Discover Niagara Peach: A Taste of Summer
Nestled in the beautiful countryside of the Niagara region, you’ll find lush farmland filled with incredible orchards, including those that produce the famous Niagara Peach. Many people associate this area with its renowned vineyards, but it has a rich history of cultivating delicious fruits—especially peaches. European settlers likely planted the first orchards in the mid-1800s, recognizing the potential of the fertile soil and favorable climate.
The mild weather and long summers have made the Niagara Peach a local treasure. These peaches are larger than their Georgia counterparts and offer a sweet, nectar-like flavor that is simply irresistible. Enjoy them fresh, in desserts, or as a refreshing beverage.
The Perfect Tea Blend
To complement the unique flavor of Niagara Peaches, we use green Sencha tea from Hunan Province, China. Unlike black tea, Sencha is made by steaming the leaves right after harvesting. This method preserves their fresh taste and vibrant color. After steaming, we pan-fry the leaves, giving them a glossy appearance and a distinct flavor.
When brewed, Sencha produces a bright, smooth cup with a delicate sweetness and a honey-like finish. To enhance the peach’s citrus notes, we add delicate white Jasmine petals. This combination creates a refreshing and aromatic blend.
Enjoying Niagara Peach
Whether you enjoy it hot or iced, Niagara Peach captures the essence of summer in the Niagara region. Each sip feels like a walk through sun-kissed orchards, allowing you to savour the rich agricultural heritage of this beautiful area. Indulge in this delightful tea, and let the flavours transport you to a warm, sunny day in Niagara!
Earl Grey Green: A Historical Brew
While Earl Grey black tea honours Charles, the 2nd Earl of Grey, many people don’t realize that Earl Grey green tea celebrates Sir Albert Henry George, the 4th Earl of Grey, who lived from 1851 to 1917 (let’s call him Sir Al). Sir Al served as Canada’s Governor General from 1904 to 1911, representing the Queen of England. It was during this time that the tea bearing his name first came to life.
The Newfoundland Incident
The story begins with a notable visit to Newfoundland, then still part of England. The people of Newfoundland love tea, consuming more cups per capita than anyone else in North America. A grand tea party was planned on the front lawn of the Newfoundland parliament to honour Sir Al. Everything seemed set for success—until disaster struck two days before the event. A lightning strike hit the government’s storage shed, igniting a fire that consumed their entire stock of Earl Grey tea.
Angus’s Quick Thinking
In a stroke of luck, a young lad named Angus McAfee remembered seeing fresh barrels of bergamot at his grandfather’s dock, shipped from the West Indies. He also knew that his other grandfather had just received green gunpowder tea from Ceylon. With just 48 hours to prepare, Angus blended the bergamot with the green tea, creating a unique brew.
The Tea Party
Angus served his innovative blend at the tea party, and Sir Al was thrilled with the results. He was so impressed that he recommended Angus be knighted by the Queen herself. (Unfortunately, no records confirm if Angus ever became Sir Angus.) What delighted Sir Al about the tea? It was the harmonious way the sweet bergamot melded with the slightly smoky profile of the green gunpowder tea.
Raise a Cup
Raise a cup of Earl Grey Green today and savour this delightful blend, rich in history and flavour!
The Allure of the Blue Mango
Throughout history, the Blue Mango has captivated many, including Indian writer David Davidar. In his recent book, The House of Blue Mangoes, he describes the fruit as “astonishingly beautiful.” He notes how the blue mango glints against the dark green leaves of the tree. In Thailand, this fruit has an intriguing name: “The Brahmin Who Sells His Wife.” This name refers to a legend about a Thai man who fell in love with this fruit and sold his wife for a basketful of blue mangoes.
Eastern legend—though its exact origins remain unclear—claims that the flesh of this mango is so sweet that after eating just one, you won’t taste sugar for three days. After trying the pulpy, sweet fruit ourselves, we (Natteas) found this legend to be true. When we discovered this tea, we knew it had to join our collection; leaving it out would be a crime!
The Perfect Tea Blend
This tea boasts a smooth, sweet taste with a honey-like finish that enhances the natural flavour. The base is Sencha, a green tea known for its refreshing character. Sencha’s smoothness comes from its unique processing. While the same plants can produce both green and black teas, green tea skips the fermentation process.
Once picked, the leaves are steamed immediately and bruised by machine or by hand. They are then pan-fried or basket-fired, which gives the tea its glossy appearance. This careful processing results in a fresh and vibrant beverage that bursts with life.
Enjoy the Experience
Try some of this delightful tea today! If you find yourself tempted to sell any family members to buy more, don’t say we didn’t warn you. Indulge in this enchanting blend and savour the unique taste!
The Origins of Hibiscus and Pomegranate
Legend has it that the first mixing of dried hibiscus petals and pomegranate occurred in Hanga Roa, the capital of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island. Polynesian migrants navigated vast stretches of the Pacific in large canoes and likely landed on the island around 400 CE, bringing their customs and cultural artifacts with them. Some believe that hibiscus flowers made the journey as well. For centuries, the islanders lived in peace, erecting the giant statues that the island is famous for. During this time, the beautiful and fragrant hibiscus flourished alongside the growing population. However, pomegranates would not arrive until centuries later.
The ruby-red fruit likely came to the island with slaves deported from Peru in 1870. By then, pomegranates had become well-known in South America, introduced by Jesuit missionaries who cultivated them extensively. The native islanders quickly fell in love with the fruit and began blending its juice with local agricultural products. The harbour, serving as a marketplace, became the site of an innovative marketer who combined hibiscus and pomegranate. This blend produced a flavourful drink, celebrated for its round floral notes and juicy berry astringency—a hit among locals!
A Flavourful Combination
Whether or not the legend holds true, one fact remains: the tart combination of hibiscus and pomegranate is a winner. This superb cup offers a sweet, bright aroma, with supple notes of honey, herbs, and berries. These flavors beautifully contrast with grassy undertones from the green tea, creating a smooth palate-cleansing finish.
In short, this delightful blend deserves its own tall tale, making each sip a fabulous experience worth sharing!
Lucky Dragon Hyson
Lucky Dragon Hyson translates to “Flourishing Spring” and embodies the fresh green character you’d expect from any springtime tea experience. Traditionally, hyson referred to old to medium leaves—those located below the new shoots at the top of the bush—manufactured in a long, twisted, and sometimes almost clam-shaped form.
The addition of the term “young” distinguished this tea made from fresh shoots, signaling better quality and taste. In the 1700s, this variety became so popular that the British Tea Tax was higher for young hyson than for other teas. Lucky Dragon comes from a specific factory that elevates this tea further; although produced in the young hyson style, it surpasses the typical offerings.
The Impact of Taxation
The government quickly recognized the tea’s potential and imposed taxes that remained until the late 1700s. Young hyson faced even higher taxes, leading to various schemes to dodge these costs. Servants in upper-class homes often dried used leaves to resell them. Unscrupulous individuals would “cut” the tea with leaves from trees like beech or hawthorn. Smuggling Chinese tea into England reached a peak in the mid-1700s, with ports in France and Belgium serving as “jump-off” points for clandestine voyages to Cornwall and Wales.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer and the East India Company soon realized the extent of their losses. They understood that only a significant tax cut could make legal imports competitive with contraband tea. This change finally occurred in 1784 with the passing of the Commutation Act, reshaping the tea trade in England.
Enjoy the delightful experience of Lucky Dragon Hyson, a tea steeped in history and flavour!
Vanilla Green
Vanilla is a powerful commodity, and Vanilla Green tea showcases its incredible flavour. The small black pods have built civilizations, created one of the largest brands in history, and even nearly bankrupted a country—all from the humble pod of the vanilla orchid!
When Spanish Conquistadors first encountered vanilla in the “New World,” it already played a significant role in the Aztec economy. The Aztecs cultivated the pod, known as tlilxóchitl or “black flower,” in large forest plantations. The Spaniards, enchanted by its sweet scent and the potential profits, brought tlilxóchitl back to Spain, renaming it vanilla, which means “little pod.” While South America remained the largest vanilla producer until the 19th century, Europeans began to plant vanilla farms throughout southern Europe and eventually in Madagascar, a small island nation off the southeast coast of Africa.
The Spanish first added vanilla to drinking chocolate, but it was an American who turned vanilla into a global sensation. The original 1885 recipe for Coca-Cola relied on vanilla for an exotic touch, and the rest is history. Coca-Cola became a worldwide phenomenon like no other, leading to the introduction of New Coke in 1985.
A Delightful Tea Experience
Here at Natteas, we’re excited to offer a wonderful green tea that harnesses vanilla for its incredible flavour. Our Vanilla Green features high-grown Hyson gunpowder from Sri Lanka, blended with pure vanilla extract. This combination creates a cup that is light, intensely refreshing, and enriched with astringent notes of orchid and honey.
Indulge in Vanilla Green and savour the delightful fusion of flavours that reflect the rich history of vanilla!
Shanghal Lichee Jasmine
Shanghal Lichee Jasmine is a delightful tea that embodies the vibrant blend of tradition and modernity found in Shanghai. Nowhere in China is this mix more evident than in this bustling metropolis. With a population of 14.5 million, Shanghai has transformed its skyline from the low-roofed Shikumen townhouses to the soaring heights of some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Yet, amidst all the hustle and bustle, its citizens still find time to relax and enjoy tea with friends and family.
One of the newest spots to unwind on a lazy Saturday is also one of the city’s oldest areas. The ancient neighbourhood of Xintiandi, which faced decline during China’s communist years, has been reimagined as a trendy, car-free zone. Visitors can stroll along narrow streets, explore historic alleyways, and stop at charming cafés to sip tea—just as people have done in this area for centuries.
A Delightful Tea Blend
Among the popular teas in Xintiandi is the enchanting Shanghal Lichee Jasmine. This blend combines juicy, tart lychee with ethereal jasmine, adding brightness and pizzazz to the grassy green leaves.
The flavor is truly exceptional—tangy notes of lychee dance above the exotic tones of jasmine, intertwined with hints of honey, citrus, and green apple. From the first sip, you’ll understand why this tea has captured the hearts of many.
Whether you’re enjoying it alone or sharing it with friends, Shanghal Lichee Jasmine elevates any gathering. Take a moment to relax, breathe in the aromatic notes, and let this delightful tea transport you to the vibrant streets of Shanghai!
