Cranes for Peace at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse

There is an ancient Japanese legend that said if you folded one thousand paper cranes you would be granted a wish. The wish of Sadako Sasaki, who survived the Hiroshima bombing of Japan in 1945, was diagnosed with leukemia from the radiation, was to live. The story of her bravery and resilience resonated with the world, and the symbolism of paper cranes has been associated with peace and hope ever since.

This April we want to put energy into the idea of peace. Peace within ourselves through meditation, and peace for the world through acts of charity and good intentions. Throughout April we will be folding paper cranes in both teahouses, and at the end of the month we will count our cranes (hopefully making it to one thousand) and send a wish of peace to someone.

We will vote on social media to determine who to send the cranes to, so be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Advertisements

Make Your Tea Happy with CBD Infused Honey

Feeling stressed? Body a little tense? Make your tea (and your body) Happy with a shot of CBD infused honey. We’re excited to have Farmhouse Hemp products at the teahouse because it’s one more way we can help Nourish Your Happy. You can add a 10mg honey shot for only $1.50 for a relaxing happy feeling in your body. Studies show it can reduce stress, reduce inflammation, and ease nausea.  We measure it out with an actual syringe, so you get exactly what you pay for.

What is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid compound found in the hemp plant. That means to won’t get you high (that’s THC) from ingesting CBD products.  CBD doesn’t even affect the same receptors that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does, so your mind stays present. It is extracted from the seeds, stalks, and flowers of the hemp plant. THC, on the other hand, comes from the flowering tops and leaves. 

It is legal to purchase and consume CBD under U.S. Federal law as long as it’s extracted from hemp. Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of Cannabis sativa L. that contains less than 0.3% THC. The marijuana plant is in the same genus as hemp, but their chemical makeup is not identical.  So don’t worry, you’re not breaking the law when you treat yourself to a bit-o CBD. 

CBD Benefits 

Studies are beginning to discover a ton of amazing health benefits of CBD. It’s been as beneficial for treating inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, spasms, and nausea, according to Medical News Today.

Why Farmhouse Hemp?

We chose to partner with Farmhouse Hemp because they are dedicated to natural processes, local ingredients, and authenticity in every part of their business. The high quality, pure full-spectrum hemp oil is made naturally (no weird solvents here!) from 100% local products. They hold themselves accountable by 3rd party testing, which they publish on their website.

The hemp they grow is 100% organic and local to Colorado. Each batch of hemp rosin is tested at a Colorado State University Lab to determine the CBD concentration and is published on Farmhouse Hemp’s website.

They use heat and pressure to extract the CBD, which eliminates the need for solvents. This guarantees their products are full-spectrum hemp oil.

Full-Spectrum hemp oil is pure, concentrated CBD that you can use orally or topically. The terpenoids and trace amounts of other cannabinoids contribute to the relaxing effect CBD has on your body. Terpenoids are oils that are secreted from the plant’s glands and are responsible for the aroma of cannabis. Those oil compounds along, with cannabinoids, increase blood flow, enhance cortical activity, and kill respiratory pathogens, according to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology.

Happy Lucky’s Wellness Bombs

CBD honey shots are the perfect addition to any herbal blend. Some of our favorite Wellness Bombs are Be Well, Ginger Orange Carrot, Vitali-Tea, and all of our chai blends. If you’re getting pure-leaf tea, we suggest you order a honey shot of CBD on the side, as the honey can overpower some of the flavors. But when it comes down to it, it’s your tea. Take it how you want it!

CBD Honey Shots, they’re CD-licious!

What does First Flush Darjeeling have in common with Oolong tea?

What does First Flush Darjeeling have in common with Oolong tea? It’s all about the process. Despite Darjeeling being a black tea, the Springtime picking has a unique fresh greenness to it that makes it a little different from other Darjeeling harvests. Oolong also has a unique oxidation process that makes it an interesting meld between green and black tea.

Oolong is often described as an “in-between” tea compared to green and black. But surprise – it’s a little more complicated than that. The oxidation process of black tea involves the leaves being crushed or twisted, which turns the leaves brown after they’ve been oxidized. Green tea is traditionally processed by withering, heating, rolling and drying. The heating actually prevents oxidation and preserves a freshness. Black tea, on the other hand, is processed by being withered, rolled, oxidized and dried. Oolong tea begins to oxidize before it is crushed, which is why people often describe it as “in-between green and black”, according to Eric Scott, a self-proclaimed Tea Geek and graduate student at Tufts University.  

Tea picked at the beginning of the season (mid-March to May depending on weather) is known as “first flush”.  First flush teas are made from baby tea leaves that have just woken up after being dormant for the winter.  What sets First Flush Darjeeling apart from other black teas? It isn’t processed as deeply. When it is rolled, it retains some of the “leaf juice”,  which makes it special, according to Andy Boone, Master Blender at Happy Lucky’s. That’s why you get a subtle greenness in the leaves and an abundance of silver tips. The liquor is smooth on the palate with undertones of citrus and grape.

Tea processing and picking is one small part of the specialness of tea. It’s amazing that all these flavors can come from a single kind of plant. What else are you interested in learning about in the world of tea? Let us know! We love to geek out on tea.

Spring Teas

Spring is in the air, and the warm breeze is blowing in good news for tea lovers of the world. Darjeeling growers are anticipating the most lucrative first flush in decades according to World Tea News. This year we were lucky to have early rains and sunny winter days that have made it possible for tea gardens to flourish.

We enjoy teas from around the world here in Fort Collins so it’s important to understand where that tea is coming from, and what it took to get it here.

There was a strike in Darjeeling last year and most of the cultivation cycles were not harvested. That means that the plants are retaining more nutrients as they had a longer resting period, known as the winter cycle. That dormant winter cycle is when the tea plants recover their nutrients from the soil.  The extra time this year’s crop was able to spend in recovery mode makes it especially potent. What does this mean for us? Super. Tasty. Tea.

Why We Love Spring Teas

Even though it comes from a single plant, the flavor profile of tea is expansive. One thing that contributes to flavor nuances is the time of year the crop is harvested. Spring teas are a great example of this, as they show complex tasting notes specific to the period the little leaves were plucked. Also, they tend to pack more caffeine per ounce, making them a perfect pick-me-up. Because baby tea leaves are more vulnerable, they produce more caffeine to ward off insects. Bad news for insects, good news for sleepy tea drinkers! The light minerally taste makes for a refreshing yet flavorful brew and is just what you need to get going on a warm spring day.

Brew Up Some Sunshine

Glenburn First Flush Darjeeling: This black tea should really be in a category of its own; it tastes like walking through a garden in the springtime. The delectable brew is known for an abundance of silver tips. The liquor is light and bright, smooth on the palate with undertones of citrus and grape. Our general manager Andy Boone notes there is a “musky spiciness to it”.

 Nepal Honeysuckle Green Tea: If you love Darjeeling, you should already have Nepal Honeysuckle in your cup. It’s the same tea as Darjeeling but is grown across the valley in Nepal. But don’t be fooled! They are miles away in flavor profile as well. This green tea is the earliest crop of tea and the most sought after by connoisseurs across the globe. The tender plucking is extremely aromatic and yields a mild vegetal flavor with rich mineral overtones that give way to a sweet linger.

China Cui Ming Emerald Bright: Another delightfully uplifting brew, Cui Ming is a beautiful large leaf tea grown in the highlands of Simao, Yunnan. Aptly named for the green and white long leaves used in its production and the emerald liquor it produces this Cui Ming has an enticing light, zesty, and vegetal flavor and imparts a unique active and arid feeling in the mouth while still having with the unique sweet linger expected from large leaf Yunnan trees.

Four Teas for Flu Season

This year’s flu season has been the most widespread on record since health officials began keeping track 13 years ago (Washington Post).

To prevent the flu: wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough, and do not to go into public if you’re starting to feel sick.

When you have the flu: Drink Tea!

At Happy Lucky’s Teahouse, we want to help you stay healthy and happy, so we’re going to tell you about four magical brews you the season of sickness.

 Four Teas for Flu Season

1. Be Well Herbal Blend:  

This is the tea you should already be drinking. It’s a blend of immune boosting herbs, flowers, roots and peels that are designed to help you fight off impending doom. If you’re starting to feel slight symptoms or you notice others around you beginning to sniffle, brew up some Be Well.  The soothing power of ginger root and the white blood cell boosting ability of echinacea (WebMD) are just a few ingredients that promote wellness in this lovely herbal blend.

2. VitaliTea Herbal Blend:

Another blend to fortify the immune system during cold and flu season. This Happy Lucky’s blend is a great combo of health-boosting herbs and well-balanced flavor. Rose hips to hibiscus, this is an all-around healthy tea for revitalizing and rejuvenating the body and mind.

3. Cosmic Cold Herbal Blend:

Already sick? When the symptoms hit, Cosmic Cold is the brew for you. It has a slight bitter taste, but the herbal blend of chamomile, yarrow, feverfew, elder berry, elder flower, red clover, rose hips, hibiscus, yerba santa, cinnamon and lemon peel is known to cut flu time in half and assist the body in relieving cold symptoms. But if you’re already sick, the slight medicinal flavor won’t bother you!  If it does,  a little honey does wonders for this tea. “Drink it until you can taste it,” says Kari Grossman, Happy Lucky’s co-owner, “That’s how you know it’s working.

4. Koala Bear Nasal Care:

After your symptoms are starting to settle down and you can smell fresh air again, you’ll probably experience some nasty nasal draining. Never fear! Koala Bear is here! This herbal blend is great for “…when your nose is running off your face,” remarks Kari. Breathe it in – this tea’s aroma is as beneficial as the brew. The flavor has some mentho-lyptus action with notes of citrus and licorice.

Rotate all FOUR herbal blends throughout the day for superstar immunity power. Take care of your body, and Nourish Your Happy.

Don’t Go Too Long without Oolong

Experience Oolong at Happy Lucky’s Teahouse 

Last week we talked about the scientific evidence connecting Oolong tea to supporting a healthy lifestyle. This week we want to just focus on how delicious it is! Did you know that there is a HUGE spectrum of flavor and aromas within this ONE type of tea? You’re going to want to try them all after learning about these scrumptious teas.

Here are three of our favorite Oolong teas, and why we love them so much:

Taiwan Tung ting “Frozen Summit”

“I love the Tung Ting because you can steep it all day,” said Leafster Sean. Taiwan Tung Ting, or “Frozen Summit” Oolong tea is one of Taiwan’s most renowned teas. Only the newly sprouted leaves are plucked and withered in the sun. The process of rolling and roasting is repeated, creating layers of nutty, floral and buttery aromas with balanced sweet floral notes.

Taiwan Tung Ting “Frozen Summit” Oolong Tea

Because it’s so tightly rolled, you can get anywhere from 5 to 10 steepings out of this tea. “The flavor improves as you brew it because the leaves slowly open up,” explained Andy, our in-house Master Tea Blender. From flavor to health benefits, this tea gives and gives and gives. Or as Sean puts it: “it just keeps giving love”. 

China Da Hong Pao “Big Red Robe”

Andy described this tea as “deep and roasty”. Da Hong Pao is on the more extreme end of oxidation (80-90%), meaning it has a deep, rich, scotch-like peatiness. If you peek into the tin you’ll notice that it is quite dark, and you might mistake it for a black tea. But that’s just how it looks after the oxidation process. The twisted leaves will give you 3-6 steepings, so it’s still worth sitting down and taking your time to sip.

China Da Hong Pao “Big Red Robe” Oolong Tea

 

Taiwan Wenshan Baozhong Oolong

From the high mountains of the Wen Mountain district in Northern Taiwan, this authentic Oolong makes for a sweet silky brew that anyone is sure to love. The leaves of this tea are greener than “Big Red Robe”, which mirrors the clean “clean fresh spring-like aroma,” as Andy put it. If you don’t want to waste a tightly rolled Oolong that is begging for multiple steepings, but you need that tea fix, this is the Oolong for you! The strip style leaves mean less complexity comes out of later steepings, but it also means that the first few steepings highlight the best flavors, according to Andy. So if you’re in a rush, or just want to savor one sweet cup, brew up some Wenshan Baozhong.

Taiwan Wenshan Baozhong Oolong Tea

 

---

Oolong is an experience, and we want you to get everything you can out of it. The best way to enjoy Oolong is short steepings over multiple brews. So come to Happy Lucky’s Teahouse and experience the world of Oolong.

 

Tea takes time. Luckily we can offer you an additional hour of free parking in these three garages if you want to come downtown! What are you waiting for?  

If you can’t make it in, order online!

Tea: A Gateway Drug to a Healthy Lifestyle

Tea is kind of like a gateway drug into a healthy lifestyle.

At Happy Lucky’s, we’re all about helping support your healthy lifestyle goals. Since eating healthier and losing weight is the most common New Year’s resolution, how can tea help?

If weight loss is one of your goals, starting and ending each day with a warm cup of Oolong tea can help. Why? Because scientific studies show that Oolong tea can boost your metabolism, lower cholesterol, aid in digestion, and can help stabilize blood sugar (2, 3, 4).

Oolong is special because of a unique antioxidant called catechin and caffeine combo that puts your body into fat-burning mode. It also contains polyphenols that help block fat-building enzymes. (1,5)

“The value of Oolong tea to weight loss has three basic components,” says evolutionary biologist and neurogeneticist Dr. Sharon Moalem, MD, Phd, author of The DNA Restart: Unlock Your Personal Genetic Code to Eat for Your Genes, Lose Weight, and Reverse Aging.

“Oolong tea kicks up your basal metabolic rate, helping you burn through calories painlessly; it contains compounds that bind to the fats in our gut and help them pass through us; laboratory results show specific polyphenols that help melt off belly fat,” Dr. Moalem says. (1)

If drinking Oolong tea, in tandem with healthy eating and exercise, can help you achieve your optimal weight and health goals, then Happy Lucky’s is here to help with 18 different Oolong teas to choose from, each one with a delicious complex flavor and sweet fragrance.

 

Oolong is the most difficult type of tea to manufacture with many steps often over several days. After the leaves become pliable from withering, they are gently rolled or twisted to release leaf juices and begin oxidization. At the appropriate time, they are lightly heated, arresting further oxidation. These consecutive steps are repeated nonstop for up to 48 hours. Oxidation levels are usually between 20%-90%. One could say oolongs “walk the middle path” between green and black tea.

Another study done in 2003 found that drinking Oolong tea can help regulate the amount of blood sugar and insulin in one’s bloodstream. This, along with other supplementary drugs, has been used to treat type-2 diabetic disorders (4).

Oolong may also help improve bone health. According to studies done that looked at long-term health of habitual tea drinkers, tea drinking is correlated with retention of minerals in the body. This helps protect your teeth against decay, strengthens your bone structure, and can prevent osteoporosis (5). 

If stress is holding you back from being the healthiest version of you, then start managing it — WITH OOLONG. In a study done in Japan, Oolong’s natural polyphenols were directly connected to reducing stress levels. Decreased stress can help you focus on what matters most to you, and it can help you focus on more mindful interaction with the world and yourself (6).

Drinking tea, in general, is a great companion for a healthy lifestyle. You’ll begin to feel energized and glowing after a few cups (maybe that’s the caffeine). That feeling can lead to eating better, exercising more, being mindful, and being an overall healthier person. It’s up to you, but tea is always there to help you along the way. If you pair your daily cup with healthy eating and moderate exercise, you’re well on your way to being a healthier happier human.  Tea: the magical elixir that gives our bodies yummy antioxidants, focused energy, and pure comfort. It can help support our overall health goals, and it tastes fantastic.

—

References

1. Video with Dr. Sharon: http://www.doctoroz.com/episode/regimen-only-plan-you-ll-need-improve-your-health?video_id=5125372081001
2. “The effects of catechin rich teas and caffeine on energy expenditure and fat oxidation: a Meta-analysis”. PubMed, 2011.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21366839
3. “Oolong tea increases metabolic rate and fat oxidation in men”. PubMed, 2001.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11694607
4. “Antihyperglycemic Effect of Oolong Tea in Type 2 Diabetes”. American Diabetes Association, 2003.  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11694607
5. “Epidemiological Evidence of Increased Bone Mineral Density in Habitual Tea Drinkers”. JAMA Internal Medicine, 2002. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/211409
6. “ l-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses”. Elsevier, 2007. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301051106001451