Tea Tasting Time

by Joan Cripps

I received a large basket of fancy teas from a granddaughter for Christmas and wondered, “What to do with them?”

After thinking about it for awhile, I thought maybe the other ladies would have varieties of tea also. So, I called around and sure enough, they did. The idea of a “Purple Hat Ladies Tea Tasting Tea Time” was born.

The plan was to set up outside, but the rain squashed these plans, so we set up inside the Loggie House, a beautiful old Victorian home in Miramichi, New Brunswick.

It was a dreary rainy afternoon as 27 ladies arrived at the Loggie House wearing their fancy hats and gowns. The United Church ladies and friends were our guests for the afternoon. With their arrival came gales of laughter that brightened the dreary day.

After a welcome and introductions, we were ready to start our “Tea Tasting.” But first Lillian read on the "History of Tea" and Marilyn read a couple of poems on "Tea."

The ladies enjoyed these very informative readings. We had quite a few of the teas mentioned in the “History of Tea” as you can see.

The History of Tea

There is a lot of history on tea, so I have chosen bits from various cultures. The story of how the drinking of tea originated is interesting and has merit.

In 2737 B.C. Emperor Shen Nong was visiting a distant region of his realm when he stopped to rest. The servants began to boil water for drink and to wash. By chance, dried leaves from nearby were said to have fallen into the boiling water creating a brownish liquid. When the emperor tasted it and found it to have an interesting, refreshing flavour, they made more. According to legend, this is the beginning of tea drinking.

Many cultures have been influenced by tea —

In 800 A.D. the Chinese wrote the first definite book on tea.

By 1910 hotels began to host Tea Dances. It was here young men and women could meet.

English Breakfast Tea is a fine black tea. Irish Breakfast Tea is considered great among tea drinkers and the stronger the better.

The Dutch would have Tavern Garden Teas. They took their teas outside and were entertained by orchestras while they strolled in the gardens.

It was not until 1690 that tea was available for sale in America. By 1790, it was a special favourite of Colonial women. In June of 1767, a tea tax was introduced and ignited a flame of anger among the colonists. The women refused to buy English tea until the rights of their merchant husbands were restored and the unjust taxes brought into perspective.

Events deteriorated so the men of Boston dressed as Indians, gathered and threw hundreds of pounds of British Tea into the Boston Harbour. Hence the name — Boston Tea Party.

In 1560 A.D. tea made its way into Europe. At that time, tea cost over $100 a pound.

By 1675 it was less expensive and tea drinking became a way of life.

The first sample of tea reached England in 1652. And it became popular enough to replace ale.

The Irish were known to drink their tea all day, served with lots of sugar and milk, never cream.

Caravan Tea was created in Russia. It’s a blend of China and India black teas. Russians are fond of sweet teas, adding jams, honey, lemons and cloves.

Earl Grey is a smoky tea with a hint of sweetness and served plain.

Darjeeling Tea is a full-bodied tea grown in India.

Oolong tea is known as the Champagne of Teas. The highest grade is grown in Taiwan. Adding anything to Oolong tea is unthinkable.

After this introduction to all the different kinds of tea, it was time for tasting.

We proceeded to the dining room where a beautifully set table held a large variety of lovely teapots containing our different teas. Each teapot had a marker indicating the type of tea brewed within. This setting was so beautiful! 

We sipped from dainty demitasse cups and saucers. The ladies decided a Chinese tea was their favourite, Chai Tortoise Green Tea.

After our tea tasting we went to the parlour and settled down for some fun.

Wilma introduced our special guest the "Legendary Miramichi Kangaroo." This time she had a surprise for us, as in her pouch were twin Roo's and they were wearing purple hats just like their mom. A bloke (Lew) from Australia sent me this inflatable kangaroo. Wilma made the pouch for the twins.

Wilma then introduced our Mascot, Mira, short for the beautiful Miramichi. Mira is a beautiful doll all dressed in purple with a lovely purple hat.

The Program for the Afternoon

Joanne and Maureen acted out “The Language of the Fan.”

Joan acted out  “Flour Sack Underwear” in costume.

Bobbie performed the "Rum Cake recipe." This is a fun recipe with ladies taking part.

Joanne acted out  “Pa’s Underwear” in costume.

Bobbie recited her "Exercise" poem she wrote. This is a fun exercise the ladies did sitting down.

Matilda played a medley on her fiddle including Ave Maria, Loggieville Two-Step, and another one she wrote for a wedding. Matilda always adds to the enjoyment of our Tea Times. She is 84 and still composes her own music.

I read poetry to fill in the afternoon.

Betty announced our Grace, sung to the tune of Edelweiss. A delightful tea was enjoyed with lots of goodies and our speciality, scones, clotted cream and jams. Florence and Maureen poured.

One lady mentioned she had her grandmother’s cup and saucer that hadn’t been used in 50 years. Another said it was the first time she wore a long gown. Still another lady was a Red Hatter, who wears her Red Hat when she goes to Florida for the winter, and will wear her Purple Hat when home for the summer.

Everyone agreed it was a different, beautiful and elegant afternoon. They were so glad they didn’t miss it.

I’d be glad to help anyone interested in having a Tea Tasting Tea Time by sharing my material.

Joan Cripps of Chatham, New Brunswick, is a frequent contributor to Bread 'n Molasses. She's also the founder of the Purple Hat Ladies Tea Society, a group she formed in 2001. Email Joan at rayjoanc@nbnet.nb.ca

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