Tea and Cheese Pairing

In celebration of International Tea Day this past May 21st, we held a free Tea and Cheese Pairing. We offered a range of teas to pair with a variety of locally sourced cheeses provided by Apple Valley Creamery in East Berlin. A tasting area was set up under the pavilion, and also in the Rosemary House.

Cubed pieces of cheese were served at room temperature. We suggested either pairing Earl Grey or Assam tea with a Medium Cheddar. The slightly stronger teas are able to stand up to the richer taste of a medium cheese. Fresh grapes were available to add texture and an additional flavor component to the tasting session. 

We also offered a robust Lapsang Souchong to pair with a Smoked Cheddar cheese. The smokiness of both the tea and the cheese complement each other. The Garlic Cheddar cheese was paired with a fruity infusion, Very Merry Berry. This herbal tisane balances the boldness of the garlic. These two pairing combinations, the Lapsang Souchong with theSsmoked Cheddar Cheese and the Garlic Cheddar with the Very Merry Berry were the most popular pairings of the day.

With the weather predicted to reach the mid 80s, we also had iced tea at the ready. We prepared our Deluxe Iced Tea Blend and TranquilaTea Punch. The punch is a favorite blend of peppermint, rosemary, and sage combined with lemonade and extra sugar. This is a favorite Rosemary House recipe, served over the years at many of our events. The iced tea blend is perfect for summer.

In the front room of the shop, our guests were invited to sample a Mild Cheddar that was paired with a light and delicate Darjeeling to complement the subtle flavors of the cheese without overpowering it. In addition, we offered Herbal Jack, an aged jack cheese with mild herbs that was paired with our Rosemary House TranquilaTea to accentuate the herbal notes of the cheese.

Special thanks to Apple Valley CreameryApple Valley Creamery for providing the variety of cheeses that we served today. This local family farm carries many farm fresh, natural products. In addition to the cheeses, they have a large selection of milk, in-house made butter, and ice cream. Be sure to visit their Farm Store when you're in the area.

And special thanks to everyone for joining us as we celebrate International Tea Day. This day offers the chance to celebrate the cultural heritage behind a cup of tea, consider the health benefits of tea, and the economic importance of tea globally. Specifically, International Tea Day 2024 highlights women and their role within the tea producing community.