Welcome to Mandala Tea

ICED TEA!

There are folks like me who take their tea hot no matter how sweltering the summer day.  But many people turn toward icing their tea during the summer months.  And yep, there are times when even I love to brew up a nice strong batch of Yunnan Beauty or Golden Needle Supreme, add a little organic liquid stevia extract, and serve it up over ice for guests, or after a long run for myself.  If you brew up enough, you can store it in the refrigerator for a day or two and always have on hand should the desire for a nice cold glass of tea arise.

Remember that it is best to brew tea a bit stronger if it is destined to be served with ice to make up for the dilution that will occur as the ice melts.

Simple instructions for iced tea (1 quart):

• Bring two cups of water to a boil, turn off heat.
• Add 4 or 5 teaspoons of tea leaf (quantity of tea will depend on the intensity of the tea you choose and your preferences...experiment!)
• Cover and let steep for 3 to 5 minutes. 
• Strain off the leaf and add 2 more cups of cold water to the base tea.  (the finer the strainer, the clearer your final product will be) 
• Serve over ice and share with your friends! 
• Try garnishing your iced green teas with a sprig of fresh mint leaf. 
• If using a Black or more highly oxidized Oolong, you may try a lemon wedge in the glass, as well. 
• Experiment with different teas and strengths. 

For the times when you desire a sweetened tea, simply add a few drops of organic liquid stevia extract to taste.  Stevia is a wonderful sweetener for it sweetens without messing with the blood sugar! Agave nectar is another option that is more healthful and flavorful than sugar!

You may also wish to try the SUN BREW METHOD!

SUMMER SUN TEA!

We have had several customers rave to us about using the Ginseng Oolong as a sun tea.  Here's the method:

• Place 2 tsp or so per quart in a clear glass jar.  Fill with cool, clean water and place a lid on it.  Don't screw the lid on too tight so that any air might expand and be able to escape during the brewing process. 
• Set the jar in the sun and do your gardening, yardwork or entertaining for 2 to 4 hours. 
• Strain the tea and serve. Pour over ice if you prefer it cool.
• So simple, delicious, and healthful!  Try this method with other teas as well!

 

COLD BREWED TEA!

Most people make tea with very hot water, but did you know that tea may also be brewed with cold water?

• Simply place 4-5 teaspoons of tea leaf in a quart glass jar.
• Fill with clean water and cover tightly. 
• Give the jar some love and place it in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight. 
• Then, simply strain the tea and serve cold or pour over ice.

We like this method with certain Oolongs such as Golden Turtle, Tie Guan Yin, Colored Species, Golden Day Lily, and Dong Ding. 

Please always keep us posted should you try a tea that you think is special so that we might try it and alert other customers, too!