9th July, 2008: Black Tea a Defense Against Anthrax?
A reputable source for health-related information says that black tea may serve as an antidote to the biological threat of anthrax, a deadly disease that was largely eradicated over the course of the past century, only to re-emerge as a biological weapon in 2001.
A recent article in Science Daily goes as far as to speculate that a cup of the beverage “could be the next line of defense in the threat of bio-terrorism,” an assertion seemingly backed by emerging international research.
The recent study was conducted at Cardiff University (in Wales) in a joint venture with University of Maryland. At these institutions, scientists within the schools of pharmacy and medical biotechnology performed trials which found that the “widely-available English Breakfast tea has the potential to inhibit the activity of anthrax, as long as it is black tea.”
In the March issue of scientific journal Microbiologist, one of the study’s leaders, Professor Baillie, noted, “We found that special components in tea such as polyphenols have the ability to inhibit the activity of anthrax quite considerably.” But Science Daily went on to caution that there is a caveat. “The research also shows that the addition of whole milk to a standard cup of tea completely inhibited its antibacterial activity against anthrax.”
To review additional resources related to the study, click here to read the Cardiff University Media Release or here to access a summary of the research from the Society for Applied Microbiology.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
7th July, 2008: Reese Witherspoon’s Tokyo Tea Ceremony
The New Zealand Herald reports that Reese Witherspoon, Avon’s Honorary Chairman visited Japan last month to raise breast cancer awareness. She participated in a traditional tea ceremony held in Kochuan, Tokyo to honor a small group of breast cancer survivors. The “Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu 茶の湯, lit.” tea hot-water”; also called chadō or sadō, 茶道, “the way of tea”) is a multifaceted traditional activity strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism, in which powdered green tea, or matcha (抹茶) is ceremonially prepared and served to others.” On this occasion it was used to create an open forum to discuss breast cancer issues and needs in Japan. In addition to the tea ceremony, Ms. Witherspoon met with Avon Representatives and introduced the region to Avon’s first-ever global fundraising product, the Women’s Empowerment Bracelet. More images of Reese in Japan can be viewed here.
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
4th July, 2008: Celebrate the 4th With Refreshing Iced Tea
Whether you celebrate Independence Day, the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with fireworks, parades, backyard barbecues, carnivals, picnics, baseball games or something else, be sure to quench your thirst this 4th of July weekend with one of our refreshing iced tea recipes - - wherever you celebrate.
Speaking of history and tea, think about this interesting tea tidbit from one of our friends at gather.com:
“…there is an old joke in my village’s history book. When tea was first brought to Long Island in 1700, the locals didn’t know what to do with it, so they cooked it and ate it like spinach while others spread the leaves on bread like butter.” (quoted from Echoes From the Past, Elisabeth S. Lapham)
And why not? Yet, perhaps you’d rather stick to iced tea, like the one below, or try some of our other tea recipes.
Ingredients:
1½ cups cold water
3 Bigelow® Perfect Peach® Herbal Tea Bags
3 Bigelow® Spiced Chai Tea Bags
7 cups of cold water
Instructions:
Recipe created by Dorinda of Covington GA, 3rd place winner 2007 Iced Tea Recipe Contest
Place 1½ cups boiling water over tea bags in a 4-cup glass measuring cup. Let steep for 10 minutes. Squeeze and remove tea bags, let the concentrated tea cool.
Pour concentrate into a 3-quart pitcher. Add the cold water and stir. Pour into ice-filled glasses and serve.
For more tea recipes and entertaining ideas, go to http://www.bigelowtea.com/entertaining/recipes/
Posted by Julie at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
27th June, 2008: Tea and Tour at the Huntington
Good news, tea lovers! Due to the growing popularity of your beverage of choice, tea can increasingly be enjoyed at some of your favorite travel destinations! One fantastic example is The Huntington in San Marino, California. This facility has it all: a library, art collections plus botanical gardens. The Huntington also boasts the Rose Garden Tea Room.
Relax as you enjoy your drink in the tea room, conveniently located in the newly opened Chinese garden. Traditional English tea tidbits (such as scones) are available as well, or you can order a heartier lunch item.
You might even consider a special “tea and tour.” And, if you enjoyed viewing the Mary Cassatt paintings that the Bigelow blog featured back in February you’ll want to add a stop to the museum section of The Huntington as they have one of the artist’s tea depictions on display. Please check the destination’s web site for hours and updated news: reservations are required for the Tea Room and the tour. And those wanting a peek at the Cassatt art will want to plan ahead for summer when the museum housing this painting re-opens.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
25th June, 2008: Teashops Take Root in Arizona
Glynis Legrand says she’s been “surprised to find out that there are so many closet tea drinkers.” Having recently opened the Urban Tea Loft – a tea shop, salon and restaurant – in Chandler Arizona, Legrand has joined the growing number of retail teashops arising in the American Southwest. Her story and those of other tea retailers in the area, recently came to light in an AZCentral.com news article.
Why the trend toward tea? One reason might be the health benefits. “With blended, flavored coffee drinks pushing 300 and 400 calories, switching to tea sometimes or all the time can be a way to watch the waistline,” article author Geri Koeppel notes.
Legrand seems to agree, “I think people are really looking for an alternative.”
With few calories, and an impressive list of health benefits, tea does provide a distinct choice. But consumers also enjoy variety in the styles of tea venues springing up. While Legrand and her husband’s business is “gender-neutral,” other area establishments might be described as having the feminine touch. Like Tealicious in Ahwatukee, Arizona, which features old-fashioned tea parties, or Tea Dreams in Gilbert, described as the “ultimate girls’ day out retreat.” Not your cup of tea? Try your luck at Tea Infusion Bar and Cafe which has the easygoing atmosphere of a “casual hangout.”
To learn more about these establishments, or to plan your own tea getaway, read the full news story here.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
24th June, 2008: The Colorful Portland Tea Scene
According to a report published in the New York Times, Portland, Oregon “is host to one of the most distinctive tea scenes in the country.” The beverage (and the fun) is brewed in a number of distinctive tea houses as well as organized tea parties that don’t take themselves too seriously.
There are the typical chain tea businesses one might expect, but locally-owned venues have popped up as well, each catering to some very sophisticated tea tastes. One, Barefoot Sage, is tucked away in a building which looks suspiciously like a hardware store, but which comes alive inside with luxury. Patrons enjoy “tea blends … and recline on enormous plum-velvet sofas, [their] toes soaking in terra cotta basins filled with hot water and rose petals.”
At the other end of the spectrum is Tea Chai Té, a tea store where owner Dominic Valdes is “trying to take the doily out of the tea experience.” He’s not alone. Also taking tea into a new culture with less formal traditions is the TeaZone in Portland’s Pearl district which serves up a variety of tea cocktails with casual flair. Not to be out-done is entrepreneur, Gary Wiseman. Wiseman has gained a reputation for staging color-themed tea parties, such as the Emerald City tea party. His favorite, however, was an event on Burnside Bridge. He says, “The theme was black, white and shades of gray.” The tea was Earl Grey.
To learn more about Portland’s thriving tea scene and the entrepreneurs driving it, read the full Times article here.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
23rd June, 2008: Get Ready to Join the Worldwide Tea Party
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20th June, 2008: The Brown Betty
Today most of us steep our tea in microwave-safe mugs, but for a superior drink, many of yesteryear’s tea lovers relied on a particular teapot called the Brown Betty. According to an informational antiques web site, in the seventeenth century Brown Betty teapots were created from a special red clay that helped the pots retain heat. By the nineteenth century, these vessels had evolved in shape, morphing from tall, urn-like vessels to round, squatter teapots that allowed more flavor — and less bitterness – to be released into each potful of boiling water. It’s no wonder the plumper shape of the modern Brown Betty became popular, first gaining favor at the court of Queen Victoria.
Makers associated with the Brown Betty include Swinton Pottery which developed the brown glaze and streaked finish that came to be associated with the teapot.
If you’d like to obtain an authentic Brown Betty, heed a few words of warning. While the teapots can be found on the Internet and in retail stores, make sure the ware you’re considering has been handmade in the Old Caledonia Mills in Stoke-on-Trent and imported from England. Then, happy brewing!
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
10th June, 2008: Celebrating Iced Tea
“One drinks tea to forget the world’s noise.” ~ Thomas Sterling1, Tea Expert; and on warm summer days, what better way is there to refresh the body and the spirit, than by enjoying a tall, frosty glass of iced tea. The Tea Association of America states that iced tea, or at least a more commercialized version of it, was possibly invented by Richard Blechynden while he was trying to engage the public’s interest in imported teas during the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair; but, it was so hot and humid that people were passing him by in search of colder fare. Not one to be daunted he decided to cool the tea and after several attempts at getting the temperature and taste just right created the beginnings of the beverage we purchase packaged or bottled to enjoy in all of its wonderful variations
Of course tea made fresh in your own kitchen, sweetened to taste and chilled to perfection is a real treat too. To learn more on the subject, visit a previous Bigelow Blog article that discusses the history of iced tea and some of the ways iced tea was served in the home, commercially and for celebrations from the 1800s through to today and, since the month of June is National Iced Tea Month you will want to celebrate too by indulging in this classic summer-time beverage every day.
Iced Tea on the go from Bigelow Tea.
Source: The History of Iced Tea.
1Thomas Sterling, “A Toast to Tea,” Reader’s Digest (Pleasantville, NY: Readers Digest Association, Inc., March 1979), 61.
Posted by Ruth at 6:00 am | Comment (0)
6th June, 2008: Extending the Cup of Friendship
How long has it been since you’ve seen your school chums? Former co-workers? Or even far-away family members?
Dea’s Crafts is making it easier to reach out to these dear friends with a clever gift idea. Picture this: a Bigelow tea bag and simple but heartfelt poem placed in a colorful tea cup or a paper cut-out of one.
Dea’s features several poems to choose from, including this thoughtful message:
I wish we could sit down together
And have a cup of tea
But since we can’t
When you have this one
I hope you’ll think of me.
~ source unknown
Choose from more lyrical lines and project variations at Dea’s Web site. Then take this opportunity to reconnect with those who matter most with this heart-warming reminder that you care.
Posted by Brenda at 6:00 am | Comment (1)
