May These Four Teas Be With You

Oh my gosh.

Oh my gosh you guys.

Are you excited for May?

You should be.

Please don’t tell me you aren’t. I’ll cry, seriously. There are so many things to look forward to:

May 1st is Beltane, aka May Day, aka the day to celebrate the springiest of springs and pray that the azaleas in your mom’s backyard haven’t been completely washed out by April’s showers. (If you have outdoor flowers, you know these are real and genuine concerns. Extra points for anyone who comments on this article with epic plant parent stories!)

May 2nd and 3rd are pretty ok, too, because you’re probably working off the well-earned hangover from Beltane.

And May 4th…

You know what’s up.

May The Fourth Be With You

A long time ago, in a burgeoning space age far back in the day, a little thing called Star Wars happened.

It started off as a niche, budget film by George Lucas, an intrepid director going where few folks had gone before under his own studio company. (Ok, I know that’s a Star Trek reference, buuuut therein lies the metapun. Think about it.)

Then— just like the Death Star in that very first film— it exploded.

And I don’t speak in hyperbole. Even before Disney bought the brand and gave us the adorable excuse to buy our dads Baby Yoda hats to keep his ears warm, Star Wars was on the trajectory to intergalactic fame.

Within two short years of that first film, Star Wars fans and fandom culture became so pervasive and universal, growing to such a massive level that in 1979, Great Britain came up with this gem on a whim, and it’s been in the calendar of the collective consciousness ever since.

To bring this now full circle, I think the Brits would approve of pairing off May the Fourth with some tea, don’t you agree?

So here are four teas to be with you, on May the Fourth.

Black Tea Recommendations

Lapsang Souchong. This smoky, bittergood (not yet in the dictionary, but trust me it should be a word) black tea is perfect for the rebels and rough-at-heart. There’s something about it that feels as uncouth as Han Solo’s famous, “I know” while still majestic enough to soar across your palate like the Millennium Falcon. It’s a fond favorite of those who also gravitate towards coffee flavors, and makes a phenomenal option if you’re looking to have a tea substitute for espresso.

Masala Chai works as well, with similar depth to the cup and an extra kick of spice. Even though both these options are caffeinated teas, They are still a much milder cup than true coffee. (Not to deny you the good stuff, by the way! If you’re a coffee fan and haven’t checked out Adagio’s sister company Lardera yet, PLEASE! You better get on that fast. I’m talking X-wing fast, bro.)

Green Tea Recommendations

Gunpowder. Because what else is going to hit you with that same delicious zap as a blaster? This one I like because it’s got some heft to it, a really solid mouthfeel that leaves you wondering if you didn’t have a full-on meal by accident. It goes excellently with the multidimensional subtlety of The Mandalorian, and yes— it is Mando-colored for your benefit.

If you’d rather a lighter, Baby Yoda kind of tea, check out Citrus Mint Green or Ginseng Green. Both are crowd-pleasers in the best way, sure to make your friends go, “Awwww, I had no idea that tea could taste so cute!”

Oolong Tea Recommendations

Ti Kuan Yin. This goddess tea is a veritable shout-out to all the strong female characters that Star Wars exemplifies and represents. Like I said before about extra points to commenters, I’d love to hear who’s your favorite! Ahsoka Tano will always be on my list, but Cara Dune and Maz Kanata are close seconds! (Yes, I’m a fan of the crochety old lady types. Don’t get me started on how much gold it was to see old Toph in The Legend of Korra…) Anyway, this tea you definitely want to trea like a lady, and steep gently no matter how fierce and awesome you are.

There is power in holding back, especially with a tea like this one, and once you master understeeping— ie: going at a lower temperature or shorter steep time— you’ll be able to add soft oolongs like Milk Oolong and Golden Flower to your utility belt.

White Tea Recommendations

Silver Needle. If we’re going to highlight so many teas that are as classic as Star Wars itself, then Silver Needle can’t not make the list. This is another one that takes well to under-steeping, so feel free to hit it with the barest simmer of water and least invasive steep time. The plus to this method is that you’ll have even more tea to resteep for future cups.

Personally, I enjoy the complexity that reveals itself as you continue to enjoy this particular varietal— much like the endless discourse and articles that you can get lost in while researching Star Wars history for this article! — but if you’re looking for ever so slightly more additional flavor, then you can’t go wrong with Buddha’s Dream and White Grapefruit.

Now May you go Fourth and conquer! Let me know how you end up celebrating in the comments.

Cheers!

Natasha Nesic

NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, Founder of Work Life Fitness