Sarah Bretz, ContributorHolland America has announced a new partnership with tea importers Art of Tea to create a custom Dutch Tea Time blend. It will be both served and sold on board the line’s ships.
The Holland America + Art of Tea exclusive blend features a black tea base with rose hips, marigold, rose petals, orange essence, bergamot, and other natural flavors. Each sip brings bright bergamot and floral notes to the nose, a rich creamy feel with vibrant warming spices and a subtle orange and citrus finish. These flavors play homage to Dutch culture including a citrus nod to the House of Orange-Nassau — the Royal House of the Netherlands.
Traditional Afternoon Tea at Sea
Guests will be able to try the tea during Royal Dutch Tea in the dining room on sea days. In addition to a selection of loose-leaf teas, sweet and savory snacks inspired by traditional Dutch recipes are also served. They include:
Savory Sandwiches:
- Bay Shrimp on Brioche with Dutch cocktail sauce
- Egg Salad and Cress on white bread with mayonnaise and mustard
- Smoked Salmon and Dill on whole wheat with cream cheese
- Coronation Chicken on whole wheat with curry, yogurt, dried apricots, and cilantro
Sweet Treats:
- Raisin and plain scones with jam and whipped cream
- Chocoladebol (Dutch Cream Puff)
- Maple Stroopwafel Napoleon with cream and fresh berries
- Boterkoek (Dutch Butter Cake with almond slice)
- Gevulde Koeken (Dutch cookie with Marzipan, a short sugar pastry)
- Appletaart (Mini Dutch Apple Tartlets with a cookie base and raisins with cinnamon)
Explore a World of Flavors
As a seafaring country, The Netherlands played a significant role in the tea trade during the 1600s. Dutch traders transported tea by ship around the world including to France, the Baltic region, and to New Amsterdam (now known as New York City).
Similarly, Art of Tea founder and Master Tea Blender, Steve Schwartz, travels extensively searching for rare and unique teas and develops close relationships with farmers and distributors to provide top-tier organic teas.
Teatime at Home
Holland America and Art of Tea’s exclusive boxed medley is available on all Holland America ships. It includes Dutch Tea Time, Earl Grey Crème, and Pacific Coast Mint.
An Art of Tea bestseller, Earl Grey Crème blends fragrant bergamot oil and a touch of French vanilla for a rich and robust finish. The caffeine-free Pacific Coast Mint combines organic spearmint and peppermint grown and harvested on the coasts of Oregon and California for a sharp and smooth flavor. These blends are also available to order directly from the Art of Tea website.
As your cup of tea steeps, try putting a stroopwafel on top. The rising steam melts the caramel inside the cookie for a warm, gooey traditional Dutch treat.
Comments
Are you a fan of tea and if so, what’s your favorite kind/blend? If you’re sailing Holland America soon, are you planning to try the Dutch Tea Time blend? Drop us an anchor below and share your thoughts on this collaboration!
