Although there is no magic wand that erases the dreaded words “winter storm,” “polar vortex” or “snow” from existence, Downingtown has a new remedy for the winter blues—a Pureblend tea showroom.
The Borough’s newest spot to sip in serenity is house in the former Downingtown Opera House on 118 Brandywine Ave. The back of Pureblend’s beautiful brick space is dedicated for inventory storage and blending, while the front is their office and tasting area.
The space showcases Pureblend’s complete collection of 25 organic and loose-leaf black, white/green and herbal teas, matcha teas, raw cocoas, ready-to-brew iced tea kits, tea accessories and five varieties of organic, unrefined sea salts. Online and wholesale orders can also be picked up at this location.
“You can taste the difference between a locally grown, fresh-picked, organic piece of broccoli and one from a big brand. The same goes for tea,” said Pureblend Owner and Master Blender, Kari Dandrea.
By the time the tea bag from a big brand hits your mug, the tea leaves could already be two to three months old. To ensure ultimate freshness, Dandrea blends her teas in small batches. All of the ingredients in her teas are 100% natural: the Winter Rose contains real rosebuds, the raspberry detox contains pieces of freeze-dried raspberries and the show-stopping no-caf Red Chai carries a load of cardamom and ginger right to your palate.
For three years, Rhonda Stone has been picking up Pureblend at the West Chester Growers Market. “She has a really great product and really listens to her customers’ feedback, ” said Stone, “It is made with a lot of love and that really makes a difference.”
One of Dandrea’s mantras is take a tea, not a pill. And she is not alone. For centuries, people have turned to tea’s health benefits, for everything from a headache to an upset stomach, weight loss to cancer prevention, an immunity boost or natural sleep aid. When her daughter had a stomach ache seven years ago, Kari reached for a blend of tea, ginger and mint instead of a bottle.
After friends sampled her homemade blends, they demanded she get her teas to market. Since 2009, her company has doubled in size and Pureblend teas are now sold at the West Chester Growers Market, Phoenixville Farmers’ Market, Roots Café in West Chester, Great Pumpkin Health Market in West Chester, Nourish Juice Bar in Kennett Square, Kimberton Whole Foods (Douglassville, Downingtown, Kimbertown, Ottsville), Cathey’s Coffee in West Chester, Martindale’s Natural Market in Springfield, Burlap and Bean Coffee Shop in Newtown Square and her own tea bar at Lancaster’s Central Market.
To keep up with the demand, she outgrew two commercial kitchens and needed a new headquarters. Originally, her new space was only going to be used for manufacturing, but neighbors grew curious about the activity behind her curtained arched windows. Customers are invited to grab a free cup of tea or just visit, soak up the mellow acoustic sounds and steep in tea talk and a calming ambiance.
For now, Pureblend’s hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursday. All other visits are by appointment only by calling or texting 484-639-1546 or emailing Pureblend. Check Pureblend’s website and Facebook for updates.
3 Comments