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Ice Tea or Iced Tea?
Ice Tea or Iced Tea?
“Iced tea may not have as much wisdom as hot tea,
but in summer better a cool and refreshed dullard
than a steamy sweat drenched sage –leave sagacity to the autumn”
Linda Solegato
One of our Serving Partners was revising their menu and asked me “is it Iced or Ice Tea?”
Good question! So I thought I would look into the matter. This lead me to the quote above from Linda Solegato, which, in turn lead me on a slight detour.
Hot Tea
First, the quote. Hot tea does evoke a sense of contemplation. So often we are gifted a few moments as the kettle boils water or the tea is steeping. How many great ideas or other inspirations have come from these ‘Tea Times’. Or what do you call these between times?
I know the time between the honk from the horn of the cab behind you and the light turning green is a New York minute. Maybe I’ll get to that term in a future post, and until then I’m going with Tea Time.
I expect many will respond with the same moments of reflection are found as we refresh oursleves with a tall glass of cold tea. Yes, I am waiting to introduce the title term of this post for a bit of drama, as well as SEO benefits. So, is there wisdom in a cold cuppa? I’ll leave that for yet another possible post.
Linda Solegato
The tangent I mentioned earlier, came after a quick search about the author, Linda Solegato. Who is Linda Solegato and what other gems has she to share? Linda is also credited with a few other non-tea blurbs,
“Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and for the soul.”
“When one of my plants dies, I die a little inside, too.”
“It’s so hot even my fake plants are wilting.”
But, who is this sage? My search lead me to the QuoteGarden website and to by Terri Guillemets. For some reason, unknown to my sleuthing, Linda Solegato is a pseudonoym for Terri Guillemets. She is a life long collector of quotes and her site is fabulous. I plan to return often for more tea quotes for future Sip Locally posts.
Ice Tea or Iced Tea?
But what about refreshing, cold tea. Is it Ice Tea or Iced Tea? That is the question.
I thought a simple search would determine the correct use. And here is a fine time to admit my guilt in using both versions at Local Tea Company along the way. However, I never thought to get to the bottom of this mild mystery. Until now!
Grammarist and Merriam Webster both offer detailed and similiar explanations. Elocution. Both cite ice cream, previously known as iced cream but adjusted for ease of pronounciation. Merriam Webster goes a bit furter (or farther) with nods to Waxed Paper, Skimmed Milk and Boxed Sets. The tea world has not made a commitment just yet. So, both Ice Tea and Iced Tea are both acceptable and interchangeable.
History of Cold Tea
The world of iced tea is not that old. The widely accepted story is of Richard Blechyden at the 1904 World’s Fair in St Louis.
The tale goes, the tea merchant Blechyden had planned on promoting
his fine Indian loose leaf tea. The day was scorching hot and nobody was
interested in his hot tea. He took some ice from the iced cream
vendor next door and added it to all the drinks. This idea proved to be a massive hit and ice(d) tea was born.
French’s Mustard was also introduced at the same 1904 event, handy trivia knowledge put to good use a few weeks ago. French’s Mustard was founded in my home town of Rochester, NY. Throw in Long Island Iced Tea, which just sounds better, and, elocution rules again.
Statistics show 85% of Americans drink iced tea. And in 2010 ice tea actually overtook the Brits in the tea drinking stakes by consuming so much of the iced beverage!
Health Benefits of Ice(d) Tea
There is plenty evidence about the great benefits of drinking tea. Tea contains high
levels of antioxidants called polyphenols which attack the free radicals in our
bodies and stop them from harming our healthy cells.
Do we get more of those antioxidants from hot tea or iced tea? The overwhelming
evidence indicates that higher quality loose leaf tea provide the
most antioxidants (and much better flavor) whichever way you serve them. If you
are among the 65% that use tea bags, you might want to introduce loose tea
into your life and “think out of the bag”
At Local Tea Company we think it is worth the small amount of time and effort to brew your iced tea with loose leaf.
Many of our Serving Partner clients use large tea sacs to make a gallon of ice(d) tea. We call them bullets and use the large T-sac to contain the tea and one ounce of black or green tea to make a gallon. A little more is required for fruit and herbal tisanes.
Cold Brew(ed) Ice(d) Tea
We have always like the cold brew method. That is, add cold water to loose leaf tea and leaving in the fridge overnight. Try this method with some of the old tea bags you have in a drawer. You will be amazed at the flavor, and a better idea than tossing them the next time you clean out your cupboard.
Ice Tea or Iced Tea? It doesn’t matter according to the grammar gods. It all comes back to our very own old adage that I’ll turn into a quote here…
Find the tea you like and drink it.
And drink it often.
Tea is an incredibly healthy beverage and if you like the taste,
you will drink more of it.
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Tea Cozies of (P)interest
Tea Cozies
“And I want a tea cozy. I don’t know what a tea cozy is, but I want one!”
Buffy Summers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy
I dont think Buffy is alone. Many Local Tea Company customers and tea drinkers in general, do not know about tea cozies. Or, they may have heard about Tea cozies but have never seen or used one! They are a very simple yet amazing invention to keep your tea warm in the POT.
It would seem their popularity has waned since the invention of the tea bag which in turn meant less people used a teapot. So, let’s try and get back on track, get the teapots back out, add some good loose tea and bring back the popularity of tea cozy!
Tea Cozies
We have been ‘Pinning’ tea cozies on our Pinterest page for many years. Our Tea Cozies Board has 823 pins at last count! I have added a few here, and check our Pinterest Page to see more.
The history of the tea cozy is not too well documented, though It seems unlikely to me that they were used when teapots first originated as the pots were small and tea was very expensive. When William Pitt the Younger was Prime Minister in 1783 at the tender age of 24, he passed the Commutation Act which lowered the tax on tea, making tea more affordable and no doubt, the teapots bigger!
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More about Mote
More about Mote Beach Tea
Yes, Mote Beach Tea is a delicious caffeine-free herbal fruit infusion. One of our bestselling teas.
As a hot tea, you get a bit of tropical sweetness that can transport you to a hammock near the sea. As an iced tea, Mote is both incredibly refreshing and wonderfully healthy. No sugar added, powerfully hydrating and with hibiscus being one of the ingredients, the tea is packed with vitamins and minerals. And, the red color is gorgeous. You can learn more about Mote Beach tea from an earlier post here.
I want to share some details very dear to my heart about Mote Marine Laboratory. You may know or suspect that we contribute a portion of sales of Mote Beach Tea as a charitable donation back to Mote. Each quarter, I send a report detailing each of the forms we sell the tea in; Biodegradeable sachets, loose leaf and 1 gallon Ice Tea bullets, and our two channels, online purchases and sales to our Serving Partners.
Along with this report I send a check. And every quarter, about a week later, I get a letter from Mote thanking me for the donation and letting me know how much they appreciate our partnership. I also get a sticker, the round blue logo with a shark in the middle. I love getting those stickers, I love getting those letters, and I love working with Mote. To a person, Mote is a group of the highest quality people, all passionate and committed to the world undersea. Read More
Amy Tan Tea
Drink Good Tea!
I take a few quick sips. “This is really good.” And I mean it. I have never tasted tea like this.. It is smooth, pungent and instantly addicting.
“This is from Grand Auntie,” my mother explains. “She told me ‘If I buy cheap tea, then I am saying that my whole life has not been worth something better.’
A few years ago she bought it for herself. One hundred dollars a pound.”
“Your kidding.” I take another sip. It tastes even better.
Amy Tan, The Kitchen God’s Wife
There is some truth to the above passage, you should drink good tea. How much do you pay for tea? I am not suggesting you need to pay $100 dollars a pound for good tea! Price does not always guarantee quality, but generally ‘Good Tea’ is a great investment. Your return on that investment is a smooth and pungent flavor. This depth and consistent flavor is very addictive, and after that, will result in multiple infusions of the leaf!
Life is too Short to Drink Bad Tea
Cheap Tea bag tea is designed for one time use! I have heard tales of a second and even third infusion from a single tea bag. What is the point of weak tea? Drink good tea!
Not so with loose leaf tea. You can certainly get great flavor from a second infusion, and with some teas, even a third infusion and beyond. At Local Tea Company we call this ‘multi-fusion’ or ‘multi-steeping’. You might be interested in a previous blog post about this subject.
Many customers will only infuse or steep a pot or cup of tea once. They then dispose of the leaves, hopefully to a compost bin. Tea was an expensive commodity during my youth in Yorkshire, and from an early age my mum always taught me how to get the most value from loose leaf tea! Who would have thought that the term ‘multifusion’ would later describe this process?
Keep in mind these infusions were always at the same sitting, for instance, at least two cups were the norm in my childhood. I have never had a problem drinking two cups or more. If more than a cuppa poses a problem for you, then keep your leaves fresh by placing them in the refrigerator for use later the same day. I do not advise keeping them beyond a day, in case of spoilage. Just drink more tea!
Drinking more tea is much easier when you have the right tea!
“Your kidding” said the Tea Lady. Local Tea continues to make your ‘TeaLife’ better and better.
‘Tea for the Tillerman’ Part 2 (of 3)
‘Tea for the Tillerman’ Part 2 (of 3)
Let’s make this post ‘Tea for the Tillerman‘ Part 2. And you can expect this to be a 3 – part blog post.
Can someone tell me the difference between a release, remastered and a re-recorded when it comes to musical albums? Well, now I know!
The new, RE-RECORDED album from Yusuf / Cat Stevens is scheduled for RELEASE on September 18th, 2020. In my last blog post, Tea for the Tillerman – 50 years later, I had a wonderful time listening to the REMASTERED version of ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ while considering the album cover.
However, the problem was I thought I was listening to the new RELEASE of the RE-RECORDED album, rather than the REMASTERED version of the original RELEASE. The music sounded great to me, and arguably I was more focused on the cover album and the story.
Yusuf / Cat Stevens Tea
Well, I heard from a few readers, including Team Yusuf / Cat Stevens in Dubai. Thank you all for setting me straight!
- The deer in the background is actually a woman. The same woman bringing the rain and mentioned in the song Tea for the Tillerman. Obvious now when I look closer, but can you see a deer if you squint?
- Tillerman is a farmer or someone who tills the soil. I thought as much, and it is nice to have the details confirmed.
- The tea in the Tillermans mug is an English Breakfast Blend. Prepared as Yusuf enjoys “brewed strong with a cardamom pod dropped in, taken sweet with a dash of milk.” That’s what is in his cuppa.
- Tillerman’s single front tooth is a reference to his (and Yusuf’s) love of sweet things.
Cool, I gladly stand corrected! And enlightened. I always want to know how people take their tea for this Sip Locally blog.
As for the upcoming album due September 18th, there is new artwork. Though, more accurate might be a revised or remastered album cover. The obvous difference is the rich shade of blue connoting nighttime. I’ll wait for the album to share my thoughts on the new cover art. The music will no doubt guide my inspiration of the art.
In addition, I have since learned the producer and nearly all of the musicians are back with Yusuf to rerecord the album. Even cooler!
Tea for the Tillerman Part 2 Album Art
Similarly, here is a nugget about the album
“50 years have passed and the Tillerman has returned back to Earth from his intergalactic adventures, only to discover the world is in need of love and friendship more than ever. Always the optimist, he brews a magnificent tea, ready for those who want to join in creating a moment of calm.”
A nice thought, any moment of calm in these turbulent times.
Thanks again and stay tuned.
Tea for the Tillerman – 50 years later
Yusuf / Cat Stevens Tea?
Yusuf / Cat Stevens released an updated version of ‘Tea for the Tillerman’ this month, adding 50 years of wisdom and maturity to all of the songs.
The songs sound great, Yusuf sounds great, and the lyrics of Tea for the Tillerman are so familiar they reflexively bring memories to mind. But what struck me was my interest in the album cover.
I listen to music, but I rarely have any interest in album, song or track art. Whatever it is called these days. Was this some other instinct from long ago?
Actually, I remembered that Yusuf / Cat Stevens was not only a singer – songwriter 50 years ago, but also an illustrator. So, I wanted to see what he sent out into the world with these songs.
Album Cover Art
I have not spent so much time examining an album cover in a very long time. Of course, “Tea” attracted me at first. But, what kind of tea? Perhaps the lyrics offered some clues, so I listened to the familiar songs as I sought significance from the cover.
Remember ‘tea’ also refers to the meal taken at the end of the day. Glynis and her husband taught me that term, and they still use ‘tea’ to refer to many of their meals. Tea is more than Tea.
But on the album cover the ‘Tillerman’ has a tea pot to go with his mug on the table. Then some milk and sugar it seems. Is the Tillerman waiting to be served his tea?
A tiller-man refers to a person steering a boat, or a farmer tilling the soil. Also, the person that steers the back of a fire truck or holds a ladder.
My guess with the deer in the background, is either a farmer or this guy could be ferrying things across a river or lake. Perhaps this is how he is paid for his services? Isn’t that how we are all compensated, with food and drink for the work we do?
Further, the hat seems less a farmer’s cap and more of a dock hand’s cap, with a feather of either massive significance or just something that was found along the way?
What’s in the Tillerman’s Cuppa?
So, what’s in his cuppa? With a full beard and workmen boots, my guess is something black and strong. If you told me he was drinking herbal tea I would scoff.
I consider this as I revise this post early in the morning, drinking my smoky lapsang souchong with steamed Oatly oat milk and local honey. I bet that would get a scoff out of the Tillerman.
My guess is the milk is fresh from a morning milking. The ‘Big Guy’ could be lactose intolerant, and soaking oats, then straining them for a bit of creaminess with his tea is not that far off or out of the question. What if he farms oats?
The giant sun is up and so this is midday or late afternoon. With the kids climbing a tree, the tillerman looks happy. Are these his children? Perhaps his wife left the kids with him as she went about a chore.
The only thing I can’t explain is the gorgeous white tablecloth perfectly fitting the table. Seems like a special occasion but I can’t make that fit. My guess is that it could have been easier for Cat to draw a covered table rather than trying to illustrate a seated Tillerman?
Or, what if the Tillerman has been working a nearby plot of land that may have been in his family for a few generations? And recently, the acreage was purchased, retiring the laborer to a life of luxury. And with silver in his beard, maybe he is looking after his grandkids?
That might explain the white tablecloth, and this is how he spends his days now. He will be served ‘tea’ to go with his Darjeeling. Or if this is a cuppa green tea, I would guess an Organic Sencha rather than a fruited Goji Green or an Organic Strawberry Smile.
Tea for the Tillerman Lyrics
The album ends with a very short song I did not remember, ‘Tea for the Tillerman’. A bit of a clue, in the opening…
“Bring tea for the Tillerman,
Steak for the Sun
Wine for the woman who made the rain come…”
Okay, so a farmer waiting for his meal?
I have to do this more often, I really enjoyed gazing at this album art while listening to these classics. The album cover for Tea for the Tillerman holds up as well as the music.
Thank you again, Yusuf / Cat Stevens
Cuppa Tea in SRQ #9 – Cafe Evergreen – Nokomis
Cuppa Tea at Cafe Evergreen
For this episode of “Cuppa Tea in SRQ”, now available from our YouTube Channel, we visit Cafe Evergreen in Nokomis where Tristan talks with us.
This is one of our favorite spots, especially after a soak at Warm Mineral Springs. The Beet Reuben is off the charts, and all of their food is creative, ecletic and delicious.
Breakfast is best known for the Evergreen Scrambler with tofu, quinoa, spinach, and more. They also offer a fresh pressed juice bar, along with wheatgrass and ginger shots.
For lunch, check out the the Evergreen Club sandwich, voted Best Vegetarian Sandwich in America by the Restaurant Hospitality Magazine!! And the previously mentioned the Beet Reuben with roasted, pickled beets, house made sauerkraut and a chickpea thousand island dressing. Fantastic!!!
For dinner (or lunch) all the teas are organic, and Local Tea Company created a custom iced tea, Evergreen Peach. Try it. And all the hot teas are served as loose leaf teas in tea pots for the best tea expereince possible. Tristand and his wife likes our Organic Strawberry Smile green tea.
For each episode of ‘Cuppa Tea in SRQ’ we do a ‘Video Visit’ with one of our Serving Partners. It’s short, it’s light and above all, tries to be funny.
Please subscribe and after that, let us know what you think.
Cheers,
Episode #9 Cafe Evergreen – Nokomis
Cuppa Tea in SRQ #8 – The Overton Rosemary District Sarasota
Cuppa Tea at The Overton
For this episode of “Cuppa Tea in SRQ”, now available from our YouTube Channel we visit The Overton in the Rosemary District of Sarasota for a chat with owner Christian Hershman.
When we visited this week, the MTV reality show “Siesta Key” show was wrapping up filming. And, per usual The Overton had a buzz about it. The Overton is Americano, fast casual at its finest. Christian is a ground breaker and The Overton does it again.
The food is “On Trend” and eclectic, but more important, Delicious!!! They do things the Overton Way from the ‘Avo Toast’, thick cut bacon and a porridge along with many other breakkie favorites.
For later in the day, The Roadside Burger is probably the most popular with fresh ground beef by the Butcher Block. The Fries are available in beef tallow or olive oil and the list goes on…
Also, The Overton makes two styles of cold brewed iced teas, a Nitro and a Sparkling. The Nitro is frothy with a thick foam. The Sparkling is a bit bubbly, but not overwhleming. Try them and let us know which on you like better!
For each episode of ‘Cuppa Tea in SRQ’ we do a ‘Video Visit’ with one of our Serving Partners. It’s short, it’s light and above all, tries to be funny.
Please subscribe and after that, let us know what you think.
Cheers,
Episode #8 The Overton in the Rosemary District Sarasota
Cuppa Tea in SRQ #7 – Pastry Arts on Main Street Sarasota
Cuppa Tea at Pastry Arts
For this episode of “Cuppa Tea in SRQ”, now available from our YouTube Channel we visit Main Street Sarasota and Pastry Arts to chat with owner Chip Beeman.
They have a extensive Tea Menu to go with a massive pastry case. All pastries are made from scratch daily, with the espresso muffin most popular. Pastry Arts also serves soups and sandwiches for lunch. Chip is also the owner of Main Bar Sandwich Shop.
The walls are filled with the works from local artist Ron Genta, including a few pieces with the Local tea logo! Pastry Arts is jammed on Saturday mornings during the Sarasota Farmer’s Market. Stop by and enjoy the outdoor seating and watch Sarasota!!
Tea is featured most afternoons as perfect for a break from the office. There is a bit of an afternoon rush when guests stop in for a cuppa and something sweet. Spend some time out front with the rest of Sarasota
For each episode of ‘Cuppa Tea in SRQ’ we do a ‘Video Visit’ with one of our Serving Partners. It’s short, it’s light and above all, tries to be funny.
Please subscribe and after that, let us know what you think.
Cheers,
Episode #7 – Pastry Arts on Main Street Sarasota
Cuppa Tea in SRQ #6 – Bean Coffeehouse in Siesta Key Village
Cuppa Tea at Bean Coffeehouse
For this episode of “Cuppa Tea in Sarasota”, now available from our YouTube Channel we go back to the very beginning to where it all began. The first location of Local Tea Company, and Local Coffee + Tea in the heart of Siesta Key Village for a cuppa tea at the Bean Coffeehouse
The shop, now known as the Bean Coffeehouse was opened in 2007 and you can read more about it in the history section of the Local Tea Co. website. The interior is wildly colorful with many works by local artist Ron Genta.
For this Holiday episode we visit the Bean late in the day, just before closing to chat with Zach and his massive tea menu. They only serve loose leaf teas AND they have a great selection of retail tea packets available.
Where else can you find so many #Rooibos teas to pick from?
Each episode of Cuppa Tea in Sarasota we do a ‘Video Visit’ with one of our Serving Partners. It’s short, it’s light and above all, tries to be funny.
Please subscribe and after that, let us know what you think.
Cheers,
Episode #6 – Bean Coffeehouse in Siesta Key Village
