Tea News — camellis sinensis

Keemun black tea was first produced in the latter part of the 19th century (around 1875) and is one of China's most famous. This delicious black tea produced exclusively in the Qimen county of Huangshan city, in China's Anhui Province, quickly became very popular and is used for a number of classic blends, including many English breakfast teas. There are many varieties of Keemun each produced using different techniques originating from the farmers of the Fujian province. A light refreshing tea (and if brewed correctly) red in colour (confusing for a black tea), with smoky tones in the flavour and...

Fancy Sencha that?….

And here at the uklooseleafteacompany, we certainly do. An organic Japanese Sencha green tea, reported to be the most popular in Japan (according to our research) and representing approx 80% of tea produced. The ideal colour for a good Sencha tea is a greenish gold. The flavour can alter with the temperature of the water added, for example; hot water can produce a stronger more astringent flavour whereas a more temperate addition produces a quite mellow taste. Sencha leaves are exposed to sunlight throughout the life cycle, which encourages rapid growth. Sencha is high in vitamin C, it also contains Tannin which gives the unique sharp flavour. An important difference between Japanese green tea and other teas for example; black tea, oolong tea and Chinese green tea is, Japanese tea leaves are steamed after harvest, the process lasts approx 15-20 seconds, the tea is then put through a rolling process preventing the leaves from oxidation, therefore retaining the natural green colour, aroma and nutritional components. Green tea has long been the subject of many scientific and medical studies to determine if reported health benefits are founded. Some evidence reports that regular consumption may reduce the risk of developing heart disease, also certain types of cancer. Green tea has also been a key additive to health foods, dietary supplements and cosmetics. Green tea does not raise the metabolic rate enough to dispense with a healthy nutritious diet and exercise regime, however, certain natural chemicals contained in the extract has been shown to assist the metabolic rate by approx 4% without increasing the heart rate.

Power to the people:

Spicy Power; this wellness tea is a wonderful blend of Oolong tea, orange peel, ginger, Cinnamon and black peppercorns, and is absolutely lush; if you like orange and ginger (and I certainly do), this is the one; I absolutely love it. Brewed for approx 3-4 minutes, each flavour seeps through in different stages, giving your taste buds a refreshing treat and the aroma is just as good (if not better) as any pot pourri! We at theuklooseleafteacompany would recommend this blend either as a morning pick you up, or, a refreshing summers day imbibe. I thought, especially as I have to taste so many varieties of tea, that it would become same old, same old; but no, still enjoying my job that much, I think I would do it for free (but don't tell the boss). I am having a go with the do it yourself teabags for my next review! Should be interesting (for me anyhow).