Tea News

Strawberry Fields Forever: The Beatles have nothing on this fruit infusion? Ripe strawberries fresh from the garden, blended with the taste of yoghurt is a firm summer favourite of the uklooseleafteacompany. With pieces of apple, rosehip peel, hibiscus, blackberry leaves and pieces of strawberry (yum) brewed for about 8 minutes (I prefer 10 minutes) this infusion will refresh and (no promises mind) get you in the summer (you have to meet it half way) mood and can be drunk at any time of the day or night, no caffeine in sight, and as I think i have mentioned before – I love caffeine, but, there are a couple of instances where it's (really) not required, this being one of them. It really does actually taste of strawberries and yoghurt (who knew) It does'nt profess any particular health benefits, but it is a real feel good taste of summer, especially for caffeine free drinkers. "Strawberry with Yoghurt" is its name...

It's In The Bag: You have to try this, a do it yourself empty drawstring tea bag. Put in anything you like, as much as you like, for as long as you like, it's fab. I have (as i imagine you also have) purchased ready made speciality one cup teabags, which are very good – but this is even better; you are free to mix and match, to invent your own blends too your own taste. Very reasonably priced (well I think so) I personally like to leave the teabag in my cup to the very end, whether filled with Assam tea or a fruit infusion, much to the disgust of some of my colleagues here at theuklooseleafteacompany (wimps)........ and just to finish, the bag is biodegradable..

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).

Prickly Subject:

Nettle tea; what can I say? Well, it's definitely an acquired taste. Here at theuklooseleafteacompany, as I do not write about anything I have not tried, and we can't be “fluffy bunny” about everything, here goes: The smell could be described as a dewy morning campsite! (as a caravanner I know what I am talking about) and the initial taste wasn't much improved; however, after the third morning I started to warm to this tea (who knew). It does have an earthy flavour, so if you are outdoorsy, tramping around the countryside kind of person it won't be too much of a shock to the senses, if a towny like me, you get a sense of both without moving from the breakfast table. Rich in minerals and vitamins, it is alleged that nettle tea is good for urinary and bladder problems, flushing out toxins. Rich in iron it's particularly helpful to us ladies appearing to reduce cramps and bloating (if you catch my meaning). It is also alleged to produce oestrogen assisting with menopausal symptoms. Clinical trials have been made and the findings were that, after drinking nettle tea for 1 week symptoms were reduced and could help in preventing seasonal allergies. There are many for and against arguments, which we advise should be taken into consideration, e.g. it is advised that pregnant, breast feeding, diabetics and people with low blood pressure should avoid completely, or consult a medical professional before embarking on this course. We here at theuklooseleafteacompany would always research thoroughly or seek medical advice before changing our dietary habits long term.

Chai-light of the week:

Chai (the Indian word for tea) is a spicy flavoured aromatic tea from India (clue is in the title). Produced from a exotic blend of: cinnamon, fennel, ginger (yum) clove, black pepper and anise, is this weeks “Tea of the week” from theuklooseleafteacompany. Chai is a delicious blend, brewed for 3-4 minutes, I personally like mine 5-6 minutes, (I may have been a builder in a previous life). I found this a very good morning tea for myself, containing caffeine (result) for a wake up and feel good call. Chai tea is also been linked to the preservation of health in body and mind; Improving digestion, assisting the immune system, containing antioxidants and properties which assist with blood flow is reputed to produce glowing skin and better hair condition. All I know for sure, is it tastes and smells amazing (especially good Christmas festive aroma, and yes I know it's only June ). Some take this particular tea the traditional way with milk and sugar, we here at theuklooseleafteacompany prefer it without.