Premium Steap: Philadelphia's Finest Tea Resource

If you've been drinking tea using bags, you haven't really been drinking tea. Premium Steap is Philadelphia's resource for promoting and distributing simple and relaxing loose tea-drinking methods. While the anti-oxidants present in many teas have received positive press for their health benefits, Premium Steap's Peggy Stephens understands the value in tea.

Beyond the health benefits of drinking properly-prepared loose tea, making tea is a ritual. Culturally, you can get an understanding of the importance of tea at the nearby Shofosuo Japanese House and Garden, which regularly presents Japanese tea ceremonies. In Joss Whedon's hit series "Firefly," you can see snippets of an Asian-inspired tea ritual in the episode "Jaynestown."

The ritual of preparing tea may be solitary or shared-but the act of making tea in itself is an important ritual. In doing this, you experience the steam from the hot water and the aroma of your selected tea. You create structure in your day when you have tea at the same time, increasing productivity. The ritual of tea is also relaxing-and surprisingly simple.

Stephens demonstrated the fast and simple loose tea method using a special single-serving mug available at Premium Steap. (The mug costs about $20.00 and contains everything you need to make a single serving of tea except the loose tea leaves.) The strainer included in this mug actually contains the tea leaves, preventing sediment in the tea itself. Stephens also notes that tea novices frequently complain about the bitter taste of tea because they have steeped the tea entirely too long.

While the shop does lack a café, it's a haven from the outdoors, providing a calm and relaxing environment for tea selection. Observing the customers, it's clear that folks from around the world and well-traveled Philadelphians come here to capture the taste and aroma of places abroad.

Local tea experts have over 160 teas to choose from at this shop. Many customers choose to purchase several samplers to experience as many new teas as possible; others stick with the aromatic, earthy and relaxing Earl Grey blend perfected at this store.

Premium Steap is a welcome break from chain store cafes and pre-packaged products. Here, you can select teas individually and the staff are happy to accommodate your requests or make suggestions based upon your preferences. Premium Steap offers additional accessories and gifts for the tea enthusiasts and ships internationally.

If you're ever feeling lost and lonely on Chestnut Street, consider this as your new 'me' store. You can find Premium Steap at 111 South 18th Street in the Center City shopping district; call them at 215.568.2920.