It’s that time of year when the days get a bit shorter and the nights a little cooler. One of our favorite things to do at this time of year is to sip on a nice steaming cup of Earl Grey Tea.

This Love Tea simple syrup is something special. With hints of cacao and cinnamon, this floral syrup is perfect for crafting unique cocktails or stirring into a cozy morning latte. It’s also an easy addition to sparkling or ice water: refreshing, with a delicate flavor that will mystify your friends!

Well, it seems as if summer is finally here in the northwest! The weather has been absolutely stunning, and it’s been such a joy to get out and enjoy the sunshine. I’ve been hitting the hiking trail, the outdoor basketball courts, and the river a lot these days.

I love raspberry leaf! It is a pleasant tasting herb with a mildly sweet flavor reminiscent of black tea but sans all that caffeine. I have fond memories of drinking this blend during my pregnancy many years ago. Since it’s gentle on the stomach, I drank quite a bit, and it really agreed with me at a time when many other foods didn't!

It’s chai time, and I’m about to make some of my favorite tea.

Would you like some?

With half of my family from North India, I’m fairly accustomed to the ritual of drinking chai. Not the frothy, ultra-sweet, flavored-milk drink you get from national coffee chains. I mean real chai, made from raw ingredients, and crafted to suit the individual’s preference. And it never fails to surprise me how varied people’s tastes can be.

There is a cause for celebration amongst the crew here at Mountain Rose Herbs — it’s finally still light out at the end of our work days! Though spring is still a ways away, one of our favorite activities this time of year is to invoke the season of new growth with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. We have a brand new Matcha Set in our online shop that has made these ceremonies so much more enjoyable!

Check out this gorgeous Gold/Red Cast Iron Teapot that just arrived in our online shop!

This stunning teapot makes an excellent gift for that hard-to-shop-for tea lover. Visually stunning, this cast iron teapot is dark red with golden highlights that create burnt amber undertones.

A “Farm To Table” Tea Meeting

In November, we had the great honor of hosting a delegation of tea marketers and producers from Eugene’s Sister City of Kakegawa, Japan. The group carefully prepared and served Fukamushicha (deep steamed green tea) for members of the Mountain Rose Herbs team.

Just in time for the holidays, we have two chic new cast iron teapot sets!

You may have heard about the resurgence in returning to diets higher in fat. Ever since learning about this trend, I’ve been experimenting with ways to add fat back into my diet. I especially enjoy the luxury that a boost of fatty goodness can bring to a cold morning.

Do you adore cacao as much as we do?

We are excited to introduce organic roasted cacao shells to our collection of organic herbs and spices!

Cacao has a long and colorful history as a beloved plant beginning in Central and South America before 1500 BC. The entire cacao fruit was used and considered sacred by the Mayan, Olmec, and Aztec civilizations. Mayans believed that the gods discovered the cacao tree in a mountain offering a plethora of ambrosial delights.