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In This Issue
Spring Sincha Has Arrived
Cool New Cups
South Africas Rooibos
Tea & Health: Dental Health
Early Spring Sincha Houryoku has arrived
0108 Front page
This special offering is the very first picking of the early spring.  It has a wonderful light, sweet flavor.

 If you enjoy high quality Japanese green teas, this is one you will want to experience

Cool New Cups
Take away Cups
Stop tossing away paper cups when you use these great new ceramic cups to enjoy your favorite tea.  Plus they do a better job of keeping it hot.  3 fun styles.  Pick up one for yourself and one for a friend!
 
Quick Links
The Tea Smith Website
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Tea Basics video - owner Tim Smith talks about tea processing
It's Just Tea - fun video about finding the perfect cup of tea
The Tea Smith Press - Opportunities for tea in the beverage industry
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78th & Dodge
402 393 7070

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Greetings!

This is an exciting time of year at The Tea Smith.  Many of the new crops begin to arrive.  We now have the 2010 1st Flush Darjeeling in stock, as well as the 2010 Sincha from Japan.

We also have (most of) the Summer flavors in stock, and more arriving soon.  So visit our store online or in Omaha see what is new and tasty.
How do you pronounce Rooibos?
Rooibos field 
What can I drink that does not contain caffeine?   This is a common question we receive from our customers.  They may be looking to cut out caffeine all together, or find a beverage that can be enjoyed in the evening.  Often we suggest rooibos as an excellent option.
Sometimes called 'Red Bush Tea', it is technically not a tea, but a member of the legume family. The Aspalathus linearis plant is only native to a small area northeast of Capetown South Africa.  This hearty bush flourishes in the craggy soil and in temperatures that can reach 120F. 
There are about 200 families growing and harvesting rooibos in the area.  Each year they chop off the upper part of the plant, tie them into bundles and haul them off to the factory for processing.  Rooibos can be chopped and dried immediately to produce a green, or un-oxidized, version.  This has a light, slightly grassy or vegetal flavor not unlike green tea.  Most rooibos though is spread out in a drying yard to oxidize in the sun, then swept up with vacuum trucks and bagged up.  The oxidized rooibos has a sweet slightly nutty flavor.
The local area residents have enjoyed rooibos for centuries, but it was not until the early part of the 20th century that it was introduced to the rest of the world.  Besides a hearty smooth taste, rooibos is thought to be full of health benefits as well.  Studies indicate high amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  In addition, it is said to be beneficial against insomnia, asthma and allergies.  It has no tannins, so does not get bitter, and is soothing on the stomach.
So, it is tasty, healthful, contains virtually no calories.  What else could one ask for?  How about the fact that it takes to flavorings well? 
Our offerings include a Rooibos based Masla Chai, Orange Blossom, Lemon Chiffon, Tiramisu, and one of our best sellers; Green Flower rooibos just to name a few.

Next time you are in the mood for something different, try a few ounces of rooibos.  The oxidized style brews up to a beautiful auburn color, and tastes great hot or iced. 
(Oh by the way it most commonly pronounced Roy bos)
 

Tea & Health
Tea is a great natural source of fluoride, which is added to water and toothpaste because it can actually strengthen tooth enamel. Tea can also help to cut down the build up of plaque on your pearly whites and apart from the fluoride in water, the tea plant is in itself a rich source of fluoride since it actually absorbs the compound from the soil via its roots.
Both black and green teas contain fluoride and they appear to help control bacterial growth that can result in dental plaque.


(Source:  Tea Council UK)





All of us at The Tea Smith would like to sincerely thank you for supporting us. We appreciate your patronage.

We love to hear from you about what you like best or what we can do to improve your experience. Please feel free to call or email me at [email protected]
 
Sincerely,
 
Tim Smith, Chief Leaf
The Tea Smith, L.L.C.
Be a considerate friend. If you know someone who may enjoy tea, please pass this newsletter along to them. They will be forever grateful, and so will we!
Save 15% on any purchase of Rooibos
Now that you know more about Rooibos, take advantage of a Special Savings this month. Order up a supply of your favorite, or try something new!
 
Offer Expires: June 1.                                                                           
Online Enter ROO510 for Coupon Code at Check out and hit Redeem  
(Not Valid with other offers)