November 1st marked our two year anniversary.  I have learned a lot about tea in the past two years, and one of the most enjoyable aspects of running a tea store is sharing that knowledge with our customers. So if you have any questions about tea, please feel free to e-mail or call anytime. Also if you have a friend who is not quite sure they like tea, why not bring them to our tea tastings so they can experience a wide selection of teas, and ask questions. The tea tastings are every Friday evening, and are free. But please make a reservation online, or by phone.

*During the busy holiday season if you’re in a hurry please feel free to order online and select in-store pickup. This way we will have your order ready when you come in.*

We also have three new cafes that serve our tea:

Zohra’s: is in the Galleria on the corner of Tijeras and 2nd Street. They serve “ethnic food” food from all over the world, but specialize in Afghan food. Open Mon-Sat for breakfast and lunch.  (505) 247-2323

Village Coffee Roasters: On the corner of 6th and Central, Village Coffee Roasters is a small store front attached to a movie production house. The owner Rick Clemente was the second-unit camera operator for the original “Star Wars”. There is seating outside, and now they have a line of superior tea to go with their great coffee.  (505) 688-4148

The Little Café: is on the south east corner of Old Town, across from Tiguex Park. They have sandwiches frozen drinks, and of course tea. They are running a special right now with a cup of tea and muffin or scone for $2 dollars. (505) 353-1807

Tea History

When it comes to European tea history the English seem to get most of the acknowledgment. However the Dutch were the real explorers who first brought tea to Europe, and are responsible for many of the idiosyncrasies in tea. Tea infuser: Was first used in Holland; elsewhere tea was put directly in a teapot and then strained out while pouring each cup. The invention of the infuser made the whole process much more simple, and clean.  Orange Pekoe: Pekoe was a Chinese word that meant a certain type of tea made from new grown buds. When the Dutch first brought it back it was presented to the royal family, the House of Orange. Thus Orange Pekoe was considered a high grade of tea. Today however the name is almost meaningless and refers to tea in general. The highest grade of tea in the Indian and Chinese grading systems now is “Special Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe”

Featured Products

The Sydney Tea Machine: is designed to brew the perfect cup of tea. Simply add a spoonful of tea, fill with hot water and steep. When you place your Tea Machine on top of a mug or cup, a valve at the bottom releases the liquid. ($20)

Hot Cinnamon Spice: A cinnamon lovers dream come true. A combination of hearty organic broken leaf black tea and invigorating cinnamon. Many cinnamon teas have a watery aftertaste due to the use of low grade teas. The black tea here has the stamina to last through the whole tasting process.  ($3.00/oz)

Rooibos Chai: Rooibos is well known to be one of the most relaxing hot beverages you can brew. Traditionally chai, with its base mixture of ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove, is considered to be one of the more overtly spicy and exhilarating blends.

Because of the two conflicting characteristics of this tea, it makes a great late afternoon drink. It won’t keep you up all night, but it might give you that last boost of energy to get you through the day. ($3.25/oz)

Partners:
The Old Windmill Dairy has started to add our tea to their grocery baskets which are delivered at your request to be picked up at local farmers markets and other venues. The baskets include cheese, eggs, tea, coffee, vegetables and many other things. For more information give Michael or Edward a call at 505-384-0033.

Tea Tip of the Month:
Just buy enough tea to last a month or two. This way you don’t have to worry too much about properly storing the tea. However, if you are going to store tea for a long period of time, over 6 months, make sure it’s as air tight as possible, and don’t open the canister. Keep in a cool dark place, no need to refrigerate, or freeze. Doing so will most likely just cause condensation build up, and freezer burn.

Past Newsletters:
On our website you will find a backlog of all the past newsletters.

Find Our Tea At:
We have partnered with some great businesses to bring you ready made fresh brewed tea. If you know a company interested in serving the best tea in New Mexico, contact us.

Golden Crown Panaderia , Sunshine Cafe , Böttger Mansion , Betty’s Bath and Day Spa , Jennifer James 101

Review Us:
Let other people know what you think of the store on these sites

Google Maps , Yelp , Teamap , Local.Yahoo , Insider Pages , Local.Live

Store Info:

Address: 1131 Mountain Road NW STE2, Albuquerque, NM 87102

Phone Number: 505-962-2137

Web Address: www.nmteaco.com

Blog: blog.nmteaco.com

Store Hours: 10am - 6pm Everyday

Sincerely,
David Edwards
Owner - NM Tea Co.