Teapot for Teabag

August 14th, 2010

Teabag teapot

If you are a teabag user, you probably take out the teabag from your teapot or teacup when the tea reaches your desired strength.  Now you don’t have to take out the teabag to stop the infusion anymore!

A new teapot is recently introduced to the market which has incorporated with a clever design that allows you to stop the tea infusion without taking out the teabag from the pot and avoids over-steeping. Not only it provides convenience, it also effectively eliminates the dripping mess!

This teapot for teabag is available at Tea Blossom and is offered at $19.99 only for a limited time! It’s absolutely a great product for anyone who uses teabags.

Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, Ardsley, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook,  White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Terrytown, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut

Our sample size for tea is now available!

August 12th, 2010

You ask, we answer!   

Tea Blossom is very pleased to advise that our new “sample size” for loose leaf tea is now available!     The sample size makes approximately 2 to 3 cups of tea (6 – 8 oz water per cup) and is offered a minimal cost so that you can sample any of our popular flavored teas or blended teas.  

The new sample size is now available on our website as well as at the store!     Also, our “Buy one, Get one 50% off” sale will end this Sunday, August 15, 2010, so come in and shop before it’s over!

Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, Ardsley, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook, White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Terrytown, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut

Cooking with Tea

August 10th, 2010

lapsang

Most people have never heard of the Chinese tea called “Lapsang Souchong”.    This black tea is well-known for its unique smoky flavor.  Lapsang Souchong is distinctive because its leaves are traditionally smoke-dried over pinewood fires, creating a distinctive smoky flavor.   Similar to the smell of a campfire, the flavor of the pine smoke complements the natural taste of the black tea.   It’s not bitter and does not overwhelm the taste of the tea itself.

Aside from enjoying the tea itself, Lapsang Souchong has also been used to cook with meats because of the unique smoky flavor.  I  have experimented with it as a marinade and the meat came out amazingly juicy and delicious!     The tea gives the meat a very nice smoky flavor and color. I was extremely pleased with the result.      

My recipe for this marinade sauce is to mix the below ingredients  and pour the marinade sauce over the meat.    Let it marinate about 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling the meat.

Marinade Sauce Ingredients:

Olive Oil

Lapsang Souchong (use 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons level per 1.25 lb of meat)

Minced Garlic

Salt

Paprika

Thyme

Grounded Black Pepper

McCormick Grill Mate

Tea Blossom offers a sample size of Lapsong Souchong for just $1.50 each.    The sample is a perfect size for you to cook with any meat, it’s definitely worth a try!   If you love it, you are welcome to come back for more!

Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, Ardsley, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook,  White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Terrytown, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut

Japanese Handmade Teapots

July 31st, 2010

Clay teapot 1

Japanese green tea is a little tricky when it comes to brewing.    The Japanese tea leaves look compact and small but they need room to expand once immensed into the water. Tea balls or tea bags do not work well for japanese green tea.   The ideal brewing method for Japanese green tea is to use a Japanese teapot that was designed for Japanese green tea. A handmade Japanese teapot is a one time investment that will make your tea taste so much better and will give you many years of enjoyment! jpn teapot 001

When you shop for a japanese teapot, there are two types of in-built screens which are commonly used in Japan.  The first type is a traditional hand-made fine mesh screen that goes on the inside of the spout – see picture above.  

 jpn teapot 002

The other type is a stainless steel fine mesh that goes around the inside of the teapot which allows the tea leaves to fully expand and utilitize the entire space of the teapot – see picture above.  

The purpose of the built-in fine mesh is to strain the tea leaves when you pour the tea out from the teapot and allows the hot water to extract the full flavor of the tea at its optimum space! 

Most of the japanese teapots are made small, they usually hold between 8 and 14 ounces water.    Tea Blossom carries an exquisite line of japanese teapots that are  imported directly from Japan.  They are state-of-art and each piece is hand-made by the Japanese artisan craftmen.  To view our japanese teapot collections, please visit our store or go online at www.tea-blossom.com

Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, Ardsley, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook,  White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Terrytown, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Get a 1-day Pass to receive a 10% discount

July 29th, 2010

1-day pass discountWhile our “Buy one, get one 50% off” sale is still going on, Tea Blossom is offering a special 1-day pass for our customers.    With this special pass, you will receive another 10% off of your total purchase.     This special 1-day pass is only valid on Saturday, July 31, 2010 and applies to all teaware products at the store! 

 So print the 1-day pass and bring it with you and receive our exclusive discount this Saturday!

Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, Ardsley, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook,  White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Terrytown, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

Simple guidelines to maintain your cast iron teapot.

July 24th, 2010

Raindrop teapot

Cast iron teapots, also known as Tetsubin teapots, have been used for centuries in Japan because of their unique functions. Cast iron teapots are made of sturdy metal, so it distributes the heat evenly to bring out the flavor of the tea.

Also, cast iron teapots can keep your tea warm a lot longer than any other types of teapots. A good quality cast iron teapot can last a lifetime if it is properly used and maintained.

To ensure your cast iron teapot’s longevity and years of enjoyment from your teapot, here are few simple guidelines to follow.

Before using your cast iron teapot for the first time:

  • Rinse the teapot thoroughly with hot water.
  • Then dry the entire teapot with a dry cloth inside and out.
  • When using your cast iron teapot to brew tea:

  • Never use your cast iron teapot as a stove-top kettle to boil water! The enamel coating will be permanently damaged.
  • Never put your cast iron teapot in a microwave or oven to heat up the water.
  • Never put your cast iron teapot into a dishwasher to clean.
  • To clean your cast iron teapot, simply rinse it with hot water and wipe it dry after each use. Do not use any detergents or soaps.
  • Do not leave any tea or water in the teapot for a long period of time.
  • Do not put any salt, oil or sugar in the teapot.
  • If you want to purchase a quality cast iron teapot, Tea Blossom carries a great selection of cast iron teapots made in Japan. Simply mention this blog, you will receive a 15% discount when you purchase a cast iron teapot from us!

    Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, Ardsley, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook,  White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Terrytown, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut.

    What are the health benefits of drinking Chrysanthemum

    July 17th, 2010

    chrsanthemum

    During the sizzling summer’s heat, chrysanthemum is one of the best cooling herbal teas to drink!    Chrysanthemum, also known as Ju Hua, in Chinese has been used in traditional chinese medicine for centuries and has become one of the most popular beverages in China.    The chinese herbalists believe that drinking chrysanthemum can help reducing internal heat and prevent sunstroke

    Chrysanthemum has a unique floral flavor with a subtle sweet lingering taste.    It is considered a cooling herb that has a detoxificating effect and cleanses your body while reducing internal heat.  

    During the summer, when it is very hot, people run the risk of getting sunstroke. The chrysanthemum teas can help prevent and treat mild sunstroke.

    Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye Brook,  White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Ardsley, Mount Kisco, Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Connecticut.

    New Tea Arrival – Perfect for the Summer

    July 13th, 2010

    Splash

    With the heat wave surging in the Northeast, what is better than having a cold glass of iced tea?

    Try Cooling off with our new tea – Summer Splash which is exceptionally delicious. This herbal/fruity blend is perfect for making iced tea, it reveals a mild fruity sweetness with a refreshing zesty taste! Because it’s caffeine-free, you can enjoy it at any time day or night. This tea was the winner of the world tea expo iced tea competition, so taste it yourself and be the judge!

    Summer Splash is offered at $2.50 per ounce and is now available at the store and our website.

    Tea Blossom proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Mamaroneck, Rye Brook, Harrison, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Pleasantville, Ardsley, Mount Kisco, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Connecticut.

    Great Savings for Tea Lovers

    July 6th, 2010

    Tea Blossom is pleased to offer 15% off on all loose leaf teas EVERY WEDNESDAY!

    Indulge your tea thirst during the summer with our special tea promotion! This is a tremendous saving for everyday tea drinkers. It is also a perfect opportunity to try new teas at a great low price.

    If Wednesday does not work for you, no worries! You can simply go online at www.tea-blossom.com on every Wednesday to place your order. When you check out, please select your shipping method by either clicking “Walk-in” if you plan to pick up your order from the store on a later day or “flat rate shipping” if you would like us to ship it to you.

    So, Wednesday is the day for savings!

    Remark: This 15% discount on loose leaf tea is a limited time offer and cannot be combined with any other sale, promotion, special offer or tea subscription program.

    Why is Gyokuro so expensive?

    July 3rd, 2010

    Gyokuro is the highest quality of Japanese green tea and is also known to be the most expensive green tea.

    Gyokuro is expensive for some reasons. The tea leaves are shaded from direct sunlight for approximately 3 weeks before the spring harvest, this takes a lot of labor work to care for the leaves. By removing direct sunlight to the tea leaves enhances the proportions of flavenols, amino acids, sugars, and other substances that provide tea aroma and taste.

    Also, Gyokuro is only harvested for two weeks once in a year, so the production period is extremely short comparing to other japanese green teas. After harvest, the leaves are rolled and dried naturally.

    Gyokuro is a lot sweeter than sencha and has is famous for its crisp, clean taste with a beautiful emerald infusion. Gyokuro is a perfect tea for special ocassions and holidays. It should be savored and sipped slowing to truly appreciate its full flavor.

    Tea Blossom carries a high quaity of Gyokuro and is available online and at our store.  

    We proudly serves the tea needs of New York’s Westchester tea drinkers including Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont, Edgemont, New Rochelle, Yonkers, Mamaroneck, Rye Brook, Harrison, Bronxville, Rye, Hartsdale, White Plains, Irvington, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow, Chappaqua, Ardsley, Mount Kisco, Pleasantville, Pound Ridge and Dobbs Ferry as well as Greenwich and Stamford in Fairfield County, Connecticut.