It’s a soft, mild, perfect summer evening. As I water the garden in my yard’s leafy glade, the air is thick with the smell of sweet perfume. The roses are in bloom, and they are magnificent. I take a deep breath and I am filled with their beautiful bouquet.
Somehow the aroma is not enough, I need something more, perhaps the use of another sense to experience this heavenly aroma. I need to taste it - drink it in. Ah yes, a cup of rose tea.
A while back a friend had given me a package of Eastern Shore Tea Company’s Victorian Rose Tea and I must admit it is grand. Made with a heady blend of fine teas, hibiscus, rose hips and rose petals, Victorian Rose Tea is an elegant blend to be savored on its own or with a delicate tea cake. A steamy pot of Victorian Rose Tea with a drizzle of lavender honey is soothing to the soul and stimulating to the senses. A true pleasure.
Tea production begins with certified pesticide-free full leaf tea cut in a hammermill. Tea bag production uses oxygen whitened bags, with tags made from unbleached paper, natural string (no staples), and soy ink. They are then packaged in heat sealed foil pouches and hand packed in over-wrapped tea boxes or in gift bags with hand tied ribbon. Caffeinated and naturally decaffeinated (chemical-free) teas are gluten-free.
As much as I love this tea hot by the cup (or pot) it’s invigorating iced with a sprig of lavender or mint. Brew a cup of decaffeinated rose tea to use in place of stock to create a sauce for a chicken or lamb dish. Substitute rose tea in place of water and your steamed rice will come to life. Making granita or ice cream? Rose tea will add a new aromatic excitement to your desserts.
So select your best china, find a relaxing place to read a good book, water the garden or take the time to simply smell the roses. And enjoy a cup of Victorian Rose Tea. Ah!
