Every cup of tea has a story.
Some stories begin with the planting of leaves.
Some begin around a kitchen table.
Some travel across oceans.
And some stories begin on a small island, where a young person’s dreams grow into a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
The Cape Breton Tea Company is honoured to introduce:
1897 GenerosiTEA
A blend created to celebrate the story of Obediah E. Smith (1863–1934) — a son of Port Hood Island, a successful tea entrepreneur, and a man whose generosity left lasting gifts for the people of Inverness County.
The affirmation chosen for this blend is:
“Open your heart to hope and optimism for your resilience and pure generosity inspires others.”
A beautiful reflection of a life lived not only for personal success, but for the betterment of community.
From Port Hood Island to the World of Tea
Born in 1863, Obediah E. Smith grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of Port Hood Island — ocean waves, hardworking families, community connections, and the resilience that shaped many Cape Breton stories.
His path eventually led him into the world of tea through his work with Morse’s Tea Company. After years of dedication, learning, and understanding the tea industry from the inside, Obediah went on to purchase the company himself.
But perhaps the greatest part of his story is not simply what he built.
It is what he gave back.
The success of the company became a way to support the communities and people who had shaped him. His generosity contributed to important initiatives including support for Inverness Hospital, Bayview Education Center, and other programs throughout Inverness County.
His story reminds us that true abundance is not measured only by what we achieve — but by what we are able to share.
A Tea Journey Across Oceans
One of the most romantic and adventurous pieces of Obediah’s story is that he travelled with his new bride to China on a tea shopping expedition.
Imagine stepping into the world of tea plantations — walking among rows of carefully tended plants, meeting growers, smelling freshly processed leaves, and tasting the incredible variety of teas created through generations of knowledge.
Among these teas would have been oolong — a tea celebrated for its complexity, craftsmanship, and balance.
It is this spirit of exploration that inspired 1897 GenerosiTEA.
A blend honouring tradition while inviting us to experience tea in a new way.
Moving Beyond the Kettle on the Stove
Many of us grew up with a familiar tea tradition:
A pot of orange pekoe resting at the back of the stove, ready throughout the day.
It represented hospitality.
A neighbour stopping by.
A conversation beginning.
A problem shared.
A celebration enjoyed.
1897 GenerosiTEA honours that tradition while introducing a new experience through oolong.
Oolong offers depth and character while inviting curiosity — much like Obediah’s own journey from Cape Breton shores into the wider world of tea.
The Essence of the Blend
🍃 Oolong: Wisdom & Transformation
Oolong carries the energy of balance.
Partially oxidized between green and black tea, it symbolizes transition — the beauty that happens in the space between where we have been and where we are going.
Spiritually, oolong invites:
- adaptability
- personal growth
- exploration
- harmony between tradition and innovation
A perfect tribute to someone who honoured his roots while creating something new.
❤️ Rooibos: The Heart of Generosity
Naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, rooibos brings warmth and grounding.
Its essence represents:
- nurturing
- community
- kindness
- connection
It is the comforting embrace within the cup.
A reminder that generosity begins in the heart.
🫐 Blueberries & Berries: The Treasures of Home
Across the fields surrounding Port Hood, blueberries connect us back to the land.
Small but powerful, berries remind us of:
- abundance found close to home
- the gifts nature provides
- resilience through changing seasons
- the sweetness created through patience
Like the people and stories of Cape Breton, berries carry strength in a small package.
Launching During Craft Week
We are excited to launch 1897 GenerosiTEA on Thursday, June 4 as part of Craft Week, celebrated through the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design.
This launch brings together many threads:
✨ stories of growing up on Port Hood Island
✨ the history and generosity of Obediah E. Smith
✨ tea traditions passed through families
✨ the craftsmanship of blending tea
✨ community storytelling
We are especially honoured to celebrate the work of the Chestico Museum, whose dedication preserves the stories of the people who lived, worked, dreamed, and created the history of this region.
The Cape Breton Tea Company is proud to support fundraising efforts that help keep these stories alive.
Because when we remember where we came from, we better understand the legacy we are creating.
Enjoying 1897 GenerosiTEA
🫐 Port Hood Island Blueberry Iced Tea
A refreshing celebration of local flavour.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups brewed and chilled 1897 GenerosiTEA
- ½ cup blueberries
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint
- Ice
- Optional drizzle of local honey
Directions:
Lightly crush blueberries to release their flavour.
Combine ingredients in a pitcher.
Allow to infuse for 1–2 hours.
Serve over ice and enjoy while sharing stories.
GenerosiTEA Sparkling Berry Celebration Tea ✨
Perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups chilled 1897 GenerosiTEA
- 1 cup sparkling water
- Frozen blueberries
- Fresh berries
- Orange or lemon slices
Pour tea over frozen berries, top with sparkling water, and garnish.
A beautiful toast to generosity.
GenerosiTEA Oolong Maple Latte 🍁
A warm drink honouring comfort and tradition.
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons 1897 GenerosiTEA
- ½ cup hot water
- ¾ cup steamed milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- Sprinkle cinnamon
Directions:
- Brew tea extra strong.
- Warm and froth milk.
- Combine together.
- Add maple syrup.
- Finish with cinnamon.
Hold your cup and repeat:
“Open your heart to hope and optimism for your resilience and pure generosity inspires others.”
1897 GenerosiTEA Blueberry Jam 🫐
A beautiful way to preserve the flavour of the blend.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups blueberries
- ¾ cup strongly brewed 1897 GenerosiTEA
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Sweetener of choice to taste
- Pectin (according to package directions)
Directions:
- Simmer blueberries with brewed tea.
- Add lemon juice and sweetener.
- Prepare with pectin directions.
- Pour into prepared jars.
Enjoy with biscuits, scones, or fresh bread — the perfect companion to storytelling.
Cheese Pairings: A Taste of Cape Breton Hospitality
The berry and oolong notes in 1897 GenerosiTEA pair beautifully with:
🧀 Brie or Camembert
Soft creamy cheeses allow the berry flavours to shine.
Serve with:
- blueberry tea jam
- crackers
- walnuts
🧀 Aged White Cheddar
The sharper flavour balances the natural sweetness of berries and rooibos.
Try:
A slice of cheddar
A spoon of GenerosiTEA jam
A warm cup of tea
Simple and perfect.
Chocolate Pairing: Blueberry Oolong Brownie Bites 🍫
Chocolate and berries are natural friends.
Try pairing 1897 GenerosiTEA with:
- dark chocolate brownies
- chocolate shortbread
- chocolate oat cookies
For an extra special treat:
Add 2 tablespoons of finely ground tea leaves into your favourite brownie recipe.
The oolong adds depth.
The berries add brightness.
The story adds meaning.
What Legacy Are You Creating?
The story of Obediah E. Smith invites us into reflection.
What gifts have others shared that shaped your life?
What skills, kindness, stories, or wisdom have you received?
And what generosity are you offering forward?
Sometimes we think legacy is something created at the end of a journey.
But perhaps legacy is created every day.
In the conversations we have.
The kindness we offer.
The communities we support.
The stories we preserve.
With each cup of 1897 GenerosiTEA, may we remember the resilience of those who came before us — and the generosity we can continue to share.
“Open your heart to hope and optimism for your resilience and pure generosity inspires others.”
A cup of history.
A cup of community.
A cup of generosity. 🫖💙
Are you ready to try some fun? Check out this post about Obediah Smith, as well as a Jigsaw Puzzle from the Chestico Museum archives.