Dear Oliver, December is an important month in the history of tea in the “New World” as earlyEuropeans dubbed the lands across the Atlantic. These early settlers were relianton European goods and services for many of the staples that they wereaccustomed to using and enjoying in their daily lives. Tea was one of the valuablecommodities primarily traded by the East India Company.   By 1773, the East India Company had a virtual monopoly on tea shipped to thecolonies, which was set in place by British Parliament in the Tea Act. This actgranted the company preferred status and a monopoly on tea exports to thecolonies, exemption on export taxes, and refunds on certain surplus teas. All thiscut out independent colonial shippers...

As the United States prepares to honor its Veterans this November 11, it is interesting to note the role of tea and coffee as traditional staples for troops both stateside and overseas during times of training, deployment, and conflict.

  This past week I had the privilege of 'sitting down' for a Facebook live event on History Unplugged with Middleton Place's Director of Engagement, Carin Bloom, and the George Washington Foundation's Mara Kaktins, who is their Archaeology Lab Supervisor.   The George Washington Foundation owns and Operates, Historic Kenmore and George Washington’s Ferry Farm.  The mission of The George Washington Foundation is to enhance the public understanding and appreciation of the lives, values, and legacies of George Washington, Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, and their families. The George Washington Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Foundation relies on support from its generous donors and volunteers for its ongoing programs.    History Unplugged is hosted by Middleton Place...

Recently, I was asked if the teabags we use are safe for individuals and the environment. I am happy to let you know our Teabags are all natural, non GMO and fully biodegradable and are perfectly safe for you and for nature. Teabags have been around for over 100 years. The most common story about their invention relates how the tea and coffee shop merchant, Thomas Sullivan from New York, shipped samples of his tea in small silk bags. He intended the customer to remove the loose tea from the sample bags when they steeped it, but the customers found it easier to brew the tea still enclosed in the porous bags. Sullivan’s accidental discover or any of the other potential invention stories,...

I have always enjoyed August. To me it is a month for transitions and new beginnings. I grew up in Maine and every year at the start of this month, the temperature seemed to change ‘overnight’ and I had to wear jeans and put away my shorts. Combined with the start of the school year, August is also a transition away from summer and into fall. August transitions extend beyond the weather and into new schools, new friends, new jobs and settling into new routines. For this August, to help you with whatever transition you are going through, I am introducing a new herbal blend, two new tea blends and a new coffee blend to help you settle into a...

If you order tea from Oliver Pluff, you know our labels come with a guide for how long and at what temperature water to use to brew your tea. We have had several people ask if they need to boil the water or just get it to the minimum temperature recommend? When it comes to traditional tea, the answer is: yes, you always boil; whether you are making a delicate steamed green tea or a hearty herbal concoction; boil then cool to the desired temperature. While boiling water helps the flavor of tea this process also helps eliminate harmful bacteria and germs in the water. Never use pre-heated water from the tap or double boiled water, this will add an...

  Estimated to be formed around 350 A.D., tea bricks have become a part of Chinese and European culture throughout the ages. Before tea bricks where introduced to Europe, tea bricks were used in China as a form of currency, food, and medicine. From the 9th century on through the 20th century, tea bricks were classified into five different quality categories of value. All the bricks, even to this day, are scored on the back with indentions to allow for easy breakage off the larger block.  When the bricks were assessed for quality, the highest quality bricks were given to the Emperor. There are multiple steps in the process of producing a tea brick. During the Sung dynasty, tea gathering...