... But they never mention taste!

When I read the reviews of some other teas or the companies that produce them I am astounded by the fact that each one seems to find a way to avoid what to my mind is a very basic characteristic of tea .... the flavor!
I wonder what would make them avoid the subject?

You'll notice when we get reviewed the first thing written (as in the one above... thanks Karen Salken) is about taste... this is our focus!
Yes, we do single origin, organic, eco packaging and as much as we care about all these things (and we do! ) what would it matter if the taste wasn't there!
We make a great effort to create unique blends and we go to great lengths to assure that our oolongs are smooth and luxuriant, our greens are crisp & fresh so we are proud when it gets noticed.

So when you hear about other teas that claim this or that ... ask yourself ... " I wonder why they didn't mention taste?

Just read an article titled "Tea gets a quality infusion"

It is a fact that SerendipiTea has done a lot of great work over the years to raise the profile of tea, tea drinkers, single origin, fair trade & organic tea manufacturing, so when I recently read the article quoted in the title of this post I was a bit concerned.
I guess that after just under a year of SerendipiTea returning to Australia it might be expected that some points points about what SerendipiTea does and how we operate that are generally very well known around the world may not have been communicated clearly here in OZ...

Let's try to correct that!

Let it be known, that our mission is to raise the profile of tea & tea drinkers and further single origin, fair trade & organic tea manufacturing and much much more... in general to bring the tea lover out of second class status and into a place where the tea offered is of the same quality that is currently enjoyed by coffee drinkers, this is what our founder Tomislav Podreka had in mind at the start... all those years ago right here in Melbourne!
The accomplishments of Tomislav are well documented through his work with chefs, culinary institutes, tea organizations and plantations world wide.

Now pardon me if I show my passion a bit here but as my job everyday is tea... I know what is available out there and I am also fully aware of the bold steps taken by SerendipiTea to shake up the perception of Tea and to raise this drink out of the shadow... the rather long shadow, cast by coffee in this town (Melbourne) I hope and am trying to bring to an end the day when a bag dropped into a cup of hot water, or sub standard loose leaf served in a stainless hospital grade pot is truly over!
There is much more enjoyment to be had from a great cup of tea than is currently acknowledged.
But ...
It doesn't all go unnoticed... In my last Tea Master Class I was very happy to speak to a room full of tea lovers and future tea lovers that were very interested in how much pleasure could be derived from a cup of tea and stunned by how far the flavor palette can be stretched.
In the end we will continue as we have been, championing the merits of tea and in particular fair trade , single origin & organic tea and now I guess we will redouble our efforts to get in the faces of the foodies.

The Book is Back!

What book you may say...
SerendipiTea : A guide to the varieties, origins and rituals of tea


This informative book, written by Serendipitea's co-founder Tomislav Podreka was originally published in 1998 , this 2nd edition was edited & redesigned by (co-founder of SerendipiTea) Linda Villano.
This book tells the story of tea of all types, passes on a few complementary recipes and through the knowledge Tomislav Podreka has cultivated brings the world of tea to life.
At 152 pages I was sorry to come to the end!

We are very happy to let you know that the book is available for $22.95 at Express Life (143 Greville St Prahran) & online at www.serendipitea.com.au

If you have an interest in tea ... do yourself a favour and pick up a copy.

SerendipiTea Master Class

SerendipiTea held it's first tea master Class Tuesday night in Port Melbourne at the neighborhoods new cafe Seven:am
When Jason of Seven:am came up with the idea of holding a Master Class at his place I was instantly on board, we had been planning a similar event at our place (Express Life ) and we will be holding one soon but I digress...
By 7 pm the room was filled with tea lovers, ready to sample what Serendipitea had to offer.
I had selected 12 blends from our line to talk about and to sample and in just about 2 hours it was going to be tight.

We discussed , look, feel, aroma, and most importantly taste!
I think it went quite well ...
Big thanks go out to Jason , Jacqui & Ben at Seven:am

Stay tuned for our next tasting night.

Winner : Best organic retail outlet in victoria !

No it's not our little shop in Prahran (Maybe some day)
This year during Organic Week the honor went to the fantastic Passion Foods in middle park!
I was lucky enough to be there at the presentation.
Quite an honor for our friends at Passion Foods
Congratulations Steve and crew

SerendipiTea and Seven:am Cafe Present a tea master class

Ok Kids get your datebooks out ... Flip to Tuesday November 10 2009 and mark down in ink SerendipiTea & seven :am tea master class

The night will include:

• Tea information& history
  
• Brewing Tips
• Informative discussions on tea types
• Seven: am's Head chef will provide light dishes

We will be joined on the night by author & Shakuhachi (Japanese Flute) player Camellia Cha who will Play & also read from her book 'Curiosi - Tea'.

This will be a Tea event not to be missed so book in on 90785776 or email jason@sevenam.com.au

Tea Mocktails - Ruby Sipper

Talent can manifest itself in many ways ...
some have a talent for talk, others for graphic arts... it goes on & on ...
I think no matter what your medium is the basic point is the creative is able to take seemingly disparate ideas or things rework them and create a whole new result.
Yesterday while I was meeting with a new client the Barista in the venue (Roberto) was creating an original mock-tail from one of SerendipiTea's tisanes out the back in the kitchen!
He combined Ruby sipper, kiwi fruit, lemon and a few other ingredients & a flair for presentation to create the drink pictured above.
Not too shabby for a few minutes work!
Watch this space for more on the venue and the mixologist.

National Organic Week

In Case you didn't know it today is the start of National Organic Week!
... as it says on the National Organic Week Website

"NOW is 10 days of targeted media and locally-staged activities designed to increase awareness of the benefits of organic products and farming production systems and accelerate the uptake of these in the wider Australian community and environment.

The week will be launched at

Passion Foods an exceptional Organic market at

219 FERRARS STREET, SOUTH MELBOURNE

From the 16th-24th October 2009
Demonstrations In-store Daily

Launched by Ben Hardman MP
Friday 16th October, 2009 at 10.30am
Parliamentary Secretary to the Victorian Minister for Agriculture

I strongly suggest you check out the National Organic Week website and see for yourself how easy it can be to live a bit more sustainably.

October's tea of the month... Par Amour!

October's tea of the month is Par Amour A delicate blend of Strawberry & Hibiscus

This blend will add a bit of joy to your cup!

Crisp, tart & delicate perfect for that midday lift!


So until the end of October when you come into Express life you will receive 10% off boxes of Par Amour.

Words of praise Thanks Authoritea!

We do love it when someone has words of praise for SerendipiTea!!

Our friends at Authoritea have a few nice things to say about our Black & Blue Blend.

Click the pic above or here to check out their blog.

Seven AM Cafe Opens

Yes ... another exceptional cafe joins the "friends of SerendipiTea!
This time it's a brand new Cafe/Restaurant in Bay Street Port Melbourne

Seven AM Cafe
155 Bay Street
Port Melbourne

The doors opened yesterday so it is still early days but the look and feel is already there.
The team at Seven AM have painstakingly renovated their new home into a comfortable, personality filled sanctuary the perfect place to kick back have a great coffee or TEA :)
and see what Ben is cooking up in the kitchen!
There are three words that the staff at Seven AM have come up with to convey their point ...Eat, Drink, Be! I think it says a lot.

I am sure that Seven AM is going to become The place to be in Bay Street , so waste no time ... get in and say Hello to Jase, Ben and the staff at Seven AM, wish them luck and soak up some of the warm atmosphere they have created just for you.

Tea of the month for August

August's tea of the month is Buccaneer! Our very Stimulating & different Organic Black tea with Chocolate, Vanilla, Rooibos & toasted coconut!

This blend will add a bit of surprise to your cup!
The crisp coconut, vanilla & chocolate complement each other perfectly and dance across the base blend of Organic black tea & Rooibos.
A great blend for anytime of day.

So until the end of August when you come into Express life you will receive 10% off Buccaneer.

Tea of the month for June... EXTENDED!

July's tea of the month has been Colonille Our very uplifting Black tea with French Vanilla.
This one has gone so well that we have had to extend it another month!
We thank you all for your response!
So until the end of July when you come into Express life you will receive 10% off Colonille.

As we grow ...

We do from time to time find a venue that loves tea as much as we do.
As we grow and add more and more clients to our family I think it is only right and proper that we let you know a bit about who they are and what they do.




Cafe # 5 website


Cafe # 5 is located in the heart of Melbourne's CBD in the funky Centre Place lane way.
If you have visited Centre place then you know how busy it can get people moving through in both directions to and from work, past the 1/2 dozen or so cafes in that delightful urban bottleneck.
As you enter from the Little Flinders street side the first cafe you'll come across will be Cafe #5
Soups, Panini, muffins , coffee and of course SerendipiTea Teas!
Now it may look busy in #5 but believe me the personal touch is there as their regulars know, Friendly staff and great food for breakfast or lunch what more could you ask for?

The next time you're rushing down Centre Place do yourself a favor and grab a seat, one of Sam's famous Raspberry / white chocolate muffins & a nice cuppa Fiji or Ruby Sipper.

FREE SHIPPING!

We are so happy and proud about our new website that we have decided to celebrate by offering free shipping for online orders in the month of July!
That's any order placed at www.serendipitea.com.au so if you don't know our tea already ... this is a perfect opportunity to get to know us!

SerendipiTea Australia - NEW WEBSITE!!!!

That's right
Our site is now up and functional!!
Now you don't have to come down to our shop in Greville st. (although we love to see you)

Info, images, & online buying are all available at www.serendipitea.com.au
Drop by and take a look, we think you'll like it, sign up to this blog or SerendipiTea newsletter to be notified about special offers.

Tea of the month for June

IS

Colonille

French Vanilla & Vietnamese black tea

A Tasty alternative to a Standard English Breakfast

Sumptuous, graceful & inviting.

A tea that kindles elegant evenings, sweet thoughts & long walks. Beautiful bouquet with a distinct chocolatey taste, coupling the vanilla, finished with a full red colour, rich palate & distinct memory

All month you can purchase Colonille at 10% OFF!

SerendipiTea Australia now on facebook!

Yes that's right you can now find us on Facebook
Now you can get even more info about your favorite tea! Here

Tea of the month for May

Hi all!
Just posting to let you all know that this Month's feature tea is...

Holiday Cheer!

A delicious Apple fruit blend W/ mixed spice ( Peppermint, Cloves, Cardamon, Spearmint, orange peel, Ginger & black tea)
Perfect for the turn of the season!
A warm, fragrant blend of warming spices & festive orange peel, invigorating mint & a touch of black tea for fortitude.

As always we offer this blend to our wholesale customers at a discounted price throughout the month of may, So come out of the cold, grab a seat beside the fire and give it a try ... we know you'll love it

Why choose SerendipiTea?

There are so many tea companies around these days... why would you choose SerendipiTea?
They ALL produce tea so what difference does it make?
One tea is just as good as any other ... Right?

Well... simply put.... No!

Just like wines or coffees there are many factors that make something very simple into something EXTRAORDINARY!

Of course to start with our blends are the reason so many are making the switch to SerendipiTea, as with any product that hopes to be outstanding in it's field the quality has got to start with the ingredients, our teas and tisanes are sourced from the finest single plantations in the locations known to cultivate the best tea varieties and fruits.
And then the blends... 300 + fun distinctive innovative combinations
Yes we have the flavor... but beyond that, we create blends that have a difference!

For example this months "Tea of the month" Ruby Sipper A blood orange tisane that presents bright red in your glass and from the first sip fills your mouth with the tart , crisp, citrus flavor of true blood orange... Now that's different!

Chocolate Teas, Chai's, Fruit Teas and tisanes all blended with one result in mind... to be distinctive.
So ... does tea make a difference?
Yeah... We think it does!

Dannii Minogue Drops in at SerendipiTea!!

Well will wonders never cease?
Two days ago while I was going about my work-a-day who strolls into the shop?
None other than the lovely, talented, delightful, actress, singer, TV Judge ....
Oh I can't draw it out any longer!!!
Dannii Minouge!!! YAY!
* Just in case you have all lost your minds she's the one on the left the guy on the right some "tea guy" (I really did think, at the time that my smile was a lot wider)
To justify putting this on the SerendipiTea blog ... she did take away a box of Tea.
She browsed, chatted and posed for the pic above... and I ran right out and got a lottery ticket after, cause clearly it was my lucky day!
Who would have thought my job would offer me a brush with Dannii!
So you see tea really IS good for you!

Melbourne's Age / Epicure article on SerendipiTea !

I guess it's no surprise that when someone says something nice about us we feel happy & proud, and if words of praise come from such a respected source as The Age - Epicure food supplement ... well we want to shout it out a bit!
We thank the Age for giving us a bit of their coveted space and saying a few nice words about our teas.

Tea & Food Pairings

Occasionally, during my days talking about tea questions arise about pairing tea & food.
Luckily for me SerendipiTea's founder has collected so much information on this subject that we can all benefit from.

Tea, like wines can complement the meals that they are served with and this works across the board ... soups , cheese, meats from the humble burger to full multi-course gastronomic experiences, the right tea can make the difference.

By now most of us have experienced a great sushi or sashimi meal that was only made more memorable when the green tea comes, or Ceylon green along with chili or garlic prawns but there is much more that tea can do to enhance a meal.

So let's take a look at

SerendipiTea & Asian foods

An obvious place to start when pairing teas with Asian food is with seafood.
Gen Mai Cha , Sencha, Temple of heaven, Hojicha & Kokeicha are the obvious choices with fresh seafood dishes. these delicious green teas are perfect matches with seafood and rice.

Pouchong, and lightly oxidized oolongs like Fu Man Chu, Se Chung, Jade Prince Buddha's Finger & Jasmine Yin Hao go particularly well with sweet rich seafood, like lobster & scallops.

Black teas like Ceylon, Darjeeling, Darjeeling 1st & 2nd Flush, Keemun, Nameste & even Bolivian Black will work well with full flavored meats, curries, pastries and darker sauces.

For chicken, meats & food rich with oils or animal fats Pu-erh like Fu Man Chu, Jasmine Yin Hao or Casanova.

Now, there are some tips on pairings with all types of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese meals and more... now get out there (or even at home) and give tea a try ... It will add to the richness of life!
Hey countless billions of people can't be wrong !

More Varieties Now available! The 2nd half

The previous post was only the start...

• Forever Spring - Oolong Tea

This lovely oolong from the Song Bo region in Nantou is produced year-round. Enjoy the
unique blossom-like fragrance & strong honey & pineapple notes.

• Jade Prince - Oolong Tea

Light oxidation & color, sweet flavor with buttery notes & hints of pineapple. From the famed Nantou Province.

• Se Chung - Oolong Tea

A lightly oxidized leaf, this initially nutty oolong reveals the subtle sweetness of brown sugar in its amber cup.

• Gen Mai Cha - Green Tea

During a WWII tea shortage in Japan, the enterprising Japanese added husked rice to the tea leaves to extend the life of their tea supplies serendipitously creating a classic tea enjoyed by countless people around the world. Light green with delicate barley taste.

• Hojicha - Green Tea

Roasted green bancha. A crisp & nutty taste with a light refreshing liquor that accompanies meals perfectly. Familiar & comforting.

• Kokeicha - Green Tea

Intriguing, vibrant Japanese green tea made from powdered Sencha. Mixed with a bit of water, & then pressed through molds producing uniform, spaghetti-like bits. Maximum flavor & benefits.

• Temple of heaven - Green Tea

Made in the pearl or gunpowder tradition, hand-rolled into tiny pellets that unfurl into long green banners of satisfaction. Mildly smoky tea from Zhejiang Province with a fresh, clean palate.

• Fresh Phrase - Strawberry, Hibiscus, Chinese Green

Sweet, aromatic tang of strawberries nestled among the sweet, fresh notes of green tea. A lazy, comfortable tea that gives you a moment & then inspires action!

• Razzle Dazzle 'em - Raspberry, Fruit Blend, Indian Green (Dooars)

Give ‘em the ol’ Raspberry Fruit Blend ~ Razzle Dazzle ‘Em with the sharp, green notes of this Organic, Fair Trade, Single Estate Tea partnered with show-stopping Really Raspberry taking center stage.

• Slow Swing - Blueberry, Fruit Blend, Indian Green (Dooars)

Find your thrill with this easy-sipping Blueberry Blend. Paired with a big enough green base, this cup will lead with the tea then follow with the fruit.

• Smart Tart - Hibiscus, Chinese Green

A winning blend! Hibiscus loaded with vitamin C & Green tea also loaded with vitamin C & a mental stimulant to boot!

• What A Pear! - Pear, Indian Green (Dooars)

Deliciously juicy ~ soft Organic Green Tea blended with tender pieces of Pear! We are grateful to Homer for this divine fruit…not that Homer, but the original.

• Snow White - Apple, White Tea, Pai Mu Dan

This blend will reawaken you from a sweet mid-day slumber. Fill your cup & pucker up.

• Gaucho - Cloves, Cardamom, Ginger, Yerba Mate

A simple embellishment on the staple of the Argentine cowboy. *Yerba Mate contains
Matteine which is similar to Caffeine.

• Yerba Mate' - Yerba Mate
  

Intense grassy & highly stimulating! *Yerba Mate contains Matteine which is similar to Caffeine.

• Chaucer's Cup - Apple, Mango, Cloves, Cardamom, Ginger, Fruit, Spices

A warm fragrant infusion of spices & fruit reminiscent of a traditional mulled spice cider.
Best enjoyed before an open fire!

• Citralicious - Mint, Lemon Myrtle

Tingling, refreshing & invigorating. A stimulating combination that energetically provokes the mind to mischievous thought.

• Eve's Temptation - Apple, Mango

Pure Fruit! Excellent for children or the child within. Sweet & full of flavor - try it hot or iced.

• Fellini's Folly - Mint, Rooibos

Aromatic & tasteful. Seemingly absurb, bizarrely refreshing. The Organic Version.

• Ginger - Ginger

The age-old, tried & true digestive ~ straight forward ginger root.

• Hibiscus - Hibiscus

Sweet tart sensation of flavor, a beautiful open flower that nestles in the bottom of your cup.
Just drop in & top with hot water. Sweeten with honey or enjoy the color & spectacle on its own.

• Monk's Mead - Apple, Mango, Chamomile

Soft, fragrant & nostalgic. For this unusual combination we have to thank Liz. Thanks Liz!

• Par Amour - Strawberry, Hibiscus

Sweet, sharp & enticing, a pairing that is both complimentary & antagonistic. Wonderful hot or iced with a distinct taste that leads the heart to beat a little faster.

• Rubby Sipper - Blood Orange

The aggressive notes of blood orange softened
by the suggestive sweetness of pear create a fruit tisane that is full bodied & refreshing.

• Ssssspicey - Cloves, Cardamom, Ginger, Pepper, Cinnamon

Strong, spicy notes with an aromatic palate & touch of sweetness. An invigorating & warming experience.

• Strawberry Kisses - Chocolate Bits, Vanilla, Strawberry, Rooibos

Do you, by chance, like Chocolate Dipped Strawberries?

New varieties at SerendipiTea Australia!

It is always cause for celebration when we bring new varieties online.
So let's raise our glasses (of Tea) and drink to the new arrivals!

• Fu Man Chu - Jasmine, Pouchong & Organic Pu-erh

Beauty & the beast ~ the luxurious earthiness of Pu-erh serenely cloaks the beautiful jasmine scented pouchong ~ a setting for a palate of contrast & conflict.

• Jasmine Yin Hao - Jasmine, Pouchong

A traditional scented pouchong. This melodic coupling of fragrant petals & light, sweet tea produce a palate for romance.

• Darjeeling 1st Floor -
  

Grown high in the foothills of the Himalayas on the famous Bio-dynamic Makaibari estate, this First Flush Darjeeling has pronounced greenness & strong character - yet is delicate & true. Superb!

• Black Velvet - Ginseng, Peppermint, Licorice Root, Chinese Black

Ginseng, peppermint & licorice teamed with a China black tea deliver a smooth velvet taste
that relaxes & encourages recuperation.

• Black & Blue - Blueberry & Organic China Black

Feeling no pain ~ this burst of blueberry paired with a powerful black punch will sock it to ya every time …in a good way.

• Buccaneer - Coconut, Chocolate Bits, Vanilla, Rooibos, Nilgiri

Exciting on many frontiers. A profusion of flavors that compliment each other enthusiastically.
*Contains trace amounts of Dairy & Sugar
*Gluten-Free; No Trans Fat

• Colonille - Vanilla, Vietnamese Black

Sumptuous, graceful & inviting. A tea that kindles elegant evenings, sweet thoughts & long walks. Beautiful bouquet with a distinct chocolatey taste coupling the vanilla, finished with a full red color, rich palate & distinct memory.

• Holiday Cheer - Peppermint, Mint, Cloves, Cardamom, Ginger, Spearmint, Orange Peel, Chinese Black

Spread some Holiday Cheer this season!
A blend of warming spices, festive orange peel, invigorating mint & a touch of Black Tea for fortitude.

• Lili' uokalani - Apple, Mango, Tropical Fruit, Peach, Papaya, Orange Peel, Chinese Black

Stunningly energetic tea, combines the lush tropical richness & colors of such flavors as
peach, mango, apple, orange & guava. Stunning to see, touch, smell & taste. A superb iced tea.

• Mango Magnus - Mango, Nilgiri

Fine Black leaf combined with sweet aromatic mango ~ a deliciously refreshing afternoon tea or summer iced tea.

• Rumba Riot - Raspberry, Fruit Blend, Keemun

Steamy, hot, alluring, earthy & just sweet enough to keep it safe.
Share this one with The One.

• Slim Mint - Chocolate Bits, Vanilla, Mint, Rooibos, Yunnan

Never has decadence tasted so good without threatening the waistline! Depth, aroma, & taste combined in a delicious medley of health & sensation. A fine way to end a meal or simply
spoil yourself.

• Frankly Stated - Bergamot, Ceylon Black, Chinese Black

Smoky, resonant, powerful & cerebral with the clean, defining taste of bergamot.

• Mademoiselle Grey - Bergamot, Rose (Buds & Petals), Ceylon Black

Classic Earl Grey blended with rose petals ~ gently alluring.

• Mandela Masala - Cloves, Cardamom, Ginger, Cinnamon, Rooibos

Warm, spicy & caffeine-free, this blend makes a fabulous Chai ~ prepare as you would traditional Chai....you might not taste any difference!

• Xocatlatl Chai - Chocolate Bits, Vanilla, Mint, Cloves, Cardamom, Ginger, Pepper, Cinnamon, Rooibos, Assam, Indian Black

Tea, Chai & Chocolate! This luxurious, warm & fragrant combination sips elegantly with or without milk. Don't worry about pronunciation,
we call it X Chai!

• Blossom - Oolong Tea, Hibiscus

Sweet nutty & tart with a distinct color, bright with crimson.

• Buddha's Finger - Oolong Tea

A darker oxidation with rich, deep notes & fruit
pit characteristics.