Celebrate Red Tea and Roses at February Tea Class
Tea and roses come in a variety of colors but what better month to celebrate the color red they share than the one Valentine’s Day occurs? Rooibos is also called “red tea” or “red bush tea” because of the bright red coloring the leaves take on during the oxidation and fermentation processes. It’s information like this that attendees will learn at the Saturday, February 11 tea class. Aptly named “Rooibos and Roses,” the class will take place from 11:30 to 12:30 at the Atrium Team Room and Cafe.
Rooibos tea is made from the leaves of a plant that grows only in a small region of South Africa. A properly brewed cup of rooibos tea will be a rich red color and have a sweet, nutty flavor. While it’s traditionally served with milk and sugar in native South Africa, most drinkers outside of that region prefer rooibos tea on its own or with a bit of honey.
Rooibos tea has high levels of antioxidants so like most teas, there are health benefits of drinking it. Most noteworthy are its ability to improve the immune system, the promotion of stronger bones and teeth, cancer-fighting, and it offers relief from digestive concerns. Since it is caffeine-free, rooibos tea drinkers have found it relaxes them, relieves tension and aids in better sleep. This, in turn helps alleviate headaches and irritability.
Roses have been associated with tea dating back through history. Both through the association with gardening and the fresh-cut flowers providing the finishing touch to a well-decorated table.
Cost for the Feb. 11 tea class is $25 per person; reservations are required. Attendees will sample a minimum of three teas along with afternoon-style tea service of foods to accompany them. Handouts and recipes are also included. Participants receive a discount on their purchases in the Tea Room and entire store the day of the class.
Developers of the Tea Room, tea artisans Martha VandeLeest and Kathryn Schwark, were trained by STI, the leader in the tea industry, and will be instructors for the class. Both have also received enhanced training from International Tea Specialists at the World Tea Conference.
The “Rooibos and Roses” class will be held Saturday, February 11 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the Atrium Tea Room and Cafe located in Richardson’s Furniture Emporium at 202 Pine Street in Sheboygan Falls. For more information or to reserve your spot, call 467-6659 or e-mail kschwark@richardsoninds.com
