Silver Tips Tea Blog

 

The glorious season of Autumn brings with it two immensely popular flavors – Pumpkin and Cranberry Orange. In recent years, popular chains have begun introducing their Pumpkin Spice beverages earlier and earlier, some even launching their drinks in August.  In our view, this is way too early!  October seems to be the perfect month for Pumpkin and we think November is Cranberry Orange season.

As early as 1683, The Compleat Cook’s Guide included a reference to cranberry juice.  Harvard University even served cranberries at their commencement dinner in 1702.  This evergreen shrub with trailing vines producing a tart berry is now welcomed into homes as a holiday tradition.  Where did the name Cranberry come from?  In the 17^th century, German and Dutch colonists in New England thought the flower, stem and petals...

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Turmeric is what gives Indian food and curries their characteristic, well-known vermilion/yellow color.  It is a spice and has been used in India for thousands of years. Apart from its common use in food, it is widely used in India as a poultice to reduce inflammation.  It's also used with honey as a face mask. And now we blend it into Tea!

What is Turmeric?  It is a perennial herbaceous plant from the ginger family. It's native to southern Asia and usually used in its dried powder form. Its chief use is in cooking and secondarily used as a dye.  Its root contains a yellow-colored chemical called curcumin.  Although its benefits have been known in Asia for centuries, recently it has taken on new acclaim...

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Just the other day, we received an email from one of our long-time customers that was pleasing to the palate, and one that opens up so many possibilities with baking with tea. This recipe used our Makaibari 2nd Flush Darjeeling to make an Artisanal Apricot Loaf. And yes, this was just one more person baking during the time of Covid.

In this recipe, not only was our 2nd flush Makaibari Darjeeling added to the dough but the dried Apricots were also marinated in the tea before being added to the bread dough. Looks delicious!

Tea and baked goods are one of those combinations that we just can't help but love. Baking with tea adds unique and delightful flavor combinations. Teas can range from earthy to sweet and fruity and can...

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Just about every tourist in India takes a picture of a chaiwallah expertly mixing milk into an aluminum tea kettle, sitting cross-legged in a tea stall. Everyone knows Chai – the spicy, sweet, milky tea drink that is served everywhere.  What may not be so well known is that it originated in India and is ubiquitous.  The word “Chai” (the 'ch is pronounced like 'chair') means Tea in India.  The connotation here in the U.S., however, is definitely that of a Spiced Drink, not just a regular cup of Tea. ...

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