April 15-17, 2022
Easter has arrived and it’s time to have spring tea! From Japanese tea specialist Yamada Utako’s etymology research, as well I focus on various type of fruit tea, which contains a rich source of vitamin C, E, and K, all are essential for our body. A great courtesy from the souvenir of friend of mine, FORTNUM & MASON half-dozen fruit tea pack, in a cute 25g tin jar garnished with lake green tone, contains cranberry, raspberry & strawberry selection, I choose cranberry on the holiday weekend, since it is able eliminate toxins, burn fat and increase metabolism. Moreover, its detox effects offer benefits for the liver, lymph nodes, kidneys, and urinary tract.
Before the Easter holidays, from Tapiola flea market and Helsinki Second Hand, I am very lucky to have a bargain to take a pair of crystal glasses and a mini set of Lomonosov USSR epoch teacup home. Established by Scientist Dmitry Ivanoich Vinogradov in 1744, under the decree of Peter the Great’s daughter, Empress Elizabeth, to ‘serve native trade and native art’, The Lomonosov Imperial Porcelain Factory is a producer of hand-painted ceramics in Saint Petersburg, exclusively for the ruling Romanov family and the Russian Imperial court. Lomonosov porcelain is usually with bone china as base, later hand-painted with geometrical patterns, and embellished with 22 karat gold on each works of art. Comparing to Arzberg of Bavaria, Lomonosov teacup is slightly thicker and heavier. My collection has the ‘Made in USSR’ trademark at the bottom, which is more precious among the series, hand wash is always recommended.
Nevertheless, the vintage Russian shall be dancing with a modern British! The organic cranberry black tea by Fortnum & Mason is sweetly rich and highly fruity, with a slight teaspoon of organic honeydew is very adequate needed. Founded in 1707 in Piccadilly, London, a world-renowned traditional English afternoon tea has been serving Her Majesty the Queen and members of the royal family for decades; therefore, FORTNUM & MASON is also called as the ‘Queen's Grocery Store’.
Since I prefer black tea with a bit sweeter treats, so Belgium mini cup chocolate in hazel nuts and LADURÉE violettes de Toulouse, plus Yokohama Terrace crystallised strawberry petals are the great company at teatime. The major different between the French and Japanese crystallised violets, is that Ladurée violettes de Toulouse measuring approximately 2-5mm in size, and made of hot syrup pouring over the fresh flower, stirred until the sugar recrystallizes natural violet flowers, later on the process of acacia gum and natural colourings; while Japanese violets are in shape of sakura petals, made of cane sugar in the commercial modes. Both French and Japanese violet petals can be nibbled on as they are, or used to garnish cakes, while recommended as perfect for popping in a glass of champagne or sparkling wine. Still, the intense violet scent conjuring up with cranberry fruit tea is the perfect finishing touch to Easter teatime.
Here is the suggestive way to prepare a cup of afternoon tea:
1. Boil the water at the short period of time up to 80-90°C
2. Warm the tea kettle or cup with a small amount of boiled water
3. By using the open tea bag, immerse the loose tea leaves with the water in 3-5 minutes
4. Dip a handful of rose petals from Romania and organic honey dew for the richer taste
Last but not the least, together with cranberry tea, have a freshly daily handmade MOMOCHI donut is the new tradition at my favourite teatime! Founded in 2021 by a group of three, Momochi’s crispy coating, soft bouncy chewy fillings provides a rather healthier choice for carbonated energy. Momochi’s spring offer, pomeda red berry, is able to taste sweet yet sour flavor, indeed perfectly balance the sugary violets and fruity tea at weekend leisure time.
Special Thanks: Eva, Lulu, Kelly & Bin
