British Columbia·Our Vancouver

Loose-leaf tea resurging in popularity

Sample some of the finest teas available in the Lower Mainland and learn how to cold brew them.

Tea Sparrow's Michael Menashy explains the hype around today's "it" drink

New ways to ice tea

9 years ago
Duration 5:33
Michael Menashy describes the new world of tea parties and ice tea contests

There's no mistaking it — tea is the new "it" drink.

We're not talking about the old bags of orange pekoe; the world of tea is expanding.  

There are many gourmet loose-leaf tea shops in shopping malls and tea parties regularly make the entertainment listings in the Lower Mainland.

Michael Menashy throws some of those parties with his company Tea Sparrow.

A professional ceramic artist by trade, Menashy has gone from making the cups to now making the tea. 

"Tea is one of those things where it's a process. You can't rush it.

"You've just got to wait through the process and I often find it's a time of reflection for me during this."

Watch the video New ways to ice tea from CBC TV's Our Vancouver to find out more about the "Iced Tea-Off" happening this weekend at the Heritage Hall on Main Street.