The Tea Scoop

Republic of Tea

At George Mason University, where I was an undergrad and am now a grad student, there are several coffeeshops. They serve either Tazo or Republic of Tea, and so, over the years I've spent there, I've consumed quite a bit Republic of Tea.  In addition, when Teavana discontinued their Rose Congo, I switched to Republic of Tea's loose leaf version. Fabulous.  I also started reading a book by the founders of Republic of Tea about starting the company, and while I'm not into business books, it’s actually pretty interesting. 

That said, it had been awhile since I visited Republic of Tea’s website. Then, recently while writing an updated article about my favorite tea companies, I started poking around.  And the more I poke, the more pleased I am.  

For one thing, they have one of the largest selections of socially conscious teas that I have ever seen. Ten certified organic teas. Five certified Fair Trade teas. Thirteen products benefiting breast cancer research. In fact, they have a whole collection of teas that give back to non-profit organizations. And a seemingly endless collection of Kosher products. All that just makes me feel really good. On the taste side, they have pretty reasonable prices, and an extremely wide selection to please many palates.  Many of the products are also available in grocery stores, the only option for many consumers.

In addition to tea, they sell quite a few accessories and tasty treats. One of my long-time addictions is the Cinnamon Plum Tea Jam. It tastes almost like homemade. In fact, better. I’m also intrigued by the Chai Spice Honey for tea. Even more intriguing? The Stir Fry set, which includes oil cold-pressed from tea leaves and Stir Fry Tea Spice including gunpowder tea and other spices.

All in all, I think the Republic of Tea is going to get quite a bit more of my business, since I like to support everything that they are doing.  

Republic of Tea's Cranberry Blood Orange

After reading Liquid Jade, which addresses many of the current social issues of the tea industry, I am especially interested in Fair Trade Certified teas. Therefore, I was quite excited to receive some of Republic of Tea's Fair Trade Certified Cranberry Blood Orange Black Tea in my tea swap box (along with about twenty other kinds of tea, so stay tuned). 

I love orange. A lot, as you may have noticed from that Chocolate Orange Truffle post.  Unfortunately, this tea lacked much orange flavor, dominated as it was by the cranberry.  I couldn't taste much other than cranberry, including the black tea base. 

As much as I like Fair Trade, I'll have to pass on this one for now. However, there are a multitude of goodies still in my tea swap box, and I can't wait to dive in further. 

Republic of Tea's Tea Jam

It seems like everything is being made with tea these days, from soap to incense to food. This article, however, is about a condiment that I was introduced to and am now hooked on, called Tea Jam.

This delightful item is put out by The Republic of Tea , and comes in five flavors: Cinnamon Plum, Pink Grapefruit, Ginger Peach, Blackberry Sage, and Raspberry Quince. My personal favorite is the Cinnamon Plum, which I am so hooked on, I have neglected to try any other flavor.

So what makes this jam so special? Instead of boiling the fruit in water, which is how the average jam is made, it is boiled in tea. That in itself makes the jam much more flavorful, but the amount of actual fruit in the jam only adds to the delight. If you like smooth jellies, this is not for you, but if you prefer thicker jams, definitely give this a gander. It's much more like homemade jam than Smucker's could ever produce, but with a twist.

Another positive quality? (As if taste weren't enough) This jam is made with all natural ingredients. Try it as a glaze or on ice cream, or with Devonshire cream on your next scone!