Online Poll Results – Number of cups of tea

By Anupa | Published: September 2, 2010

This was our question – How many cups of tea do you drink every day?

43% said 1 – 2 cups

44% said 3 – 4 cups

11% said 5 – 7

2% said Too many to count

The second category result came as a surprise to us!  We thought 1-2 cups would beat any other category hands down.  Go tea lovers!

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Accessories and Gourmet Treats

By Anupa | Published: August 31, 2010

Today is going to be a fun day – we are reviewing all the gourmet treats and accessories for the upcoming holiday season.  Our calendar each year is something like this – September review/order, start product delivery in October and be completely ready by early November when we throw our Anniversary party.  We have contacted all the vendors and have umpteen samples on our conference table, all waiting to be sampled.  The chocolate bar category is wide open.  Should we go with an organic line (Fig/Fennel/Almond, Coconut Curry, Coffe, Nib Brittle) or a single-origin Venezuela line (Criolla, Ginger, Maya, Espresso)….ooh, what a delicious decision to ponder.  To fill the gap between now and October, we’ve already ordered some Earl Grey, Chai, Mint and Blueberry Biscottea – tea-infused shortbread, two of them gluten free, as well as some tea cozies.  You will soon see the results of our review at the Tea Room.

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Flowering teas

By Anupa | Published: August 29, 2010

One of our regular customers told us last week that he was intimidated by Flowering Teas.  When we asked why, he said it seemed such a production to steep them.  So here’s de-mystifying flowering teas and by the way, you can find small canisters of assorted flowering teas at the Tea Room for $5 a canister.  First, what are these?  They are hand-tied to bloom into flowers and other distinct shapes when steeped in water.  Originally from China, now one can also get display teas (also called artisan teas) from other origins, e.g., India.  Second, you can steep them in anything, preferably glass so you can enjoy the bloom.  You don’t need a glass mug or teapot – you can use a goblet, wine glass, glass bowl – anything that allows the tea to bloom.  Third, they are easy to steep and can give you many cups of tea because as you pour each cup, just add more water.  These teas rarely become bitter.   Finally, it’s a simple, breathtaking pause in your day – a beautiful bit of poetry in a cup.

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2011 Trends

By Anupa | Published: August 25, 2010

The August 2010 issue of Specialty Coffee Retailer Magazine has a story on the Ten 2011 Trends.  Although geared mainly for the Coffee industry (Coffee Consumption, Origin and Coffee in Grocery stores), not surprisingly, some of the trends covered tea:

Specialty Tea:  Here are some important and interesting points made – Tea sales topped $8.5 billion dollars in 2009 and continue to grow.  Teavana, the nation’s largest chain tea retailer opened its 100th shop.  Tea retailers are able to focus their attention on engaging and educating the customer…there remains a tremendous opportunity for retailers to create a unique buying experience around a product that is healthy, natural, rich in history and culture, and offers far tremendous variety and complexity.

Tight Credit:  61% of respondents surveyed reported difficulty in obtaining credit in the last 3 months compared to 44% in the first quarter.  Most noted the situation was getting worse.

RTD Coffee & Tea:  RTD = ready to drink.  The mainstreaming of tea (and specialty tea) continues to accelerate.

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1st Feedback on 2010 Makaibari 2nd flush

By Anupa | Published: August 21, 2010

We have customers who eagerly wait for each new flush.  Here’s our first feedback received a few minutes ago via e-mail:

Everything arrived in great order and the new 2nd Flush is wonderful.  Always such a joy to taste a new tea and revive the taste buds.  Thanks!!   ~ Walter

It’s true.  You get used to the tea all year long but when the new season’s offering arrives, it hits your taste buds with an intensity that you had forgotten.  Thanks for the message, Walter.  This is Makaibari 2nd flush, China Muscatel, lot 134, Certified Organic, Biodynamic & Fair Trade.  Note the copper color to the infused leaves – a must-have characteristic for a good 2nd flush –  and the nice, deep golden hue of the cup.  Nice leaf color with a few silver tips. 
Posted in Darjeeling, Fair Trade, Makaibari, Organic | Leave a comment