Nothing Like A Cuppa Tea

I am, what could be called an extreme tea enthusiast. And I'm proud of it. There's nothing more comforting for me than a hot cup of black tea.
I think perhaps it has to do with my upbringing. My parents are both from Eastern Europe, so I've been drinking hot tea regularly since I was a toddler. Sometimes with lemon and sugar, and sometimes with milk. Always hot, though. I've never really enjoyed iced tea.  In my opinion, tea should always be hot.  It brings out all the flavor in the leaves when you steep it well.
My favourite tea is a cup of Earl Grey tea with just a little bit of milk or the lighter tasting Lady Grey. I like Tetley Teas, Stash, and Celestial Seasonings. I do enjoy fruit teas as well. Last time I took a trip to Europe, my aunt took me to a tea shop and I brought home a delicious strawberry loose tea blend. I use it sparingly, as I can only get it in Europe. I regularly order tea with a bit of lemon if I'm eating at a restaurant, but I have to specify "hot". Otherwise, I'll get iced tea.
My sister came back from a study abroad trip to England and brought me the most wonderful loose tea set from the renowned English tea shop Fortnum and Mason   I tend to prefer loose leaf tea to tea bags, since the bag can restrict the flow of the tea leaves.
I received a set of three teas in a cute little canister set.  It included an Earl Grey blend, an Afternoon tea, and a great Royal Blend. My favourite has to be the Royal blend since it has a great strong flavor and you can really taste the Ceylon leaves. The Afternoon Tea has a lighter flavor and the Earl Grey, the classic light citrus like all Earl Grey.
It's really a shame that more Americans do not drink hot tea. In Europe, it's the first thing that's asked when you're welcomed into someone's home. "Tea? How do you take it?" I love it.  Hot tea is great because I feel as if it feeds the soul. It feeds my soul and is great for late night blogging. :)


"Tea is drunk to forget the din of the world.  ~T'ien Yiheng"