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Greetings!
Welcome to this issue of our Newsletter.
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 | | Tea Fields in Japan at the base of Mount Fuji. |
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TGT Green Tea Collection Box
Custom Assortment of 10 Pure Green Teas of Japan
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The Green Tea Collection Box is a perfect introduction to green teas from Japan.
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TGT is featuring for the first time, a sampler of the finest green teas of Japan in this elegant Collection. Ten (10) assorted TGT tea sachets are included (Gyokuro, Yamecha, TGT Blend, Sencha, Organic Hojicha, Kukicha, Hojicha, Organic Genmaicha, Genmaicha, and Organic Sencha). Many of our customers have found this to be a great way to sample their way through our most popular teas. We also have all of these teas available for sale, individually, by the box. Once you find your favorite in the collection, you can place an order for a whole box here TGT Webstore *TGT is promoting environmental sustainability. As part of this effort, TGT tea sachets are made from a corn-based biodegradable material. While our website is being revised to include the TGT Green Tea Collection Box and several other items, orders may be placed by calling (847)735-0400 or by email sgrandy@thegreenteaist.com. |
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The Great Chicago Blizzard of 2011
On the days leading up to the blizzard of 2011, we were warned that Mother Nature was about to hit us with a massive snow storm and blizzard and she didn't fall short on her promise! Around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, the great blizzard started to roll in. As a result, TGT Lake Forest was closed two days to ensure the safety of the staff and our guests. All in all, we received approximately 24 inches of snow in two days. Below is a picture taken outside of TGT the day after the blizzard ended.  | | Sharon Grandy, General Manager of TGT Lake Forest, standing outside of TGT the day after the Blizzard of 2011 |
You will notice how high the snow is. Both Midway and O'Hare International Airports were also shut down. It was a historic day. Luckily, everyone is okay and TGT did not suffer any damages. We re-opened for business on Thursday, February 3, 2011, at 12 p.m. with lots of stories to share of our "Snowpocalypse" adventures! |
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TGT Recipe
Sweeten up your February with Matcha Panna Cotta
| | TGT Matcha Panna Cotta prepared by Chef Thomas Schroeder. |
Panna Cotta, literally translated as "cooked cream" in Italian, is a delicacy that traditionally combines milk, cream, sugar and gelatin. TGT's Matcha Panna Cotta is unique in that it is completely vegetarian. We do not use gelatin to thicken this dish, instead we use agar-agar, which is a jelly-like substance derived from seaweed. Agar is flavorless, so the true essence of the high quality matcha really comes through. We encourage you to try this delightful dish on your next visit to TGT. TGT Matcha Panna Cotta Recipe Ingredients 1 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup skim milk 6 grams Kasuga no Shiro matcha (about 3 heaping chashaku scoops) 50 grams cane sugar 1 tablespoon agar-agar Directions 1) In a medium sized saucepan, mix cream, milk, matcha, and sugar and bring to a simmer over low heat. Whisk frequently and vigorously until mixture is uniformly light green and frothy, about 10 minutes. 2) Add agar-agar to mixture and bring to a simmer again, whisking thoroughly to allow agar to dissolve. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until liquid becomes slightly stiffened. 3) Strain mixture through fine mesh strainer into a bain marie* and place in an ice bath. 4) Whisk occasionally until slightly cool, just a few minutes, not allowing the mixture to set. 5) Pour into small serving glasses and gently tap glass on a hard surface to break surface bubbles. 6) Chill until ready to be served. Before serving, dust panna cotta lightly with matcha and serve accompanied by fresh berries. *bain marie [beyn-muh-ree; Fr. ban-ma-ree] (in cooking) a method surrounding food with a very gentle heat; a receptacle containing hot or boiling water into which other containers are placed to warm or cook food. Sharon Grandy |
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The Green Teaist Library
Book Review
(The Green Teaist offers the most extensive collection of books on teas around the world, their history, provenance, practices and customs, with emphasis on the green teas of Japan.You may wish to browse the more than 30 titles at TGT Lake Forest and a more limited collection at TGT Beverly Hills. We will review each book in our expanding collection and, perhaps, interest you in expanding your understanding of teas.) The Book of Tea, Lester A. Mitscher, Ph.D., and Victoria Dolby Toews, MPH, 230 pp, Published by the Penguin Group (USA): 1998, $12.95
'The Green Tea Book,' is written by medical professionals. The version carried in The Green Teaist is the revised second edition published in 2008. The original was published in 1998, and new information has been added. All sources and articles used in the book are available for those who wish to research these subjects independently. The book exists to educate, not to dazzle you with breathless marketing tactics and "sure-fire" miracle cures "that doctors don't want you to know." Although the words "miracle cure" are used on the cover, the words are present because 'The Green Tea Book' explains why people associate that statement with green tea. This is extremely refreshing and allows the reader to come to the book with an open mind. The tone of the book is light and approachable. Any uncommon terminology including "flavonoids" and "polyphenols," are explained in simple lay language. Instead of plunging into tea jargon, the authors take time to explain the history of the beverage and its different varieties. There's an entire chapter about how to select and prepare the best tea using equipment easily available to western consumers. 'The Green Tea Book' is remarkably thorough in examining the health benefits of green tea, including discussions on green tea's ability to fight bacteria and its' anti-inflammatory effects, as well as how green tea can be used as a possible preventative measure against more serious illnesses. The book explains how green tea affects the body from digestion to dental issues. The important thing to remember is that green tea has the potential to soothe and prevent illness when paired with proper eating habits and a low-stress lifestyle. 'The Green Tea Book' recommends consuming three to five cups of high quality green tea a day for maximum effect. Why don't you visit The Green Teaist for yours?
Anna Dragana Diaz |
FROM THE CORPORATE OFFICE
 | TGT green tea demonstration Whole Foods Market, Deerfield, IL.
(L to R) Mary Warren, Sam Ritchey and Sharon Grandy. |
Earlier this month, The Green Teaist staff, consisting of Mary Warren, Sam Ritchey and Sharon Grandy (pictured above L to R) hosted a green tea demonstration at Whole Foods Market in Deerfield, Illinois. On a busy and snowy Saturday afternoon, there was considerable interest in sipping hot TGT green teas. The staff was able to answer many questions from shoppers interested in learning about the differences between Genmaicha, Hojicha and Sencha and their Organic equivalents. The store's stock of TGT green teas had to be replenished quickly following the demonstration. Saturday, February 26, 2011, The Green Teaist staff will be conducting a demonstration at the new Sunset Foods in Long Grove, Illinois. If you are in that part of the northwest suburbs on Saturday, from 10:30 A.M. to 3:30 P.M., we hope you will stop by and enjoy a sampling of our fine green teas. The newest of the Sunset group of fine food stores is located at the corner Hwy. 83 and Aptakisic Road in Long Grove.  | | TGT teas on display at Sunset Foods in Long Grove, IL. |
As previously noted, Sam Ritchey, resident Tea Sommelier of The Green Teaist, will be at The Green Teaist Beverly Hills, located at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, to assist in serving TGT green teas and to answer questions from February 15 through 19, 2011. If you are in Southern California that week, please come by and meet Sam. TGT green teas are now available in several of the finest hotels and restaurants in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica.
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