It’s International Tea Day! Or it’s one of them, anyway. The first International Tea Day was observed in New Delhi, India on December 15, 2005. And while a second International Tea Day has since been established on May 21, we’re choosing to celebrate right here, right now. Partly because we’re traditionalists, but mostly because it’s dark, and it’s cold, and we don’t want to wait another six months for a party. (And who knows, we might do this all over again in May. As far as we’re concerned, the more Tea Days, the better.)
Beyond honoring all those who grow tea, this is a day for recognizing tea’s cultural importance: both to the world at large and to individuals. Each of us has our favorite teas…and today, we’re sharing a few of our staff members’ selections. Whether their picks are chosen for relaxation, energy, digestion support, or a mood boost, we hope all their stories will engage you…and inspire some reflections of your own.
Name: Brenda Shadic
Title: Gift Department Supervisor and Account Manager
Tea Select: Black Currant
Why did you choose that tea?
32 years ago, I started working for Harney & Sons Fine Teas. I was a tea drinker, as my parents always drank tea instead of coffee. My dad took tea in his work thermos every day. My mom, to this day, drinks tea (basic OP).
I was introduced to Black Currant, and it soon became my favorite. At that time, we were still in the Harney home, so I would go into the kitchen about 11 a.m. and pour hot water over a Black Currant teabag in a tall iced tea glass. I set it aside, and when lunch time came around, I removed the teabag, added ice, and enjoyed it as iced tea.
The Chief (John Harney) asked me one day (as it was Oct./Nov.) what I was drinking, and I told him what I did with the tea. He said, “It's cold, why are you drinking iced tea?” I said people drink soda all year long, why not iced tea? His comment: “What a great sales pitch!”
So, my favorite to this day is Black Currant…aromatic, flavorful, and many memories.
Name: Sean Hosier
Title: Lead Mechanic and Maintenance Technician
Tea Select: Dragon Pearl Jasmine
Why did you choose that tea?
Dragon Pearl Jasmine for its wonderful smell, taste, and the way it blossoms when you steep it.
Name: Lindsie McGhee
Title: Director of HR
Tea Select: Organic Hibiscus Ginger
Why did you choose that tea?
I'm captivated by its bold, fruity essence and the subtle, spicy undercurrent that leaves me feeling simultaneously refreshed and settled. I incorporate this beautiful, health-affirming elixir into my nightly routine specifically for its ability to support my natural defenses and promote wellness.
Name: Madison Engler
Title: Associate of ERP Operations & Product Management
Tea Select: Top Ti Quan Yin
Why did you choose that tea?
I have always been an oolong fan, but I love this particular oolong for the light, sweet honey notes. I love that I can steep this tea multiple times and enjoy it from the morning into the afternoon.
Name: Lea Portillo
Title: Accounts Payable Associate
Tea Select: Soba
Why did you choose that tea?
It reminds me of a drink called Pinol in Guatemala.
Name: LeeAnne Sellick
Title: Customer Service Representative
Why did you choose that tea?
Palm Court is a great blend of black teas. It is not super bold like Assam is, and it is not super light like English Breakfast is. I like that I can drink it all day, because it is an in-between of the two!
Name: Christopher McKenna
Title: ERP Operations & Product Management
Tea Select: Ali San Oolong
Why did you choose that tea?
Ali San is a beautiful light oolong with buttery, creamy notes. It's a perfect example of how deliciously complex oolongs can be.
Name Amy Slater
Title: Compliance Manager
Tea Select: Hot Cinnamon Spice
Why did you choose that tea?
There is nothing like drinking my favorite candy, which is a Fireball! This tea has a great flavor and has such a warm taste. Try it just once, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Name Nallely Ayala
Title: Accounts Receivable Manager
Tea Select: Multiple
Why did you choose that tea?
Since I came to work here at Harney Tea, I have learned that you cannot have one favorite tea. It all depends on the occasion.
When I need some more caffeine and something sweet, I go for a cup of Golden Monkey or Continental Breakfast. If I am feeling stuffed, a nice cup of sencha or peppermint to settle your stomach if perfect. For the cold and flu season, I could not live without a cup of immunity Tune Up (Organic Hibiscus Ginger) and Organic Ginger Turmeric. When I need something sweet with no caffeine, Midsummer’s Peach. For a nice summer day, you can have an iced Chai latte or a Matcha lemonade. There is always a tea for every occasion.
Even kids enjoy a cup of tea from time to time. My son loves some Garden Therapy Herbal Tea or Yellow & Blue.
Name Rachael Hedges
Title: Customer Service Representative
Tea Select: Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea & Tune Up [Organic Hibiscus Ginger]
Why did you choose that tea?
Every morning when I come into work, I start with a cup of Angiogenesis…which, I'll be honest, I didn't like at first…but after the second or third cup, it's now a morning staple for me! It helps me focus first thing in the morning, and the smell and taste of Jasmine is really comforting. Once I'm done with my Angiogenesis, I will have a cup of Tune Up (Organic Hibiscus Ginger), which is a nice immunity boost. The combination of fruit and different herbs is so soothing, especially during the winter months!
Name: Lisa Prindle
Title: Customer Service Supervisor & Outside Sales
Tea Select: Japanese Sencha
Why did you choose that tea?
I wanted to share a quick story about my journey with tea, which has been profoundly shaped by my experiences, particularly here at Harney & Sons.
Growing up, my favorite time with my grandmother was our afternoon tea. We would sit together and drink Red Rose tea…at the time, I didn’t know any other type existed.
Later, in my late 20s, I tried to embrace green tea for its health benefits. I bought some from the grocery store, boiled the water, and let it steep in the small teapot my grandmother had given me. That first sip was awful, so bitter! I immediately swore off green tea, no matter how healthy it was.
When I started working at Harney Tea in my mid-30s, I began tasting countless teas, but I still avoided green tea.
About a year into my employment, our tea purchaser and tea taster, Elvira, made a cup of green tea for me. It was absolutely amazing! She taught me the proper brewing method to ensure it was never bitter. Sencha quickly became my favorite tea, and I drink it every day.
As John Harney once told me, “Tea isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience.” I’m glad to have learned that firsthand.
Name Virginia Chavarria
Title: Human Resources Assistant
Tea Select: Organic Hibiscus Ginger & Milky Oolong
Why did you choose that tea?
One of my favorite teas is Tune Up [Organic Hibiscus Ginger]. I like it because, apart from being healthy, I enjoy the combination of the tartness of hibiscus with the aroma of cloves. And another one is Milky Oolong. I like this one because it brings me nice memories from my childhood…being at my grandma's kitchen, sharing tea and milk with my brother and cousins on weekends. I love its milky taste. I am not a farmer, as Mike once asked me, why are you drinking milk...you are not a farmer and we both laughed! And I said, I like tea, but I also like milk.
Name Graciela & Sheyla Hernandez
Title: Customer Service Representative & Mail Order Operations Manager
Tea Select: Holiday
Why did you choose that tea?
Our favorite tea is the Holiday blend, as it captures the magic and warmth of the festive season. Each sip reminds us that the most wonderful time of the year is drawing near…a time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and create lasting memories. There’s something truly special about enjoying those moments with a refined cup of Harney’s Holiday Tea, whose aroma and flavor embody elegance, comfort, and the spirit of celebration.
Name: Diego Nieto
Title: Mail Order Stock and Inventory Manager
Tea Select: Matcha
Why did you choose that tea?
My favorite morning tea is iced matcha with a twist of lemon. It serves as an excellent and refreshing way to begin the day, providing both a calm focus and sustained energy.
After reading our staffers’ tea selections and learning the stories behind them, it’s your turn to observe International Tea Day. Consider which teas hold special meaning for you. Reflect on the reasons for their significance. Finally, take a few minutes to renew old acquaintances…by brewing up a cup or two right now.
