A Little Cup Tea Company

As part of our virtual tea festival, That's Food and Drink would like to introduce our readers to the teas that are supplied by the A Little Cup Tea Company.

The first tea we tried from their range was their Lemon Grey. It is a classical tea, Earl Grey, but with an extra special twist.

As well as the more usual natural Bergamot flavouring this blend contains Sri Lankan Black Tea, Rose Petals, Lemon Thyme and Rosemary.

The water temperature should be at boiling point and the recommended brewing time is three minutes.

Although this blend is suitable for drinking with or without milk I, a confirmed milk in my cup of tea person, really enjoyed it without milk. Which surprised both myself and my wife!

It delivers a delightfully refreshing cup of tea with a floral hint from the rose petals and a herbal undertone from the rosemary, with a zippy hint of lemon from the lemon thyme. However confirmed Earl Grey aficionados will appreciate the underpinning of the bergamot. 

You'll also be pleased to know that the tea bag, the pouches and the clear bags are entirely free of plastic and completely biodegradable. 

The next tea we tried in their range is the jauntily named Easy Feeler. A jaunty name but a tea that is clearly designed to help you relax.

It's described as a Sleep Tea Blend and believe us, it does work! The ingredients of this tea are Chamomile, Linden Blossom (which is from Lime trees), Cardamom, Apple Pieces, Rosehip, Hibiscus, Rose Petals, Orange Peel, Lavender and Natural Flavouring.

Brewing instruction are as for their Lemon Grey Tea, but they do specify no milk when you serve it.

The taste is a nifty blend of essences of floral and fruity flavours with a hint of lavender peeping through. 

Does it help relax you? Yes, it does. And you'll note that there is naturally no caffeine in this recipe. 

On the other hand, what if you need a bit of a boost for your day, a pick-me-up? Then there Yes Mate! energising blend of tea will really fit the bill.

It contains Ginger, Yerba Mate Tea, Apple Pieces, Rosehip, Lemongrass, Liquorice, Lemon Peel, Mallow Flowers, Orange Peel and Natural Flavouring.

Every one of the individual ingredients plays together very well and provides a delightfully fruity ensemble tea that really does give you a nifty boost whenever you need it.

Another caffeine free tea from their range is their Coco Chilli Mint. They describe it as a Warming Tea Blend, which it certainly is.

It contains Rooibos Tea, Peppermint, Coco Shells, Black Peppercorns, Red Peppercorns and just enough Chilli to give it an interesting kick. Plus some Natural Flavouring, too. 

In all it is a cornucopia of flavours, you can taste the rooibos, the peppermint, the chocolate, the peppercorns and the hint of chilli is making my tongue sing!

Other blends are available, plus check them out for special offerings, etc.

Who is behind A Little Cup? Meet George, who is not only an artist, but is also an expert and very creative tea blender.

George tells the story of how he started blending his own teas whilst he was an art student at university and providing them to other people. 

He reveals that he was troubled by loneliness at that time, but found that inviting people round for a cuppa was a great way of combating loneliness by meeting new people over a drink of tea.

George is a passionate believer in the efficacy of tea in bringing people together by the medium of tea.

George is also organising workshops that bring together tea blending and art. You can check out amazing examples of artwork inspired by tea on his website.

To learn more about ordering the tea please visit www.alittlecup.com.