 6-8 oz cup. Steep for two minutes, most oolongs can be steeped multiple times. No sugar or milk required. Green Tea: Hot water up to 185 degrees, 1 level teaspoon per 6-8 oz cup, increase quantity depending upon the size and weight of tea – steep for 2-3 minutes, most green teas can be steeped multiple times. No sugar or milk. The above applies to flavoured and blended green tea. White Tea: Boiling water, 1 heaped teaspoon per 6-8 oz cup – Steep for 5 to 7 minutes reduce steeping time for multiple infusions, can be infused up to 4 times depending upon the tea used. No milk or sugar. Rooibos: Herbs & Herbal Blends: Boiling water, 1-2 heaped teaspoon per 6-8 oz cup. Steep for 7 minutes. Milk or sugar is not recommended for any herbs except Rooibos. Since these are not true ‘tea’, there is no caffeine. Fruit Tisanes: Boiling water, 1 heaped teaspoon per 6-8 oz cup. Steep for 7 minutes or longer. No milk please. A lot of tisanes /herbal blends have hibiscus in them, hence the milk will curdle. Sugar or honey may be added. Since these are true ‘tea’, they are naturally caffeine free.

Articles, Tea Updates

The Wonders Of Ginger Tea

kathy / September 8, 2023

Why ginger? Well, first of all, it tastes good! Which is why Ginger is used extensively in cooking… especially Asian dishes. And it is a very common ingredient in cakes, candies, cookies and drinks consumed frequently in the colder months of the year. At Teas and Weaves, we carry a number of Teas with ginger as a key ingredient: “Ginger Snap Spice” and “Peach and Ginger Zing” are two wonderful Teas we carry. At the end of this article, we have detailed a number of other Ginger tea choices as well. As an added bonus, Ginger also has some beneficial healing properties. The spice has been ingested for years to help with the common cold, or flu. There are many cough drops on the market that are spiced with ginger FOR A REASON. Below is a little refresher on some of the beneficial properties of Ginger. Some of the many benefits of Ginger: #1. Reduce Inflammation The main compound in ginger, gingerol, is proven to help in fighting off infections and reducing inflammation. #2. Treat Nausea For years ginger has been know to help with stomach upset, motion sickness, and general feelings of nausea. Sailors have been known to take ginger for Sea sickness. #3. Fight off Infection Ginger extract has been used to fight off infections, because gingerol has been effective in eliminating forms of bacteria associated with problems in many areas of the body. #4. Ease Indigestion Ginger is very good for settling stomach issues/ It does so by helping to relax tight stomach muscles and speed up the process of digestion. #5. Clear Lungs and Bronchial Tubes Ginger extract has previously been used to attack unwanted bacteria in the lungs and bronchial tubes, helping fight respiratory conditions. What are the best ways to ingest Ginger? There are many ways to ingest Ginger, but one of the simplest is through liquids, i.e. Ginger Tea. Drinking it through Hot Tea has the added benefit of using the heat to speed up, and to increase, the absorption of the Ginger. Hot Tea also has a very positive impact on the breathing and respiratory centers, as the heat helps open up air passageways. Great for congestion and nagging coughs. Ginger Tea can be refreshing, and consumed regularly, will cause no harm to the body. Yet it can, over time, address some of the health issues you may be encountering. Many people, with the onset of a cold or flu, will “up” their intake of Ginger, just to give their body that extra fighting chance of building up immunity, and fighting off what is coming. Ginger Tea is a pleasant, refreshing way to access those benefits. Teas and Weaves: Our Collection of Ginger Tea(s) At Teas and Weaves in Penticton, BC, we have a number of Ginger Tea choices. Each tea blend has its own taste and personality, and is a joy to drink – even when you are not concerned about a particular health issue. The healing benefits is simply a bonus! Ginger Snap Spice Ginger snap spice tea is a Rooibos blend that adds that snappiness of ginger with a nice, spicy taste. There is no caffeine in this blend, yet it has a deep, robust, “tea” flavour, and is especially soothing in the winter months and during cold/flu season. Peachy Keen Ginger Zing This tea is a Black Tea blend that has the pick me up of caffeine and the zing and flavour of ginger and peaches. A wonderful combination to get the day started. Lemon Ginger Lime Appeal This tea is a Green Tea blend that adds a splash of vitamin C, a dash of Vitamin A, and the soothing benefits of the Ginger root. This a great tea to use as a catalyst for healing colds and flus. Fresh and Lively (Ginger and Lemongrass) This tea is made from a blend of Lemongrass and Ginger. it is a wonderful pick-me up, and has a soft citrusy flavour. Both Lemongrass and ginger are noted for their ability to aid in digestion, and in helping rid the body of unwanted toxins. This tea is a fantastic combination of flavours, and as a bonus provides some much needed assistance when your body is feeling a little run-down. This is probably our most targeted tea for healing cold and flu symptoms At Teas and Weaves we have a broad selection of Teas. We sell them in small amounts, and also sell them in bulk. Come down and visit us on Main Street in Penticton, and we will get you set up with what you need.

Articles, Tea Updates

Tea Cocktails Anyone?

kathy / August 28, 2023

Tea is not just something you drink hot. There are many ways to enjoy Tea. We’ve talked about Iced Tea in our article about Sun Iced Tea. What about Tea cocktails? Step #1: Heat some water and brew the Tea of your choice that you will use in your cocktail. Step #2: Let the tea cool naturally, or add ice to cool more swiftly Step #3: Add the tea as a key ingredient in your cocktail along with rum, vodka, …. and a garnish of your choice such as lemon, oranges slices, mint…. Tea Martini 1 1/2 ounces of Vodka 1 ounce of chilled tea of your choice * Freshly squeezed lemon 1 teaspoon of honey Lemon or lime wedge for a garnish its summer time, you may wish to try a fruit tea such as Passionfruit Peach Fusion or Summer Berry Fusion. See our full Tea Menu Here and scroll down to the Fruit Tea section for an abundance of choices. Rum Punch 2 oz of Happy Red Dragon & Mango Tea 1 1/2 oz white rum (you can substitute vodka) 1 slice of orange, to garnish Apricot Blossom 2 oz Apricot Rhubarb Tart Tea 1 teaspoon of Honey 1 1/2 oz Rum Orange or Lemon slice for a garnish 4 mint leaves mushed and shaken in ice to release the flavour For all of the drinks mentioned about, pour the ingredients over ice and stir or shake to maximize cool sensation. Serve in a martini glass, or pour into a tumbler over “rocks”. Enjoy. There are so many more ideas…. any and all teas can go great in a cocktail. All you need is a little imagination! Have fun experimenting.

Articles, Tea Updates

Yes. Turmeric Tea is a Thing.

kathy / July 18, 2023

We all know Turmeric is “good for you” Especially when we’re feeling a little under the weather. Usually, we think of Turmeric in terms of Curries, Soups and Stews. It is used most frequently Indian cooking. But did you know you can also find Turmeric in Tea? At Teas and Weaves, we carry a number of tasty, yet “Healthy” Teas. In fact, “Turmeric Cider”, “Turmeric Comfort” and “Turmeric Zest” are three wonderful Teas which feature Turmeric as the key ingredient. We also carry Turmeric Root bits if you would like to make your own concoctions. Some of the many benefits of Turmeric: #1. Reduce Inflammation The main compound in Turmeric, Curcumin, is proven to help in fighting off infections and reducing inflammation. Note: In order to properly absorb the Curcumin, it is good to also ingest a small amount of black pepper at the same time. #2. Reduce Blood Clotting Studies have shown turmeric improves the functioning of the endothelium (the lining of the blood vessels). Problems with the endothelium can lead to blood pressure issues as well as clotting. #3. Fight off Depression Studies indicate that curcumin can increase levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain #4. Reduce Arthritis Symptoms Turmeric can be helpful in reducing stiffness and pain in the joints. What are the best ways to ingest Turmeric? One of the simplest ways to ingest Turmeric is through liquid form, i.e. Tea. Drinking Hot Tea has the benefit of using the heat to speed up, and to increase, absorption. Turmeric Tea can be refreshing, and, consumed regularly, will cause no harm to the body, but can, over time, address some of the health issues you may be encountering. Teas and Weaves: Our Collection of Turmeric Tea(s) At Teas and Weaves in Penticton, BC, we have a number of Turmeric Tea choices. Each tea blend has its own taste and personality, and is a joy to drink – even when you are not concerned about a particular health issue. The healing benefits is simply a bonus! Stop by when you are downtown and browse our broad selection of Teas. We sell them in small amounts, and also sell them in bulk. We are on Main Street in Penticton, and we will get you set up with what you need.

Articles, Tea Updates

How To Make Iced Tea

kathy / June 1, 2023

It’s looking like another nice Hot Summer in the Okanagan. Time to dust off that recipe for a cool, refreshing drink of Iced Tea! We published this recipe last year, and it turned out to be so popular, we thought we should bring it up again. This drink is also a lifesaver when unexpected company shows up to enjoy the beautiful Okanagan with you. It is a cheap, easy refreshment that will serve the whole lot. Step One: Boil water in a Saucepan Step Two, Once the water is boiling: For every 4 cups of water, use 6 teabags, OR For every 4 cups of water, use 1/2 ounce (3 teaspoons) of loose tea Step Three: Steep for 15 minutes Step Four: Remove Teabags, or strain off loose leaf tea (do not squeeze Tea Bags or tea will be bitter) Step Five: Add 4 cups of cold water and stir Add Ice Cubes to Cool more quickly Drink immediately, or keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks This iced tea recipe is great for those warm summer days. Serve over ice, and garnish with a lemon wedge, and perhaps a bit of sugar or honey, and if available, add some fresh mint.

Articles, Tea Updates

How Does Ginger Help With Healing?

kathy / March 15, 2023

Why take ginger to help with the common cold, a flu, or even something more menacing like a “Corona” Virus? What, exactly, can you expect Ginger to do for you in regards to your overall health picture? Some of the many benefits of Ginger: #1. Reduce Inflammation The main compound in ginger, gingerol, is proven to help in fighting off infections and reducing inflammation. #2. Treat Nausea For years ginger has been know to help with stomach upset, motion sickness, and general feelings of nausea. Sailors have been known to take ginger for Sea sickness. #3. Fight off Infection Ginger extract has been used to fight off infections, because gingerol has been effective in eliminating forms of bacteria associated with problems in many areas of the body. #4. Ease Indigestion Ginger is very good for settling stomach issues/ It does so by helping to relax tight stomach muscles and speed up the process of digestion. #5. Clear Lungs and Bronchial Tubes Ginger extract has previously been used to attack unwanted bacteria in the lungs and bronchial tubes, helping fight respiratory conditions. What are the best ways to ingest Ginger? There are many ways to ingest Ginger, but one of the simplest is through liquid form, i.e. Ginger Tea. Drinking Hot Tea has the benefit of using the heat to speed up, and to increase, the absorption of the Ginger. Hot Tea also has a very positive impact of breathing and respiratory centers, as the heat helps open up passageways. Ginger Tea can be refreshing, and consumed regularly, will cause no harm to the body, but can, over time, address some of the health issues you may be encountering. Many people, with the onset of a cold or flu, will “up” their intake of Ginger, just to give their body that extra fighting chance of building up immunity, and fighting off what is coming. Ginger Tea is a pleasant, refreshing way to access those benefits. Teas and Weaves: Our Collection of Ginger Tea(s) At Teas and Weaves in Penticton, BC, we have a number of Ginger Tea choices. Each tea blend has its own taste and personality, and is a joy to drink – even when you are not concerned about a particular health issue. The healing benefits is simply a bonus! Ginger Snap Spice Ginger snap spice tea is a Rooibos blend that adds that snappiness of ginger with a nice, spicy taste. There is no caffeine in this blend, yet it has a deep, robust, “tea” flavour, and is especially soothing in the winter months and during cold/flu season. Ginger Orange Carrot Fusion This tea is one of our fruit blends that adds a splash of vitamin C, a dash of Vitamin A, and the soothing benefits of the Ginger root. This a great tea to use as a catalyst for healing colds and flus. Fresh and Lively (Ginger and Lemongrass) This tea is made from a blend of Lemongrass and Ginger. it is a wonderful pick-me up, and has a soft citrusy flavour. Both Lemongrass and ginger are noted for their ability to aid in digestion, and in helping rid the body of unwanted toxins. This tea is a fantastic combinations of flavours, and as a bonus provides some much needed assistance when your body is feeling a little run-down. This is probably our most targeted tea for healing cold and flu symptoms At Teas and Weaves we have a broad selection of Teas. We sell them in small amounts, and also sell them in bulk. Come down and visit us on Main Street in Penticton, and we will get you set up with what you need.

Articles, Tea Updates

Tea: Red, Black, Green, White… What’s the Difference?

kathy / February 18, 2023

Few people know that four of the most popular types of tea all come from the same plant: Camellia Sinensis. Tea is a little bit like wine in this way. The majority of wine is made from grapes. However, like wine, tea can be made from other plants as well. There is cherry wine, dandelion wine, pear wine… You can make wine out of pretty much anything. Same for tea. You can make tea from pretty much any plant. The Four main Types of Tea The four main types of Tea that all come from the Camellia Sinensis plant are Black, White, Green and Oolong. What differentiates these teas are three major factors: the variety of this plant used (small leaf, large leaf), where the plant is grown (soil, elevation, sun, water) and how the leaves are processed (harvesting, drying). One of the main factors that differentiate the tea is how the leaves are processed – especially the level of oxidation they are put through. Green teas are not oxidized. The leaves are simply steamed or kiln dried immediately upon picking. Black tea leaves, on the other hand, are heavily oxidized by rolling and crushing the leaves after picking such that the juices are all exposed to oxygen. This process turns the leaves from green to a coppery red. These leaves are also then dried through a process of baking or “firing”. For Oolong tea, the leaves receive a slightly less intensive workout. The leaves are shaken in baskets to bruise and oxidize them but are left whole. These leaves are also “fired” to dry. White tea is the most fragile of the teas. Usually only the most tender tips of the leaves are used to make white tea. It is only lightly oxidized by withering the leaves, and is naturally dried in order to preserve its more delicate flavour. What About Rooibos? Red Tea, a common nickname for Rooibos Tea, comes from a different plant – primarily found in South Africa. The Rooibos bush starts out a vivid green colour, but after the leaves are put through a fermentation process, become that familiar red colour. Rooibos is the only caffeine-free tea in the in this bunch, as the plant is completely different and does not contain caffeine. What is Your Favourite? Which tea do you prefer? Do you have a go-to? Or does it depend on what mood you are in. Much like wine, tea can be paired with different meals or different events to project a completely different type of mood or setting. If you don’t yet know what you like when, there is always time to explore. At Teas and Weaves we sell bulk teas from all over the world. Each has their own unique history, and therefore taste. We sell smaller sample packs so that you can pick up a collection of a number of varieties and sample them all until you find the combinations you most enjoy. Come in and visit us soon!

Tea Updates

Healthy Teas For the New Year

kathy / January 3, 2023

Did you make those New Year’s Resolutions this year? You know the ones where we vow to live a healthier, happier life? Well, just in case you did, we have the Teas that will help you make those resolutions come true. We have a broad assortment of healing and healthy Teas to choose from. How do you choose which ones are right for you? Well, there is plenty of information on the internet about which teas are better for different reasons if you want to do the research yourself. Or, you can pop into the store and ask us. We have tea blends, as well as individual Teas. Below is just a sampling from our extensive tea menu: And here is a much longer list of some of the tea choices and raw tea ingredients we have in the store, should you choose to make your own blends: We have so much more Tea available in the store. We have a great selection of Green Teas, Black Teas, Red Teas and so much more. Every Tea has its own use and benefit. We also have plenty of blends made for very specific purposes like the ones listed above. There is so much to choose from. Pop down to the store and we can have a chat about what your needs are and we will fix you up with the Teas that are right for YOU! See you soon.

Articles, Tea Updates

Quick and Easy Mulled Wine Recipe

kathy / December 21, 2022

Ever thought about making mulled wine for yourself and your guests and then decided it was just too much work? Gathering all the ingredients….. Cutting things up….. Worrying about fridge space for all the ingredients given all the other food you have in the fridge over the holiday season…. Our quick and easy solution(s)? We have two simple ideas: Idea #1: Our first idea is to pour a bottle wine into a pot, add in a scoop of your favourite seasonal TEA blend, bring the wine ALMOST to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer for 15 min (to several hours, depending on how long it takes you to drink it.) Add honey, maple syrup or sugar to sweeten as desired. If you happen to have some brandy on hand, you could can add a dash of that as well. How much should I add? One scoop of TEA per 750 ml bottle of wine should about do it. (The amount you would add to make a pot of tea.) Idea #2: Want to lower risk of the alcohol boiling away, and enjoy the Mulled Wine flavour any time of day with minimal fuss? Why not try our SECOND simple, quick solution…. Any time you feel like a nice, warm drink, boil some water, and make your tea as usual. You might want to let it steep a little bit longer than normal because you will be adding wine to it… Find some nice large cozy mugs, and add a good portion of robust red wine such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Syrah, or a Cab-Merlot blend. Pour the hot tea over the wine in your mug. Top it off with a small spoon of honey, and a dash of brandy if you have it on hand. If you want to get fancy, have some orange slices handy for a garnish, and perhaps add a dash of apple cider for some zing. This recipe doesn’t need a lot of planning, and doesn’t need a lot of space in the kitchen to prepare. It is also very easy to whip up on demand. The benefit of using dried ingredients… i.e. Natural Teas with actual ingredients in a dried form… is that these flavours keep easily on the shelf and can be enjoyed over the course of several months as opposed to days. (ala Fresh ingredients). Enjoy. What Are the Key Ingredients In Mulled Wine? #1. Wine, of course. When making mulled wine you can certainly get away with using a less expensive red wine as your feature. Perhaps get yourself a box of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon from your local liquor store. It stores well and there will be plenty on hand, as this drink is sure to be a hit this holiday season. #2. Orange. Either fresh oranges left to soak in the pot…. or perhaps try a TEA that features Orange as a key ingredient. At Teas and Weaves, we happen to have several TEAs with natural dried orange chips which open up to a wonderful orange flavour with the addition of hot liquid. #3. Apple. A few fresh apples cut up in slices to soak are another key feature of a mulled wine. At Teas and Weaves we happen to have several seasonal TEA blends that feature BOTH apples and oranges in dried form that open up nicely when hot liquid is added. #4. Spices. What seasonal spices do you enjoy wafting around the house in the holiday season? A few key ingredients in mulled wine are Cinnamon and Cloves. Some people also add Ginger and Star Anise (Licorice flavour). Guess what? We have several seasonal TEAs in stock that feature Oranges, Apples, and seasonal spices!! You can choose the flavour that speaks to you the most. Or try out our TEA samplers if you can’t decide. #5. Sweetness. Everyone has a personal preference over the type and amount of sweetness they enjoy. Honey, Maple Syrup, Candy Cane Pieces, and just plain old sugar are known additions to a mulled wine recipe. We highly recommend you add a little, give it a taste, and add more if/when needed. Sometimes the amount of sweetness desired depends on the time of day and/or mood you are in. Experiment. (Looking for Honey? We have REAL honey in stock. Click here.) Here is a link to our entire TEA Menu if you would like to see more teas on hand. Below is a snapshot of our Seasonal Tea menu you will find when you come visit. See you soon!

Articles, Tea Updates

Tea Sets Create a Wonderful Cozy Mood

kathy / December 13, 2022

Tea Sets are the perfect gift for that someone special who likes entertaining. Perhaps they like to have a few friends over in the afternoon for a quick chat, and a taste of warm, soothing, flavorful Tea. Unique Designs We have a number of unique tea sets to choose from, and our inventory is always changing as new creations arrive. Each tea set expresses its own mood which contributes to the tea-drinking experience. Or, Choose From Our Large Collection of Mugs and Tea Pots We also have a collection of Tea Mugs and Tea Pots all sold separately, so that you can mix and match. We are open this week Monday thru Friday 11-5, and Saturday 11-4. Stop by and browse. See you soon.