The World of Tea: From Green to Oolong, Exploring Different Varieties

Tea, the ever-charming beverage, has been a staple in cultures around the world for centuries. Beyond being a comforting drink, it's a symbol of tradition, ceremony, and even wellness. 

The variety of teas available is staggering, each with its unique flavor profile, aroma, and health benefits. In this exploration, we'll delve into the diverse world of tea, from the delicate greens to the robust oolongs, uncovering the nuances that make each variety a treasure worth savoring.

Green Tea:

Let's begin our journey with one of the most beloved varieties: green tea. Known for its fresh, grassy flavor and vibrant color, green tea is cherished for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. Originating from China, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years, green tea is made from unoxidised leaves, preserving its natural goodness. From the delicate sweetness of Japanese Sencha to the nutty notes of Dragon Well from China, green tea offers a spectrum of flavors to explore.

Black Tea:

Moving on to the bold and robust black teas, we encounter a beverage cherished for its depth of flavour and invigorating qualities. Unlike green tea, black tea undergoes full oxidation, resulting in a rich, dark liquor and a robust flavor profile. Originating from regions such as India, Sri Lanka, and China, black tea varieties range from the malty Assam to the floral Darjeeling and the brisk Ceylon. Whether enjoyed with milk and sugar in a classic English Breakfast or savored plain as an Earl Grey, or with lemon, black tea offers a comforting warmth that's hard to resist.

Oolong Tea:

Next on our exploration is the fascinating world of oolong tea, a category that bridges the gap between green and black teas. Oolong undergoes partial oxidation, giving it a unique complexity of flavour that can vary widely depending on the degree of oxidation and the processing techniques employed. With origins in China and Taiwan, oolong teas can range from floral and fruity to toasty and earthy. Famous varieties include Tieguanyin, with its floral aroma and creamy texture, and Wuyi Rock Tea, prized for its mineral-rich profile and lingering finish. Oolong tea invites exploration, with each sip revealing new layers of flavour and aroma.

White Tea:

Delicate and ethereal, white tea is often revered for its subtle sweetness and light, refreshing character. Made from young, minimally processed tea leaves, white tea retains much of its natural antioxidants and delicate flavor compounds. Originating from China's Fujian province, white tea varieties such as Silver Needle and Bai Mu Dan are prized for their delicate aroma and mellow flavour. With its minimal processing, white tea offers a pure and unadulterated tea-drinking experience, perfect for moments of quiet contemplation.

Herbal Infusions:

Finally, we venture into the realm of herbal infusions, where tea leaves take a backseat to a diverse array of botanicals, fruits, and spices. From soothing chamomile to invigorating peppermint, herbal infusions offer endless possibilities for exploration and experimentation. Whether enjoyed for their calming properties, digestive benefits, or simply their delicious flavour, herbal infusions provide a welcome escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Conclusion:

In the vast and diverse world of tea, there's a variety to suit every palate and occasion. From the delicate greens to the robust blacks, the nuanced oolongs to the ethereal whites, and the aromatic herbal infusions, each type of tea offers a unique sensory experience that invites exploration and appreciation. So, the next time you brew a cup of tea, take a moment to savour the flavours, inhale the aroma, and appreciate the rich tapestry of tradition and culture that surrounds this timeless beverage. Cheers to the wonderful world of tea!

(Image courtesy of Adrienne from Pixabay)

Traditional teas making way for Tropical Sun's herbal tea offerings

We Brits love a good cuppa; However, whilst sales of traditional black or ‘builder’s’ tea have seen a steady year-on-year decline of around 3% since 2013, sales of fruit and herbal teas have increased by 24% and green tea by 41% over the past five years, with year-on-year growth of 8%.

Tropical Sun Foods, best known for hero products from around the world such as Jerk Seasoning and coconut milk, have a range of more than 22 products in their range of herbal teas from across the globe and are expanding further with two new flavours (Chamomile and Turmeric & Ginger) launching soon..

Why has this change occurred? Commercial Director, George Phillips puts the growth of the herbal tea market down to younger consumers. He said: “We believe this trend is driven by younger consumers who are seeking out more adventurous hot beverages, or those with perceived health benefits.”

Phillips added: “With demand increasingly exponentially, particularly with more people working from home, fruit and herbal tea is a subcategory with huge potential, and there are very compelling reasons for impulse and convenience retailers to increase their offering in-store, not least to ensure they are capturing an ever-wider consumer base.”

Containing only all natural ingredients, Tropical Sun ‘Teas of the World’ range are all caffeine-free to promote calm wakefulness and have received accolades including Great Taste Awards for Moringa and Sorrel & Ginger Tea. 

They were also voted ‘Best tea for green tea drinkers’ for people avoiding caffeine in The Independent’s Indy Best feature and their Turmeric Tea was recently named ‘Best Herbal Tea’ by ExpertReviews.co.uk.

You'll find Tropical Sun products stocked in thousands of independent retailers across the UK, in Sainbury’s, on Amazon and at www.tropicalsunfoods.com – priced at £1.99.

What teas are available?

Moringa Tea

The Independent said Tropical Sun tea was the best caffeine free alternative for Green Tea fans. Commonly referred to as ‘Miracle Tree’ on account of its incredible nutritional properties and wide range of applications, Moringa is used by indigenous cultures for water purification, as a health supplement and, of course, as a tea! It has a subtle, earthy taste which won a Great Taste Award this year.

Turmeric Tea

Their Turmeric Tea was highly praised by Expert Reviews. This warming and mild, turmeric is one of the most popular spices worldwide and has a long history of use within the ayurvedic wellness system. For the full flavour, place a teabag into a cup and add freshly boiled water. Allow to brew for 2-5 minutes. Alternatively, for ‘golden milk’, place a teabag into milk, bring to the boil, reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 10 minutes.

Sorrel & Ginger Tea

Tropical Sun Sorrel & Ginger Tea’s tart, cranberry-like flavour and gorgeous deep red colour make it a popular herbal infusion across many cultures. For the full flavour, place a teabag into a cup and add freshly boiled water. Allow to brew for 2-5 minutes. Slowly sip and enjoy, or chill down and serve over ice for a cooling, refreshing beverage!

Tropical Sun Sorrel & Ginger Tea is a winner of the prestigious Great Taste Award: the 'Oscar of World Food'!

Cerassie Tea

A popular Caribbean herbal folk remedy, Tropical Sun Cerassie Tea is made from the leaves of the bitter gourd plant and has an unmistakably earthy taste and is available at Sainsbury’s.

Neem (Indian Lilac) Tea

An age-old ayurvedic herbal remedy, Tropical Sun Neem Tea is made from the leaves of the neem tree and has an unmistakably bitter taste.

Honey & Ginger Tea

A classic infusion, Tropical Sun Honey & Ginger Tea is both sweet and spicy. Soothing and refreshing, it is the perfect winter beverage.

Bright and invigorating with a citrus kick, Tropical Sun Lemon & Ginger Tea is the perfect palate cleanser.

Ginseng Tea

An age-old herbal stimulant, ginseng is regarded as one of nature's most effective energy boosters and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Tropical Sun Ginseng Tea is made with 100% ginseng just as Mother Nature intended

Peppermint Tea

Refreshing and invigorating. Tropical Sun Peppermint Tea is the perfect pick-me-up for the health-minded

Lemon & Ginger Tea

Bright and invigorating with a citrus kick, Tropical Sun Lemon & Ginger Tea is the perfect palate cleanser and is available at Sainsbury’s.

Tulsi Tea

An age-old ayurvedic herbal remedy with a light and earthy taste, tulsi tea has been part of Indian tradition for centuries.

Noni & Ginger Tea

Consumed by Southeast Asians and Australian Aborigines as a tonic, noni is an increasingly popular nutritional supplement. Blended with refreshing ginger, Tropical Sun Noni & Ginger is mildly spicy with a subtle, sweet aroma.

Green Tea

Refreshing and relaxing, green tea has been used as a traditional Chinese remedy for many centuries. Tropical Sun Green Tea has a delicate, classic flavour and can be topped off with a sprig of mint for a refreshing twist

Fennel Tea

An age-old folk remedy, legend has it that use of fennel was mandated by the Greek Goddess Aphrodite. Traditionally used to aid digestion, Tropical Sun Fennel Tea has a sweet aniseed-like flavour and a relaxing aroma.

Madhūka Teas new to the UK

ōForest (https://oforest.co) is the new food brand bringing the unique taste of the Madhūka flower to the UK for the very first time.  

Already legendary in the communities local to where the Madhuca Longifolia tree is found, the forests of India, Nepal, Myanmar and Sri Lanka, Madhūka is now set to take the UK by storm thanks to its nutty, caramel-like taste and rich nutritional benefits.

The brand is working in partnership with carefully selected local farmers to sustainably source the highest premium grade Madhūka, which is only hand-harvested and roasted before being crafted into the most delicious Nibs, Powders and a range of five Teas. All of which are utterly delicious.

The Madhūka Teas are perfect for those looking for a great tasting, caffeine-free option.  They come in a pure mellow Madhūka option and four other masterful blends, where the Madhūka has been combined with other natural ingredients that are also brimming with health benefits. Particularly there is Space (a calming clove and spicy cinnamon blend) and Fire (smooth sea buckthorn and warming ginger blend) which are of especial interest as we move towards the Autumn and Winter months. In fact we at That's Food and Drink feel these teas would make fantastic Christmas presents for the people in your life who are keen on healthier, tastier options.

Incidentally all the products in the range are rich with fibre, vitamins, nutrients and minerals including potassium, manganese and vitamin B3.  Plus, all are 100% natural, organic, gluten-free and vegan.

Kaytea Leads the Charge When It Comes to Tasty, Headturning Coldbrew Teas

For tea enthusiasts with inquisitive taste buds your immersion into coldbrew tea is long overdue as this is a buoyant healthier living category that is forecast to be worth £285m in 2024. 

Iced tea has had to wait its turn behind an Iced Coffee pace setter that appeals to a younger audience looking for a more flavoursome caffeine hit than any sugar saturated energy drink can offer. And also those of us older foodies who are always on the lookout for a new taste sensation.

Coldbrew teas are as the name indicates a flavoursome brews where a top-quality white, green or black tea having been deliberately steeped in cold water and refrigerated is then used as the perfect foundation block for all manner of intriguing flavour marriages to prosper.

Kaytea took the time and trouble to make visits to in excess of 250 or the world's top tea estates to track down the perfect foundation block ingredients!

Kaytea for anyone not already in the know, is a rapidly growing and emerging iced tea hero that is slowly building an impressive head of steam (Abel & Cole, Partridges, M&S, Sainsbury's, Zapp, Dean & Deluca, WeWork, Deliveroo, Spinneys, to name only several.)

Once again, we're talking about a slow brewing idea that made its move during Lockdown when City high flyer, Kevin Tang decided that now was the perfect moment to nudge a deep-rooted love of tea in all its guises into a stylish soft drink alternative. 

Says Kevin, "Whilst I fully appreciate the move that feel-good kombuchas made into discerning chiller fixtures, I just couldn't help feeling a trick was still being missed with regards an all-natural soft drink that positioned itself somewhere between the bland mass market sugary pop that continues to overpower our taste buds and a new generation of overtly attention-seeking functional drinks.  

"Yes, we could have quite easily mixed in some lab created vitamins and minerals to claim some arbitrary health declarations but that seemed counter-intuitive to our commitment to organic, all-natural and ultimately free-trade ingredients."

"We felt that it was important to us to create iced teas that effortlessly paired with one's food as opposed to any cloying, sugary brews that hijack one's taste buds. This is the reason we're listed in both Sainsbury's and M&S stores where sushi is on offer!"

Kaytea, with its distinctive koala in sunglasses brand icon, is all sublime flavour marriages, mixing everyday fruit & botanical heroes (peach, mint, grapefruit and lemons) with some more exotic bedfellas (yazu, pink guava and jasmine)

"Contrary to urban myths there are no Australian ties to our brands, the koala is merely an internal gag around quality sounds like koala tea." 

He went on to say: "The moment for credible, health-conscious alternatives to lazy everyday offerings which is why we wanted to provide head-turning refreshment in conjunction with all-natural, low calorie recipes with only the lightest smidgeon of sweetness.

"Spring 2023 is the moment the last of Kaytea's lines make the inevitable transition from glass to slim aluminium cans, building upon learnings from 'wise owl' buyers and Department of Trade export initiatives (Gulfood) which suggested this range of ambitious British brewed soft drinks was missing out on countless foodservice, vending, hotel & hospitality, festival and airline opportunities, too.

"This means a striking new livery for Kaytea's meticulously balanced Sparking Rosay that was inspired by the unique flavour profile of a well-balanced Rosay, using a fragrant rose tea foundation in tandem with pink guava juice with natural cherry, apple, sweet potato and radish concentrates.  We know it sounds a little left field but quite honestly tasting is believing!"

Kaytea.co.uk

Beverage Standards Association (BSA) Welcomes Its 100th Member At Midlands Meeting

The Beverage Standards Association (BSA) welcomed its 100th member - La Cimbali - at its Midlands regional meeting at The Bottle Kiln, West Hallam, Ilkeston on Monday 5 March.

Another new member was also announced - Taylors of Harrogate - which is sponsoring the tea category of the BSA Awards, launched last week in London.

Martyn Herriott, Executive Director, BSA told the well attended meeting "We're delighted to have La Cimbali on board as our 100th member. It shows signs of strength and growth and kudos that the BSA is attracting high calibre companies such as La Cimbali and Taylors of Harrogate, alongside long standing members who have been with the BSA since it started in 1995."

Daniel Clarke from La Cimbali was presented with a special certificate to mark the 100th member. He said "It's good to be part of such a strong and vibrant Association."

John Sutcliffe from Taylors of Harrogate received a certificate for sponsoring the tea category of the BSA Awards. He said "We've been so successful in the retail market, we want to develop the Out of Home business. The BSA is an excellent vehicle for developing in this area. Sponsoring the BSA tea Award increases our awareness in that market."

At the meeting, Martyn Herriott encouraged all 'out of home' cafes (fixed & mobile) and restaurants to enter this year's prestigious Beverage Standards Awards. Rebecca Stone, owner of The Bottle Kiln which in last year's Awards not only achieved 5 cup status, the highest BSA cup grade but also the Best Cappuccino, Latte and Flat White Award, said at the meeting " The BSA Awards have been a framework and opportunity to benchmark the Bottle Kiln business against the best in the industry. The Awards have given me confidence that we have the consistency of products and quality of service which enables us to maintain a 5 cup standard and win the Best Cappuccino, Latte and Flat White Award. "

She went on to say that one of her colleagues was training to be a judge in this year's Awards. "I am going to actively promote the Awards in my area to encourage other Out of Home establishments to enter."

For entry details about the Awards, visit www.beveragestandardsassociation.co.uk

That's Food and Drink to be "more proactive" in 2012

The food and drink website, That's Food and Drink will be "more proactive during 2012."

This means That's Food and Drink will be providing its readers with more news and features about special foodie events that will be occurring throughout the year.

That's Food and Drink will be helping readers celebrate and enjoy sausage weeks, barbecue months, wine and beer festivals, events, tea and coffee weeks, harvest festivals, etc., etc., etc.

If YOU have a special event that you would like to see featured, then please send us an email to afj_uk@yahoo.com using the subject line: "Special Event"  and we will do the rest.

Brew Up A Healthy New Year With The Tea Experience

Put the festive overindulgence behind you and start the new year feeling good with energising and refreshing teas from The Tea Experience www.teaexperience.co.uk. The online speciality tea company offers a rejuvenating range of gentle everyday loose teas that are high in antioxidants and low in caffeine to give you a health boost and help your overall wellbeing.

Goji berries are known as 'the happy' berry in China and the Chinese believe it has lots of beneficial properties for wellbeing. Goji Tea from The Tea Experience offers a blend with lovely, fruity depth which includes goji berries, strawberry, blackberry and apple pieces, making it a delicious drink for adults and children alike and great hot or cold.

Light, fruity and floral Harmony Tea offers a stunningly pretty tea made with quality ingredients. Blended using Feng Shui principles to promote harmony, the tea includes goji berries, dragon fruit, apple pieces, blackberry, nettle leaves, orange peel and eucalyptus leaves for a gentle, slightly sweet flavour.

Rich in minerals and vitamins, In the Pink provides a truly tasty brew. Cranberries form the basis of this tea and it also includes apple, nettle, verbena, lemon grass, natural flavouring of acai and blackberry leaves. This infusion is slightly tart and suits those who prefer a less fruity or sweet taste.

Kombucha Green is believed to have medicinal qualities and has been drunk in the Far East for hundreds of years with this in mind. A combination of Chinese sencha green tea, kombucha, fruit leaves, herbs and flowers, the tea has a distinct aroma and refreshing taste of sweet plum

Top grade Liquorice Rooibos from South Africa is blended with aniseed and sunflower petals for a deep, rich liquorice taste and a must for those who love the taste of aniseed. Another top grade Rooibos tea is Lemon Myrtle Rooibos, a blend with Australian lemon myrtle, orange pieces and jasmine blossom with a dash of ginger. A very popular blend and flavourful tea.

The Tea Experience also offers a refreshing and rejuvenating range of white and green teas, including Pai Mu Tan from the Fujian province, which provides a delicate and light taste. Young Hyson green tea is made with young leaves plucked in early spring before the rains start to fall. A distinctive, light tea with a pleasant after taste. Japanese Cherry green flavoured tea was named after the blender visited Japan in springtime, seeing the cherry blossom. A subtle blend of Chinese sencha fragranced with cherry.

As part of The Tea Experience's January Offers, customers can by a pack of three of these teas (Pai Mu Tan, Young Hyson and Japanese Cherry) at a special inclusive price of £8. 3 x 50g bags (normal retail price £9.23) can be bought from January 1-31st 2012.

Try drinking wellness, green and white loose teas as part of a New Year, New You regime for a healthier outlook because they re-hydrate, offer beneficial properties and are a refreshing, rejuvenating and tasty alternative the tiresome teabag.

The Tea Experience www.teaexperience.co.uk was set up by former Royal Mail human resources manager, Ann Davis, from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, who lifted the lid on a new career by turning a hobby into a growing online speciality tea business. Originally selling traditional China teapots, after being inspired by a gift from her husband, Paul, the business is expanding and now offers a complete tea drinking experience from imported loose tea to tea ware and gifts.

Importing loose tea from the Far East and Europe from specialist tea importers and wholesalers, The Tea Experience ensures consistency of taste and quality for its customers. The husband and wife team have been lucky enough to travel and work in the Far East, mainly in China, over a number a years. Each trip provided the opportunity to try a variety of teas which often made them question the quality of what they were drinking at home. They are now on a mission to encourage tea drinkers to leave the bag and let the tea loose!

The Tea Experience range includes Black, Green, Red and White tea to Wellness teas, as well as Rooibos, Oolong, Chai, Pu-erh and the fascinating flowering teas. Teaware ranges from mugs, pots and tea bowls to Chinese and traditional tea sets.

A new teaware range has also been added. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Lostwithiel in Cornwall is a potter. John Webb has been making teapots and mugs for more than 30 years and has been selling his wares only within the County. Paul and Ann managed to track him down earlier this summer and convinced him to sell a collection to The Tea Experience. Two ranges of beautifully made teapots and mugs are launched and at reasonable prices make a great gift.

Tea & Coffee Festival to make welcome return to Southbank Centre

Rose Events

Tea & Coffee Festival
Southbank Centre Square,
Friday 18 – Sunday 20 November 2011
FREE Admission

The Event

Following the success of the first Tea & Coffee Festival in May 2011, the event returns to Southbank Centre for a winter extravaganza of the nation’s favourite beverages. The festival promises to have more companies showcasing their unique high-quality products and an ever-growing schedule of fascinating demonstrations, talks and tutored tastings.

Demonstrations and Tastings

Whether you are a confirmed tea connoisseur, a seasoned coffee drinker or even a caffeine-free individual you are bound to find demonstrations and products to pique your interest and tantalise your taste buds. Come along to witness a traditional tea or coffee ceremony; enjoy a coffee roasting demonstration; take part in a tutored tasting or even take part in the amateur Latte Art Competition.

Exhibitors and Stallholders

The Winter Tea & Coffee Festival 2011 is bringing some of the finest, and most discerning, tea and coffee providers and specialists together to showcase their wares and share their knowledge. The perfect cuppa often requires a suitable accompaniment and the festival will also offer complementary foods and desserts such as tea and coffee flavoured cheese cakes, coffee smoked beef baps and more.

Organiser Mrs Yael Rose explains: “I am really excited to be organising the second Tea & Coffee Festival. It promises to be the ideal place to learn more about these delicious beverage, discover new small companies and products and meet the passionate people behind them.”



FACTFILE:
* The event takes place from Friday 18th to Sunday 20th November 2011, 11am – 8pm daily (6pm on Sunday) at Southbank Centre Square. The venue is five minutes walk from Waterloo & Embankment tube stations and various bus routes. Admission is free.

* Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts centre, occupying a 21-acre site that sites in the midst of London’s most vibrant cultural quarter on the South Bank of the Thames. The site has an extraordinary creative and architectural history stretching back to the the 1951 Festival of Britain. Southbank Centre is home to the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and the Hayward Gallery as well as The Saison Poetry Library and the Arts Council Collection.

* Rose Events have been running events for 10 years and are currently managing The Cheese & Wine Festival (www.cheesewinefestival.com ) and The Chocolate Festivals in London, Oxford and Brighton (www.festivalchocolate.co.uk) as well as the Tea & Coffee Festival. For more information about Rose Events please contact Yael Rose (Mrs) on +44 (0)7898 681573 / teacoffeefestival@yahoo.co.uk

Thistles The Rougemont Hotel gets an afternoon delight from local sisters

Thistle's Exeter hotel, The Rougemont, saw Exmouth sisters Tilly and Ellis Jephtha reign supreme and crowned the best bakers as local finalists battled it out to revitalise the classic British pastime and create the ultimate afternoon tea.

In an attempt to see their very own afternoon tea recipe on the Nelson's Lounge and Bar menu at The Rougemont Hotel, competition finalists, Tilly and Ellis Jephtha, Phyllis Liles and Charlotte Baker were invited to take part in an exciting 'bake off' at the hotel, where entries were judged on visual appeal, taste, smell and texture.

The judging panel comprised the mayor of Exeter, councillor Marcel Choules; Mrs Stella Fernyhough, food judge from Chudleigh Women's Institute of Devon; Shane Munro, group development manager, Food and Beverage, Guoman and Thistle Hotels; and Mark Beedell, general manager, The Rougemont Hotel.

The winning entries from Tilly and Ellis saw the judging panel torn between Tilly's scones with thick Devonshire clotted cream and homemade passion fruit and raspberry jam and Ellis' scones with cream, raspberry blackcurrant and rhubarb jam.

In the end the panel thought the sisters were equally deserving of first place thanks to the superior taste and texture and taste of their scones, and the overall presentation of the dishes!

The sisters' winning entry features as the hotel's specialist, traditional Devonshire afternoon tea on its new teatime treats menu.

Mark Beedell, who is the general manager at The Rougemont Hotel said: "After weeks of collating entries for the competition, we're extremely pleased to award both Tilly and Ellis the title of ultimate afternoon tea champions.

“Their creations will make fantastic additions to our afternoon tea menu at Drakes Restaurant and we're certain that our guests will be as excited as we were when sampling their afternoon delights."

After impressing the general manager with her passion for cooking, Tilly who is the baker in the family and wants to study Catering at Exeter College next year has also been offered work experience at The Rougemont Hotel.

This will help her in her college application, plus it will give her the opportunity to experience all departments in the hotel. Also, and to assist her in building her experience whilst studying, Tilly has been invited to join the team on day release after she has started her college course.

Says Tilly: "The competition has been a wonderful experience which I feel will benefit my future career in catering, and I very much look forward to starting my work placement at The Rougemont Hotel."

FACTFILE:

The Rougemont Hotel in Exeter is a stylish Victorian building situated near the city centre and Rougemont Gardens. The hotel's Drakes Restaurant is relaxed and welcoming and features home cooked favourites and modern European dishes, perfect after a spot of shopping or sightseeing.