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• Steeping Around – Mead, Mead, Mead

  Tere LaBaw enlightens both Manish and the audience this week with her extensive knowledge of mead, or honey wine. She shares a little history and describes what exactly mead is, and even gives listeners a home recipe for tea-infused mead. Then, she a...

• Steeping Around – Elevational Varieties: Hawaiian Teas Pt. 2

  Manish and Tere welcome Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii & Co back to the show this week for our third show about "island tea". Eva describes the four varieties that come from their gardens, as well as where we can find them for sale. But that's not all--in a...

• Steeping Around – Island Hopping - Hawaiian Tea

  Last week we visited the Azores Islands for a glimpse of Portuguese tea. This week, we are island-hopping. Manish introduces Eva Lee of Tea Hawaii & Co, who grows tea on the island of Hawaii. The two discuss the history of tea in the Hawaiian island...

• Steeping Around – Tea Grown in Europe?

  Manish and Tere continue their exploration of tea origins this week, shedding light on the places that we ordinarily don't associate with tea plantations. A few weeks ago they spoke about Kenyan teas, and this week it's off to Europe--Portugal, to be ...

• Steeping Around – Looking Back, and Looking Forward

  Manish is back from India and returns as host this week to Steeping Around. As he muses on the changes that India has seen in the past fifteen years, he and Tere reflect on the past twelve months of Steeping Around and, specifically, on last year's Ne...

• Steeping Around – Surviving to Thriving in the Tea World

  This week guest host Tere Clark shares the final portion of her interview with Manish. In the decade that Maya Tea has been in business, both the company and Manish, its owner, have experienced exponential growth. Learn how Maya Tea went from survival ...

• Steeping Around – A Minute with the Man

  Tere hosts the show again this week, in continuation of last week's interview with Manish. Find out exactly how many jobs Manish juggles day to day, and how he manages to make it all look so easy.  Then, in the second segment, Tere digs a little d...

• Steeping Around – Origins: From India to Tucson

  While Manish is in India, Tere is hosting the show, and this week we're talking origins. But rather than discussing the origins of tea, we are exploring Manish's own origins. Tere interviews Manish about his journey from India to Tucson, from a young e...

• Steeping Around – Tasting Kenyan Teas

  Joy Njuguna of Royal Teas of Kenya joins Manish and Tere once again in an exploration of Kenyan tea.  This week, Joy introduces us to her company and her line of teas, which Manish and Tere were given the opportunity to try at the World Tea Expo. ...

• Steeping Around – Family, Friends, and Kenyan Tea

  What does Kenyan tea and family have in common?  Everything.  Manish's own family joins him on the show this week to talk about their Thanksgiving, and in keeping with the theme, Manish and Tere revisit an interview with Joy Njuna of Royal Tea of ...

• Steeping Around – Giving Thanks for Good Health and Good Business

  This Thanksgiving, Manish and Tere welcome G.T. Dave of Synergy Drinks back to the show. Manish and G.T. discover how much they have in common as they reminisce about the early days of business and the paths they have followed.  Each began with a ...

• Steeping Around – Healthy Cultures: The Benefit of Kombucha

  Manish and Tere welcome GT Dave of Synergy Drinks back to the show to discuss the various health benefits of Kombucha tea. GT tells the story of Kombucha and his own family, the way that it helped his mother in dealing with cancer, and the general heal...

• Steeping Around – Costumes, Kombucha, and G.T. Dave

  Manish and Tere butt heads this week, and they talk about their preferences for both Halloween festivities and Kombucha, a fermented tea that neither had tried before. Never heard of Kombucha? Well don't worry--Manish welcomes G.T. Dave, owner of Syner...

• Steeping Around – Variety, Health, and Sustainability: Listener Emails

  Manish and Tere respond to four listener emails this week: Why are there vast differences in Yunnan varieties? Is there actually less caffeine in white tea? How long do the effects of L-theanine last? The third email is not a question, but a comment, a...

• Steeping Around – Tea Cures for Cold Season

  Manish and Tere have both just recovered from colds, and this week they're going to tell us how they've done it. Tea of all types can be helpful in both preventing colds and alleviating their symptoms. With winter approaching and the cold season coming...

• Steeping Around – Tea for the Mind and Spirit

  We've spent several weeks talking about the ways that tea can benefit your health, but until now it has all been about the physical body. The mind and spirit are two crucial aspects of overall health, and fortunately tea targets them as much as our org...

• Steeping Around – Tea and the Big Four: Weight Loss, Cholesterol, Diabetes, and Cancer

  The majority of questions that we get about tea and health involve four specific ailments, and this week Manish and Tere answer them. Dr. LowDog visits the show once again to share her wealth of knowledge about tea and its effects on weight loss, diabe...

• Steeping Around – Teeth and Tea: Surprising Old-Time Remedies

  Manish and Tere are diving back into tea and health this week, specifically tea's old-time uses. Did you know that tea has been traditionally used for loose bowels, burns, and dental care? Manish welcomes Dr. LowDog back to the show to discuss these su...

• Steeping Around – Monkeys, Dragons, and More: Emails From You

  After four grueling (but fun!) weeks of tea and its healthy constituents, Manish and Tere take a break to answer a stack of emails from listeners. Among this week's questions: What is Monkey-Picked oolong? How about Dragon Pearls? How does "fair-trade"...

• Steeping Around – That Groovy Theanine

  This week, Manish and Tere discuss an amazingly groovy amino acid. What's so groovy about theanine? Just ask your doctor. Better yet, we've got one for you: Manish welcomes Dr. LowDog back to the show to describe exactly what makes L-theanine so specta...

• Steeping Around – Theo-what? A Medical Perspective on Xanthines in Tea

  Manish and the new Tere LaBaw dive into a stimulating discussions on tea and health: stimulants. In addition to caffeine, two specific xanthines in tea help to keep us alert and healthy. As a special guest, Manish welcomes Dr. Tieraona LowDog to the show.

• Steeping Around – EGCG and German Shepherds: Man's Best Friends

  We've all heard of antioxidants, but what are they? Why are they so important? What is the best way to get them? Manish answers these questions and more as he talks about EGCG: the powerhouse of health in tea.

• Steeping Around – The Historic History of Tea and Health

  This week marks the first in a series of shows on tea and health. Manish Shah takes you back to the good ol' days of tea, in fact the good very old days of tea, when it was first discovered and its many health benefits were first noted. Speaking of the...

• Steeping Around – Happily Ever After: A Tea Toast to Tere

  It is one week before producer Tere Clark becomes Mrs. Tere Lebaw, and in celebration Manish has taken her to tea. Manish and Tere record this week from the Chantilly Tea Room, where they delight in tasty treats and "Wedding Tea" as they discuss weddi...

• Steeping Around – Strong Women and Stupendous Tea-Making

  It is good, strong women that make Maya Tea the smooth-running and vibrant company that it is, so owner and host Manish Shah appreciates such women when he comes across them. Just such an example is Suzan Sculatti of the Tea Time Trading Company, whos...

• Steeping Around – A Better Way to Squeeze

  Peering into products and people reveals great use and great potential. This week, Manish and Tere take a deeper look at the gadget that won "best accessory" at the 2010 World Tea Expo. What is the Squeezmo, and why do you need one? On a similar not...

• Steeping Around – Aftermath: The World Tea Expo

  George Jage of the World Tea Expo returns this week to recap June's spectacular event. He and Manish look forward to World Tea East, premiering in six weeks' time in Philadelphia. In the third and final segment, Manish attempts to restore confidence ...

• Steeping Around – Iced Tea: Three Methods, One Maker!

  We've gone from extravagance to efficiency in this episode, as Manish and Tere introduce another incredible iced tea maker. John Lown of Takeya Tea Company joins Manish at the World Tea Expo to tell the story and inspiration behind one of the most com...

• Steeping Around – Cool Gadgets For Cold Tea

  As the hot summer months settle in, we turn our attention once again to iced tea. Around this time last year, Manish explained the many ways that you could make cold-brewed iced tea from home. This week, he introduces listeners to one of the most dra...

• Steeping Around – Tuff Stuff - Today's Best Tea Gadgets

  Manish and Tere reflect on their findings at the World Tea Expo, and introduce you to some of the best new tea gadgets of 2011. For those who love loose leaf tea but need a better way to enjoy it on-the-go, this episode is for you - Manish interviews ...

• Steeping Around – A Year of Steeping Around

  Who ever thought that Manish Shah could continue Steeping Around for fifty-two consecutive weeks? Certainly not us, and you may astounded as well as we revisit some of our earlier material. Join Manish, Tere, and the crew of Steeping Around in celebr...

• Steeping Around – A Woman's Touch - Blooming Things

  Let's face it-- looks do matter. While the most important thing is that a tea tastes good, often it is our eyes that first draws us to a particular variety. This week, Manish and Tere explore the eye-pleasing ingredients in our tea blends: flowers. ...

• Steeping Around – Lavishing Lavender

  Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark step into the fabulously fragrant world of lavender flowers. The distinct aroma of this flower has earned its place in history, which spans several continents and time periods, each lavishing in one or another ...

• Steeping Around – Calm and Collected Chamomile

  Manish and Tere jump back into the vast world of herbal teas this week, departing from green colored herbals and opening a new chapter: florals. Up first is chamomile, renowned across the globe for its delicate flavor and soothing effects (among a sle...

• Steeping Around – Welcome to the World Tea Expo!

  This week Manish Shah is joined by George Jage, founding father of the World Tea Expo in Las Vegas. George and Manish discuss today's tea trends, from the baby boomers to generation Y, from first-class celebrities to first-time shop owners. Join them...

• Steeping Around – Catnip: Calm or Crazy?

  Host Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark launch an exploration into an herb that is usually left to felines: Catnip. In response to a listener email, Manish and Tere sip on large cups of catnip as they discuss the herb's history, uses, brewing te...

• Steeping Around – Yerba Maté - The Herb With a Buzz!

  This week, Manish Shah and show producer Tere Clark discuss the green herbal tea, Yerba Maté. One of the favorites of the Maya Tea Company staff, Yerba Maté holds a very special place in the hearts of drinkers, and for good reason: it pumps them up!...

• Steeping Around – Fenugreek - The "Healthy Hay"

  Manish and Tere leap back into their discussion of herbal teas this week, focusing on fresh and healthful Fenugreek. Tere tastes this maple-like herb for the first time as they discuss its history, health benefits, and unique flavor.

• Steeping Around – A Day In the Life: Physical, Mental, and Personal Pushing

  In continuation of last week's episode, we return to Monday- a day full of pushing. From back-breaking yoga to mind-bending meetings, Manish recaps the happenings of one of the busiest days at Maya Tea Company, revealing within his stories the reason ...

• Steeping Around – A Day In the Life: Nick, Newbies, and Nicknames

  Manish Shah takes you deeper than ever into the daily life of Maya Tea, and on the wildest of days: Monday. Join he and Tere Clark as they talk about all things Mayan- the place, the people, and the particulars- from tying an employee to the roof of a...

• Steeping Around – The (Lemon) Grass is Greener!

  Manish and Tere are on the grass this week... Lemon grass, that is! Join them as they divulge the history, health benefits, and delectable flavor and scent of this zesty herb. Then, in the Question of the Week, they talk a little more about food and ...

• Steeping Around – Laid-Back Lemon Balm

  This week is all about rest and relaxation. Manish and Tere talk all about lemon balm: its flavor, its history, and its fabulously soothing effects on the body. And, if that's not enough to smooth your nerves, stay tuned for the final segment! The c...

• Steeping Around – Sacred, Sensational Tulsi

  This week, Manish begins to make predictions about the near future of the tea market. On the top of his mind: Tulsi. Manish and producer Tere Clark reveal to you all that the eastern hemisphere has known for centuries about this sacred plant. In the...

• Steeping Around – Mint, Myths, and Medicine

  Manish and Tere are talking all things mint this week, from its mythological Greek origins to its prolific health benefits. Not to mention its unmatched flavor - Manish has stolen into his mom's recipe box, and in the final segment he'll reveal one of...

• Steeping Around – It's All About YOU!

  We're taking a break this week from our discussion of herbal teas to talk with you, to answer the questions that have been sent in by listeners. It's not all about tea this week- tune in for an update on the Arizona shootings, the effect of Japan's re...

• Steeping Around – It's All In the Hips!

  Manish and Tere are just recovering from colds, and bitterly regret not having sipped on healing rose hip tea during the height of their sickness. This week, Manish peels back the petals of the beautiful red rose to expose the hip - an exceedingly hea...

• Steeping Around – Happy, Happy Hibiscus

  Manish and Tere sip on decadent hibiscus cocktails as they relay information about the widespread cultivation and uses of this beautiful and delicious tea. From China to Africa, Mexico to the Hawaii, hibiscus is enjoyed in numerable ways, and you too ...

• Steeping Around – Honeybush Tea - The Other Red Tea

  Manish Shah introduces another spectacular South African tea this week, Honeybush (not to be confused with Rooibos, of last week). Along with show producer Tere Clark, Manish explores the fine attributes of this other red tea, its history, cultivation...

• Steeping Around – Rooibos: The Red Bush Tea

  Introducing Rooibos, the first of a line of herbal teas that Manish will be examining in detail. Manish reveals its origin and history, how to make it from home and how to spice it up a bit, and finally, the many ways that Rooibos can influence your h...

• Steeping Around – Who's Got the Herbal Tea?

  Show producer Tere Clark joins host Manish Shah this week for an introduction to herbal teas. What is the difference between an herbal tea and a regular tea, anyway? How is it that some pick us up, and others calm us down? Those in the latter group ...

• Steeping Around – Gen Mai Cha: The Toasted Rice Tea

  Have you ever seen that strange green tea with little bits of popcorn stuck in it? Manish Shah introduces listeners to Gen Mai Cha this week, a deliciously different tea that perhaps isn't as bizarre as you may think. Manish explains what it is, the ...

• Steeping Around – Lapsang Souchong: Smooth Like Butter!

  Host Manish Shah introduces listeners to another famous scented tea this week: the smooth and smokey Lapsang Souchong. To aid in his exploration, Manish welcomes Chef Robert Wemischner to the show to discuss his books about cooking with tea. Don't miss...

• Steeping Around – Jasmine Teas - Cooking and Critiquing

  Manish continues his exploration of Jasmine scented teas, distinguishing the key differences between grades and varieties and describing the methods to make each into a spectacular cup. In place of the Question of the Week, Manish invites you into his ...

• Steeping Around – Jasmine Teas - A Midsummer Night's Labor

  Manish Shah details the difference between the flavors imparted in teas like Earl Grey and those of scented teas, like Jasmine. He describes the intricate, several-month process involved in creating Jasmine tea, as well as the varying grades available ...

• Steeping Around – Talk Over Tea - The History and Health Benefits of Puer

  Tea master Zhuping Hodge joins Manish Shah for a chat about Puer tea, live from Seven Cups tea house here in Tucson, Arizona. Zhuping details the history of Puer, how it went from both rags to riches and from an "old person's tea" to a delicacy enjoyed...

• Steeping Around – Fermentation, Fungus, and Fabulous Puer Tea

  What do wine, cheese, and scotch all have in common? There are numerous answers to this question, but the one we have in mind is the process of fermentation. Joining the list of fabulous fermented products is Puer tea. Never heard of Puer? Listen this ...

• Steeping Around – The Top Two Things to Know About Tea

  With the start of a new year and the inevitable influx of "top ten" lists of every type and flavor, Manish has prepared his own "top things" list. Don't worry, he's keeping it short! In fact, he has narrowed to down to the two top things that everyone ...

• Steeping Around – Oolongs For Everyone

  In celebration of six successful months of Steeping Around, Manish is taking a week off to spend time with his children over the holidays. You can spend a little time with his kids as well- enjoy this holiday re-run, Oolongs for Everyone, in which Mani...

• Steeping Around – A Chat About Chai

  In his first guest interview, Manish Shah speaks with Diana Rosen, author of Chai: The Spice Tea of India. Diana recounts the history and healthful aspects of chai, what makes a perfect cup, and some of the ways that you can enjoy it at home.

• Steeping Around – My Chai: From the Kitchen to the Air

  Host Manish Shah introduces Chai tea this week, the first tea he ever consumed and the first tea offered by his company. Manish details what Masala Chai consists of, and shares a family recipe for listeners to enjoy from home. And don't miss the Questi...

• Steeping Around – Lisa's Show - All About Earl Gray

  Manish takes another exciting detour in his program this week, in response to an email from a listener: Lisa, in California. Tune in for a look at Earl Gray tea, its flavor, popularity, and even its namesake! And, for those of you fiening for caffeine,...

• Steeping Around – Storytime: The Sorted Beginnings of Black Tea

  From thieving to opium, the history of black tea more closely resembles a Hollywood blockbuster than a chapter from the history books. Tune in to this week's episode to learn all about black tea's misguided past. For the Question of the Week, Manish an...

• Steeping Around – Black Tea: A lesson in strength

  We've all heard about the extensive health benefits of green tea, but black tea has some up its sleeve as well. Host Manish Shah details the benefits and flavor profiles of some of the leading varieties of black tea. In the Question of the Week, Manish...

• Steeping Around – I'll Take My Black Tea With...

  An introductory look at black teas: discover what specifically makes a tea "black," and the various ways that people around the world enjoy it. In the Question of the Week, Manish takes a look at one of the more common additions to black tea- milk. How...

• Steeping Around – Not Today's Tea Party

  In light of recent elections and heavy political climate here in the United States, host Manish Shah takes a slight detour from the informative shows on specific tea types. This week, we're remembering the Boston Tea Party: how it came about, what actu...

• Steeping Around – The Two "O"s: Oolongs and Oxidation

  This week, Manish explains in detail what the process of oxidation is, and what it means in terms of beer cans, cars, fires, and of course fine oolong teas. In the Question of the Week, Manish defines what is likely the most misunderstood and misused w...

• Steeping Around – Crazy About Oolongs: A Few of My Favorite Things

  Host Manish Shah begins to talk about his favorite variety of teas: oolongs. He touches on their history, preparation, and what it is that gives oolongs their delicate, unique flavors. In the Question of the Week, Manish reveals his top three oolong f...

• Steeping Around – Judging Green Tea - From Harsh to Hip

  If you've ever had a bitter, unbearable cup of green tea, this episode is for you! Host Manish Shah gives you the tools you need to judge great green tea, and once you've got it, he tells you how to make it properly. In the Question of the Week, Mani...

• Steeping Around – The Many Benefits of Drinking Green Tea

  This week, Manish Shah details the many, many positive effects of green tea consumption. From oral health to diabetes, cholesterol to cancer prevention, brain function to weight loss, nearly every part of your body reaps the benefits of this "miracle ...

• Steeping Around – Grateful for Green: The Colorful History of Green Tea

  Manish Shah begins to tackle the vast subject of green tea, the original tea consumed. He explains the differences between green and white teas, and relates the long and rich history of its cultivation. In the Question of the Week, Manish answers: "W...

• Steeping Around – The Ultimate White Tea Guide

  Host Manish Shah examines the finer aspects of white tea, including flavor, aroma and health benefits. He describes the four main types, detailing characteristics of each. In the Question of the Week, he provides tips on what to look for when you're ...

• Steeping Around – The Story of White Tea: Origins & Explanations

  This week on Steeping Around, host Manish Shah touches on the lighter side of tea: white tea, that is. What is white tea? Where does it come from? Is it rare, is it expensive? Manish answers these and other questions, as he begins to unmask one of the ...

• Steeping Around – Hanging Loose - Teabags vs. Loose Leaf Tea

  Much of Steeping Around is dedicated purely to history and hard facts, but this week, Manish is getting a little opinionated. Manish Shah distinguishes the key differences between loose leaf tea and tea found in teabags, revealing his preferences. If...

• Steeping Around – The Beginning - What is tea, anyway?

  Now that we've given you the tools to make an incredible cup of tea for yourself, we're going to backtrack a little bit- to the beginning! Where does tea come from, and when did people begin to take notice of it? Manish Shah answers these and other q...

• Steeping Around – Talking Iced Tea - Part 6: Spike it!

  Host Manish Shah cracks open his liquor cabinet, as he draws his focus to tea and mixology. He examines several liquors that blend wonderfully with iced tea, as well as many mixers that are non-alcoholic. For the hands-on enthusiasts, a recipe to mak...

• Steeping Around – Talking Iced Tea - Part 5: Herbs, Spices, Fruits and... Veggies?

  Never added cool cucumbers to your glass of iced tea? You are in for a treat! Open your mind, as host Manish Shah counts the numerable and memorable ingredients that can add spice and zest to your favorite summer drink. Manish addresses the question: "...

• Steeping Around – Talking Iced Tea - Part 4: Make it Sweet!

  Host Manish Shah examines several options for sweetening your summer iced tea, including sugar, stevia, molasses, and agave nectar. He answers the question: "What's the best tea for me when I'm feeling low?"

• Steeping Around – Talking Iced Tea - Part 3: Cold Brewing

  Host Manish Shah examines several cold brewing methods of making iced tea: using the power of the sun, nothing but your refrigerator, and a strange technique involving solely ice. He answers the question, "Why does iced tea fog up, and what can I do ab...

• Steeping Around – Talking Iced Tea – Part 2: Hot Brewing

  Manish Shah delves into the varietal techniques in making excellent iced tea, focusing on hot brewing methods. He answers the question from London: "How is it that you yanks manage to get through the afternoon without a teatime?"

• Steeping Around – Talking Iced Tea - Part 1: The Colorful History

  Host Manish Shah recounts the brief and colorful history of iced tea. He expands upon the variations enjoyed around the world, from sun tea to sweet tea, bottled and canned teas to the delectable Thai Iced Tea. For the Question of the Week, Manish high...

• Steeping Around – How to Make a Great Cup of Tea - Part 2

  Host Manish Shah reveals his final two tips for making an excellent cup of tea from home. Water temperatures and proper steep time are detailed for each of five main categories of tea. Manish answers the question: "Can I make multiple infusions from th...

• Steeping Around – How To Make a Great Cup of Tea

  Program host and world renowned tea master, Manish Shah, details the art of making a great cup of tea. As it turns out, it's not very complicated at all. In fact it's all about simplicity. Apparently, a microwave and a tea bag are not involved. So, tun...

• Steeping Around - Warming The Kettle: The Story of Maya and Chai

  Host Manish Shah debuts Steeping Around by recounting his origins from a Farmer's Market stand to an international tea company, from one product to hundreds, and from psychology to marketing. Manish answers the question: "what tea works best to replace...