For the past week or so, I developed a strong craving for Red Rose tea. Whenever I see a package of it, I am reminded of my grandparents, as it is the brand that they always used. Even when I was a very small child too young to drink tea, I remember that box of Red Rose tea bags that came out of the cabinet every afternoon when it was time to put the kettle on. They were the only people I knew who didn't drink Lipton. I was a die-hard Red Rose drinker all my life, until about two years ago when I started drinking English brands like PG Tips. The English teas are stronger, so I began adding milk like the English do.
Maybe I am just feeling nostalgic this week; I don't really know why but finally tonight I had to go into the supermarket and buy some Red Rose. I got home and made a small pot, letting it steep for a full five minutes, and then I drank it without milk or sugar. It was refreshing and delicious, although a bit lacking in body compared to PG Tips. Tasting it again brought back many happy childhood memories, and a tinge of sadness as my grandparents are no longer with us.
I guess I will always have a strong emotional bond to this brand of tea. Though it may not be to everyone's taste, it is really not a bad tea -- certainly it is by far the best that can be found on the shelves of American supermarkets. I can't say that I will drink it exclusively in the future, but I think I will have to make it a point to drink it more often and to keep some on hand for when I'm feeling nostalgic.