While at the Newark Museum I picked up a tea, not because I need another to add to my overstocked collection, but because it was a brand I was un-familiar with and was on sale.
The Brand Teatulia the item Earl Of Bengal Tea. Now, I am not fond of any “Earl” but if having to make a choice, Harrod’s Fancy Earl Grey would be in my cup.
As I have an aversion to the “Tea Bag”, I chose to release the tea from the silken pyramid bag before preparing.
Cautiously optimistic a brewed a cup only to have my optimisim dashed.
My tastes lean to a heartier naturally flavorful tea style. This Earl missed the mark. The flavor too light for my palate.
I decided to place it on the shelf for possible cooking inclusion, as it is Organic.
As chance would have it, while attending the International Gift Show, Teatulia was one of the few tea companies represented. I had a chance to speak with the manager and got more information about the brand and an opportunity to taste a few more of their offerings.
This brand is the first USDA-certified Organic garden in Bangladesh.
The packaging is constructed from compostable cannisters, labels made from post-consumer paper, water-based inks & dyes and biodegradable silken pyramids.
I told her of my trial run with “The Earl” and she suggested I try the White Tea. Remarkably, I found it heavier than my usual white with a smooth finish, quite enjoyable and satisfied my hearty tea preference.
She then suggested the Lemongrass which did not make my “keeper list” although it was very flavorful there was a lingering aftertaste which I do not like. Note, since I have not tried many lemongrass herbals I am not sure if this aftertaste comes from the lemongrass itself or this particular brand.
Lastly she offered something I had never tried Tulsi Infusion Tea, I was quite surprised. From their Ayurvedic selections this infusion is a blend of black tea and Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil.
Holy Basil is said to be the cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for over 5000 years rich in antioxidant and adaptogenic properties,and enhances the body’s immune system.
Wikipedia states: Recent studies suggest tulsi may be a COX-2 inhibitor, like many modern painkillers, due to its high concentration of eugenol (1-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene).[4] One study showed it to be an effective treatment for diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels.[5] The same study showed significant reduction in total cholesterol levels with tulsi. Another study showed its beneficial effect on blood glucose levels is due to its antioxidant properties.[6] Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning[7] and cataracts.[8]It has anti-oxidant properties and can repair cells damaged by exposure to radiation.[9]
I do not have a lot of knowledge about the above, but I really enjoyed the very different rich, full-bodied spiciness and sweetness of the infusion and would add it to my list of tea/herbal selections.
The Tetulia brand has a lovely “ad” video on their website about their mission worth noting.
Note:
Photos of the tea leaves and woman with cows were taken from the Tetulia catalogue.
Photo of Tulsi from Wikipedia
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So something good can come out of something bad?
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I have never tried this brand before, and I wouldn’t have given them much thought had it not been for your blog post. Interesting to hear that they are from Bangladesh and the first to be USDA certified organic. The video was well put together, though I’m not sure “unparallelled” tea is the adjective I’d use 😉 Either way, their mission seems laudable.
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I’ve been seeing Teatulia mentioned lately and found it is stocked in a local shop. I think it’s about time I picked up a bit to taste just as you did! However, it sounds like the Earl of Bengal is more my cup of tea than yours. 😉