William H. Ukers is a man whose name has been mentioned in many of my posts and that I reference quite often when researching new topics and postings. His book All About Tea is the most in depth book on the subject ever written at 1153 pages over two volumes. In reading All About Tea I began to try to learn more about Mr. Ukers and often wondered how monumental the task of researching such a massive book must have been. Not to mention the many other books he wrote including All About Coffee, which if it is anywhere as in depth as his tea book I wonder if he ever slept! My research into the life of Mr. Ukers has yet to turn up much at all. It seems…
Archives
Contrary to popular belief, some people actually drink their tea without sugar.. huh?! When it comes to what we in the South like to call “UN-sweetened or Northern tea” you’ll find those posts listed here.
The best Vintage Tea Books
I’m big on history, it was always one of my favorite subjects growing up. Taking a step back into the past to see how things were done at different points in time can be quite fascinating, and gives you an idea into how and why things were done. My love for tea has certainly meshed with my love for history as I’ve scoured a variety of sources seeking out the best vintage tea books, many written in the 17-1800’s. To gain the direct perspective of the tea farmer or plantation owner during the time of the British Empire’s rule over much of the tea growing world brings their stories alive. To learn the early techniques from planting to growing and experimentation are great foundations for building a deep knowledge…
5 Things you should know about tea
If you only knew 5 things about tea that would give you a well rounded foundational knowledge on the subject what would they be? We have compiled a list below that while it won’t make you a tea expert will give you some fun facts to throw out the next time you’re drinking tea with friends. 5 Things You Should Know About Tea I. There are many legends around the discovery of tea as a drink. Chinese Emperor Shen Nung is said to have discovered tea when a leaf fell into a pot of water he was boiling. Another story says that a Buddhist Monk became so enraged that he fell asleep while meditating that he cut off his eyelids and threw them to the ground….
Do you make these mistakes when brewing sweet tea?
Like many things in life, we are taught certain ways only to eventually teach others the same, passing down those skills. This is how we learn, it is how knowledge stays alive over generations and how you know the stories of people long ago. What happens though when the things we are taught aren’t correct? Since I’m obviously a little partial to tea I thought I might ask you the following question, “Do you make these mistakes when brewing Sweet Tea?” I’ve listed five of what I consider to be the biggest sweet tea brewing mistakes. 1) Poor Water Quality Many people when brewing tea use unfiltered water from the tap. Considering that the composition of brewed tea in a glass is mostly water, quality matters! Next time…
The Age of the Tea Clipper Ships
Green and Black Tea and Cardiovascular Health
I recently ran across a June 2013 study by the Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK that looks into Green and Black Tea and Cardiovascular Health and its possible effect on prevention of CVD. Seeing as there is an unending supply of either uninformed or flat out false claims on the health benefits of tea circulating the internet I wanted to share something that seems to be promising. Enough of the “Drink this tea, lose 20 lbs!” mumbo jumbo you see all over social media.. this study actually shows some promise unlike some of the other claims. The Participants: 821 people participated in the study with 11 Randomized controlled trials (basically broken into 11 groups). The participants were a…
Tea Mania
There are times throughout the history of man where greed has replaced common sense to the point of absolute madness. It often starts with a few people becoming wealthy or finding success in a certain industry or field. Others soon jump in perhaps finding their own success. Finally, the average citizen that knows nothing of the industry and only knows of untold sums of wealth invests his entire life savings only to end up losing it all as the bottom falls out. We have a great example of this in recent times being the 2007/2008 collapse. In the years leading up to 2008 everyone was making money in real estate, I mean stupid stuff like people buying homes in the morning only to sell them…
Loose Leaf Tea vs Tea Bags
Loose leaf tea vs tea bags We at Sweet Tea Junkie have had quite a few folks asking what makes our tea different from the store bought teas? When I explain the differences I like to go into detail about Loose Leaf teas which are in general a higher quality better tasting tea, and tea in ready to steep bags which are generally a lower quality. So if you have a few minutes… Leeeettt’s get reeeaaady to rrruuummbblleee! It’s Loose leaf tea vs. tea bags in a battle to the finish! The Origins of the Tea Bag The earliest known patent for a tea bag (called a “tea-leaf holder”) was filed on Aug 26, 1901 and granted on Mar 24, 1903. The inventors were Roberta C. Lawson…
Tea in Poetry, Literature and Quotations
Tea in Poetry, Literature and Quotations The subject of tea found its way to the tip of many a writer’s pen throughout time. As a passion for all things tea has developed in me I have inevitably ran across much of this work. From Tea in Poetry, literature and quotations embodying the love for this seemingly simple beverage runs deep. While I am admittedly not a huge fan of poetry (c’mon.. SEC College Football is waay more interesting!), the historical value related to a subject I love (tea) is great. I hope you enjoy viewing tea through the lens of many people across time as much as I have. “Tea in Poetry” A Paradoxical Riddle used in Buddhism to Trigger Enlightenment “Have you…
Tea traditions and culture worldwide
My first experience with tea came at a young age, and what a glorious experience it was! Growing up in the South I had one of those Grandmothers that knew how to make Sweet Tea right and that was the only type of tea I drank for years. In fact, it was my childhood memories of her Sweet Tea that years later developed such a passion in me for good tea that I decided to transition Sweet Tea Junkie from a “tea shirt” company into a “Tea Company.” To this day in the South when someone asks if you want tea, they literally mean Sweet Iced Tea and nothing else. Then again, there are no other types of tea right?! Chances are if you go…