Between summer and fall: three teas to bridge the seasonal shift
Summer always seems to persist for so long; we can forget its transitory nature. But with the arrival of September, many of us receive our first reminder in months of the coming cool-down. And for those who thrill to distinct seasonal shifts—hands raised!—the first crisp breeze or a whisper of gold on green aspen leaves conjures dreams of sweaters, blazes in hearths and steaming mugs of tea.
With hundreds of teas in stock, we’re always exploring ways to celebrate and accentuate the things we love about the seasons. In spring, for example, we might brew pot after pot of floral teas, to align with the season’s explosion of botanical color and aroma. And during the holiday season, teas shot through with cacao and peppermint could easily become part of our tea-drinking pursuits.
During this anticipatory phase—the beginning of summer’s eclipse and autumn’s emergence—we’re not yet ready for immersion in the full spectacle of pumpkin spice and its many precedents (chai!). That arrives soon enough. But we are ready, for example, to pivot away from summer’s flood of iced tea.
Let’s think about “bridge” teas, elixirs that simultaneously evoke both summer’s lingering warmth and fall’s stirring chill. These teas will encourage you to appreciate the now—this early September dance with summer’s last gasps—while also looking forward to the arrival of fall’s bewitching textures and majesty.
Seasonal Bridge Teas: An Ji White Green
This stunning green tea from China’s ZheJiang Province signifies the seasonal straddle in many ways, including its name. While it’s a green tea, it’s called An Ji White. The reason? When farmers harvest the tea leaves from Mt. Tian Mu in early spring they are tender and silvery-white. Meanwhile, the tea’s flavor broadcasts slightly vegetal notes while soothing throat as well spirit—with its high concentration of theanine, a calming amino acid, this intoxicating tea is pure balm. Planted squarely in neither summer nor autumn, An Ji White serves as an outstanding seasonal “bridge” tea.
Seasonal Bridge Teas: Enchanted Forest Green
Summer often hinges on beaches and alpine meadows, on rivers, seas and lakes. But once fall arrives and trees gain bold color, forests beckon. We wander through them, inhaling the complex and atmospheric perfumes borne out of fallen leaves and fruit, and damp earth. Between the visual spectacle and the aromatic splendor, it’s truly glorious. Our Enchanted Forest gem leads with green tea, but its other components can help bring about serious fall vibes. Green mate, for example, delivers strong earthy flavors—akin to forest floor. Coconut shreds don’t exactly scream autumn forest, but the nutty flavor aligns with the season. So do rose and cornflower blossoms—both offer perfume, which is an essential part of the fall forest experience. The tea contains cherry flavor, too. The addition brings to mind Black Forest cake—a slice of fall!
Seasonal Bridge Teas: Dong Ding Oolong
This medium-roasted Taiwanese beauty, from Nantou County and also called “Tung Ting,” offers classic oolong flavors—toasty, nutty and with hings of caramelized sweetness. It even can hint at baked apple. All of them evoke fall. But when brewed tea also famously sends forth orchid and honey notes. We love the combination for a “bridge” tea—the orchid suggests the prevalence of last blossoms, while the honey conjures fall—the bee sensation gets heavily tapped during the season for baking and more.
