What is Red Tea and What is a Tisane?

Just got back from Shanghai, and Hong Kong. The luxury hotels in Shanghai and Hong Kong host what I would consider to be the quintessential Traditional Afternoon Tea experience.  The most memorable was at the Peninsula Hotel.  It was in the beautiful lobby of this magnificent hotel and the upper level showered us with melodic sounds from the chamber orchestra.  

I was giddy with delight.  Every bite from the sandwiches to the petite fours was a tantalizing surprise.  

Did you know that in China "red" tea is what we call "black" tea? All Teas come from the same plant called the Camellia sinensis, and like wine, tea comes in different varietals. Although we give herb teas the name "Tea" they are actually not a tea at all since they do not come from the Camellia sinensis plant.  Most places will call "herb tea" if you will a "tisane," which means herb tea.  It's kinda like, in order for Champagne to be called Champagne it has to come from Champagne, France and all the rest are called Sparkling Wines.  So if a "tea" doesn't come from the Camellia sinensis plant, we shouldn't call it tea.

At the Lock Cha Tea Shop in Hong Kong, I attend a Tea appreciation class.   This is where I experienced a Chinese Tea Ceremony.  The British and Chinese cultures although diverse share the same love for tea.  Check out our Facebook page to view the videos. Click on this blue link to view.

I know it's a bit early but the Holidays are rolling around and that means Holiday Parties, Family Get-Togethers, Gift Exchanges, start booking your Holiday Tea times early.

Give us a call 521-9596.

See you at Afternoon Tea,

Michele