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#tea history

A digital graphic featuring a close-up of golden tea cakes on a wire cooling rack, with one cookie partially bitten. Overlapping the image is a bold black text box with white lettering that reads, "Tea Cakes: A Sweet Staple in Black History." Below, a subheading states, "More than just a sweet treat, tea cakes are a symbol of Black resilience." At the bottom left, there are three raised fists in dark brown tones, each holding a small white dot, set against red, yellow, and green stripes. A red call-to-action button at the bottom right displays moodyteas.co/blog.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Cakes: A Sweet Staple of Black History

Tea cakes aren’t just a snack—they’re a story. Born from resilience and resourcefulness, these soft, simple cookies have been a staple in Black homes for generations. Enslaved African Americans, denied access to the refined pastries of their enslavers, crafted their own version using what little they had—molasses, brown sugar, nutmeg, and ingenuity. But the story of tea cakes isn’t just about what went into them—it’s about the labor that made them possible. From sugarcane fields to wheat plantations, Black hands did the backbreaking work of cultivating the very ingredients they were rarely allowed to enjoy. Yet, from those scraps, they created something lasting. Tea cakes became a symbol of survival, shared at church gatherings, family celebrations, and passed down through generations. As we honor Black History Month 2025 and its theme, “African Americans and Labor,” let’s take a moment to recognize the hands that built, baked, and preserved this history. Tea cakes aren’t just food—they’re a legacy.

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A graphic featuring a person stirring loose-leaf tea in a ceramic cup. The right side contains a teal background with white text that reads "Tea Term Tuesday: Steep." Below, a paragraph explains the importance of steeping in tea preparation, touching on temperature, methods, and flavor extraction.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Term Tuesday: Steep

Steeping is the key to unlocking the rich flavors and aromas hidden within tea leaves, but did you know there’s more to it than just soaking leaves in hot water? From the origins of the word steep to the nuances that differentiate it from brewing, this guide explores the art of steeping, covering optimal temperatures, steeping techniques, and even traditional methods like Gongfu and Grandpa style. Whether you prefer bold black tea, delicate white tea, or a refreshing cold steep, mastering your steeping process can transform your tea experience. Ready to elevate your cup? Let’s dive in!

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A graphic introducing Tea Term Tuesday focused on tea grading, with detailed text about the history, grading systems, and impact on tea quality.
on by Nora
Moody Brands Moody Teas

Tea Term Tuesday: Tea Grading

Hey there, tea lovers! Ever wondered what’s up with those mysterious tea grades like FTGFOP or BOP? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Tea grading is all about sorting leaves by size, shape, and quality. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with flavor but can still tell you a lot about your brew. Back in the 19th century, British merchants came up with the Orange Pekoe (OP) grading system to keep things consistent as they shipped tea worldwide. Think of it as a quality control checklist for tea leaves. Today, grades like “Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe” (GFOP) or “Broken Orange Pekoe” (BOP) help tea enthusiasts decode what’s in their cup, whether it’s a smooth, whole-leaf luxury or a bold, quick-brewing powerhouse. So next time you see FTGFOP on a label, you’ll know it’s not just alphabet soup—it’s tea royalty. Cheers to steeping smarter!

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Yesterday was National Author's Day, so let's sip, savor, and steep our way into the fascinating world of tea with a journey through the best books about tea! Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or a budding enthusiast, these books offer a window into the rich history, diverse cultures, and endless flavors of this beloved beverage. So, put the kettle on, brew your favorite tea, and settle in as we explore the must-reads that will transform you into a tea aficionado.
on by Nora
Blog Calm Our Recipes Social Responsibility Tea History The Perfect Cup

Best Books About Tea: National Author’s Day 

Yesterday was National Author's Day, so let's sip, savor, and steep our way into the fascinating world of tea with a journey through the best books about tea! Whether you're a seasoned tea connoisseur or a budding enthusiast, these books offer a window into the rich history, diverse cultures, and endless flavors of this beloved beverage. So, put the kettle on, brew your favorite tea, and settle in as we explore the must-reads that will transform you into a tea aficionado.

Read More Best Books About Tea: National Author’s Day 
It's Women's History Month! As a woman owned business, we're ecstatic to take this month to write about women's roles in tea! The tea industry has a long and rich history. There have been many women throughout history who have played important roles in the cultivation, production, and consumption of tea. Keep reading to learn about just a few examples of women who played important roles in tea and women's history.
on by Nora
Blog Social Responsibility Tea History

10 Women in Tea History You Should Know About 

It's Women's History Month! As a woman owned business, we're ecstatic to take this month to write about women's roles in tea! The tea industry has a long and rich history. There have been many women throughout history who have played important roles in the cultivation, production, and consumption of tea. Keep reading to learn about just a few examples of women who played important roles in tea and women's history.

Read More 10 Women in Tea History You Should Know About 
Hibiscus tea is pretty popular nowadays. This is probably because it's packed with potential benefits like reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and even possibly preventing cancer. But hibiscus drinks have actually been used around the world for a long, long time. They began in Africa, traveling around the world via the slave trade. Today, they are a traditional beverage often associated with Black history through the symbolism of "red drink."
on by Nora
Blog Refreshed Social Responsibility Wellness

Hibiscus and Black History: From Sorrel to Jamaica

Hibiscus tea is pretty popular nowadays. This is probably because it's packed with potential benefits like reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, and even possibly preventing cancer. But hibiscus drinks have actually been used around the world for a long, long time. They began in Africa, traveling around the world via the slave trade. Today, they are a traditional beverage often associated with Black history through the symbolism of "red drink."

Read More Hibiscus and Black History: From Sorrel to Jamaica