As the weather begins to cool in Manitoba, it’s the perfect time to cozy up under a blanket with a nice hot cup of tea.
While tea is a classic cold-weather drink, it is also much more than that. For some it is a necessary part of their daily ritual, and for others it plays an important role in their cultural traditions.
“It is thousands of years old and very historically rich… it has been the subject of romance and empires falling into conflict,” says Denyse Waissbluth, a tea researcher and tea sommelier in training.
A tea cup and some tea in China. (Source: Denyse Waissbluth)
Tea is also a drink with a number of health benefits.
Shabnam Weber, president of the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada, explained that tea is full of vitamins and minerals.
She added that the flavonoids in tea, which are also present in fruits and vegetables, are responsible for its major health benefits.
Tea also has positive properties when it comes to hydration, cardiovascular health, strengthening the immune system and maintaining bone health.
“It’s good for your body; it is good for your skin; it’s good for your mind. It’s relaxing,” she said.
“There’s just a mountain of evidence in terms of all the health benefits you’ll get from a good cup of tea,” Weber said.
Teapots at an antique market in China. (Source: Denyse Waissbluth)
Popularity of tea
In addition to its many benefits, tea is also a very popular drink. In fact, it is the most consumed drink in the world after water.
Waissbluth, who is also the author of “Teatime Around the World,” explained that this is partly because tea is accessible, adding that many countries have found ways to integrate it into their cultural practices.
“You don’t need a lot of money to enjoy it or use it as a tool to welcome people,” she said.
“I think it’s such a popular drink because of a lot of these factors.”
Tea is prepared in a house in China. (Source: Denyse Waissbluth)
As for the type of tea that is popular in Canada, Weber said Canadians tend to join the British and drink a lot of black tea.
“We tend to like our black tea stronger because we like to put milk and some kind of sweetener in it. Honey, interestingly, is the sweetener of choice for tea drinkers,” she said.
Various applications around the world
Tea is consumed in different ways all over the world.
In Japan they practice Japanese tea ceremonies, while in England afternoon tea is popular.
In India there is chaiwala, which means tea seller. Waissbluth said these involve makeshift stalls where people sell their tea with special herbs in clay cups.
In Singapore there is Teh Tarik, which means ‘pulled tea’. Waissbluth explained that this is essentially condensed milk with a strong black tea poured from a high cup to a low cup.
“You get this really creamy, frothy tea that is made really wonderfully sweet by that,” she said.
A modern tea shop where the server prepares a cold Matcha tea in Japan. (Source: Denyse Waissbluth)
Weber said tea, like other food and drinks, is prepared in a way that tells a story. She added that it is also a way to bring people together.
“I would say with tea, but at any meal it’s very difficult to be upset or angry when you have a cup of tea in your hand or when you’re gathering with someone for a meal,” she said.
“So it’s a really unifying and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
High tea with a twist
For those looking to enjoy a delicious cup of tea in Winnipeg, the Fairmont offers an experience like no other at its Velvet Glove restaurant.
Every Sunday the hotel organizes an afternoon tea with sandwiches, sweets and premium tea.
But there’s a twist: the Fairmont Winnipeg theme is a high tea experience, with a new theme every six weeks. Currently the theme is Mad Hatter, but on November 17 it will switch to the Nutcracker.
“It’s not just about the name of the theme; it’s about the presentation,” says Ksenia Stegnii, venue manager of the Fairmont Winnipeg.
“So our beautiful sweets and handmade savory products are tailored to the theme so they have few details of the occasion.”
Stegnii described the Fairmont’s high tea experience as a “secret gathering of generations,” noting that grandmothers, mothers and daughters tend to gather together.
“(It’s) time for you to just have a nice cup of tea together… live this experience together with your friends and family members,” she said.
“I think it’s just the warm feeling of starting your Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea and a nice time with your family and friends.”