Here's the TEA

The story of tea starts in 2737 BC in China and continues to this day here at Parkwood. People drink tea in many different ways that can range from an artistic traditional tea ceremony to rush-hour drive-thru pickups.

Tea can be brewed in many ways, from cold brews that sit overnight, quick hot brews, specialty pots and special processes. No matter how you like your tea, the ritual of slow brewing or having your tea on the go can make or break your day. I always know how my day is going to go depending on how my tea turns out in the morning!

Here at Parkwood, tea holds a special place in our memory. Adelaide McLaughlin hosted teas throughout the year, including her Chrysanthemum Tea that could see about 800 people over the weekend. We honour that memory by hosting special teas here at Parkwood. 

Birchall for All!

With eyes closed, tea lovers can identify the difference between a cup of Tetley's, Barry's Tea and Yorkshire Gold. I am certain that we all have strong opinions on which is best. But now, I would like to throw another tea bag into the mix. Birchall. 

Birchall Tea is a family-owned and operated tea company based in the UK. For generations, they have sourced their black teas from East Africa. The region's high altitude, volcanic soil and abundant rain help to grow tea with imense flavour and character. Once the tea leaves are harvested, they are transported to the Birchall's solar-powered factory in the UK, where they can be processed into black tea. Their mission to create the best-tasting and sustainable tea has won them 101 Great Tase awards since 2011. 

Once you have chosen your flavour whether something new or your tried and true, all that is left is to steep it in your favourite cup.

How to steep the perfect cup

Green Tea

• Never use boiling water; it should be at max 175°F (80°C)
• Steep for 2 to 3 Minutes for Chinese Green Teas and 1 to 2 minutes for Japanese Green Teas

Matcha Tea

• Whisk the matcha powder in how water between 175°F and 185°F (80°C – 85°C) for 1 to 2 minutes until it is dissolved and frothy

Herbal Tea

• Can be steeped for 5 to 15 minutes with freshly boiled water of 212°F or 100°C
• Chamomile and Hibiscus - 5 to 7 minutes
• Peppermint, Lemon Balm, Rooibos - 5 to 10 minutes
• Ginger, Cinnamon, Fennel - 10 to 15 minutes

Black Tea

• In near-boiling water about 212°F or 100°C for 3 to 5 minutes if brewing hot
• For cold brewing, the tea leaves should be left in cold water for 12 hours
  

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