It's Tea Time!

The English Tea Room in Covington

Credit: Reggie Morris Louisiana Eats

According to ancient Chinese legend, the discovery of tea was made in 2737 BC by Emperor Shen Nung while he was sitting under a tree as his servant boiled water. When some leaves of the tree fell into the water and the emperor consumed the accidental infusion, the course of hot beverages changed forever.

The emperor was seated under a Camellia sinensis – the same plant where most teas are still derived from today. And believe it or not, Southern Mississippi appears to be an ideal environment for Camellia sinensis cultivation. On this week's show, we take you straight to the tea farm to meet adventurous farmers Donald Van De Werken and Jeff Brown of Pearl River Tea Company.

Then, we travel to The English Tea Room in Covington, Louisiana where Jan and Tim Lantrip entertain us at a high tea while expounding on the many varieties of tea and how they can improve your health.

Finally, we visit Tru, New Orleans's very own Tea Witch, in her mystical tea wagon for a gypsy caravan-style tea experience.