Spork and Knife

Whether you’re a coffee addict in need of a break from the everyday java routine, a tea lover or just someone who likes nice things Teavana, “A place that many consider a heaven for tea drinkers” is a company bringing quality and accessibility to the forefront of the budding tea culture.

A coffee drinker at heart, I have those days where the harshness of the espresso seems to get to me and I find myself looking for something a little gentler.  Naturally I turn to tea, but some of the boxed variety can taste like you’re drinking medicine, or worse-chalk.  In a pinch I’ll go for Stash. (Visual of an actual Stash teabag)  They have a great variety of teas that are always full of flavor.  I’ve found them at most of my local grocery stores, Rodmans and Superfresh specifically coming to mind.

If you have access, loose leaf tea is the way to go, and awhile back I discovered just the store for my discerning palate and love of stylish things.  Teavana is a teahouse/online store that sells everything from cast iron teapots and cups to all varieties of loose leaf teas-focusing on the ones with rich flavors and health benefits.  Something of note-after a few tastings, I’ve entrused my looseleaf tea drinking to Teavana. 

For one, their cast iron tea pots are beautiful.  I have a set (given as a gift) of a teapot, teapot warmer, a bag of German Rock Cane and a container of loose leaf tea.  The whole package really makes preparing tea an event.  More importantly, their tea is bursting with flavor…nothing like the sometimes dull boxed varieties. 

A great one to start off with is the Jasemine Dragon Phoenix Pearls & Scented Green Tea.  There’s a subtle sweetness to this smooth tea, only enhanced if you add in a few of the German rock crystals.  It’s scent has a relaxing quality that could be attributed to the Jasmine.     

Peruse their white teas, green teas, black teas, Oolong teas and Roobios to find your perfect fit.  Each one serves a different purpose, for example Oolong teas are “full bodied, with a fragrant and flavorful sweet aroma meant to relax you.”

Prices are a little high, $12 for 2oz of tea and tea pots start at $70, but some things are worth paying extra for.  I consider a cast iron teapot an investment.  After all, the stuff is indestructible. 

If you need tips on brewing your tea once you’ve brought it home go here.

To find a Teavana store near you, go here.  For those in the DC metropolitan area, head to Fair Oaks Mall or Tysons Corner Center in Virginia for a hands on experience.

If you don’t have access to a car you can order their products online or scrap it all and head to my other tea spot, Teaism (for DC folks).  I suggest the salty oat cookies to go with your chai tea.  Yum!