With all the tragedy and heartbreak that Japan has faced following the massive earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster there is even more the country must deal with. Radiation has been affecting their food crops, including Japanese tea production.

From an article in the San Francisco Chronicle here is the latest news:

The government decided yesterday to curb shipments of dried tea leaves containing more than 500 becquerel per kilogram of radioactive cesium and ordered a halt in shipments from the eastern prefectures of Ibaraki, Chiba, Kanagawa and Tochigi where tainted produce was detected. Japan's tea production, including fresh and dried leaves, was worth 102.1 billion yen ($1.3 billion) in 2009, according to the agriculture ministry.

The decision came after Shizuoka prefecture, Japan's largest growing region representing about 40 percent of total output, declared its green tea was safe. Governor Heita Kawakatsu said last month tests on fresh leaves and drinks showed they contained cesium amounts well below the government levels. Still, cesium levels in dried leaves could be about five times higher than fresh leaves, said Yasuo Sasaki, senior press counselor at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

"The new regulation may spur shipment restrictions from Shizuoka prefecture, slashing supplies and boosting prices of green teas," Sasaki said today in a telephone interview. "Higher prices could spur consumers to shift from green tea to cheaper alternatives such as barley tea or oolong tea."

This is a topic I want to stay in touch with as Japanese sencha tea is one of my favorites. I will keep you posted to news as I come across it.

Is the Radiation in Japan Affecting Tea Production? is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Mother Nature has been teasing us here in Michigan with some summer like days. Which has lead to drinking iced tea by the pitcher. Which got me to thinking that I may want to invest in a new iced tea pitcher for when summer is actually here.

My requirements are something easy to use and something that is made for brewing loose leaf iced tea. I came up with a couple of possibilities.

Bodum 3-L. Ceylon Iced Tea Infuser Pitcher This Ceylon Tea Pitcher is great for all occasions, during hot summers as well as cold winters! Made of clear plastic, the pitchers can serve both cold beverages and warm t... [Read more] Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker and Pitcher with Silicone Handle in Olive Features: -Set includes one tea maker and one chilling pitcher. -Lid color: Avocado. -Handle color: Olive. -Acraglass material. -Twist top and removable rotating lid. -Stor... [Read more]

Iced Tea Pitcher is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Easter (April 24) is just around the corner and Mother's Day (May 8 ) is not far behind that. If you are looking for the perfect gift, then American Tea Room just may be able to help you out. They have offering 10% off on all teas and teacups today through Saturday (4/9/2011).

How about this pretty infuser mug for Mom?

Red and Pink Floral Tea Cup with Infuser

Or this set of 4 mugs inscribed with poems in black kanji and hiragana calligraphy:

Poem Tea Cup Set

Use code TEA10 when checking out in order to receive 10% off. Hurry because this offer is only good for the next few days.

American Tea Room Teacup & Tea Sale is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Teavana Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea

Teavana has issued a voluntary recall for their Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea due to possible salmonella contamination. The tea was sold both online and in their retail stores from approximately December 2010 to February 2011.

Please contact Teavana at 1-877-832-8262 for more information. They are offering a full refund for anyone who purchased the tea.

The tea was made by Aromatics Inc. of Basin City, Washington.

A second tea recall was also issued by RemedyTeas for their Peppermint Organic Herbal Tea and Tranquility Herbal Tea that was also made by Aromatics Inc. Customers who purchased this tea from either a retail location or through the internet may return it to the place of purchase or contact the company at 1-206-323-4832 for a full refund.

Teavana Tea Recall is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

American Tea Room loves an American holiday and in celebration they are having a President's Day Sale! Save 20% off loose teas, teapots, and almost everything else they sell.

This comes at a great time too, because I am completely out of Immortal Green and Midori Sencha teas. It is also a great time to pick up their top selling green tea Nirvana.

They also have a number of gourmet food items to choose from too, so if it has been awhile since you shopped you should definitely check them out.

When checking out, use coupon code PRES20 to receive your discount. The sale runs through 2/21/2011 (which is Monday) and excludes items by Breville and Bodum.

American Tea Room Presidents Day Sale is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Today is the last day to save 20% off Green Tea from the American Tea Room. Green tea is full of anti-oxidants and a great way to stick to your New Year's resolutions of living a healthier life.

At check out just use the coupon code GREEN20 and you will receive your discount.

Some of my favorite green teas from American Tea Room include Immortal Green, a sencha with peach, and Organic Midori Sencha, a sencha with melons. They are my go to everyday teas.

I think I will use the sale to finally pick up some Nirvana, one of their newest teas that is receiving a great buzz. It is sencha combined with rose petals, berries, figs and kiwi.

They have a number of other great green teas as well, if fruit blends are not your thing. Check them out and order today!

Last Day to Save 20% off Green Tea from American Tea Room is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Thanksgiving is one week away and my thoughts are with the menu of the day. And of course I am thinking of the perfect tea to serve to serve with dessert. Thanksgiving makes me think of pumpkins and spices.

With that in mind here are some Thanksgiving Tea suggestions:

Pumpkin Pie (Caffeine Free) Indulge in the flavors and aroma of fresh baked pumpkin pie and holiday spice with our select herbal blend of exotic cloves, cinnamon, ginger and honeybush. Enjoy this dele... [Read more] Teavana Sweet Oolong Revolution Tea This uncommon and revolutionary spice tea blend combines sweet pumpkin, cloves, ripe papaya and cardamom with a fragrant Oolong tea. Excellent iced to cool you in the Summe... [Read more] Choco*Late This sumptuous, caffeine-free, fat-free blend of organic cacao husks, organic vanilla beans and organic rooibos is sure to be an instant American Tea Room classic. If the c... [Read more] Pumpkin Spice Tea - 4oz. Premium black tea from Sri Lanka flavored with pumpkin and exotic spices. Straight from the jack o' lantern to your cup, this limited edition tea is sure to delight ghosts ... [Read more]

Order today to ensure delivery in time for Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Tea Suggestions is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

I was terribly sick last week, so much so that I missed my weekly Yoga class. Not much stops me from going to that, let me tell you. It was one of those head colds that gave me a massive headache over the course of days along with a cough. Of course I drank a ton of tea to feel better. So that leads me to the best tea when you are sick.

Personally I'm a big believer in vitamin C to help kick your immune system in gear and honey to soothe your throat. For this I turn to a Hibiscus tea with honey combo. Specifically Chartreuse Tea's Hibiscus Quench.

It is high in vitamin C and contains spearmint leaves as well, which are great for helping to calm your stomach and open your sinuses. And there is nothing quite like holding a warm cup of tea in between your hands when you are not feeling well.

I'm not even sure how many cups of this tea that I drank last week, but it definitely helped make a miserable week better.

What is your favorite tea when you are sick? Please share in the comments below.

Best Tea When You are Sick is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Today is Election Day and after you get out and vote, reward yourself with some yummy loose tea from the American Tea Room. They are having an Election Day Loose Tea Sale!

Receive 25% off all loose teas when using the coupon code ELECTION25 when checking out.

Today is a great opportunity to have your voice be heard and stock up on some really wonderful tea. Try Brioche, Organic Early Grey Shanghai Tea, and Tangier Apricot Black Tea. Any of these would be perfect for serving at Thanksgiving.

Have fun shopping!

American Tea Room Election Day Sale is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea

Been wanting to try some loose tea from American Tea Room or need to refill your tea cabinet? Check out this exclusive American Tea Room coupon code good for 10% all loose tea.

Crisp cold mornings, frost, and yes some hail and snow have already made it my way in Michigan. Which means that is it perfect hot tea weather!

I love that they offer tea in a number of sizes including sample sizes all the way up to 14 oz. Plus they come in resealable storage bags, ensuring that your loose tea stays fresh.

When checking out enter code TEACABINET10 into the Coupon/Promotional Code box to receive the discount. It is good through 11/25/2010. Happy Shopping! Don't forget to stock up for Holiday gifts and parties.

Exclusive American Tea Room Coupon Code is a post from: Loose Teas - Green Tea - Black Tea - Decaf Tea - Rooibos Tea - Herbal Tea