Tea, Reads, and Recipes | The Whistling Kettle
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General Tea

We've compiled a trove of fun information and stories about our favorite subject: tea! Read on to learn more about our favorites, the history of different teas, and more.

What is a Matcha Tea Ceremony? How to Host Your Own Tea Ceremony

The Japanese tea ceremony (chado, or sado, or chanoyu - "the way of tea") is a traditional ritual based on Taoism (Daoism) and influenced by Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or matcha, is ceremonially prepared by a skilled practitioner and served to a small group of guests in a tranquil setting. It's a bonding experience of mindfulness, respect, and a focus on the present.

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What is the best loose tea for iced tea?

There are hundreds, if not thousands of teas available. Many of them can be iced, but some make better iced teas than others. So out of all these teas, which ones are recommended? We've done the homework for you with over 20 years of experience serving iced teas in our popular tea cafes.

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Artificial and Natural Flavors in Tea Explained

Flavoring tea is a process almost as old as tea itself, and originally flowers and other fragrant botanicals were layered in the tea which readily absorbed their aromas. Jasmine is a classic example. While botanicals, fruits and spices are still used, some blenders use additional flavors to achieve the desired taste.

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How to Make Iced Tea

In this guide, we'll teach you way the many different methods to brewing iced tea. So, grab your favorite tea leaves and some ice cubes as we get ready to savor the coolness, one sip at a time!

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