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Iced Tea on the Go July 28, 2008

Posted by teaattheunicornwineguildllc in Tea.
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A lot of you have probably seen the promotions from a big fast food chain for sweet tea.  All well and good, if that’s your “cup of tea.”  However, what do you do if you are dining out and the tea tastes hours old?  Or the tea is fine, but sugar just won’t dissolve.  This could be at one of your favorite places to eat, but they just cannot make good tea.  There are a few things you can do besides bringing your own. 

If the tea is fine, but the sugar doesn’t dissolve and they have no idea or time to make a simple syrup, you can ask for some hot water and ice.  Dissolve the sugar in the hot water, add it to the tea and add ice as needed.  The traditional recipe is 2 parts sugar to 1 part water.  Others prefer a 1 to 1 ratio.  To make a syrup so that 1 teaspoon simple syrup equals 1 teaspoon sugar use 4 parts sugar to 3 parts water.    If entertaining at home, you may want to serve a simple syrup with unsweetened iced tea and let your guests sweeten to taste.

If the tea at the restaurant is not tolerable, ask for hot tea and a glass or two of ice.  Brew the tea as you normally would, sweeten to taste and then add to the glass of ice.  If using loose leaf tea, it is recommended to use twice the normal amount of tea to the water, steep the usual amount of time and then dilute with either the ice or an equal part of cold water.  Recommended teas are unflavored teas such as Ceylon, Darjeeling and Dragonwell.

Try these ideas and see if your tea improves.

The Tea Bag has Turned 100 July 19, 2008

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Yes, it’s true.  The tea bag is 100 years old.  Still favored by many for their convenience, the tea bag was invented in June 1908 quite by accident.  Tea merchant Thomas Sullivan of New York City sent samples of tea leaves in small silk pouch-like purses to potential customers, meaning for the bags to be opened and the leaves brewed as usual. Several Americans, not quite sure what to do with the little bags, dunked them into hot water.  And liked it.  So was born the tea bag. 

After complaints that the mesh of the silk was too fine, Mr. Sullivan developed gauze bags which later became the paper bags we know and (some) love.  However, there were complaints about being served lukewarm water for the bags and distust of the short string and attached tag.  In 1930 William Hermanson of Boston’s Technical Papers Corporation patented the heat-sealed paper fiber tea bag.  Shortage of materials during WWII prevented mass production.  In 1953, Tetley, the British tea producer, spotted the commercial potential (and convenience) of the tea bag and worked to perfect the tea bag.   Finally, in 1964, the finely perforated tea bag was developed and sales soared. 

In 1989 Tetley switched from the square tea bag to a round one and a few years later it introduced the drawstring tea bag.  In 1996 Lipton and PG Tips introduced the pyramid-shaped tea bag. Some criticize the pyramid-shaped bag stating the nylon will not degrade in landfills.  Others praise it because it allows for better expansion of the tea leaf.  Whatever your personal taste in teas Mr. Sullivan’s tea bag is here to stay.

Summer Tea Parties July 7, 2008

Posted by teaattheunicornwineguildllc in Social Teas.
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As we come full into the summer season and the flowers come to full bloom, a lovely garden party comes to mind.  Your guest list can be as large or intimate as you like, depending upon the seating you have available.  Yes, blankets on the lawn are an option.  However, you need to consider your guests.  Getting up and down from the ground may not be graceful or comfortable for some, especially those who are older.  Be sure that the lawn furniture is clean and that the yard is mowed.

Perhaps you think of a lovely tea party with tea dresses, big hats and soft music on the patio or maybe your idea of great party is more casual, around the pool, bright colors, upbeat music and a gaudy hat.  Whatever your style, please be sure to convey the message clearly in the invitation.

You will want to have your party at a time of the day that’s cool enough for people to enjoy the outdoors, either in an outdoor setting or with wide windows where the outdoors can be enjoyed.  It is probably wise to consider having alternate plans in case of inclimate weather if the party is to be outside.  If you do wait for evening and it is an outside event, be sure to plan for bugs with either citronella candles or other bug removal equipment.  Be sure there is adequate lighting as the evening progresses both for safety and so that people can see each other.

On a summer day, iced tea will probably be more appreciated than hot tea, especially if served outdoors.  As for food, keep it light and summery.  Avoid creamy dressings, cheese and other foods that will melt or curdle.  Yes, ice cream is an option, but be sure it is kept frozen until time to serve.  Pay attention to food safety.

You can brighten the event by using a tropical theme or bright colors both in the decorations and the tableware.  Many such items can be found inexpensively now.  If you opt to have an indoor party, you can still use the tropical theme and/or decorate with summer flowers.  Perhaps you would opt to float one bright rose in a small water dish, or decorate the table with hydrangeas. 

Take the time to envision your party, the decorations and the menu.  By keeping it simple, you will have more time to enjoy the party yourself.  Have a great July!