Let’s Talk About Tea Bagging.

Personally, I prefer steeping fresh herbs, still, there are a few tea bags and loose leaves that I love to enjoy.

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

I’ll drink tea any time of day. Teabags are easy and can be conveniently steeped on the go. For me, the process of drawing a fresh cup is a ritual not to be disturbed by time or being in a hurry. Some tea companies try to preserve the freshness of herbs via packaging so that their teas can taste and smell like it was freshly unearthed and then steamed.

I could have my way, my second choice would be to have a butler just for making freshly brewed teas on the go for me whenever the time refuses to allow me the pleasure of doing it myself. A girl must dream! And I don't practice dreaming of frivolous things.

I dream sentimentally. And my dreamiest desire for tea is to be able to travel the world and drink endless cups of the warmest, smoothest teas the minerals of the earth as to offer. To learn about and experience all the healing properties of herbal and other holistic teas, and even just to breathe in diverse palates of aromas. To learn about the histories and cultures of the best teas makers and their preferred choices of teas. And probably meet a few of them and record their stories, with permission of course.

I am also fascinated with fine china and pottery. A fitting combination when it comes to tea drinking. I just bought a new kettle, stovetop only. I think electric kettles are lame and don't add anything to the ritual of tea making. A metal teapot on an open flame is a very important element in the art of making tea. Next are the ingredients and intentions that we hold while patiently waiting for nature's magic to be released.

Fresh leaf and petals, Rind and Peel Teas

Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash

Some of the best teas are made from fresh, non-dried, unwilted leaves, rinds and peels from some citrus fruits. I love oranges. They are a fresh juicy fun way to fill up on water, energy and vitamin c. I also have fun peeling off the skin in one go, by hand with a knife. It is a skill I share with most Caribbeans. A work of heart developed from having nerves of steel and from hundreds of knife…