November Tastes Like Tea

Tea is like a good but mysterious friend. We enjoy spending time with them, we need them, and we miss them when they're not around for a while. But if someone were to ask us, "Hey, where's your friend from? What do you know about them?"... Would we have the answers?

Most of us know just as little about the tea we drink almost every day. We pull out an unassuming sachet from a bag, scoop up some rustling dry leaves, not even bothering to read the brewing instructions... what a crime against tea, your friend!

Another sin against tea is effusively praising coffee, extolling it to the heavens... but is it coffee that accompanies us in the most relaxing moment of the day, when we can finally unwind, under a blanket on the sofa?

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There's always time for a good cuppa, but the best of the best time is undoubtedly November. The eleventh month of the year is a period of reflection and summing up, which soon after gets lost in the frenzy of pre-holiday preparations. And in whose company is it best to contemplate life's intricate matters?...

A friend, of course.

The Chinese may have had the pleasure of discovering tea, but the fact is that the whole world quickly fell in love with it. Without exception!

The magic of tea worked slowly but surely. The Japanese became its next admirers, and soon after, the tea craze spread across Asia, captivating Russian pioneers wandering through Siberia, and finally, Europeans caught the bug (17th century).

Proximity to China, or perhaps an innate, national flair?

A city with European flair but a thoroughly Russian soul proved to be the birthplace of one of the most distinguished tea producers. It was in St. Petersburg that the Kusmi brand flourished – now known and loved far and wide. Its creator can be considered... an errand boy who worked in a tea shop. Young Pavel Mikhailovich loved his job, which did not go unnoticed by the owner. Soon the errand boy became his son-in-law, inheriting the shop. Sounds like a ready-made script? It gets even better! You'll find the details of this extraordinary tea epic in a separate Magazine article about the fascinating history of the Kusmi brand.

Kusmi Bestsellers, or Your Favourites

At FormAdore, we have dozens of Kusmi tea flavours. Which is the best? We don't know. However, we can wholeheartedly recommend four Kusmi flavours that are most popular not only among FormAdore customers but also among tea lovers worldwide.

Prince Vladimir Tea - a blend of black Earl Grey tea with notes of citrus, spices, and vanilla

Anastasia Tea - a blend of black tea, bergamot, orange, and lemon

St. Petersburg Tea - a blend of black tea with caramel, red fruits, and a hint of vanilla

BBDetox Tea - a blend of mate, green tea, rooibos, guarana, dandelion, and grapefruit

Christmas Edition - Enchanting Tsarevna

Every year, Kusmi releases a special Christmas tea, which is a blend of black tea, spices, and orange. The composition and name "Tsarevna" were inspired by the story of the Tsar's daughters, who were captivated by the sight of the Christmas tree in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg.

When gifting this special tea to a loved one, don't forget to mention this charming story!

Japanese proverb

Why do you need a tea infuser? We've written a whole separate Magazine article about it. Let's remind ourselves in three points how this unassuming "tea" gadget can make life easier:

1. An infuser will once and for all deal with tea leaves floating on the surface.
2. An infuser allows you to make delicious tea for just one person.
3. It's also one of those everyday details that add flavour to life! Just look at the amazing ideas of designers who, in creating a simple infuser, create a small work of art.

What makes a good kettle? The answer isn't straightforward. First and foremost, you need to decide whether you want an electric kettle or a stove-top kettle – that's the fundamental question to get your head around. If you're torn between the two, be sure to read our Magazine article: Electric kettle or traditional? Pros and cons of both solutions.

We particularly recommend kettles with temperature control. They are especially useful for savouring different types of tea that require specific brewing temperatures. If you like old-fashioned design straight out of the 50s, consider buying a retro-style kettle, and ideally one with a whistle – such a kettle will bring a wonderfully nostalgic atmosphere to your kitchen! For fans of modern design, we also have something – a stainless steel kettle.

The most frequently searched kettle colours by you are:

- black electric kettle

- white electric kettle

- red electric kettle

Smeg kettles and KitchenAid kettles are also very popular. At FormAdore, we have a truly wide selection of kettles, so you're sure to find something for yourself!

...and does it even matter? If the tea is well brewed, it will taste good always and everywhere. Which doesn't change the fact that a pretty mug or a shapely teacup gives the tea-drinking ritual a special setting.

A mug with an infuser is an excellent option for those who enjoy leafy tea in solitude.

Teacups are the choice of traditionalists. They also win out over mugs when guests visit – an elegant tea set with a teapot and teacups will make guests feel truly pampered.

... or perhaps a glass? Tea glasses are often associated with the communist era in Poland, but this is unfair – today, they are also conquering the world of design. It's worth giving tea its royal due and serving it in a vessel where it will be perfectly visible. Remember, however, to choose appropriate glass, e.g., thermal glasses or glasses with a holder, in which the hot drink will not heat up the sides and burn your hands.

While some might consider it a profanation of tea, adding milk to it, there are tea enthusiasts who absolutely adore such a blend. This way, the tea's flavour is significantly mellowed. Children, in particular, are very fond of tea with milk. Instead of serving a pre-mixed brew, it's better to place a milk jug on the table – so everyone can add as much milk to their tea as they fancy.

...and in a suitable container. Valuable contents deserve the right setting. Tea caddies stand out with their interesting design, excellent functionality, and high quality of craftsmanship. Tea stored in them – both in bags and loose leaf – will retain its aroma for a very long time!

Loose-leaf tea can be tricky to scoop with a flat spoon – the leaves tend to fall off, and the portion size diminishes. That's why it's worth equipping your "tea arsenal" with an appropriate measuring spoon.