Good to know

The information below has been gathered from the manufacturer's descriptions of packages of their products. Still, some of the unusual tea ingredients have encouraged us to search for their meaning online as the manufacturer has not given any more information.

 Ayurvedic medicine* used in tea brewing is a system of traditional medicine native to India, which uses a range of treatments, including panchakarma, yoga, massage, acupuncture and herbal medicine, to encourage health and well-being.

Brewing length for black tea -  A longer brew will lead to a stronger taste, but anything over 5 minutes might result in bitterness, so remove the teabag before you enjoy your chosen tea.

Check the ingredients of the tea to avoid confusion as to why it tastes differently from your expectation or to avoid possible unpleasant side effects.

 Elderberry flower supports immunity and functions of the respiratory system.

Fennel stimulates the elimination function of the organism. 

Ginger rhizome supports immunity and functions of the respiratory system.

Herbal tea - to make it sweeter, manufacturers recommend using whether sugar or honey.

 Hibiscus plant -  can have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. as well as some health benefits, like lowering your blood pressure, stabilizing your blood sugar and reducing your blood lipid levels*.

How to get the most out of your tea bag? Stir tea after brewing and gently squeeze the bag to release natural flavours and tannins that can make your tea taste better.

Loose tea lifetime - It should be used within 36 months of the production date.

 Nettle stimulates the elimination function of the organism. 

Milk alternatives - if you are looking for dairy-free options then be aware that the acid in the can make soya or almond drink split. A great alternative is oat milk because it gives away creamy cuppa that retains its taste.

Nettle has a smooth and subtle taste and was traditionally forged as one of the earliest wild greens. It is a popular and versatile herb that is widely used in food and drinks.

Peppermint vs Spearmint* - peppermint's menthol content is a colossal 40 %, while spearmint contains just 0.5 % of it. It indicates that peppermint is especially more powerful and even spicy and holds the pepper in its name. On the other hand, Spearmint contains a compound called carvone, which gives it a much subtler, sweeter flavour. 

Redbush tea can be enjoyed with or without milk. 

Seluim protects cells from oxidative stress. 

Sparkled - not necessarily tea needs to be still in Japanese understanding. It can be sparkled too, (for example, Kombucha green tea by Lidl Stores).

 Storage of tea bags - it would be great if tea bags could be stored in an air-tight container once the original packaging has been opened to keep the aroma and taste fresh if each of them are not sealed off in sachets. Also, please Keep it in a dry place where humidity does not exceed 70%.

 A tea bag (average 2 - 3 g) is normally designed for 200 - 235ml water. and it should be infused between 3 - 5 minutes.

 Star anise is a brown woody star-shaped fruit, widely used in South Asian cooking with rich aniseed aroma and flavour.

 It treats microbial infections, regulates blood sugar, fights cancer, and improves heart health. it has a liquorice-like aroma*. 

Turmeric has been used for generations all over the world to support digestion. Known for its wonderfully vibrant colour, gentle spice and delicious aroma. It’s perfect to enjoy any time of day or after you have eaten. It is a member of the ginger family, and the roots are cultivated and dried to produce an aromatic spice with an intense golden appearance.

 Vitamin B3 helps support normal psychological functions and is great for a good night's sleep. 

Vitamin B6 helps reduce tiredness and fatigue as well as helps release energy from food. It helps to have normal energy–yielding metabolism.

 Vitamin C contributes towards the normal function of the immune system. 

Water - use always fresh water whether from tap or from a filter and boil it only once. This will help maintain the water's higher oxygen levels leading to brighter tasting cuppa.

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Zinc supports normal carbohydrate metabolism.

*Based on information online

Tea type dictionary.

 Assam - it has a stone fruit aroma and amber colour. This back tea is famous for its intensity and perfectly balanced to bring out its characteristic flavour profile.

 Blackberry tea is rich in tannins. These are substances that can tighten mucous membranes in the intestinal tract. They have been long used as a treatment of diarrhoea.

 Recipe: boil one or two spoons of frozen blackberries or dried blackberry leaves in one and a half cups of water for ten minutes. Then strain and drink several cups a day. If you decide to buy blackberry tea, make sure that it contains blackberry leaves and not just flavouring.

Ceylon - It is delicate and crisp. Ceylon hails from Sri Lanka. This tea is great for late mornings and afternoons as it has warm, gold colour and a more refreshing finish than Assam.

 Chai - It originated in India and is a spicy, rich tea  with leaves blended with cinnamon, ginger, cloves and cardamom.

 Darjeeling - it is floral tea, also made from black tea. Its colour is lighter when its brewed because the leaves are exposed to less sunlight meaning they oxidise less. The tea is originated from the base of the Himalayas.

 Earl Grey is a blend of black tea infused with bergamot oil for an aromatic, citrus taste. The hint of citrus means it does not complement milk. Instead, try with lemon. Also, its floral aroma works for fruit bakes.

 English Breakfast - Despite the name this black tea blend has Scottish origins. It was popularised by Queen Victoria, who brought it back from Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

 Green - It comes from the same plant as black tea. Only green tea leaves are heated and dried quickly for lighter colour and grassy notes. Wait a minute after boiling water before adding water. You can add a slice of lemon too. Also, green tea is naturally low in sodium/salt. Reduction of consumption of sodium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood. 

 Fennel - tea or infusion can reduce bloating, bronchitis, constipation, cough, cramps and gas. 

Peppermint - typically it is not tea but treated as such. Its herbal infusions are made from mint plants. As it does not contain caffeine it is ideal to unwind with or to drink after dinner to promote digestion. Additionally, peppermint is a bright and uplifting herb that is much loved due to its invigorating and refreshing taste.

Tea serving culture in different countries.

Green tea (served in China)

On 19th January 2024, I visited a Thai restaurant TucTucThai in Beihai (China) and ordered tea. A servant brought me around a cardboard box/bag with a clear plastic bag inside. It was blown up with air and contained the most delicious green tea I have drank ever. Interestingly that I was given a fat plastic straw that I used to penetrate through the bag and suck the tea out.

Turkish tea (black tea)

On 10th February 2024 I had lunch at a Turkish canteen The Olive Branch at Hebden Bridge, England. There I learned that tea in Turkey can be served in small Poco Grande glasses.