Spring Equinox 2025
The noble and elegant pattern “Cobalt net” from Lomonosov Porcelain Manufactory approximately in 1946, is well-known to Russian households since childhood. Created by the talented painter Anna Yatskevich, the classical pattern Cobalt Net was under the numerous variations to achieve its geometrical perfection and striking rhythm of intersecting blue lines, and completed the set by decorating with the shining golden stars.
My surprising Cobalt Blue collection are from a vintage store in Porvoo old town. The tea sets, coffee cup and saucers interpret their fairy-tale charisma and charming rigor to the snow-white porcelain. In order to contrast the colours and flavours of tea selections from Taiwan and Japan, I adapt KILI BAY Guava Green Tea and 日東紅茶 Royal Milk Tea.
As being the premier exporter of guava on Earth, the history of the farming agriculture and crop development of Taiwan can be traced back to the 18th century. We do not only enjoy the sweets in fresh bites, but also manufacture the guava into fruit tea and dried snacks. The superb nutritional contents of the guava are rich in Vitamin C, fibers and potassium, can ease the symptoms of menstrual cramps, diarrhea, constipation and even the irritable bowel syndrome; its abundant Vitamin C is critical for maintaining immune system to fight bacteria effectively.
The first brew of KILI BAY guava tea requests the boiled water and infuse the tea bag into the teapot roughly one minute, which gives out a rather black tea tone, accompany a taste of earl grey with guava sweeten smell ; while the second brew turns out a rather greenish tea and guava leaves aroma, both are perfectly to match with the chewy and sour pineapple pastry from Din tai Fung.
DIN TAI FUNG Restaurant lists on my at-least-once-must-visit schedule during my Taiwan holidays, and all the time I adore its pineapple pastry and hand carry several packages home as the best souvenir for myself and dear friends. The pineapple was brought over by Portuguese merchants to Taiwan in the 16th century. The invention of this lovely treat originated back to the Post Japan Empire Occupation by the 1930s; that Taiwan was the third-largest pineapple exporter, with abundant domestic pineapple consumption, culinary experts innovated with the fruit surplus. In Taiwan, the pineapple epitomizes luck and prosperity, and the pineapple pastry is a testament to an auspicious year, a staple gesture of friendship and gratitude.
The filling of Din Tai Fung pineapple pastry is made with maltose, pineapples, sugar, winter melon, soy bean oil, concentrated lemon juice and salt, while the crispy golden curst with ingredients of flour, butter, egg yolk, powdered milk, dry milk, palm oil, sweet butter milk and cheese powder, without the preservatives, the best to enjoy the pineapple pastry is within 4 weeks from the date of manufacture. Din Tai Fung pineapple pastry taste more of sour fruity texture comparing to other traditional bakery edition; therefore, the fresh guava tea balances the flavor perfectly.
The rise of 日東紅茶 Royal Milk Tea is traced back to the history of Japan Empire Occupation in Taiwan. In 1907, The black tea industry of Taiwan was manufactured, launched by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and directly exported and sold overseas, in an attempt to compete with the British LIPTON Black Tea. In 1937, the Taiwanese black tea was named Formosa Black Tea and sent to an auction in London, where it received unanimous praise from all walks of life. Blended with rich black tea and paired with Hokkaido milk powder, the taste of Royal Milk Tea is rich but not greasy, either to pour the boiled water or refrigerate into the summer cool drinks, and exquisite together with rather chewy pineapple pastry or light calorie of lotus chips from MUJI.
The spring tea time accompanied with delicious Royal Milk Tea, certainly, the PLAYMOBIL Milk Maid figurine purchased in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, shall not be forgotten to introduce, since how I love to invite the doll collection on the tea session. Inspired by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer’s oil painting served in RIJKS MUSEUM, the young and smiling Milk Maid figurine is wearing a crisp linen cap, a blue apron, a brownish skirt, a pair of flats and warm yellow work sleeves pushed up from forearms, easy for her to make dairy products. In Vermeer’s painting, in a plain room carefully pouring milk into a squat earthenware container on a table covered with a blue clothe, in front of the milkmaid are various types of bread, a light brown milk jar and a royal blue vase, so inclusive of PLAYMOBIL figurine.
The whole theme of teatime with Lomonosov cobalt net tea set and Japanese Royal Milk Tea compose in royal blue, match KILI BAY guava tea and Din Tai Fung pineapple pastry in yellowish hue, complete with Milk Maid figurine in combination of the hot and cold tones. There is no doubt a touch of a pink bowl of lotus snacks and a lock of baby’s breath, create more of a cute, cultural and chic tea sip moment.
