June 2023 Newsletter

Hello all and I hope everything is well!

Just a reminder that the shop will be closed beginning this Monday 6/5 for our June break and we will return on Thursday 6/22. Be sure to stop by before 4:00PM this Sunday 6/4 to stock up!

June is National Iced Tea Month and this month's newsletter is always dedicated to the methods, tips and techniques that you can use at home to make great-tasting, fresh iced tea. And the best part of it is that you know exactly what's in it! Even though the first day of summer is still a few weeks away, we've brought in our summer teas early so you can enjoy them right away. All are available in the shop and online shop - see below in the New at the Shop section for details :)

And a reminder regarding my message in last month's newsletter pertaining to potential unexpected one-off shop closures. While I am trying to minimize as much interruption to business operations as possible, it may be necessary over the next few months to close the shop in order to take an appointment that opens up. Here is the manner in which changes to shop hours will be communicated:

• Any one-off shop closures will be posted on the facebook page Infuse Tea Bar by The Pleasures of Tea, the hours in google will be updated, and a sign will be put on our front door. I am truly honored that so many of you drive so far to visit my shop and I am trying to keep business interruptions and inconvenience to you at a minimum, but please make a quick check to make sure I am not closed before you take the drive.
• Further out dates that the shop will need to be closed will be listed in the monthly newsletters.
• The only additional email that may be sent out is if I need to suddenly close the shop for an extended period of time.

Pre-orders in the online shop at www.pleasuresoftea.com during this time are very much appreciated to help smooth out the workflow, maintain the full range of services that I offer, and reduce your wait time. Another benefit of pre-ordering is that it is a great way for me to know that you're coming. If something does come up, I will be able to notify you directly of any changes to shop hours. I apologize for any disruption that may arise due to the current situation and I deeply appreciate your understanding and continued support of my small business.

I thank you for the interest in the Tea Tasting Workshops, but I need to cancel all of the scheduled sessions. At this time, I am planning to reinstate Gong Fu Tea Service upon returning from the upcoming break. Feel free to make an appointment for this seated service and I look forward to preparing tea for you during this relaxing and culturally enriching experience.

As a reminder, I apologize to those of you who have arrived at 11:00AM when the shop opens and you have had to wait. If you arrive on a day when the shop is supposed to be open, but it is just past 11:00AM, the blinds and door are still closed and there is no "family emergency" sign on the door, please wait if you can, as I will be there within 5 or 10 minutes. I am sorry in advance for the inconvenience.

I again appreciate your continued support of my small business and I wish you much health and great tasting cups of tea in 2023!

-- Kristine, FDN-P



Blended up fresh batches of Lemongrass Spearmint Organic Green Tea and Ginger Organic Green Tea! :)

Shop Schedule

Please note the following days that the shop will be closed:

Monday 6/5 through Wednesday 6/21

Thursday 7/6

Sunday 7/30

Be sure to check your stash and stock up before the extended break.

As a reminder, current hours, along with future long-term schedule changes and policies, can always be found on our shop website infuseteabarny.com.

Gong Fu Tea Service

This Chinese method of tea preparation means "done well" and it requires time and focus, delivering a more aromatic and flavorful infusion than those prepared using the more familiar western method of tea preparation. I am happy to be able to offer this cultural aspect of tea and guide you further through your own tea journey.

This is an appointment only, seated service and, at the moment, is limited to four appointments at a time. Each session lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours (allow 2 hours in case it runs long) and costs $30 paid upon booking. It includes multiple infusions of the tea that you select from the Gong Fu Tea menu and there are 4-7 infusions, depending on the tea selected and as time allows. It also includes a Gong Fu lesson, if you like, so that you may incorporate this method into your own tea ritual at home.

The menu is crafted and rotated seasonally and curated from the larger origin tea offering available in the shop. The summer menu will be developed in time for the shop re-opening on Thursday 6/22.

Gong Fu Tea appointments are available:

Thursdays & Fridays - 11:30 through 3:00

Sundays - 11:30 through 2:00

Please note that there are no appointments on Saturdays.

If you would like to make an appointment for this unique experience, please email kristine@infuseteabarny.com or reply to this email and put "Gong Fu" as the subject. I look forward to preparing tea for you! :)

Pre-order Reminder

As a reminder, pre-orders of loose leaf teas are encouraged in order to streamline the preparation of your custom orders and reduce your wait time, especially if the shop is busy when you arrive. Orders also continue to be shipped nationwide and all (pre)orders can be placed in our online shop pleasuresoftea.com.

• Please place orders at least 24-hours ahead of desired pick up time, if possible, to ensure that it will be seen in the portal and there is enough time to pull it together in time for your arrival.
• Indicating the approximate date and time of pick up in the Comments section in the Cart helps ensure that your order will be ready for you upon arrival. Pick-ups can only be done during shop hours.
• If you plan to browse at the shop or grab a cup of tea, then please do not pay online - select the Pay at pick-up option. You will receive an emailed notification once your order is ready for pick-up.
• DO NOT send orders to my email or leave on voicemail - they will be lost and most likely will not be seen until weeks after you are looking for them.

Thank you for your continued cooperation in helping to serve you in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible! :)

Iced Tea

June is National Iced Tea Month and heralds the return of iced tea season! And tradition continues with our annual guide to making healthy and fresh iced teas to keep you hydrated all summer :)

Below is info that has been presented in years past with some updates.

For many, the return of summer signals the return of iced tea. Iced tea is an American phenomenon that is credited with being "invented" just over one hundred years ago. This refreshing beverage is attributed to Richard Blechynden, a merchant who wanted to provide samples of his tea at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. It was very hot during the exhibition and the fair-goers were not interested in his hot tea, so he decided to pour the tea over ice....and it was a huge success! Even though Mr. Blechynden is credited for inventing this summertime favorite, there are several earlier references in recipe books and other sources. Today eighty percent of the tea consumed in the US is iced, the majority of which is not a healthy addition to your diet due to the amount of sugar and use of poor-quality tea. In reality, hot tea actually cools you down much more effectively, as it stimulates the cooling action of sweating. Iced tea, on the other hand, can cause a constricting action and may keep the heat in. Regardless, we know you love iced tea, so here are some tips for making your own flavorful, healthy and refreshing teas all summer long.

Making a pitcher of fresh iced tea using loose leaf tea is easy and healthy. Preparing it yourself provides you the freedom to make what you want, the way you like it, and nothing tastes better because you control what's in it and, more importantly, what is not! There is an unlimited selection of teas that can be used - black, green, wulong, white, Pu-er, scented, flavored, herbal and fruit tisanes.

Iced tea can be prepared using several different methods. I find that each method has pros and cons and the method should be selected based on the type of tea/tisane being made, the volume being made, and how quickly you need it. The methods are as follows:

1. Hot-Brew - prepare the tea in the traditional manner using the proper temperature water and steep time; let it cool down slightly before chilling. Pro: Great for any tea or tisane. Con: Takes time to get it chilled.
2. Flash-Chill - prepare the tea as usual, but use only about 1/3 the amount of hot water - in essence, you're making a concentrate. After it steeps, add 1/3 ice water and stir. Add 1/3 ice to top off or enough to not be over-iced (you may need to play with the ratios depending on the type of ice you have). Pro: Great for making an immediate cup of iced tea or tisane (it's the one we use in the shop to make it to order). Con: Requires a fair amount of ice depending on how much you need to make.
3. Cold-Brew - add cold water to tea leaves, cover, put in fridge and let steep overnight or at least 4 hours for green and white tea, 8-10 hours for wulong, black, and Pu-er/dark teas. Iced tea will be ready in the morning - it works while you sleep! Pro: Great way to make iced tea by the pitcher or large quantities - can always be heated, if preferred. Con: Takes time. Also, it is not the best method for making iced herbal and fruit tisanes because herbs and fruit need more of a "wake up" to ensure the best flavor; use the hybrid method instead.
4. Hybrid - based on the type of tea or tisane, pour enough of the proper temperature water over the leaves to just cover them. Let steep for 1 minute, fill with cold water, cover and put in fridge. Follow the rest of the cold-brew steps from here. If preparing in a glass container, please be sure that it is a heat-safe, tempered glass container. Pro: Best method to "wake up" the herbs and fruit in the tisanes and allows the preparation of a larger volume. Con: Takes time.

Whichever method you choose, it is important to be sure to use an adequate amount of tea leaf, especially if the tea will be poured over ice. To minimize the risk of ending up with a weak iced tea, you may want to make a concentrated tea or tisane that can be diluted to the preferred strength once it is poured over ice or diluted with cold water. 

When your iced tea is ready, garnish it as desired. Slices of fruit and mint sprigs add flavor, color, and added nutrients. Citrus slices not only taste good, but they also help your body absorb more of the healthy antioxidants! Use a simple syrup (plain or infused with herbs and/or fruit) or fruit juice to sweeten, if necessary. Add a splash of seltzer for some bubbly. For a boozy blend, add some rum, vodka, tequila, or other favorite spirit for an iced tea cocktail.

Keep in mind that teas and tisanes are full of healthy nutrients - polyphenols, amino acids, essential oils, and minerals. In addition to providing healthy benefits to our bodies, these nutrients may provide a food source for bacteria, if the infused tea is not consumed immediately or stored properly. The chance of getting sick is low, but to minimize any potential risk, be sure to cover and refrigerate left-over iced tea and consume it within two to three days.

Finally, here is our annual caution about sun tea, a tradition that captures the essence of summer, and one which most of us have prepared at least once. It is important, however, to be aware of the potential risks that may be associated with consuming this favorite summertime beverage. As the sun heats the water, it reaches a temperature that is ideal for any bacteria that may be present to multiply - it never gets hot enough to kill it off. To minimize any potential risks, it is important to follow these steps:

• Use a very clean container. If the container has a spigot, be sure that the area around it is clean and sanitized - bacteria can thrive here and then become part of your tea. 
• Use fresh cold water.
• Steep the sun tea for no more than three to four hours.
• Consume the same day. If any tea remains, refrigerate and consume it the next day. Discard any tea that remains after the second day.
• This method is not recommended for tisanes or flavored teas that contain a lot of fruit pieces. The fruit pieces could provide a food source for any potential bacteria that may be present. In addition, herbs, particularly organic or fresh from your garden, may possibly harbor insect eggs, which may not be neutralized in the lukewarm water.

Whichever tips and techniques you test out this summer, be sure to unleash your creativity and feel free to share your concoctions or your own tips on our facebook page!

Do you or someone you know need a personal health detective to address chronic wellness issues that can't seem to be resolved? If you haven't tried the FDN approach, then you haven't tried everything. Make 2023 your best year yet!

As a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) Practitioner, I help clients get to the root of their health and wellness issues and reclaim the vitality that they very much deserve. I offer fully customized, programs that are unique to each client and that incorporate holistic protocols addressing body, mind, spirit and senses. This is an extension of my work in tea and herbalism for the past fifteen years, but I will now be able to help those of you who need it at a much deeper and personalized level than I can offer in the shop. In addition to the new tools in my toolbox, I will continue to draw from my experience in using tea for health, along with my herbalism training, during the development of the comprehensive protocols that will be specific to the bio-individualized needs of each client. I will educate and empower you to make the choices that are best for YOUR health so that you can be your own health advocate moving forward. I look forward to showing you what I can do to help you achieve your wellness goals and enjoy continued vitality well into the future!

To learn more, please visit https://vitalityholisticwellness.net. If you are ready to make the investment in your wellness, then I would be happy to discuss the potential opportunity with you. You may book a complimentary discovery call directly through the website so I can learn about your issues and you can learn more about how I work and how my approach is different from the conventional medicine and/or alternative approaches that you have already experienced. I also have an email address specific for Vitality Holistic Wellness business and I ask that all inquiries regarding these services be directed to kristine@vitalityholisticwellness.net.

The website also shares My Why - the reasons why I am so passionate about this approach to health and wellness. This is a very personal experience for me and I share my 32-year journey toward finding health and wellness and dealing with autoimmunity and a compromised immune system, among many other issues that you or someone you know may be experiencing. I hear from so many of you about your own chronic wellness issues and I share my story as a way to connect and open the door and show that there is hope…even after 32 years! If you would like to read my health story, please click here. It is long, so make sure you have a big mug of tea :)

I also email out a newsletter with health and wellness tips that do not fit within the scope of this newsletter. If you are interested in receiving the Vitality Newsletter, then feel free to sign up while you're at the website!

New at the Shop

Our summer teas have arrived and are now available! Returning favorites include: Minted Coconut Lime Green Tea, Cherry Pineapple Herbal Tisane, Coconut Lime Herbal Tisane, Coconut Fruit Punch Fruit Tisane, Kiwi Peach Fruit Tisane, and Watermelon Fruit Tisane. All are available in the shop and online shop.

Infuse Tea Bar & The Pleasures of Tea

106 Main Street

West Sayville, NY 11796

www.infuseteabarny.com - shop

www.pleasuresoftea.com - online shop

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500+ Loose Leaf Teas, Herbal Tisanes & Functional/Medicinal Herbs

Certified - Tea Professional, Tea Sommelier & Tea Health Expert

Student of the Art & Science of Herbalism

Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner & Certified Terrain Advocate - Vitality Holistic Wellness