Recently we added Persian Rose, Tay Tea's signature blend. You may have noticed that's actually our second Persian tea in our curated collection. The other tea is another beauty, Persian Palace, from Sloane Tea. We were very inspired by the Persian tea culture and found these two teas to be a great representation of how within cultures every family or group has their own recipe or way of making tea. Similar to the countless variations of chai in India.
The subtleness of the flavour, the sweet floral hints and the amazing aroma make rose an incredible ingredient to work with.
The aim for these two teas is not to pit them against one another, but to show you how variations in ingredient strengths can make quite different teas. For me, Persian Palace is a breakfast tea - stronger and spicier, and Persian Rose,is an early afternoon sipper - lighter black tea, more subtle spice, but heavier rose notes.
Nini Ordoubadi, the tea blender behind Tay Tea, shared with us her cultural experience:
"The history of tea clulture in Iran started at the end of the 15th century. Since then, Persians everywhere are great tea drinkers. Tea or "chai " is the national beverage – some would even say the national pastime. In Iran it’s served at the office, in mosques and bazaars. Along with the hammam (bath house), the chai-khaneh or tea house is a fixture from one end of the country to the other.
Tea plays a social role and ends every meal, at which time everyone returns to the living room. The tea leaves infuse in the tea pot, set atop a samovar. The hostess pours a little of this dark liquid into a glass and brings it up to the light to assess its color and strength. Then she pours the very strong tea into small glasses rimmed with silver, set on a silver tray. She dilutes it with boiling water from the samovar to the taste of each guest. The tea is always served piping hot and in small see- through tea glasses - never in mugs!
To sweeten, dates, dried mulberries and raisins are served as are saffron rock candy and sugar cubes.
There's more to drinking tea for Persians than meets the eye. The Persian tea culture is part of a special brand of hospitality which is uniquely Persian. It's about being together with family and friends, relaxing and talking. Taking time out of your day to share with loved ones, reciting poetry, enjoying the pause that tea allows in an otherwise hectic day .
My signature tea blend “Persian Rose “is my personal favorite . This nostalgic and aromatic blend of Ceylon black tea, rose petals, green cardamom and borage & rose buds takes me back to my childhood and the many afternoons spent with family sipping tea , telling stories and relaxing."
You can purchase both teas from us. They're perfect Valentine's selections.
Persian Rose, Tay Tea
Persian Palace, Sloane Fine Tea
Do you have cultural experiences of tea? We'd love to hear them! Please share in the comments.