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:

1. Brew tea extra strong.
2. Warm and froth milk.
3. Combine together.
4. Add maple syrup.
5. 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:

1. Simmer blueberries with brewed tea.
2. Add lemon juice and sweetener.
3. Prepare with pectin directions.
4. 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.

The post 1897 GenerosiTEA: A Cup of History, Heart & the Legacy of Giving first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

At the Greenwell Center, we have always believed that tea is more than a beverage — it is an experience. It is a pause in the day, a moment to gather, a chance to nourish, and an invitation to create something memorable with the people around you. Through the creativity of the Cape Breton Tea Company, tea becomes more than what is in the cup. It becomes dessert, refreshment, ritual, and celebration.

From decadent cheesecake and handcrafted chocolate pairings to specialty drinks, iced teas, and summer-inspired refreshments, there are so many ways to explore the flavour and versatility of tea in everyday life. Whether you are planning a gathering, looking for a refreshing summer drink, or adding a creative twist to dessert, tea can become the heart of the table.

One of the joys of the Cape Breton Tea Company is how beautifully each blend can move beyond the teacup. Rich black teas become the base for indulgent cheesecakes and chocolate-inspired treats. Herbal and rooibos blends offer refreshing options for iced teas and cooling summer beverages. Green teas create bright, vibrant mocktails perfect for warm afternoons, garden gatherings, and seasonal celebrations.

For those who love a sweet treat, tea-infused cheesecake offers a wonderful way to bring flavour into dessert with a subtle elegance. Chocolate pairings are another delightful way to experience the layered notes of our blends, especially when rich teas like Beach Bonfire or chai-inspired favourites are paired with creamy cheeses, dark chocolate, or after-dinner indulgences. Even a simple tea and cheese pairing can become a sophisticated and memorable tasting experience for guests.

Summer, of course, is one of the most exciting times to get creative with tea. Iced teas and specialty chilled drinks are a beautiful way to enjoy the richness of herbal blends while staying cool and hydrated. From fruit-forward blends served over ice to creamy tea coolers and sparkling tea mocktails, the possibilities are endless. Many of our teas are designed to be enjoyed hot or cold, making them especially versatile for entertaining through the warmer months.

This is one of the things we love most about the Cape Breton Tea Company — each blend is designed not only for flavour, but for experience. A cup of tea can become the beginning of a conversation, the centre of a gathering, or the inspiration for a recipe that brings people together in a new way.

From special desserts and elegant pairings to refreshing summer creations, tea offers countless ways to create memorable moments at home.

If you are looking for inspiration for your next gathering, a cooling summer sip, or a new way to enjoy your favourite blend, we invite you to explore our collection of special recipes and serving ideas.

Discover cheesecake, specialty drinks, chocolate and cheese pairings, iced teas, and more here: Special Recipes to Enjoy

The post Special Recipes to Savour with the Cape Breton Tea Company first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.

At the Cape Breton Tea Company, tea has always been more than something we drink. It is a pause. A practice. A relationship with time, intention, and the wisdom that lives within us. Each blend is created not to tell us who to be, but to support us in remembering who we already are.

The Power of Aspiration

Aspiration is different from striving. It does not push—it invites. True desire rises from the heart, not from obligation or comparison. When we slow down enough to listen, we begin to notice what truly nourishes us: connection, creativity, rest, purpose, belonging.

Tea teaches us this rhythm naturally. Leaves and herbs release their gifts only when we allow time, warmth, and presence. In the same way, our deepest desires reveal themselves when we stop forcing outcomes and begin trusting process.

The Cape Breton Tea Company blends are designed to support this unfolding. Rooted in nature, tradition, and mindful intention, they invite us into moments of reflection—where clarity emerges not through effort, but through openness.

Being Available to the Heart’s Wisdom

To be available to our heart’s desires means creating space—internally and externally. It means allowing ourselves to feel curiosity instead of certainty, compassion instead of judgment, and patience instead of pressure.

This availability is an act of courage. It asks us to step beyond familiar patterns and listen to what feels alive now. Tea becomes a gentle ally in this process, helping regulate the nervous system, soften the edges of stress, and bring us back into the present moment—where insight lives.

When we sit with a cup of tea, we practice presence. And presence is where transformation begins.

Community as a Vessel for Growth

While inner listening is deeply personal, aspiration does not flourish in isolation. Community plays a vital role in helping us explore, reflect, and grow. When we gather—whether around a table, a class, a circle, or a shared experience—we remind one another that we are not alone in our becoming.

At the Cape Breton Tea Company, community has always been at the heart of our work. Our blends are often shared in moments of conversation, creativity, healing, and celebration. They support not only individual reflection, but collective connection—creating spaces where stories are exchanged, ideas are nurtured, and possibilities feel safer to explore.

Community allows us to witness one another’s aspirations, offering encouragement, resonance, and support as we listen more deeply to ourselves.

A New Year Greeting

As we welcome this New Year, we extend a warm and heartfelt greeting to you. May this year be one of gentle awakening—where you feel supported in listening to your inner wisdom and inspired to explore what truly matters to you.

May your days include moments of stillness, meaningful connection, and nourishment—both in body and in spirit.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move through the year ahead, we invite you to stay connected with the Cape Breton Tea Company and the growing community that surrounds it. In 2026, we look forward to offering opportunities to gather, reflect, and explore together through events, collaborations, and shared experiences that honor wellbeing, creativity, and heart-led living.

Whether you join us through tea, community gatherings, workshops, or moments of quiet reflection at home, know that you are part of a collective intention: to live more consciously, more compassionately, and more aligned with our true desires.

Here’s to a year of opening, listening, and steeping into who you are becoming.

With warmth and gratitude,

Michelle Greenwell, and
The Cape Breton Tea Company

The post Steeping Toward Our True Desires: A New Year Invitation first appeared on Greenwell Center for Holistic Health.