Articles, Tea Updates

Tea Brewing Tips

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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.

Teas and Weaves Fresh Ginger
Articles, Tea Updates

The Wonders Of Ginger Tea

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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.

Teas and Weaves Tea Cocktails
Articles, Tea Updates

Tea Cocktails Anyone?

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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.

Teas and Weaves Turmeric Tea
Articles, Tea Updates

Yes. Turmeric Tea is a Thing.

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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.

Teas and Weaves Iced Tea
Articles, Tea Updates

How To Make Iced Tea

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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

What is an Oriental Rug and What Makes it so Special?

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What is an “Oriental Rug”, exactly? Put simply, Oriental Rugs are carpets that are hand-woven out of natural products – most commonly wool, cotton, or silk. (Wool is the most common because of its durability).   These rugs all have unique patterns or designs on them – each very reflective of the region of which they are from. Making carpets is an ancient art.   Each region or country that produces these rugs will have their own distinct style.  And, of course, because they are all made by hand, every single carpet produced is unique. These carpets are produced primarily in the Near East or Central Asia.   However they are also common in the Middle East.  Countries of origin include  Nepal, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and, of course, China. Oriental Rugs are special in that their pile (usually wool) is hand-tied to their foundations.  That is why they are referred to as hand-knotted carpets, and that, more than anything else, accounts for why they last so long – often 50 to 80 years. Oriental Rugs are timeless works of art.  They are both useful as a beautiful, decorative and functional area rug, as well as being a collector’s item that can actually go up in value.  A 5 foot by 8 foot oriental rug can take hundreds of hours to make, and the attention to detail of these Master Weaves can be quite staggering. Of course, rugs can vary in quality based on the skill level of the weaver.  Which makes seeking out and purchasing the best quality carpets a bit of an art form in itself.  The carpets that Teas and Weaves sources come from nomadic people for whom the carpet is a symbol of utility and wealth.   Many of their secrets to making such excellent carpets is passed down from generation to generation.   Families and villages are often involved in the complete process from shearing the sheep, dying the wool, and then following the ancient tradition of knotting. Come in and browse our collection of these hand-made rugs.   Every single rug is very unique.   Even if you have been by before, remember we  are constantly bringing in new rugs as our inventory is taken home by happy customers.

Articles, Tea Updates

How Does Ginger Help With Healing?

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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?

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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!

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How to Choose a “Perfect” Area Rug For Your Home or Business

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We all want to feel confident knowing we’ve made a great purchase.  That we’ve gotten real value for our hard-earned money.   And, when purchasing Area Rugs, we all also want to find something that fits “perfectly” into an area or “space” we are designing.   So what do we need to know in order to make that happen? Consider Colour To decorate with an oriental rug, it is very important to take both colour and design into consideration.  The main carpet colour should be compatible with the colours in the room, and may even include shades of one or more of them.  Dark colours in a carpet bring the ceiling down, making the room feel more cozy.   Light colours make the ceiling seem higher, which can be great for hallways and foyers which benefit more from the feeling of open space. Very colourful carpets can bring a more subdued room to life, while simple designs with a more limited colour palette are better in a room that is already colourful and busy.  Carpet Design  Designs within the carpet are also very important to consider.   The type and emphasis of the design really depends on how the carpet is going to be used: Is the center of the carpet going to be highly visible? Then a carpet with a central medallion is a good choice.   If, however, the center of the carpet is under a dining room or a bed, it is better to choose one with a more continuous design pattern, where it does not matter as much which area of the carpet is the focal point, or a carpet where the greatest design detail is in the borders. Geometric and straight line designs work well in informal interiors.   Curvilinear designs are more appropriate for formal settings. Another distinction you may wish to pay attention to is the difference between small-scale and large-scale designs.  Small scale designs call attention the the furniture on top of them, while large scale designs are more dramatic and tend to call more attention to themselves than to the furniture.  Carpets with large-scale designs can create a very important focal point in your space.  An Example This is a picture of a carpet we have in the store at the time this article was published.  This area rug has both brilliant colours as well as significant designs.   The rug has a central focus, therefore would look great as a centerpiece in a larger room, yet it also has a distinctive border which would allow it to stand beneath a table and not get lost.    The darker tones would help make the room feel cozier and warmer.     As can be seen on the label, this particular round area rug comes from India.   It is 5 feet in diameter and is, of course, hand-made from 100% wool. Final Thoughts Each carpet is unique, therefore once a carpet sells, we will never have that exact same carpet in stock.   However, we will have many more comparable carpets – each with their own stand-out qualities. When choosing a rug, the best idea is to come into the store, look through our large collection of rugs, and narrow down your choice to one or two.   By personally looking at each rug, you will quickly learn what your own personal preferences are.  Then it will simply be a matter of finding a rug that also matches the size and feel of the space where the rug will be residing. The final step would be to take a rug home, try it out in the space, and see if it works for you.   Each rug is unique, and each space you are going to be placing them is unique.  While there are probably several carpets that would “do the job”,  there is always one or two that really speak to you once you set them in their place.

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How to Create the Feeling of Luxury in Any Space Even on a Budget

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Winter is a fantastic time to think about covering the floors with some warm, welcoming carpets that create that cozy atmosphere and keep the feet warm at the same time. Decorating with oriental rugs is one of the easiest ways to revitalize, update, improve and beautify any room in your home or office. Oriental carpets can turn a drab room into one full of colour and excitement.  And they blend nicely with many different decorating styles, from formal to contemporary. Define Spaces With Your Rug You can  use oriental carpets to create a focal point in a room, or to define an area of interest – such as the space in front of a fireplace, or the area behind a couch.. Place Over Any Surface Hand-woven, 100% wool carpets have legendary durability, making them perfectly suited for high traffic areas.  They can also be placed atop of practically any surface; adding warmth to otherwise cold tiles, adding texture to hardwood floors, or breaking up a room covered in wall to wall carpet. Carpets For Any Budget Handwoven Area Rugs do not have to cost as much as you might think.    At Teas and Weaves, we have a very large collection of carpets including some which are much more modest investments. We have personally imported all of our carpets from a variety of regions around the world.  Because we have gone “direct to the source”, our mark-ups are not exorbitant, making area rugs an accessible investment for almost anyone. An Example     Here is a rug from India with a rather fun design, that would look great in the entranceway to a room that you want to liven up.  . This particular carpet is 2′ X 3′, is hand-made of natural wool, and retails for $69.   Its durability alone would make that investment worth it, as it will last a very long time. .Want something larger?   At Teas and Weaves we have a broad selection of carpets of many sizes and designs.   Drop by anytime and have a look around at our current collection.   It is always changing.   As soon as customers fall in love with what we have in stock, we find ourselves able to get new, slightly different ones in.

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