I was first introduced to loose leaf tea a few years ago. Before then, I equated tea drinking with dumping a pre-portioned bag into hot water and waiting for it to work it’s magic. Then, after +/- two minutes, I’d add copious amounts of sugar and sit back to “enjoy.” Not really.
Hubby has always been a loose leaf tea enthusiast; in fact, it is his preferred souvenir from all his worldly expeditions. Mint tea from a gift shop in Brazil. Red Rooibos Vanilla tea from a tiny corner in Old Montreal. Even a simple Earl Grey Black tea from a popular tea house in London. He was the one who taught me the difference between the preparation of tea and the ritual of tea – appreciating the smell, flavour and serenity that comes from a perfectly steeped cup. When we moved in together, I inherited a small glass teapot, a stainless steel tea ball, and hundreds of paper filters.
Of course, as Mike will tell you, it’s not always practical to jump on a plane to find high quality tea, and unless you happen to have a tea house around the corner, you may wonder how you too can enjoy premium loose tea. That’s why I love RedUmbrella Tea.
Established in 2006, RedUmbrella Tea built its business plan around the concept of high quality tea at fair prices, under the broad objective of becoming Canada’s first and preferred choice to online loose leaf tea purchases. Co-owner Tim explains: “We feel our slogan ‘Indulge for Pleasure. Indulge for Life.’ really represents what we are trying to do at RedUmbrella Tea, by making loose leaf tea as affordable as possible – so it can be enjoyed, but also we try to highlight its many wonderful health benefits, that it can help anyone lead a happier, healthier, more full life.”
Wondering what some of those health benefits are?
Protects against heart disease
Reduces the risk of cancer, especially stomach, esophageal, lung and skin cancer
Reduces Arteriosclerosis
Lowers Blood Pressure
Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol
Fights infections
Promotes against and destroys harmful bacteria and viruses.
Promotes weight loss
Online shopping at RedUmbrella couldn’t be easier. Simply select your category of tea (Black, Oolong, Green, etc.) and you’ll find a variety of premium teas, all portioned into 20+ cups and described for your pleasure. Some of my faves:
Red Rooibos Chocolate Mint
Dramatic mint notes tempered with fruity rooibos. The inclusion of cocoa pieces and organic peppermint give a refreshing palate cleansing finish.
Green Tea Chai
Superb green tea blended with fresh Indian spices for real chai! Delicious, especially with milk and sugar.
Black Forest Black Tea
Piquant and astringent chocolate flavour with lovely cherry and cream notes.
Now according to Mike, who always thinks twice before scooping up specialty tea as he’s married to a frugal mama, RedUmbrella’s prices are some of the most affordable he’s ever seen. He literally giggled with delight when I showed him the website – marvelling at the quality, selection, and above all, price!
And if you aren’t tempted to buy for yourself (how can you not be, with varieties such as Jasmine Flowers tea and Red Rooibos Caramel?) RedUmbrella Tea also offers tea gifts, certificates and accessories for that special tea drinker in your life. I’m particularly loving the “Little Black Book of Tea” – What’s hot? It’s tea, in all its delicious and dizzying varieties! This tribute to tea offers a brisk and full-bodied look at tea varieties and grades, teas or the world, and brewing basics, with 60 recipes. Steep yourself in this user’s guide to tea – the new coffee.
BONUS! Listen to Lena! readers can enter code LENA15 at checkout for a 15% discount on your purchase! Coupon expires September 1st, 2010.
Click here to shop at RedUmbrella Tea.
Contest Time: Start a tea ritual of your own!
One lucky Listen to Lena! reader will win a Six Tin & Tea Book Gift Starter Set (value $44.95)! This is the perfect place to start for those new to loose leaf tea! The set includes six superb loose leaf teas as well as “The Little Black Book of Tea.” This tribute to tea offers a brisk and full-bodied look at tea varieties and grades, teas or the world, and brewing basics, with 60 recipes.
This set features: St. Coombs Ceylon Black Tea, Formosa Oolong Tea, Jasmine Flowers Green Tea, Blueberry White Tea, Organic Rooibos Tea and Tropical Fruit Cocktail Herbal Tea. This all comes packaged in a white box with tissue paper, a handful of loose tea hemp infuser filters, and is ready to gift!
To enter, visit RedUmbrella Tea’s website and choose three (3) teas that peak your interest, OR suggest a tea you’ve enjoyed before to recommend to loose leaf novices. I’ll draw for a winner at the end of the month. Thanks to RedUmbrella Tea for sponsoring the giveaway, and good luck everybody!