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Much
like wine, coffee, and olive oil, consumers are beginning to understand
the subtle differences between products grown and processed via
different methods. With a more sophisticated consumer palate, different
moods and different tastes allow consumers to seek food and drink
to meet different demands. Now with their growing penchant for quality
products, they’re seeking specialty teas that were unheard
of just a few short years ago.
Your products are the heart and soul of your business. If they are
good, you have a pretty good chance of becoming successful. If not,
well, you know the ramifications. Help your customers become more
adventurous with their tea offerings. There are many innovative
products to meet the needs of differing demographics. Consider some
of the following.
Yerba mate' is one of the few herbs that contains caffeine. Flourishing
in Paraguay and southern Brazil, it is a South American tradition
to dry the mate' leaves, grind them into a coarse powder, and then
mix them with boiling water, sugar, and milk to create a thick,
invigorating drink.
Not a true tea, yet much like an herbal, rooiboos from South Africa
is considered to be a red tea. A caffeine-free herbal tea, rooiboos
has a high level of antioxidant properties. It also contains Vitamin
C, iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese,
sodium, and superoxide dismutase. Enjoyed not only for health reasons
(it assists in the management of allergies, has a soothing effect
on the skin, and relieves skin irritations), rooiboos is a natural
thirst quencher with a less bitter taste than tea – it can
be enjoyed without added sugar. The iron, potassium, zinc, manganese,
and sodium are also helpful in restoring the body’s equilibrium
after a vigorous workout.
Your black tea offerings can extend beyond the tried-and true blends
to include a highly flavorful first-flush Darjeeling with an intense
aroma. Likewise, your green teas can expand beyond the popular Sencha
to include Gunpowder with its fresh, grassy taste. Don’t forget
a decaffeinated tea offering for the inevitable request.
Why not create an herbal tonic to sooth the senses, calm the mind,
or boost immunity? Or enliven it a bit by adding milk and a sweetener
to the tea and then shaking it up for the Taiwanese-invented Bubble
Tea. Or, take a flavored black tea and mix it with a bit of vanilla
cream to create a smooth, thick, exciting frozen tea beverage.
Chai is a relatively new beverage to the American market, yet an old one for the world.
Chais vary in flavor from the sweet Americanized version to a heavy
cinnamon flavor or a spicy, peppery blend. Hot or cold, chai can
be supplemented with a shot of espresso for an extra boost.
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