The Best Tea for Reading a Russian Novel
by Rachel Deveau
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way…" so begins the famous novel Anna Karenina by Tolstoy. It is a beginning that promises unhappiness not only for most families involved in the story, but also for the unprepared reader. Most who claim to have finished the tome will acknowledge that they were forced to the task by some over-zealous teacher. Either way, when you choose to pick up this 817-page novel you are making a commitment, and the drink of choice for facing that challenge is Ancient Trees.
Ancient Trees is an organic Pu-erh tea that comes from China. To make it, tree bark is compressed into bowl shapes about one inch wide. Because of the work involved in compressing this fine tea, it is rare and often expensive. Ancient Trees is a black tea that mimics coffee in color and even more so in body. The longer the tea steeps the darker and more flavorful it becomes. If you happen to become absorbed into the affairs of Anna Karenina and whether or not love is enough, you will never have to worry about a bitter cup of tea. Instead, you always will be greeted with a mellow woody flavor. This tea could even steep overnight and still be enjoyed.
There are different types of Pu-erh tea as each tree offers different flavors – a different face of the same essence – which makes the experience of this smooth tea seem more like drinking a fine wine. It can be comforting in its wine-like character and warmth, helping you to notice Anna's gradually increasing depression, but without allowing your mind to sleep or wander. Ancient Trees will sustain your body for the grueling pace of the extensive Russian novel, while keeping your mind alert and your soul well fed.
Tea Info:
Can Be Purchased: Ancient Trees Organic Pu-erh Tea
Website: www.peets.com
Price: $19.95 / 4 oz.
RedFence Rating: 9 (out of 10)