Thursday, February 19, 2009

Drinking tea all day


My list:

Two botanicals
One pu-erh
Three pu-erh blends
Silver Needle
Osthmanthus Huang Guan Yin

I never really count the different teas I consume in one day. I think about specific experiences such as my favorite fifth infusion of Ba Xian. It is my reoccurring favorite infusion. There is something magical that happens once those leaves open and release the intoxicating floral notes that dance their way to fruity notes. For me, it is at that fifth infusion that the ballerina is thrown into the air and the crowd collectively gasps. Together they dance from the first infusion to the thirteenth infusion. Twirling together like well rehearsed ballroom veterans.

Back to reality and my original list....

Yesterday I drank eight different teas. Since my beginnings here at Rishi Tea I have tried to immerse myself in as much tea as possible. It is my job to be able to have tried all teas in different ways. I dabble with the website but my passion is the end consumer and the knowledge I can share with them.

I find myself rambling about processing styles, origin and mouthfeel all the time. At the dinner table I can talk through a whole meal about the tea we paired with dinner or about the tea that I happened to have infused in that night's dinner.

More and more tea is becoming a passion for me, it is no longer just my job. I find myself infusing food, making kombucha and now there is talk of some candle making! I compost it, I make iced tea, I send it across the country to my family and most importantly, I enjoy it.

I enjoy every aspect of it. I have a passion for people, plants and food. Tea ties in all three. I consider it a food because of the nourishment it brings my body and soul. I feel the ancient connection in the care our partners have taken in preserving ancient varietals and ancient techniques. I can taste the care and the love they have and I love sharing it with others.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Tea 102 @ Whole Foods Bowery Culinary Center


Join Rishi Tea at the Whole Foods Bowery Culinary Center in New York on Saturday March 7th!

While all tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, each tea possesses a unique flavor and style that reflects its particular origin, varietal, vintage and artisanal method of processing.

Travel the world of tea through a tasting and photo presentation led by tea buyer and photojournalist for Rishi Tea, Sean O'Leary.

Tea 102: The Taste of Origin with Rishi Tea @ Whole Foods Bowery Culinary Center, New York. Saturday March 7th from 2:00 pm - 3:30, lecture and tasting $15.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Go! Organic for Earth Day Rishi Giveaway!

For centuries, traditional teas were produced using completely organic farming methods. Rishi Tea upholds traditional processing techniques by offering Certified Organic loose-leaf teas, direct from tea gardens around the world. Rishi’s Organic Tea Sets include two of our best selling Fair Trade Certified green or black teas, artisan teaware, beautifully presented in a sustainable hand-woven bamboo box. Go organic and enjoy truly natural tea today and for generations to come.

Sign up for the Go! Organic
Monthly Newsletter to be entered into the giveaway.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Clean Water Fund Donation a Success!


Clean water is vital to our health. Recognizing the dire need for stricter water quality, Rishi Tea teamed up with Clean Water Fund, a grass roots organization working to protect and restore America's waters. With giving season in mind, we thought it'd be nice to donate 25% of the profits of each sale of our limited winter seasonal blend to their wonderful efforts.

We're thrilled to report that the sales of Organic Cinnamon Plum raised over $4,200 for Clean Water Fund! Thanks to everyone who purchased, gifted, sold, drank, spread the word and came back for more!

It was a pleasure working with Clean Water Fund and taking action towards a cleaner future for all.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Walker Tea Review on Rishi's Organic Silver Needle

Jason from Walker Tea Review gives high reviews to our Organic Silver Needle white tea! Watch the video for a detailed tea tasting and review.