As a historical artifact, the teapot is as important to the enjoyment of tea as the leaf itself. Choosing the right teapot could be as challenging as choosing the right tea for a special occasion. Most tea lovers like having a collection of different teapots, waiting for the right moment to be used. We discuss the most famous teapots and their historical significance.
Teapots were invented and first used in China and the design is said to be based on the Chinese wine ewer. The first mention of China teapot is seen in a book?which says that the British East India Company officials in 1694 directed to be sent?teapots made in China. They specifically asked these pots to have a grate before the spout. They actually wanted a barrier in place before the beverage was poured in mugs to hold tea leaves behind. This was the first time that teapots with infusers were made.
Tea was introduced to Japan from China by travelling Buddhist monks. Japanese teapot is traditionally known as Kusu while the teapot that was obtained from Yixing was referred to as cha-hu. There have been many shapes and designs of Kyusu in vogue in Japan. It can have a side handle or a handle at the rear.
In rural India, tea is still consumed in earthen pots or cups made of red clay. During formal occasions such as festivals and functions, teapots made of bone china or porcelain are used in different parts of the country. White teapots are standard across the country. A glass teapot set is used at special ceremonies to make a good impression on?guests, served in glass cups and the best table clothes.
The British imported not only tea but also teapots from China and India. English teapots were mostly pear-shaped whereas now nearly any shape and the colour is possible. Who would have thought we would see black, red or even multicoloured?teapots! Or a teapot that sits on top of a matching mug to serve tea for one.
The East India Company introduced not only tea to England but also Chinese teapots to Europe. It was in Germany that first attempt to make earthen teapots similar to those from?Asia was made. They tried to make soft paste porcelain, but they were fragile and often broke when hot tea was poured into them. Eventually, the breakthrough in making teapots was achieved in France where they also decorated these first?teapots with Rococo and elaborate baroque designs.
Turkey is one of the biggest consumers of tea today and also have a rich history of drinking tea and different ways to make tea. Turkish tea drinkers use a double teapot called a ‘caydanlik’, to prepare strong black tea. Water is boiled in the lower pot while dry leaves are placed in the top-pot.
Summer is here and with it your daily dose of vitamin D, and the warmth of the summer sun. However, along with that sun kissed glow comes the suns harmful and damaging UV radiation that can often leave skin looking dull and dry.?Counteracting these effects by drinking tea will allow for their powerful antioxidants, known as polyphenols, to reduce free radical damage and improve overall antioxidant activity. So while its important to keep the sunscreen handy and the SPF high, packing an extra iced tea bag into your summer cooler can provide a great second line of defense.
Next, tea can boost your metabolism and help you feel ready to adorn that new summer swimsuit just in time for summer. Sound too good to be true? Well, research has shown that drinking 3-5 cups of green tea a day inhibits the bodies glucose absorption into fat cells and work to stabilize these glucose levels, reducing overall appetite and working to prevent dramatic insulin spikes, an especially common byproduct of sugary sodas.
Third, and perhaps most obvious, is that drinking more tea will inevitably keep you more hydrated when the temperatures rise and your body needs it most! Debunking the myth that caffeinated teas will actually dehydrate you, studies reveal that even in a tea that is high in caffeine, there is still an overall net gain of fluid. In fact, time and time again, tea has been proven to be as hydrating a choice as water, but packs in an extra punch with its antioxidant density and other health benefits.
Give your workout an extra boost! With summer weather providing a perfect reason to get back outside and exercise, supplementing your workout with tea can increase muscle strength and reduce the risk of injury. The flavonoids found in green tea specifically are shown to reduce the risk of fracture and improve bone formation. Combine this with teas ability to lower blood pressure and use antioxidants to increase the bodies ability to burn fat for fuel and youre well on your way to your healthiest summer yet!
Creating Effective Meetings
Tea is a great uniter, for lack of a better word. Theres no problem or crisis that cant be solved, abated or eased without the help of a cup of tea. TE-A-ME Teas offer variant blends to meet the needs of morning, noon and evening breaks, living up to the new and nontraditional needs of daylong corporate meetings.
The smooth and subtle flavor profile, combined with the ease of preparation; TE-A-ME Teas perform functional role in clearing brain fogs, boost brain function, revive mind and increase focus. Tea has been proven to increase output, without making you too jittery.
Herbal teas, fruit infusions, caffeine free variety serve as a great alternative to Masala Chai, which cannot be consumed at regular intervals.
What you need: Hot water thermos or a similar facility, teacups, and a range of TE-A-ME tea bags. Our tea bags are heat sealed to preserve and protect their characteristic fine taste, that which enables a consistent flavor with every experience. This in addition to light snack, toffees and biscuits will ensure a service that will continually draw your guests for more bookings!
A Healthy Opportunity
Tea ranks as the second most consumed drink, after water. Inclusion of functional ingredients in TE-A-ME blends makes them a perfectly healthy drink, to be consumed any time, any day, for as many times as one feels the need. This brings us to the availability of the finest blends on just the right spots!
A Stay with an Experience: Strategic placement of tea sachets in and around hotel rooms not only cater to consumers that are conscious about making responsible food choices, but also expose a fine taste to those who arent.
A continued premiumisation of Tea has landed the beverage as an exquisite culinary ingredient, specialty drink, menu item, and into sparking beverages and cocktails. TE-A-ME Teas and Infusions can make for a go-to drink in your Spa & Recreational spots and pair perfectly well with the trending plant based diets and salads.
Not to forget, post traveling long distances and walking into a room with the stress of an eventful day, a sight of sparkling tea cups with an anticipation of aromatic warm tea might just be what any guest could ask for.
So what are we waiting for? Experiment away with the placements and usage, maybe the telephone desk, bedside tables, waiting lounges, next to the bar, into the shelves? Help your guests with a range of TE-A-ME Teas to unwind, renew, restore, rejuvenate, relax or cheer. We promise how every sip will have them smiling 🙂