“flavorful chemical free, sustainably cultivated and harvested loose leaf blends that soothe and energize”
There’s a special line of teas served on these cozy, rainy fall days out at The Barn. The tea company Leaves and Flowers, based out of Berkley, California, offers fragrant and flavorful chemical free, sustainably cultivated and harvested loose leaf blends that soothe and energize. Not only that, but Leaves and Flowers is owned and operated by Anna Morton who grew up in Sisters, Oregon. She’s also the sister of Kelly St Lawrence, one of the owners of the Barn. It appears sourcing quality, sustainable, chemical free runs in the family, and Anna works tirelessly to offer this standard of excellence.
The Barn steeps their Assam Chai, Yin Hao Jasmine, Golden Horse, and Mintha teas. This is what Anna has to say about each of these teas.
Assam Chai - Assam Tea, Ginger, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Turmeric Root, Black Pepper
Tasting Notes - Rich, Spicy, Sweet
Once you taste the Chai of India no other version compares, except ours. Small beads of bold Assam are blended with potent, aromatic spices. Steep in a teapot or for the traditional preparation, simmer in a saucepan on the stovetop with milk and sugar.
Yin Hao Jasmine - Fujian Province, China
Tasting Notes - Fragrant, Smooth, Full-Bodied
A rich green Fujian tea picked and processed in early spring, then stored until the jasmine blooms in late summer. The fresh jasmine blossoms are picked and scattered over top the tea leaves and left for a day to allow the aromatic oils from the flowers to infuse into the tea. This process is repeated up to seven times, resulting in a subtle yet intoxicatingly fragrant cup.
Golden Horse - Yunnan Province, China
Tasting Notes - Honey, Caramel, Crème Brulée
A soft and smooth black tea with natural lingering sweetness. Golden Horse is a single pluck, spring tea from Yunnan Province. Picked in combination with bud and leaf, this tea yields more flavor than single bud teas. The leaves have a beautiful coppery color and infuse into an amber-hued liquor.
Mintha - Peppermint, Anise Hyssop, Tarragon
Tasting Notes - Fresh, Sweet, Uplifting
In Greek mythology, Mintha was a Naiad nymph beloved by Hades. When Hades’ wife Persephone learned of his love for Mintha, Persephone cast a spell and transformed Mintha into what we know as the Mint plant. Hades, in his grief, gave Mintha's leaves a fresh and enlivening scent so all would appreciate her undying sweetness. Mintha was forever a sacred plant to Hades and has come to be associated with metamorphosed beauty. We love this blend in the morning to awaken more gently or in the evening as an after dinner digestif. Recommended hot or iced.
visit: leavesandflowers.com