Saturday 25 February 2012

Phoenix rising: Finding the right tea to kickstart your morning

Here in the glorious metropolis of Halifax, the bus strike is still in full force with no end in sight. For me, the main consequence of this is that I have had to improve my relationship with the mornings.

As I have mentioned before, it certainly takes me a while to get started in the mornings, but my cat has been a great cheerleader thus far. If my alarm doesn't quite do the job, she is all to happy to jump on me purring loudly, and maybe even giving me a love tap or two to the face. Much like this. Thankfully I usually wake up before she has to break out the baseball bat :)

Once I get up, however, my internal fire is in need of smoldering, and what better way to do this than to brew up a cup of tea! Below is a guide to finding the right tea for you depending on what the day has in store. Of course, as any alchemist knows, you must start with the black blacker than black if you wish to make your philosophers stone correctly, so we shall limit our focus to unflavored, black teas. I'll be using teas from Davids tea as my reference point.

Assam Banaspaty: A rich and malty tea with a hint of sweetness made in India. When steeped, it has a delightful red color. For the full experience, add a little milk/soy milk and a dash of sugar. That's how the locals drink their tea. A fine choice for any connoiseur or aspiring yoga practitioner.  

Davids Darjeeling Blend: A personal favorite of mine! This tea has a rich, complex flavor, with hints of the mountain air, and woodsy elements as well. A perfect blend for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Imagine yourself looking into the distance taking in the breath taking scenery of the Himalayan mountains for the full experience. Add milk and sugar as needed! Use it to help you reach the pinnacle of your life or acquire a new perspective, or to enjoy a great tea...whatever floats your boat :)

English breakfast tea: The perfect start to the day for those wishing to find the right balance in their life. A classic blend with a rich, yet simple flavor. It is simple, yet elegant. Here's to finding the right balance! Lovers of all things classic and timeless, unite!

Kenyan Tinderet: It's made with lightning, real lightning! A tea for those seeking gratuitous amounts of energy, or wishing to run as fast as Kenyans. This fine, earthy tea with hints of honey is made in the Tinderet estate in Kenya, where lighting is indeed quite common. Harness the awesome power of nature's light show, and have sweet rave parties in your stomach. A shockingly good tea that'll leave you thunderstruck! AC/DC tickets not included.

Nepal black tea: for the ethically minded individual that enjoys a sweet, rich flavor, that is handcrafted to perfection! Part of the proceeds from this tea go to community programs that help schools, the elderly, and underprivileged families.  Give a gift to those in Nepal and your taste buds. That's what I call a win-win! A staple on my shelves for years to come!

Orange Pekoe: The classic of classics. This IS your father's tea, and probably his father's, and so on ad infinitum. For those who love nostalgia and the good old days. Old faithful, orange pekoe, will never let you down. Take a sip and enjoy the memories.

Lapsang souchong star: For those of you that enjoy singing kumbaya by the campfire, a fine cigar, or a single-malt whiskey, this is definitely the tea for you. Furthermore, it is the ideal tea to get your internal fire going on overdrive. Take a sip of this tea and watch your worries pine away. It has a richness and complexity that truly has to be experienced to appreciate. Taste smoke on the water in a cup. Mmmm, deep purple.

And, finally *drum roll*

Wild black Yunan: Looking to connect with the knowledge of the ancients? Then look no further than this tea. It has been grown in the same manner for thousands of years, and, if you are observant enough, you can almost taste the tradition. Okay, maybe not, but you can definitely taste the woodsy, clean air, and delicious. sip this tea and connect with the stillness of time and the natural world. Always remember your roots.

FKA






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