No tea travel to British Columbia is complete without visiting Butchart Gardens. Of course, the almost miraculous transformation of what was once a barren quarry to this slice of epic landscaped heaven is the main attraction, but there’s a special place in my heart for their afternoon tea. It’s only served in the Spring and Summer. You can visit the gardens all year long, but the spring and summer are the best times to see the gardens in full bloom.

You must first buy admission into the gardens themselves, then you’re off to a delicious adventure. The dining room in housed in the old quarters where the Butchart family once lived. Jennie Butchart was the visionary who transformed her garden and the former mansion is nothing to sneeze at either.

The tea room is set in a charming solarium with incredible views of her private garden.

(Thank you to the wonderful General Manager, who allowed me to take a few shots after hours)

I chose Earl Gray for my tea, because I just can’t stop myself when I smell Bergamot. The Bergamot orange looks more like a fat lemon. Grown in Italy, France and Turkey, it’s the oil from the skin that flavors the tea. It’s been studied  for it’s neuroprotective properties. But the data is still new and drinking Earl Grey tea, while known to be a great pick-me up, most likely won’t help with neurological disorders. But in the future? Many medicines are made from natural sources, so who knows?

Let’s not forget the goodies. Of Note:  Berry Trifle, Maple ham on a cheddar scone, and chocolate Baily’s cream truffle. The sausage and Gruyere cheese quiche, pictured below, look at how flaky the crust is, which in my mind is a must for a good quiche:

You can find the entire menu on the website at:

http://www.butchartgardens.com/dining/experience

Also Try: “The Dining Room has been praised for an innovative pairing of wines with The 2011 TASTE Wine List Award for Best Showcase of Island Wines, recognizing a wine list that best showcased the wines of Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.”

From the moment you arrive in Victoria B.C., and pull into arguably one of the most beautiful harbors in the world, you are treated to the breathtaking aura that is one of the most popular tea spots in the world. From the practical ferries, to the tall masted schooners, to the little water taxis, this working harbor shuffles millions of visitors per year to this Eden-like town.

And one of the jewels in the crown that is Victoria, is the Empress Hotel, with it’s world famous Tea Room where afternoon high-tea is so highly regarded, it’s practically a sin to stop in Victoria and not experience it. 

The first time I luxuriated in the ritual was when I was a teen. Nearly four decades later on a family vacation I was excited to be back, bathed in the warmth of the rich chintz and hand carved wood furniture, antique rugs and crisp linens and deep velvet.

After tea, a walk around the lobby is a must. There’s a tea shop right across the way with exquisite gifts and unique items. My favorite were the tea cup sets you may buy separately by the piece so you can walk out with several patterns to liven your collection.

For more information, click on the link below.

http://www.fairmont.com/empress-victoria/dining/afternoontea/

It’s thick, creamy, ice cold and yummy. And very sweet. Bubble teas are spreading around the world  because they are a great pick-me-up with less caffeine than coffee drinks and the tea adds antioxidants. But they are high-caloric and packed with sugar.  This delicious mango/green tea I sampled in a British Columbia mall, was exquisite.

SO WHAT ARE THOSE BLACK THINGS ANYWAY?

Call it wild, but those large black roe-like objects are the bubbles in bubble tea.  Little black gummy spheres of tasteless tapioca. Bubble teas originated in Taiwan and there’s really no rhyme or reason for them being there but they are fun. Be careful sipping, the straws are large to ensure they can slip through, so you can get the full gooey bite, but if you aren’t careful, you can inhale one.

Bubble tea is fun but personally, I think the tapioca is a nuisance. And no, you can’t order it without them. Next time, I’ll opt for a smoothie. And in case you’re wondering yes we sell it in our SHOP because some people love it and it really is a matter of taste preference.

White Tea Antioxidants-Antioxidants: protect the body from damage by free radicals. Free radicals go around wreaking havoc on your body, damaging DNA and accelerating aging. Antioxidants help neutralize them. White tea is loaded with these protective nutrients.
Cancer Prevention-White tea is found to have a profound power against cancer-causing cells and against many different types of cancer, such as colon, prostate, and stomach cancers. Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones. In some cases, white tea has been found to work as well as prescription drugs, but without the side effects.
Lower Blood Pressure-Studies show that white tea can thin the blood and improve artery function. It helps lower high blood pressure. By promoting strong and healthy blood vessels, white tea guards against the ravages of stroke.
Lower Cholesterol-Catechins, another group of antioxidants, have been found to reduce cholesterol, and white tea is teeming with them. Cholesterol is a special type of fat and is necessary for health. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, and white tea increases the good while decreasing the bad. This helps prevent hardening of the arteries and blockage of blood flow.
Heart Protection-By thinning the blood, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol, white tea protects the heart and the entire circulatory system. Researchers have also discovered that people who drink 2 or more cups of tea a day are almost 50% less likely to die after suffering a heart attack. White tea is truly a remarkable heart tonic.
Stronger Bones-Studies have found that people who drank tea regularly had greater bone density and strength than non-drinkers. White tea may also have beneficial effects for sufferers of arthritis and osteoporosis.
Antibacterial & Antiviral-White tea is a natural killer of bacteria and viruses. The antioxidants so abundant in white tea tone the entire immune system, providing protection against a variety of invaders and a wide range of diseases. Its helps guard against the common cold and flu, and can ease the symptoms of HIV.
Healthy Teeth & Gums-White tea contains small amounts of fluoride and other nutrients which keeps the teeth strong and healthy. It also kills the bacteria which causes plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Healthy Skin-Free radicals from staying out in the sun too long, stress, and a poor diet can damage the skin and cause it to prematurely age. By scavenging these free radicals, white tea protects the skin and helps to reverse some of the damage. Drinking white tea promotes healthy and radiant skin.

The most well-known health benefits of oolong tea are its effect on the prevention of obesity and active contribution in weight loss.

Other health benefits include:

• assisting in combating the aging of skin
• preventing heart disease and cancer
• reducing high blood pressure
• prolonging and improving vitality and life span
• strengthening teeth and prevent tooth decay
• relieving physical and mental stress
• treating skin problems such as eczema and rashes
• improving brain power
• lowering blood sugar levels
• treatment for diabetes patients*

*Information obtained from http://www.oolongteainfo.com/

Thanks to a potent plant nutrient called epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, green tea is proving that food (or beverage, in this case) really is the best medicine. Here are several reasons to start drinking green tea today or to keep drinking it if you’re already hooked:

Lower Cholesterol-It prevents cholesterol build-up in arteries and helps prevent cardiovascular disease.
Slows Breast Cancer-Green Tea helps slow breast cancer growth. New research found that EGCG inhibited cancer cell metabolism in breast tumors.
Skin Protection-It helps to protect the skin against UV damage. It may prevent skin damage and wrinkling. EGCG appears to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E at destroying skin-damaging free radicals. Free radicals react with healthy cells in the body, causing damage so lessening their numbers may help reduce wrinkling and other signs of aging.
Burn Fat-Green tea is an overall fat buster and helps burn belly fat. EGCG in green tea activates fat-burning genes in the abdomen to speed up weight loss by 77%.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar-Green Tea keeps energy stable by balancing blood sugar levels. EGCG improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes that can result in fatigue, irritability, and cravings for unhealthy foods.
Cancer Prevention-EGCG helps slow the progression of several different types of cancer cells, including lung cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer.*
Green tea is forbidden for people with Multiple Myeloma(MM) if they use the drug Bortezomib (Velcade)or similar**
*Information obtained from http://www.care2.com

**Information obtained from Wikipedia and supported by several different websites…please check with your Dr. before consuming Green tea if you suffer from MM

Cardiovascular Health-Black tea is abundant in antioxidants, such as flavonoids, demonstrated to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, preventing damage in both the bloodstream and at artery walls, and lowering the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it has been shown that black tea flavonoids are able to both improve coronary vasodilation and reduce clots. Polypehnols found in black tea are also very strong antioxidants, and the manganese in black tea may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by helping cardiac muscle function.
Cancer Prevention-Polyphenols in tea seem to help in preventing formation of potential carcinogens in the body, particularly in certain types of cancer, such as ovarian, lung, prostate, colorectal, and bladder. Other studies reveal that black tea may help prevent stomach, prostate, and breast cancer. A compound in black tea called TF-2 causes such cancer cells to go into apoptosis (programmed cell death) while normal cells remain unaffected. One study on oral cancer showed that consuming black tea can significantly reduce the risk of oral cancer, particularly in those who smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products.
Skin & Hair Health-The antioxidants in black tea may help keep your skin from being plagued by acne, and in some cases have been demonstrated to function equally as well as the harsher benzoyl peroxide used in so many skin products.
Bone & Connective Tissue-Studies indicate that the bones of regular tea drinkers are stronger than those of non-tea drinkers, even when other variables were adjusted for. Scientists theorize it may be an effect of the powerful tea’s phytochemicals.
Digestive Tract Health-The tannins in tea have a therapeutic effect on gastric and intestinal illnesses and make it a great digestive aid, used in China as such for thousands of years. These tannins decrease intestinal activity and exercise an antidiarrheal effect. The polyphenols in green tea have been demonstrated to have an effect on intestinal inflammation suffered by people afflicted with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
Brain and Nervous System-Unlike high levels of caffeine found in coffee, the low amounts in black tea promote blood flow in the brain without over stimulating the heart. The caffeine in black tea hones mental focus and concentration and studies show that the amino acid L-theanine found in black tea can help you relax and concentrate more fully on tasks. Black tea has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol after a month of drinking four cups of tea daily. The caffeine in black tea might also give your memory the boost it needs for a few hours and some studies suggest that a regular tea habit may help protect against Parkinson’s disease.
Increased Energy-In moderation caffeine can be a benefit – in black tea it stimulates the metabolism, increases brain function and aids alertness. The caffeine in tea acts as more of a subtle stimulant, taking more than a few minutes to take effect, rather than hitting your system as quickly as coffee or cola. This effect is assisted by another compound found only in tea, theophylline. While caffeine chiefly targets the brain and muscles, theophylline stimulates the respiratory system, heart and kidneys. This helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Oral Health-Research suggests that catechin antioxidants in black tea may reduce oral cancers. Tea’s polyphenols and tannin perform as antibiotics, preventing bacteria that cause tooth decay, and the polyphenols in tea can help to keep in check the bacteria that cause bad breath.
Immune System-Tea is full of substances called “tannins,” which studies have shown have the ability to fight viruses such as influenza, dysentery and hepatitis. One such tannin named “catechin” helps suppress tumors. Black tea also contains alkylamine antigens, which help boost immune response.

*Information obtained from www.healthdiaries.com

Water is the most consumed beverage in the world, followed by tea.

On the Mountain of Fragrant Bamboo, In China, grows the oldest wild tea plant in the world. It is rumored to be 3200 years old!

Tea bags were introduced in 1908 in New York. They were originally made from silk.

Decaf tea is created by using Carbon dioxide because it is a safe, natural byproduct and leaves no residue.

Most of the caffeine content in a cup of tea is released in the first 30 seconds of brewing.

Iced tea was invented by accident at the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904. The commissioner of tea for India was trying to get people to sample his tea, but because of the heat, no one wanted to indulge. “In desperation, he poured in some ice, creating one of the most popular beverages of all at the fair-iced tea.”

Source: Tea Culture by Beverly Durbin

“Honestly, if you’re given the choice between Armageddon or tea, you don’t say ‘what kind of tea?”

Neil Gaiman

“Arthur blinked at the screens and felt he was missing something important. Suddenly he realized what it was.

“Is there any tea on this spaceship?” he asked.”
― Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

“When tea becomes ritual, it takes its place at the heart of our ability to see greatness in small things. Where is beauty to be found? In great things that, like everything else, are doomed to die, or in small things that aspire to nothing, yet know how to set a jewel of infinity in a single moment?”
― Muriel Barbery, The Elegance of the Hedgehog

“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
― Henry James, The Portrait of a Lady

Here are some tips and hints for working in the garden. You can incorporate all your used tea to help maintain the pH in soil

For Flowers:

Sprinkle new or used tea leaves (from loose or tea bags) around your rosebushes and cover with mulch to give them a midsummer boost. When you water the plants, the nutrients from the tea will be released into the soil, spurring growth. Roses love the tannic acid that occurs naturally in tea.

Feed your ferns

Schedule an occasional teatime for your ferns and other acid-loving houseplants. Substitute brewed tea when watering the plants. Or work wet tea leaves into the soil around the plants to give them a lush, luxuriant look. Use a lukewarm tea, one that is brewed delicately–not too strong. Perfect for re-brewed tea.

Prepare planter for potting

For healthier potted plants, place a few used tea bags on top of the drainage layer at the bottom of the planter before potting. The tea bags will retain water and leach nutrients to the soil.

Enhance your compost pile

To speed up the decomposition process and enrich your compost, pour a few cups of strongly brewed tea into the heap. The liquid tea will hasten decomposition and draw acid-producing bacteria, creating desirable acid-rich compost. Black tea is best.

Sources: various