Going Green with Aynsley and Mint Tea
Welcome!
Please join me for a cup of homemade mint tea!
A couple of months ago I read an article in Tea Time magazine about making your own tea from backyard herbs. I thought I would try it; even though I'm not a fan of tisanes.
One of my goals as a blogger is to expand my palate as a tea drinker. I definitely prefer black teas but realize there are so many amazing tastes and health benefits from other types of teas.
This post was inspired by today's featured teacup that I recently received from a relative. It was part of her mother's collection and she knew I would welcome it into my own collection. It's subtle mint green color inspired me to make a "green" tea.
(Excuse the background for the photos. Today is a dreary dark day with very poor lighting in almost every room...except the kitchen.)
It is an Aynsley teacup from England. I really like the white of the outer cup and dramatic curved handle.
A swag of bouquets of flowers repeats itself on the saucer and inner cup.
Many of you know I adore teacups with designs in the inner cup. I know others who prefer not to have any designs inside the cups. Do you have a preference?
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Please join me for a cup of homemade mint tea!
A couple of months ago I read an article in Tea Time magazine about making your own tea from backyard herbs. I thought I would try it; even though I'm not a fan of tisanes.
One of my goals as a blogger is to expand my palate as a tea drinker. I definitely prefer black teas but realize there are so many amazing tastes and health benefits from other types of teas.
(Excuse the background for the photos. Today is a dreary dark day with very poor lighting in almost every room...except the kitchen.)
It is an Aynsley teacup from England. I really like the white of the outer cup and dramatic curved handle.
1934-1950s marked Backstamp
Anysley is still in existence in Stoke-on-Trent, England. They currently are famous for their gold and platinum etched designs.
Aynsley Retail Store: photo from Aynsley website
The Aynsley website states there are factory tours, a coffee shop and a retail outlet on site. I don't know if I would have the self control to be in a store like this one.
Mint Tea Recipe
This is really not a recipe but a "procedure."
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1. Pull four to five stems' worth of mint leaves.
2. Slightly crush leaves to release oils.
3. Place leaves in an infuser or loose in a teapot.
4. Pour boiling water over the mint and let steep 3-7 minutes depending on how strong you want your tea.
~Add sugar or honey, if desired.
The article "A Garden Steeped in Tradition" can be found in the March/April 2015 issue of Tea Time magazine. The author suggests many other herbs which produce a nice herbal tea.
Overall the tea tasted better than I thought it would. I would prefer peppermint over spearmint. I steeped my tea for five minutes and the tea was quite hearty and rich in color. Good choice of tea for an upset stomach.
Have a great tea week and thank you for all of your wonderful comments last week on my Paris post!
~Nora
I love your Aynsley teacup! The handle is so fancy and preetty. I do use Honey in my tea.
ReplyDeleteHi Nora. Love the pale green of your pretty Aynsley teacup. This was memory lane...years ago we grew most things organically and I made all sorts of teas...but haven't for years! Brought back memories. I remember reading the article. Great reminder of the procedure! Thanks for linking to Tuesday Cuppa Tea!
ReplyDeleteRuth
What a pretty teacup! I'm also partial to cups with design inside them. I have peppermint growing in my garden but have never tried to make my own mint tea!
ReplyDeleteI drink tisanes, rooibos, or decaf tea in the afternoon, otherwise, I'll be up all night!
The Ansley teacup is soooo beautiful, Nora. I'm like you and adore some design inside my cup. It's like an extra perk! I've never made my own tea, but thanks for inspiring me to do so.
ReplyDeleteHi Nora,
ReplyDeleteI love a design on the inside of the teacup! Yours is especially beautiful! My uncle grew up in England and he has told me about the Potteries and how much he enjoyed visiting them. I could listen to him for hours. And yes, he likes his tea time! I have never made tea using herbs probably because I don't grow them. I take the easy way by steeping a tea bag or loose leaf tea. Mint is not a favourite of mine as I'm usually allergic to it. But yours does look good. Thank you for joining me for tea today and have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Sandi
I would love to visit the Aynsley factory store! Your cup and saucer is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Nora... Your mint green set is so lovely and perfect for your mint tea infusion....I must try it as I love mint ...It looks like an easy procedure... Good for you trying something new...BRAVO !!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Nora: I could not make it in an Aynsley factory store. Tempted to buy to much. I am going to try the tea infusion. Hugs, Martha
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful teacup! And yes, I do love a pattern inside, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you; I prefer black teas, and am not very adventurous, but occasionally I do find something I like. Mint is not my favorite, but it is a refreshing change once in a while. Happy Tea Day!
What a pretty teacup set... I have a similar china set, but my cups look different... Tea just tastes so good in such a nice cup... I'm glad you are enjoying it. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your cup and saucer. I am one who prefers the design on the outside but many love the inside painted. My husband just found out he is allergic to mint. That is so strange. I loved your posting!
ReplyDeleteYour pretty teacups would light up the dreariest of days! Sooo gorgeous. I really don't have a particular preference, if it's pretty, I love it. Yours are lovely! Thank you for the recipe (procedure) as well!
ReplyDeleteHi, hopped over from Ruths. Happy to now be following you. I love your sweet gifted teacup and saucer! I do love a little surprise design inside, but if the cup is cute I will love it just as much. I have never thought of making my own tea. I have mint in my herb garden. I'll have to give it a try.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann