Tea Time for Body & Soul, A Moment for Yourself

Dec 11, 2023 Sarah W

Tags best teas, knowledge of teas, tea benefits, tea cookies, tea cultures, tea time, teas, types of teas

Tea Time for Body and Soul by watereverysunday (copyright)

Tea Time: A Moment for Yourself

Whether you think about the Mad Hatter’s tea party from Alice in Wonderland or just want to relax, take a break, detox, warm up, or refresh—there are endless reasons to enjoy a good tea time. But most of all, as the title suggests, tea time is a moment to take care of yourself.

The Perfect Time for Tea? Anytime.

Honestly, I don’t know why it took me so long to write this post. It has been sitting in my drafts for quite some time, and my excuse? No time. But that’s exactly why I—or maybe you—need tea time right now. Whenever you feel the urge for a cup of tea, that’s the perfect moment to have one.

Tea Time as a Solo Ritual

Unless you’re attending a tea tasting or ceremony, I highly recommend making tea time a solo ritual—just like reading a book. Sure, having tea with friends is fun, but that’s socializing. A personal tea time is about giving yourself a pause—a moment to enjoy the simple pleasures around you.

Delightful Jasmine Green Tea: Image Pinterest: thecrafteddrink

Watch the rain or snow fall, the trees sway in the wind, or the clouds drift by. Observe the world, and you’ll find peace and perhaps even new perspectives. I’ve learned so much from simply watching trees dance with the wind. Their movement reminds me to let things go. The way they sway, creating soothing sounds, has a way of lightening a heavy heart. It even takes me back to my time at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Japan—but that’s a story for another post.

Tea for Every Mood

What if you’re already happy? Great! Tea time isn’t just for reflection; it can add even more joy to your day. Perhaps that’s why so many cultures have their own tea traditions, even full-fledged tea ceremonies.

Sure, brewing the perfect cup requires patience—balancing temperature, steeping time, and the right tea leaves. But does it all have to be perfect? Not at all. Just enjoy it the way it is.

Tea vs. Coffee: A Different Experience

Unlike coffee, which jolts you awake and fuels your energy, tea offers a different kind of comfort. Of course, some teas—like black tea—can have more caffeine than coffee depending on the brewing time. But overall, tea invites you to slow down, not speed up.

Now, It’s Tea Time!

It doesn’t matter what kind of tea you choose—just grab your favorite and enjoy it. If you have nothing planned today, even better! Go through your tea collection and indulge. Take the time to truly taste it rather than just drinking it away. Sip slowly.

So, step aside, busyness—it's tea time. ☕💆‍♀️ Take a moment for yourself, brew a cozy cup, and settle in—this blog is packed with tea knowledge, history, and recommendations. It’s a long read, but just like a good steep, it’s worth the time. After all, when you understand the history and ingredients, you can truly appreciate the flavors and enjoy every sip even more!

My Favorites & Tea Recommendations

Tea is deeply personal. What I love today might change with the seasons, my mood, or simply curiosity. But that’s the beauty of it—there’s always something new to discover. Here are some of my favorites and recommendations across different tea types:

GREEN TEAS

Fresh, Earthy & Revitalizing

Sejak Green Teas: A Taste of Korea

My love for green tea deepened during a pre-COVID trip to South Korea. I was searching for the perfect gift for a green tea lover when I stumbled upon O’sulloc, a specialty tea shop in the heart of Insa-dong, Seoul—a district known for its traditional Korean antiques, pottery, paintings, and handmade crafts. This area is also home to charming teahouses, offering a quiet, museum-like ambiance—worlds apart from the bustling energy of coffee chains like Starbucks.

In Korea, tea and coffee culture is deeply embedded in daily life. While Americans often meet in bars or restaurants, Koreans frequently gather in teahouses and cafés for social or business meetings. If you ever visit, I highly recommend the O’sulloc Tea House in Bukchon, located in a hanok (a traditional Korean house) village in the middle of Seoul. It’s a peaceful escape where you can enjoy tea while strolling through historic alleyways.

OSULLOC Sejack Green Tea $29.99 amazon.com

The Art of Green Tea Harvesting

Korean green tea is harvested between April and May, in approximately two-week intervals. Each harvest has its own name and distinct flavor profile, influenced by the ripeness of the leaves. The main green tea harvest happens in May, aligning with Japan’s green tea season—this is the familiar green tea taste most people recognize.

One of my favorites is Sejak (literally meaning "thin sparrow’s tongue"), a Korean green tea harvested in late April. As the second harvest of the year, Sejak leaves are still young and tender, shaped like a sparrow’s tongue. This gives it a fresher, milder taste compared to May harvests, where the leaves mature into a deeper, earthier flavor.

O’sulloc Green Teas & Jeju Island’s Unique Terroir

O’sulloc teas are cultivated on Jeju Island, often called the “Hawaii of South Korea” due to its volcanic landscape and subtropical climate. The island’s nutrient-rich soil, formed by Halla Mountain, creates ideal conditions for growing high-quality tea.

In addition to their pure green teas, I highly recommend O’sulloc’s tea blends featuring Jeju’s signature flavors—like tangerine and camellia flowers. These locally inspired infusions offer a delicate balance of floral and citrus notes, making them a refreshing twist on traditional green tea.

If you ever get the chance, try one of these Korean green teas—you might just discover a new favorite! 🍵✨

Genmaicha: A Toasty Alternative to Traditional Green Tea

If you’re not a fan of the bitter or grassy notes of traditional green tea, Genmaicha is a fantastic alternative. This unique tea blend combines green tea leaves with roasted brown rice, creating a warm, nutty flavor and a fuller-bodied taste. It’s almost like sipping on green tea-infused rice—comforting, toasty, and smooth.

Because of its mild yet satisfying flavor, Genmaicha is a great choice for those who are fasting or on a diet, as it provides a sense of fullness. However, keep in mind that it contains brown rice, so it’s not gluten-free.

You can easily find Genmaicha in most Asian grocery stores for around $5 per pack, though prices tend to be higher on Amazon if you don’t have an Asian market nearby. If you’re looking for an approachable green tea with a rich, toasty twist, Genmaicha is definitely worth trying!

Ujinotsuyu Brown Rice Genmaicha Tea, $10-20, amazon.com

Jasmine Green Tea: A Floral Everyday Essential

If there’s one green tea every tea lover should have at home, it’s Jasmine Green Tea. Easily found in Asian markets and most grocery stores, this classic tea is a perfect balance of fragrant jasmine blossoms and fresh green tea leaves.

The moment you pour hot water over the leaves, the delicate floral aroma fills the air, and as it steeps, the tea unfolds into a beautifully balanced bittersweet taste with a lingering jasmine scent. I can’t recall exactly when I first discovered it, but I’ve yet to find another tea quite like it. It’s simple, aromatic, and timeless—an essential for any tea collection.

Fujijan Jasmine Green Tea, ~$5 at grocery store near you

Hammam Tea: A Sweet & Floral Green Tea Discovery

I first discovered Hammam Tea during brunch at Café Gitane, a beloved French-Moroccan eatery in Nolita, NYC. Known for its effortlessly chic atmosphere and flavorful dishes, this spot remains a go-to weekend brunch destination in SoHo. The tea’s delicate green date flavor was the perfect complement to their North African-inspired cuisine, making it an unforgettable pairing.

A bestseller from Palais des Thés, Hammam Tea is inspired by a traditional Turkish recipe and blends sweet and fruity notes with hints of green dates, orange blossoms, roses, and red berries. It’s one of their most iconic teas, offering a beautifully fragrant and smooth green tea experience. If you love floral and subtly sweet teas, this one is worth trying!

Hammam Tea (Thé Du Hammam) 20 tea bags, $16, amazon.com or visit original website palaisdesthes.com

Kyoto’s Finest: Matcha Green Tea & Langue de Chat Cookies

I first discovered Malebranche’s Matcha Green Tea Cookies during my visit to Kyoto, Japan. Their shop, nestled in the bustling Gion district, is a must-visit for anyone exploring Kyoto’s historic streets—where you might even catch a glimpse of Geishas. It’s also along the scenic path to Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, known for its breathtaking views of autumn foliage.

Malebranche Matcha Green Tea Cookies

Unlike traditional European langue de chat cookies, which are rounder and thicker, the Japanese version is square, ultra-thin, and more delicate, with the matcha flavor beautifully balanced by the creamy white chocolate filling. Though I can no longer easily get my hands on Malebranche’s original cookies, each bite remains a cherished memory of Kyoto, a taste of refined craftsmanship that’s hard to replace.

If you ever visit Kyoto, Malebranche’s matcha Langue de Chat cookies are an absolute must-try—delicate, fragrant, and crafted for the ultimate tea-time experience.

A Surprising Alternative: Korea’s Couque D’Asse

While searching for a substitute, I stumbled upon Couque D’Asse, a Korean butter cookie. Unlike Malebranche’s matcha-infused delicacy, Couque D’Asse is a classic buttery treat, better suited for pairing with coffee than tea. Still, when nostalgia hits, it’s a satisfying alternative. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable at around $5 in Asian markets or on Weee, though it sells for nearly three times as much on Amazon.

One thing that always sparks curiosity is the European-sounding name of this Korean cookie. People often ask: Why a Belgian or German name for a Korean snack? The story goes that Leopold I, the first King of Belgium, once passed through the Asse region and tossed cookies to the welcoming crowds in gratitude. While the cookies themselves aren’t the same as those from history, that’s where the name originated. It’s not quite as legendary as the tale of Lady Godiva, but hey—thanks to the people of Asse, we have these delicious cookies today!

Couque D'Asse White Melange Cookies $8 amazon.com

EARL GREY & BLACK TEAS

Bold, Aromatic & Classic

Mariage Frères: A Timeless Tea Indulgence

This remains one of my all-time favorite teas, ever since my sister-in-law gifted me a box of Wedding Imperial Teayears ago. Since then, I’ve made it a tradition to gift Mariage Frères teas for the holidays—and it’s always a hit.

At first, people often pause when they see a simple box of tea as a Christmas gift. Compared to something like fine wine, it might seem modest at first glance. But once they brew a cup, read about the brand, and experience its depth of flavor, they quickly realize these are premium teas, as refined as a vintage bottle of wine.

For me, Mariage Frères teas are reserved for special people—especially considering their price ($30-$40 per box). Most people wouldn’t splurge on these unless they truly appreciate fine tea, which makes gifting them even more meaningful. If you’re new to the brand, I recommend their tea bags over loose leaf tins—they’re elegant, convenient, and perfect for those who might not be experts in tea brewing.

Mariage Freres. Marco Polo Black Tea, 30 Tea Bags $37 Amazon.com

Mariage Freres - WEDDING IMPÉRIAL Amazon.com

A Luxurious Tea Experience

Mariage Frères teas brew into a gorgeous, rich orange hue, and their muslin tea bags hold a generous amount of loose tea, enough to steep an entire pot to share at the dinner table. It’s a simple indulgence that instantly adds a touch of luxury to your day.

Wedding Imperial Tea: A sweet and decadent blend with notes of chocolate and caramel. It makes me wonder—what exactly is the connection between a royal wedding and these dessert-like flavors? Either way, it’s divine.
Marco Polo Series: Their signature blend with fruity and floral notes, featuring black tea mixed with Tibetan flowers. It’s smooth, aromatic, and beautifully balanced.
Blue Teas: These are some of the most unique offerings, as they brew into an actual blue color! A true conversation piece for any tea lover.

Mariage Frères isn’t just tea—it’s an experience. Whether you’re indulging in a personal tea moment or sharing a pot with loved ones, it transforms an ordinary sip into something extraordinary.

Kusmi Russian Black Tea Sampler: A Taste of Imperial Elegance

The Kusmi Russian Black Tea Sampler is one of my absolute favorites. Kusmi Tea, originally founded in St. Petersburg, Russia, relocated to Paris during the Russian Revolution. Despite its French home base today, the brand continues to capture the essence of old-world Russian tea traditions.

What I love most about this sampler is the beautiful mini tins, which not only look stunning but also last quite a while—making it perfect for exploring a variety of flavors before committing to a full-sized tin.

For some reason, sipping these teas always reminds me of my time at the Russian Tea Room in NYC. While their tea service wasn’t exactly as opulent as one might expect for a place once meant for Czars (haha), the experience of drinking tea from a traditional Russian glass cup was a cultural moment in itself.

Side note: The Russian Tea Room has publicly denounced Russia’s acts of war and stands in solidarity with Ukraine. A reminder that even a cup of tea carries history with it.

Kusmi Black Tea Sampler $29.90 kusmi.com or amazon kusmi store

Earl Grey & Lady Grey: A Classic with a Citrus Twist

If you’re an Earl Grey lover, you can easily find a good version from just about any brand. The origin of Earl Grey tea dates back to Earl Charles Grey, who asked Twinings to recreate the tea he had experienced during his travels to China. The result? A black tea infused with bergamot oil and citrus peels, creating the distinctive, slightly floral aroma we all recognize.

While traditional Earl Grey has its charm, my personal favorite is actually Lady Grey—a smoother, lighter variationnamed after Earl Grey’s wife, Elizabeth Grey. This version adds orange and lemon peels, enhancing the citrus notes while toning down the deep, earthy profile of the original blend. If Earl Grey feels a bit too bold or “masculine,” Lady Grey is the perfect refined alternative—delicate, bright, and effortlessly refreshing.

Since Twinings created Lady Grey upon request, they own the trademark, which means you can enjoy the original blend without any steep price tags or confusion over authenticity. Whether you prefer the classic boldness of Earl Grey or the light, citrusy elegance of Lady Grey, both teas offer a timeless tea-drinking experience that never goes out of style.

Twining's Lady Grey Tea, $4.99 amazon.com $6.98

Scottish Breakfast Tea: The Strongest of the Three

I’m not exactly sure how I first got into Scottish Breakfast Tea, but once you try it, you might find English and Irish Breakfast Teas a bit weak in comparison. Taylors Scottish Breakfast Tea is a bold blend sourced from Kenya’s Eastern Highlands and India’s Assam region, making it the strongest among the three traditional breakfast teas. It was actually designed to suit Scotland’s soft water, which enhances its deep, malty character. Personally, I love it especially with milk—it’s rich, full-bodied, and incredibly satisfying.

Taylor's Scottish Breakfast Teabags, amazon.com

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three British Isles breakfast teas:

☕ English Breakfast Tea – Originally made from Chinese black tea, but now typically blended with Ceylon tea (Sri Lankan black tea) for a balanced, slightly brisk flavor.
☕ Irish Breakfast Tea – Contains a higher proportion of Assam tea (Indian black tea), giving it a stronger, maltier flavor with a reddish hue.
☕ Scottish Breakfast Tea – The boldest of the three, often featuring a robust Assam and Kenyan blend, making it full-bodied and perfect for pairing with a hearty breakfast.

All three teas are strong by nature, designed to accompany the heavy, fried, and filling breakfasts of the British Isles. They truly shine when enjoyed with food, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch.

A Funny Pub Story…

One time, I found myself in a NYC pub with a Scottish friend, her Irish boyfriend, and his English friend—a gathering that quickly turned into a linguistic challenge. Even though they were all technically speaking English, their distinct accents, dialects, and vocabulary made it feel like we were having three separate conversations in three different languages! And of course, I contributed my American accent to the mix, just to make things even more interesting.

At one point, they admitted they didn’t completely understand each other—which, honestly, made me feel better about my own struggles to keep up! But in the end, it didn’t matter. With good drinks, good company, and a lively atmosphere, we had an unforgettable night. I guess love and a great pub really do conquer all.

FLORAL TEAS

Delicate, Fragrant & Relaxing

A Tea Fit for Versailles: Nina’s Marie Antoinette Tea

This tea isn’t just pretty in pink—it’s probably the rosiest tea you’ll ever find. Simply having it in your collection instantly elevates your tea cupboard to Marie Antoinette levels of elegance. If you ever find yourself in Versailles, a visit to Nina’s Tea House in Paris is an absolute must. Whether you choose it loose-leaf or in tea bags, the brewing and tasting experience feels like stepping into the grandeur of Versailles itself.

What makes this tea truly special is its heritage—the rose petals and apples used in the blend are sourced directly from the Royal Garden of Versailles. That’s right, you’re literally sipping a taste of history. 🌹🍏

I’ve often gifted this tea during the holidays—to women, of course—because it’s just so unmistakably floral and feminine. As for me, I’m not always sure it’s my everyday cup of tea, but whether you love rose-infused flavors or not, this tea is worth trying—if only for the sheer experience and historical charm.

Tea L'Original MARIE-ANTOINETTE PINK TIN, amazon.com

About Thé De Marie-Antoinette

"The relationship of Nina’s Paris with the Royal Court of Versailles is being cherished until nowadays. It led us to create "Thé de Marie-Antoinette”, the only tea in the world flavored with rose petals and fresh apples from the Royal Gardens of Versailles (Le Potager du Roi Versailes). Nina’s Paris is the exclusive partner of the Gardens, created by the King Louis XIVth."

Piccadilly Blend: A Taste of London’s Tea Culture

Another English tea to love! During a visit to Paris, I had a quick trip planned to London to see a friend. Before I left, my Parisian friend specifically asked me to bring back a tin of Piccadilly Blend tea. To be honest, I had never even heard of it until then!

The Piccadilly Blend was originally crafted by Jacksons of Piccadilly, a historic London tea house. However, after being acquired by Twinings, the brand's iconic vintage tins are now only found in antique shops and collector’s shelves. That said, the blend itself lives on, recreated by various London tea houses.

For context, Piccadilly is one of the busiest areas in London—historically and still today. Think of it as London’s version of Times Square. Perhaps that’s why this blend, with its bold yet floral character, fits right in. My friend was very particular—loose-leaf only, no tea bags—which made me even more curious about what made this tea special.

I’ve noticed a general distinction between French and English teas: French teas tend to be more refined and delicate, while English teas are stronger, bolder, and more robust—which is likely why they’re often enjoyed with milk and sugar. Piccadilly Blend, however, strikes a beautiful balance. It’s a black tea with floral notes of hibiscus, rose, and strawberries, which add a slightly tart, acidic twist to the richness of the tea. In my opinion, it’s one of the more sophisticated English blends, offering both strength and elegance in a single cup.

Whittard Piccadilly Blend Loose Leaf Mini Caddy, $14.97 amazon.com

SWEET TEAS

Naturally Sweet & Comforting

A Wonderland of Sweet Teas in NYC (Now Only Online!)

This tea store in New York City was truly a fun experience—a place where all things sweet and tea-related came together in the most whimsical way. Their selection was anything but ordinary: sparkling teas, teas that made a popping sound, and unusual blends packed with dried fruits, marshmallows, and chocolates. At first, you’d think some of these flavors belonged in a candy shop rather than a teahouse, but surprisingly, they worked beautifully as teas!

If you have a sweet tooth, this was the ultimate tea destination. I can’t recommend just one because their blends were constantly changing with the seasons, making every visit a new discovery—kind of like stepping into a gourmet donut shop with limited-edition flavors.

Unfortunately, their physical store has closed, but the good news is you can still find their unique and playful blends online. If you love dessert-inspired teas, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Jelly Donut Tea, Rooibos $9.98/1.7 Oz, davidsteas.com

Rooibos Tea – The Perfect Cozy Blend

Rooibos tea has a naturally earthy flavor and is well-known for its heart-healthy benefits, including lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels. But what truly makes rooibos special is its versatility—it pairs beautifully with herbs, sweet flavors, chocolate, and even coffee.

One of my all-time favorites? Chocolate mint rooibos. This blend is like a tea version of hot cocoa—rich, comforting, and indulgent. Every time I brew it, I reach for my biggest tea mug because one cup is never enough! It’s the kind of tea you want to snuggle up with on a snowy day, wrapped in a blanket with a good book, watching the snowfall outside your window.

HERBAL TEAS

Healing, Soothing & Caffeine-Free

It doesn’t really matter which brand you choose, but having a few essential herbal teas in your cupboard is always a good idea. These teas have been trusted for centuries for their natural health benefits and make excellent home remedies for common ailments.

The best part? They’re easily available in the tea section of any grocery store, so all you need to do is stock up! Of course, if you have fresh ingredients at home, you can always brew your own from scratch for an even more authentic experience.

Essential Herbal Teas & Their Benefits

Chamomile Tea – Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea helps reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. It's often recommended as a natural sleep aid.
Peppermint Tea – A go-to for digestive issues, peppermint tea helps soothe bloating, indigestion, and nausea. It also has antibacterial properties that support overall gut health.
Ginger Tea – Ideal for digestion, nausea relief, and easing menstrual cramps. You can easily make this at home by slicing fresh ginger and steeping it in hot water. For a sweeter twist, try using store-bought crystallized ginger—no extra sugar needed!
Echinacea Tea – Popular for boosting the immune system, echinacea tea is often used to help fight colds and support overall wellness.
Lemon Tea – A classic detox tea, lemon is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. Simply squeeze fresh lemon into hot water or add a few slices. It’s great for your body—even if you don’t realize it!

I never expected this blog to turn out this long! When there’s so much to share, I tend to keep going—and before I know it, it takes forever to finish. Hopefully, you find this post both enjoyable and useful, maybe even the perfect read to accompany your tea time!