My Tea Routine

I buy loose tea from the local Whole Foods or Central Market. I realized recently that I spend between $5-10 per week on tea, in part because I make a lot of chilled tea. It is a little embarrassing to go through the checkout line and realize I have as many packages of tea as items of food. Well, that is why I am the Austin Tea Junkie. My true addiction came to light when I bought a water filter for the sink to improve the quality of my tea.

I brew my tea in the 16 oz and 32 oz IngenuiTea pots and then I decant them into my regular tea pots (current favorite -- 34 oz tea de chine bodum).

I typically drink black or oolong in the morning, oolong or green in the early afternoon, and chilled throughout the day. See, junkie.

Current Inventory -- Tisane/Herbal Tea

Ruby Sipper -- SerendipiTea
200º for 5 minutes
The aggressive notes of blood orange softened by the suggestive sweetness of pear create a fruit tisane that is full bodied & refreshing.

Peppermint -- Rishi Organic
212º for 4-5 minutes
Washington State produces our organic peppermint leaves. The U.S. Pacific Northwest variety of Peppermint is the most aromatic and potent form of this world-renowned mint variety. Its flavor and heady aroma is distinctive and calming. Peppermint is soothing to the digestive system and according to the ancients, promotes focus and clear thinking. It is said that mint also cures a hangover. Mint is prepared like a tea throughout the world.

Tangerine Ginger -- Rishi Organic
212º for 4-5 minutes
One of our original Rishi blends and top sellers, Tangerine Ginger has a complex array of sweet, spicy, tart and fruity flavors. Stimulating ginger root and adaptogenic wild harvested Schizandra berries are featured in this blend and expertly balanced with the natural essential oils of rare citrus fruits, succulent tangerines and rare herbs. Tangerine Ginger is a full-bodied and invigorating blend with a wonderful gourmet flavor and aroma.

Jamaica Rooibos -- Rishi Organic
195º 5-7 minutes
"Organic Hibiscus Sabdariffa is more commonly known as “Jamaica Flowers.” Rishi’s master tea blenders unify the wonderful flavors of Organic Jamaica Flowers with Organic Rooibos and Organic Honey Bush to create this robust, fruity and deep red infusion. Jamaica flowers are hand picked from a variety of hibiscus when the flowers of this shrubby plant become plump and juicy red. The dried and reddish-purple flowers are consumed in teas, wines and tonics throughout the world. Jamaica Flowers are also used as a natural red pigment in cosmetics and clothing. “Jamaica” is known to have a high content of vitamin C and other health beneficial properties. The tart and deep flavor of “Jamaica Flowers” blends well with the refreshing and healthful nature of Red Bush Rooibos. This original Rishi blend has a deep red infusion with a strong and fruity body that finishes with complex notes of mango, passion fruit and rare island spices. Great hot or iced. "

Serene -- Rishi
212º for 4-5 minutes
"A premium Chamomile blend made with 79% Organic ingredients, this calming caffeine-free blend contains select blossoms and herbs that impart relaxation and refreshment. Serene has a golden colored infusion with lofty notes of citrus, blossom nectar and French Lavender. Its sweet liquor has a honey-like character.
"

Peppermint Hibiscus Herbal
212º for 4-5 minutes
Purchased in bulk at Central Market.

Hibiscus Zinger
212º for 5 minutes

Current Inventory -- Green Tea

Jasmine Pearl -- Rishi Organic
185º for 3 minutes
"Dragon Pearls “Long Xu” is a green tea that is harvested from northern Fujian’s “Da Hao” white tea bush varietal. Silvery tipped, spring harvested buds and tender leaf flushes are processed using technique borrowed from white tea and green tea production. The silvery buds are partially withered, lightly fired, wilted and baked to fix the quality and silvery-white appearance. Then the tea is moistened with light steaming until pliable so the pearls can be rolled into shape by hand, one at a time. 3–5 buds with an attached stem are twisted by hand and rolled into a pearl shape before they are baked to fix the smooth flavor and aroma. The process is labor intensive and each pearl is hand-rolled one at a time. Dragon Pearls yield a smooth body akin to white tea with the rich, semi-sweet flavor of roasted chestnut. Should be infused multiple times."

Pomegranate Green -- Republic of Tea
180º for 3 minutes
"The glistening crimson seeds of the pomegranate fruit are deliciously sweet and heavy with juice. Fresh and crisp china green tea creates an ideal base for this ruby-hued blend. Antioxidants are abundant in each cup... sip the day away because your body truly is a temple."

Decaffeinated Peoples Green -- Republic of Tea
180º for 3 minutes
"Decaffeinated Peoples Green Tea is refreshing with a subtle taste and health benefits. The true essence of this China green tea will energize harmony and spirit."

Current Inventory -- Oolong Tea

Citron Oolong -- Rishi Organic
195º for 3-4 minutes
Made with 80% Organic ingredients. A signature Rishi blend of high-grown jasmine scented oolong tea cured with rare blossoms, aromatic herbs and succulent citrus fruit designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Citron Oolong is one of our leading oolong teas.

Jade Oolong -- Rishi
195º for 3-4 minutes
"This lightly oxidized oolong tea from the mountainous region of Nantou, Taiwan, has a smooth golden green infusion enjoyed by green tea lovers. Its flowery aroma, brisk flavor, smooth body and fruity finish make this one of our favorite oolong. Always fresh, this is one of customer favorites. The prime lots of this tea are selected each spring and winter for us by our long-term grower in Nantou, Jade Oolong one of our consistent favorites from Taiwan."

Ti Kuan Yin -- Republic of Tea
195º for 3-4 minutes
"Strengthen The Spirit Tea Famous oolong from the Fujian province in China is known for its fresh, orchid flavor & clean finish. Large, iron-colored leaves can be infused many times over."

Current Inventory -- Black Tea

Keemun Hao Ya -- Rishi
212º for 4-5 minutes
"Our keemun is the superior grade known as “hao ya” and is made by artisans from Qi Men Town according to the traditional method of manufacture. Its rich flavor is smooth with a deep burgundy infusion with notes of port wine and a tinge of fresh pine smoke."

Golden Yunnan -- Rishi Organic Fair Trade
212º for 4-5 minutes
"This certified organic black tea is harvested from Yunnan’s ancient tea trees. It has a deeply flavored infusion with a tinge of peppery spice, notes of chocolate, sweet raisin and a malty finish. Golden Yunnan has expertly fermented, even graded leaves and big golden buds. Its wonderfully full flavored and rich body is a treat for black tea lovers."

Earl Grey -- Rishi Organic
212º for 4 minutes
"Organic Earl Grey is our best selling black tea blend of bold flavored Yunnan Dian Hong harvested from antique tea trees infused with natural Bergamot citrus from Southern Italy. It is the perfect organic blend of America’s most popular tea and is frequently complimented as the best Earl Grey ever."

Masala Chai -- Rishi Organic Fair Trade
212º for 5 minutes
"A robust and full flavored black tea blended with our traditional Indian Masala spices. The bold flavor of our select shade grown black tea presents full notes of cardamom, ginger and clove that’s zesty and stimulating. Masala Chai should be brewed strong and served sweet with steamed milk and sugar."

Chilled Tea and the Perfect "Iced" Tea

At any time, I have 4 different containers of unsweetened chilled tea in the fridge (2 caffeinated and 2 uncaffeinated).

I steep it at full strength and then add another 120-133% water (because it always tastes a bit too strong otherwise). Then I chill it overnight.

My favorites right now are:

• Rishi's Citron Green -- 2 tbs in 32 oz of 212 water for 5 minutes, then add 48-56 oz of water.
• Republic of Tea's Pomegranate Green -- 4 tsp in 32 oz of 180 water for 3 minutes, then add 32 oz of water.
• Peppermint Hibiscus Green Tea Blend: 4 tsp of Peppermint Hibiscus tea in 32 oz of 212 water for 4 minutes and 4 tsp of Republic of Tea's The People's Green Decaf in 32 oz of 180 water for 3 minutes, then combine and add 32 oz water.
• Blood Orange Green Tea Blend: 5 tsp of SerendipiTea's Ruby Sipper in 32 oz of 200 water for 5 minutes and and 4 tsp of Republic of Tea's The People's Green Decaf in 32 oz of 180 water for 3 minutes, then combine and add 32 oz water.

Cold-Infused "Chilled" Tea

From Rishi's website:

For cold-infused Jade Oolong, add 1 teaspoon of tea for every 8 ounces of cold water. Add Jade Oolong to a pitcher, cover with cold water and reserve in the refrigerator overnight. Strain and enjoy. We like to call this style “chilled tea” as it tastes better chilled without ice. Many of our teas are great chilled- such as flower scented teas, Earl Green and all white teas.

Oolong - Citron Oolong - Rishi

This is how a citrus blend should taste: it's flowery and bright, with a taste of citrus (lemon, orange). The taste is natural and pure.

Rather than replace my citron green and mandarin green from Adagio, I will buy more of the Citron Oolong. It is great hot and cold. I will try the chilled tea technique on Rishi's website.


Water: 195°F / Leaves: 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 3–4 minutes / Ingredients: 100% Organic oolong tealeaves, 100% Organic jasmine flowers, 100% Organic lemon myrtle, natural essential oils of orange and osthmanthus flowers. / Origin: Rishi Blend.

Oolong - Jade Oolong - Rishi

This morning, I had my first pot of Jade Oolong: Wow.

The flavor reminded me of lilacs and orchids. It's less coppery than the Iron Goddess of Mercy.

Central Market sells it in bulk.

195º for 4 minutes.

New Purchases - Central Market

Citron Oolong, Organic Oolong Tea
http://rishi-tea.com/store/product.php?productid=5058&cat=5&page=1

Organic Citron Oolong is an artisanal blend of high-grown oolong tea, rare blossoms and succulent citrus designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Rishi’s master tea blenders resurrected the ancient practice of infusing tealeaves with real fruits and flowers to create Citron Oolong.

Water: 195°F / Leaves: 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 3–4 minutes / Ingredients: 100% Organic oolong tealeaves, 100% Organic jasmine flowers, 100% Organic lemon myrtle, natural essential oils of orange and osthmanthus flowers. / Origin: Rishi Blend.

Jade Oolong
http://rishi-tea.com/store/product.php?productid=5027&cat=5&page=1
http://www.rishi-tea.com/store/images/Jade-Oolong.jpg

This oolong tea from the mountainous region of Nantou, Taiwan, has a fresh, clear and golden green infusion. Its flowery aroma, which is reminiscent of lilacs, is cherished by oolong tea lovers across the globe. The tightly rolled leaves and connected stem unfurl slowly, revealing a new character with each subsequent infusion. Jade Oolong can be prepared as an oolong or a green tea and makes great cold-infused iced tea. For cold-infused Jade Oolong, add 1 teaspoon of tea for every 8 ounces of cold water. Add Jade Oolong to a pitcher, cover with cold water and reserve in the refrigerator overnight. Strain and enjoy. We like to call this style “chilled tea” as it tastes better chilled without ice. Many of our teas are great chilled- such as flower scented teas, Earl Green and all white teas.

Water: 195°F / Leaves: 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces / Infusion Time: 3–4 minutes / Ingredients: oolong tealeaves. / Origin: Nantou, Taiwan.

Evening Teas - Scarlet & Spicy Blend

Scarlet is my favorite night tea, but last night I wanted something spicy.

I blended cardamon cinnamon and adagio's apple cantata. The apple cantata is still a disappointment, but it blended well with the spicy blend. It's still not quite what I am looking for, but it's a start. I want to find something sweet, tart, and spicy.

No Sugar, Etc.

Throughout my tea drinking life, I have prefered sweetened tea - honey, sugar, natural (brown) sugar, splenda, sweet n low, and in less evolved days, the blue stuff.

Over the past 16 months, I have bought and used boxes of splenda. It's reasonably sweet and lacks that overwhelming artificial taste.

Sometime this summer, I just stopped. No sugar, etc. I think that may have been the turning point from tea drinker to tea junkie.

I was still buying and drinking expensive loose tea, just sweetening it, and, in the case of chai, adding milk.

Now, nothing.

Just tea in a tea cup.

Teas to Try

Wuyi Oolong, Organic Oolong Tea
How could I pass up a tea known as "Profound Orchid": "Known as Wuyi Qi Lan or “Profound Orchid,” its flavor is quite unique with sweet notes of raisins, honeysuckle and roasted sugar."

Orange Blossom, Organic Green Tea
From the description, it sounds like a perfect iced tea: "A profoundly flowery blend of select green teas, rare blossoms and aromatic lemon myrtle leaves. A great hot or iced tea with natural sweetness and a balanced aroma of roses, jasmine and fresh citrus. "

Jade Oolong
From the description: "Its flowery aroma, which is reminiscent of lilacs, is cherished by oolong tea lovers across the globe."
Interestingly, Rishi provides a recipe for something called "chilled tea," in which the tea is cold brewed in the refrigerator overnight. We will definitely try that.

Ginger Lime Rooibos, Organic Botanical Blend
Described as: "The dry and pleasantly flavored West Indian Lime variety gives our Organic Green Rooibos a unique and zesty citrus flavor with notes of ginger and rare spices. The brilliant turmeric-yellow and orange infusion glows in the cup and has wonderfully refreshing notes of tropical fruits and spices. The unique flavor of this rare lime variety is quenching and known to enhance circulation and immunity. Get the juices flowing with this stimulating yet caffeine-free blend of anti-oxidant rich and longevity enhancing botanical blend. "

Citron Oolong, Organic Oolong Tea
From the description: "Organic Citron Oolong is an artisanal blend of high-grown oolong tea, rare blossoms and succulent citrus designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Rishi’s master tea blenders resurrected the ancient practice of infusing tealeaves with real fruits and flowers to create Citron Oolong."

Peppermint Ginger, Japanese Green Tea
It's a combination of my favorite flavors: roasted green, peppermint, and ginger. From the description: "A signature Rishi blend of smooth, toasty houjicha, a rare peppermint varietal from Japan’s Hokaido prefecture and a hint of zesty Chinese ginger. Sweet, aromatic and soothing, this blend has naturally occurring notes of caramelized sugar, candied ginger and chocolate."

Keemun Hao Ya Special
From the description: "The grade is known as Hao Ya which is the top grade of Keemun available. Its rich flavor and deep burgundy infusion have a well pronounced aroma and flavor which suggests roasted sugar cane, cacao, port wine and notes of fresh pine needles. "

All Day Breakfast Full Leaf (Keemun Oolong Tea)
The description sounds wonderful: "A superb, concentrated character, reminiscent of the depth and clarity of a fine Bordeaux. The oolong adds a bit of smokiness to the blend." It's a blend of black Keemun and Formosan Oolong.

Golden Yunnan
This is the description: "Smooth, rich and malty with pleasing floral overtones."

Tea Bags - Jasmine Pearl - Adagio

Since I am upping my tea drinking, I threw a bunch of the Adagio Jasmine Pearl tea bags into my purse this week.

I have been able to drink my own tea at the Belmont and at the club, and I really appreciated it. I was surprised that the waiter at the club removed the tea pot saucer and tossed the bag after the first infusion, but that's jut a training thing.

I had 3 or 4 infusions at the Belmont and they were all very good.

The packaging and website identify it as oolong. The other Jasmine Pearl tea I have been drinking is identified as green tea -- young green tea, in fact.

The tea was definitely above average, though not as good as the Rishi or the Republic of Tea.

How Much Tea?

I am drinking about 8 cups of tea each day.

Black in the morning (and maybe at lunch).
Oolong at lunch.
Green in the afternoon.
Roasted green before dinner.
White or herbal at night.

The little ingenuiTea brews 16 oz at a time and I decant it into my Bodum 2 cup assam.

Black Tea - Mambo - Adagio

I thought I did not like Mambo on first cup. Since my TKY/IGoM inventory is a little light, I started drinking it again this week. Now it is all gone.

I kinda like it now. It's still reminscent of beef broth and yeast, but that's not unpleasant.

Adagio's website says: "With smoky highlights and flavorfully rich body, our Mambo tea is guaranteed to rev up your engine each morning. And keep your feet tapping all day long."

I will reorder when I reup our Adagio teas.

Diet - Week One

I have been on my diet since Tuesday.

I am doing a faux detox for a couple of weeks:

I am drinking a lot of tea (blacks in the morning and at lunch; greens in the afternoon and before dinner; whites and herbals at night). I am eating almonds and sunflower seeds (and blending them into my smoothie). I am avoiding all tomatoes and citrus (even avoiding the lime in my seltzer). I am avoiding bread, crust, pasta, rice, etc., though I had a sprouted wheat pita with no ill effects.

I am making my own version of Bittman's How to Cook Everything Spinach Miso Soup (organic chicken broth, spinach, miso) every night for dinner.

It's weird: I feel extremely good. No nausea, no itchiness, no feeling like my stomach acid is going to eat through my stomach lining at night.

I had a strong workout on Wednesday, but my recovery was a little slower. I was super sore on Thursday and Friday in my pecs and my calves. (I forgot to take my 2 benadryl before my workout and I didn't need it. I felt a little queasy by the end of my back extensions, but typically, I want to vomit throughout my workout and the back extensions are excruciating. This time, I skipped the altoids, which I have had to consume from hamstring curls on to get through it without wanting to projectile all over the Hills.)

Yesterday, I had the holiday luncheon at the club and a fundraiser for PAC, so I was off it a bit. I had a glass and a half of champagne (Greg Norman, I think. It was excellent.). I tasted my excellent dessert, before getting it boxed up and bringing it home for A. I had a glass of wine at the fundraiser, but I had a smoothie beforehand, and I ate nothing there. When I got home, A had saved me a couple of tiny pieces of his square pizza. Still, I am down 0.2, so at least I did not gain. I was itchy last night, so pizza is out. A is glad that Home Slice is now all his.

I am down 6.2 pounds since Tuesday. It's going well so far, though I know that's all water. feel thinner, and I feel like my face looks thinner.

Who knows, maybe this is the thing.

New Iced Tea: Citron/Pekoe/Lemongrass

Latest experiment: Adagio Citron Green, Adagio Green Pekoe, and Adagio Lemongrass.

Ingredients: 4 tsps each of the greens (180º for 3 min) and 2 tsp of lemongrass (180º for 7 min).

I like it. It's more caffeinated than I usually make the tea.

I don't like the citron on its own. It has a bit of an artificial taste. Blended with the Pekoe and the Lemongrass, it rounds out the flavor.

The taste is fresh with a mild lemon sweetness.

I liked it, but not enough to buy more citron from Adagio. The Pekoe/Lemongrass is definitely a winner.

My diet

I am on a diet. Again.

I have a lot of weight to lose. Maybe 30 pounds. I have a personal trainer with whom I spend two (expensive) hours each week. I generally eat well - heathful, smartly, etc. I keep a food and activity diary. I work out a lot. I am healthy, but I am fatter than I would like. When I was 30, I weighed between 113-118. I wore a 2-4. Now, not so much.

I have tried doing the Perricone diet straight, but it was costing me about $200/week from Whole Foods. And that's just my food, without any purchases for the Mr. Sure, I could have purchased food from the supermarket, or I could have purchased less expensive, more hormone and antibiotically filled turkey, etc.

I have done straight calorie counting. I have done the Zone.

After spending Thanksgiving with my extremely skinny mother, and seeing pictures of myself from 5 years ago, when I was skinnier than she is, I have rededicated myself. Again.

I used to aim for 1400 calories/day, but I have actually gained weight eating that amount of calories and working out. I weigh everything and use myfooddiary.com for calculations, so I know I am not making estimate errors. Plus, I work out with a hrm.

I will not be following my mother in her diet of light yogurt and dry cereal, but I need to do something.

New Cookbook

My friend Jules E. D. Shepard has just released her first cookbook for sale at Nearly Normal Cooking for Gluten Free Eating.

I ordered it immediately, and I am looking forward to seeing it. Jules has a great perspective on Celiac disease, and she is, by far, the best cook I know. We spent many, many nights our third year going from the gym to her kitchen, watching as she cooked and baked for those of us who had never done much of either.

Night Tea - Serene - Rishi

Rishi Serene is my night tea of choice.

In speaking with my friends, the one tea everyone had as a child was "sleepytime." Serene lacks the minty character I remember, though I have not had it in years. Serene is floral, with a deep Sun yellow color, and a hint of mint at the finish.

Serene is a blend of 100% Organic chamomile, 100% Organic lemon myrtle, 100% Organic jasmine flowers, 100% Organic peppermint, 100% Organic lavender and jasmine flowers.

212° for 4–5 minutes. Rishi says 1 tbs per 8 oz.

Hojicha - Republic of Tea

An excellent, mellow afternoon or postprandial tea.

The flavor and aroma is roasted with a hint of wood, and a good bit of smokiness.

Per cup, slightly more than 1 tsp at 180º for 3 minutes.

Chai Blends

I used to drink 1 tsp of Cardamon Cinnamon blended with a PG tips pyramid as my morning chai.

I would steep 2 tsp of Cardamon Cinnamon with 2 tea bags at 212º for 5 minutes, then remove the bag and continue steeping the Cardamon Cinnamon for additional 2-5 minutes.

(I have also prepared it with Rooibos in place of the black tea.)

I would add milk and splenda to the pot and drink it all day.

Now, I am blending the Cardamon CInnamon into Adagio's Mambo, which is Yunnan and Wuyi.

Best Ti Kuan Yin - Rishi

I have been making comparison pots of Ti Kuan Yin from Adagio and Rishi. Rishi clearly wins, although Adagio is a delicious tea.

They are both coppery/iron-y in flavor with floral (orchid, mostly) notes.

Rishi has a richer color. I prepare it following their instructions (190º for 4 minutes) and increase steeping time by 30 seconds for each subsequent infusion.

Adagio instructs brewing at 212º for 5 minutes. I have brewed it that way, and the Rishi way. I prefer the Rishi preparation.

My reorder will be Rishi.

Black Tea - Apple Cantata / Cinnamon - Adagio

I was extremely underwhelmed by Adagio's Apple Cantata. It lacked discernable color and flavor when I made it alone, so it sat in the back of the tea pantry. This afternoon, I mixed 1 tsp of Apple Cantata with 1 tsp of Cinnamon (212º for 5 minutes). It was very good.

The Cinnamon is a blend of cinnamon stick and black tea with a full flavor, but not too spicy. It rounds out the apple flavor and the blend tastes a little like the Cinnamon Apple teas from Celestial Seasonings and Bigelow (with the obvious exceptions of being caffeinated and with a subtler flavor.

I will make it again.