Mulberry Tea House Announces Operation Tea Time, Bringing The True British Tea Experience To South Jersey Schools

Mulberry Tea House will be visiting South Jersey first and second graders during the 2006-07 school year to share the joys, fun and flavors of unique teas and pastries – and the rich history of tea time! Mulberry Tea House will be bringing Operation Tea Time to schools in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties.

MEDFORD VILLAGE, NEW JERSEY – Mulberry Tea House, Medford Village’s signature charming tea house and supplier of gourmet teas, pastries and “the true British tea experience” announces Operation Tea Time – an educational and entertaining outreach campaign to bring the joys, fun and flavors of unique teas and gourmet pastries to first and second graders in Camden, Burlington and Gloucester counties during the 2006-07 school year.

Starting in Burlington County during September, Mulberry Tea House and its signature teas, pastries and “true British tea experience” will visit first and second grade students – incorporating art projects and poetry readings dedicated to the rich history of enjoying tea. Students will be able to sample different teas, hear about the history of tea and learn about the surprisingly exciting and ancient uses for teas throughout the ages.

“This is about education – everyone should enjoy tea time,” reports Dean Jablon, owner of Mulberry Tea House. “These visits during Operation Tea Time will expose youths to an appreciation of tea, an understanding of tea and it may even make a few of them tea tottlers.”

Mulberry Tea House will be visiting schools in, among other towns and communities in our region, Burlington City, Camden City and Gloucester City during the 2006-07 school year. For more information on Operation Tea Time, or to request an Operation Tea Time visit to a first or second grade class in Burlington, Camden or Gloucester counties, contact Mulberry Tea House at 609-714-0640.

THE STORY OF TEA - OPERATION TEA TIME TO SHARE WITH SOUTH JERSEY YOUTHS

The story of tea began in ancient China over 5,000 years ago. According to legend, Shen Nung, an early emperor was a skilled ruler, creative scientist and patron of the arts. His far-sighted edicts required, among other things, that all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution. One summer day while visiting a distant region of his realm, he and the court stopped to rest. In accordance with his ruling, the servants began to boil water for the court to drink. Dried leaves from the nearby bush fell into the boiling water, and a brown liquid was infused into the water.

As a scientist, the Emperor was interested in the new liquid, drank some, and found it very refreshing. And so, according to legend, tea was created. This myth maintains such a practical narrative, that many mythologists believe it may relate closely to the actual events now lost in ancient history.

Later in the rich history of tea, afternoon tea in England – Great Britain’s Tea Mania – swept across England as it had earlier spread throughout France and Holland. Tea importation rose from 40,000 pounds in 1699 to an annual average of 240,000 pounds by 1708. Tea was drunk by all levels of society. Prior to the introduction of tea into Britain, the English had two main meals – breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was ale, bread and beef. Dinner was a long, massive meal at the end of the day.

It was no wonder that Anna, the Duchess of Bedford (1788-1861) experienced a "sinking feeling" in the late afternoon. Adopting the European tea service format, she invited friends to join her for an additional afternoon meal at 5 p.m. in her rooms at Belvoir Castle. The menu centered around small cakes, bread and butter sandwiches, assorted sweets, and, of course, tea. This summer practice proved so popular, the Duchess continued it when she returned to London, sending cards to her friends asking them to join her for "tea and a walking the fields."

The practice of inviting friends to come for tea in the afternoon was quickly picked up by other social hostesses. A common pattern of service soon merged. The first pot of tea was made in the kitchen and carried to the lady of the house who waited with her invited guests, surrounded by fine porcelain from China. The first pot was warmed by the hostess from a second pot (usually silver) that was kept heated over a small flame. Food and tea was then passed among the guests, the main purpose of the visiting being conversation.

ABOUT MULBERRY TEA HOUSE – BURLINGTON COUNTY’S CHARMING TEA HOUSE EXPERIENCE

Located in a historic home in Medford Village, Mulberry Tea House is a unique and exquisite resource for gourmet teas, specialty pastries, unique catering and a full range of fine dining and event experiences. Mulberry Tea House, under new ownership as of June 2006, offers expanded hours to make its fine teas, tea experiences and extensive assortment of gourmet pastries and specialty foods available for breakfast, lunch, dinner or shopping. Mulberry Tea House, in addition to offering a true British tea enjoyment experience, offers a variety of customized gift packages and unique tea assortment gift ideas to enrich any special occasion or holiday season with the flavors of the Mulberry Tea House. For more information on Mulberry Tea House, visit the location in historic Medford Village, or call 609-714-0640.