What could be a better companion to your new year's resolution than a cup of hot tea?  January is National Hot Tea Month and there are many reasons to take a moment to brew yourself a cup or two.  Tea can be the path to good health -- something you'll need before you tackle all those resolutions.  Research has shown that drinking black and green tea may improve your body's defenses and quicken the response to bacteria and viruses. Tea is good and good for you!

Tea comes in six classes including oolong, white, black, red, Pu-erh, and green tea. There is also organic tea, herbal tea, loose tea, sachets of tea, 6 or 12 month tea clubs, flavored tea, and on and on.  Tea is big business and learning about tea can be quite complex. It is a healthy alternative to drinking coffee or sodas and is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water.

Storing your tea is also important. Do not store it in the refrigerator or freezer but do put it in a cool place.  Keep it away from heat, direct light or strong odors, preferably in a dry place.

Diana Rosen and others have written about tea for Sally's Place for many years. See our Tea Menu and through these many articles, you can immerse yourself in tea culture. You'll find information on everything from brewing and tasting tea to tea ceremonies and the only tea plantation in the United States, just to name a few of the topics.

I think you'll also enjoy the tea recipes that appear in the left column of this eNewsletter. And don't miss the discount at the bottom of this eNewsletter from Zhi Tea.     

All the best in food, wine, and travel.

sallybernstein.com  

Read my  "Holiday Gift Guide" posts on womensforum.com on Sally's Food for Thought" blog.

 

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Sally's Recommendations

The Story of Tea: A Cultural History and Drinking Guide

This Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss book was nominated for both the International Association of Culinary Professionals and James Beard Cookbook Awards.   The authors are veteran tea traders who chronicle tea's influence across the globe and provide a complete reference for choosing, drinking, and enjoying this popular beverage.

 

The Charleston Tea Plantation   

 The Charleston Tea Plantation  

The Charleston Tea Plantation

       

The Charleston Tea Plantation is America's only tea garden, and is the home of American Classic Tea, the ONLY tea grown and produced in America.  Tours are available to learn how the tea is grown and processed. Trolley tours, a gift shop and front porch rockers are a few of the other amenties on picturesque Wadmalaw Island in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry.  Open 7 days a week, with the exception of a few holidays, the Charleston Tea Plantation is the perfect place to take a day trip.  Bring the family, pack a lunch and enjoy the beauty of the tea fields.  The experience is not only educational but more importantly one-of-a-kind. Call 843-559-0383 for more information.


 

Tea Time   

TeaTime magazine is a source book for all who love tea and who want to enrich life with the serenity of teatime. The magazine proclaims the pleasures of tea as a gourmet beverage, and offers informative articles that range from food features to tearoom profiles. TeaTime goes beyond the history and science of the beverage and celebrates the art and passion that make drinking tea a memorable occasion.  

New Articles

Restaurants

       Buffalo, New York Restaurant Listing Updated: Jack  and Shelley Dumpert share the best restaurants in Buffalo.  

Travel   

Nashville Country--Flooded city cleaned up; offers food, music, and so much more!, by Ron Hurst, is a very long and detailed account of Nashville since the floods of May, 2010. The article includes things to see and do, hotels, restaurants, and more in various parts of the city.    

Chocolate      

Artisan Chocolate Truffles, And The Spices That Love Them 

by Chef Eric Cayton, showcases Lavender.   

Giving Chocolate Gifts. Stephanie Zonis gives us some guidance for giving that perfect chocolate gift. Get as much up-front information as possible, especially the dark-milk-white preference. 

 

Wine

Premiere Bordeaux - La Ville. Jon Rusciano travels "across the pond" to visit wineries but spends some weekend time in the City of Bordeaux. This is part of Jon's My Bordeaux Adventures series.