Organic Canadian Breakfast

Description

This tea blend was specially created by The Metropolitan Tea Company Ltd taking into consideration the nuances of the various waters across Canada. To be considered as 'the toast of Canada' from a tea perspective, the tea had to be able to 'shine' in any water. For this reason a broad range of origin teas were used. More than 35 various teas were tasted using the water sent to us from various parts of the country. The tasting session extended more than 2 days until the right blend was achieved which combined the best teas a synergistic relation. A few additional refinements were undertaken the final result was an outstanding tea - the best in Canada, if not North America or the world. The Assam component (2nd flush, June Production) gives a thick malt and full-bodied character. The Kenyan component gives a floral-like cup and coppery infusion whereas the South Indian component gives superb fruity and sprightly flavour with a lovely finish. Lastly, to draw everything together we added some Keemun, which gives a burgundy depth with light oaky notes.

Canada has a history of consuming the best teas in the world. During the 1960's and 1970's, on a world scale, it was Canadian and Irish tea companies that paid the most for the teas, which formed the basis of the blends that were readily available in their respective countries. Sadly, in Canada and to a lesser extent in Ireland, as the tea blenders became older and started retiring, the large tea companies did not see the need to maintain the quality. There were competitive pressures in the market place and these had to be met! Consequently the overall tea quality in Canada declined over the 1980's and 1990's. Luckily, concurrent with the dramatic quality decline there was a tea trading company in existence at the time, named Hayter and Scandrett that trained it's personnel exceedingly well in the fine points of tasting and recognizing quality teas. These personnel carried the blending secrets and knowledge of fine quality tea to The Metropolitan Tea Company Ltd. This knowledge was later transformed into the best tea blend in Canada, resurrecting Canada's long history to drinking and enjoying the world's best teas.
[A tea taster's secret recipe for a pick-me-up on a cold day - make this tea hot as above, pour into a large mug and add 4-5 slices of lemon and 2 heaping teaspoons of sugar - sit back and enjoy a tasty energy boost. To make a special iced tea - after you have added the lemon and sugar, pour this over ice in a tall glass - terrific!]

Steeping Instructions

PRODUCT TYPE: Loose - Black Tea

IDEAL BREWING TEMPERATURE: 100ºC/212ºF

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: For a greater antioxidant benefit brew longer and use more tea.

FOOD SAFETY ADVISORY: We strongly recommend using filtered or freshly drawn cold water brought to a rolling boil when brewing all types of tea. Today's water has been known to carry viruses, parasites and bacteria. Boiling the water will kill these elements and reduce the potential incidence of water-borne illnesses.

Epic Iced Tea Instructions

Tea isn't just served hot!  Iced tea is one of the most refreshing and natural thirst quenchers around the world.  Here is our suggested method of brewing the best iced tea.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea.
3. Steep for 5 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase
8. the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea.
3. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.

Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Pitcher): (To Make 1 Liter/Quart):

1. Place 12 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 6 tea bags into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water.
5. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the tea bags.
6. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
7. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot brew since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water.

HERB & FRUIT ICED TEA BREWING METHOD (Individual Serving):

1. Place 2 slightly heaping teaspoons of herb & fruit blend or 1 tea bag into a teapot for each serving required.
2. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the herb & fruit blend.
3. Cover and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags.
5. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
6. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed herb & fruit tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted.