EMPLOYEE FEATURE 🌿

March 26, 2021

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT

🌿 Eleanor's Favorites 🌿

This month we are shining the spotlight on Eleanor, the manager at our Flagstaff location! Eleanor loves using her creativity to create a welcoming and beautiful space for customers and enjoys engaging with her local community,

Read more on Eleanor's favorite teas and honey, as well as her tips and tricks on how to make her perfect cup of tea.

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Osmanthus Oolong

Eleanor's favorite tea is Osmanthus Oolong! This simple elegant tea is floral, delicate and is considered a traditional Chinese tea! This blend is popular amongst "purist" tea drinkers and those who like minimal ingredients. Osmanthus is a small golden flower that adds a hint of honey and mild peach notes to this tea. 🍑

WHAT IS OOLONG?

Most tea comes from the single plant, Camellia Sinensis. The difference between white, oolong, green and black tea is how they are processed! Green tea is not allowed to oxidize much, but black tea is allowed to oxidize until it turns black. Oolong tea is somewhere in between the two, so it is partially oxidized, and this influences the color and taste of the tea.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE BLEND

Oolong tea is energizing for the body and mind, is rich in antioxidants, and promotes healthy digestion. One study found that the polyphenol antioxidants in oolong may help maintain normal blood sugar levels and decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

At Old Barrel Co we celebrate and nourish our health in all ways. We asked Eleanor what her favorite way to practice self-care is and this is what she said:

"Whenever I am feeling called to reconnect with myself and establish a healthy balance in day to day life, I always prioritize alone time outside. Whether it's hiking or biking, climbing or just laying in the sun, quality time in nature and alone with my thoughts is my favorite way to practice self care."

Pictured to the left is Flagstaff, Arizona

TIPS & TRICKS FROM ELEANOR

Eleanor loves her Osmanthus Oolong served hot and enjoys adding a touch of sweetness with a dollop of Mesquite Honey.

When preparing, she just adds the leaves straight to the water... no infuser necessary (about 190 degrees) and allows the leaves to dance around and open up for about 4 minutes. If she's feeling spicy she adds fresh sliced ginger root to her tea.

Eleanor sips on her tea from her thermos out on the trail, hiking or playing in the snow, as she says it's always the perfect addition to a beautiful view!