https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal.atom MDTea - JOURNAL 2018-05-24T18:06:00+01:00 MDTea https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/summer-sipping-iced-tea-tips 2018-05-24T18:06:00+01:00 2018-05-25T11:42:28+01:00 Summer Sipping: Cooling off when things get hot Helen Taggart With summer fast approaching and the weather finally warming up. We thought it was high time to break out the Iced Teas, and there is nothing I like better than taking a pitcher of iced tea into the garden and relaxing with a good book and a cold brew.

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]]>  Summer is fast approaching and the weather is finally beginning to warm up.
 
I still love a hot brew even on a sunny summer's day but when the weather warms up Iced Teas suddenly become more appealing and there is nothing I like better than taking a pitcher of iced tea into the garden and relaxing with a book while sipping through a jug of cold brew tea. 
 
Now I just slipped in the term cold brew didn't I? The traditional way of making Iced tea is to hot brew and then allow to cool. This way is still perfectly acceptable but the more on trend way is to cold brew and let the leaves infuse over a longer period of time. Of course there are disadvantages to this method...If you want your iced tea there and then, cold brewing won't give you any significant flavour in a few minutes so you might choose to hot brew wait a few minutes and pour over ice instead. 
If you're thinking ahead though, and prepare in advance then a cold brew iced tea is absolutely delicious and can be a little more nutritious to boot, as it retains higher Vitamin C levels and polyphenols (both great for giving your immune system a little boost).
 
Whilst making iced tea is simple enough, a little bit of extra care should be given to make sure you are getting the very best taste from your tea. For me, an iced tea should be naturally sweet, refreshing and clean tasting and I prefer something with little or no astringency. This isn't a problem with infusions but when you are using tea leaves then keeping the tannins to a minimum is a good idea as they can dry out the tongue leaving you still feeling thirsty and unrefreshed.
 
So what is the rule with amounts and brew times?
 
Whatever tea or infusions you chose to use for your cold brew iced tea, my rule of thumb is to use half the amount again when cold brewing as you would to hot brew.  As for the timings, for infusions, overnight brewing is just fine but I do think with white teas and green teas, a little less time brewing works much better. My recommendation would be to allow 3-4 hours for white teas and 4-6 hours for green teas. More oxidised leaves such as Oolongs and black teas are good for 6-8 hours. However, I personally am not a huge fan of cold black tea unless it is mixed with a good dose of mint or lemon and even perhaps a little honey.
 
Once brewed, all you do is strain and serve with added ice and perhaps a garnish or two.

My favourite cold brews at the moment are our Sweet White Lelaini, white tea with pear, passionfruit and pineapple, but our lovely Shanghai Oolong Beets with beetroot and raspberry comes a very close joint second with Genmaicha ChiChi - a gorgeous green tea with toasted rice, liquorice and calendula petals. All quite different but definitely hit the spot for a lovely taste of tea with subtle sweet flavours from the other ingredients.
 
Whatever your cold brew tipple you can always up the ante and really go to town with the garnishes. From mint or berries to dehydrated limes and lemons, let your creativity flow and adorn with abandon for a super tasty, super refreshing summer drink. Full of taste but no additives or sweeteners unlike so many soft drinks and bottled iced teas on the market today.

Top Tip: Topping up with soda water adds a little fizz for those seeking a few low-calorie bubbles and really sets your iced tea off in style.
 
]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/best-bedtime-routine-for-sound-night-sleep 2018-04-07T10:28:00+01:00 2018-04-07T10:44:38+01:00 Our Best Bedtime Routine - 5 Steps For A Sound Night's Sleep Helen Taggart More

]]> A good night’s sleep is an essential, yet often neglected element in our modern lives. All too often, our sleep is relegated to the end of our list, and crammed into a tight little window of not enough time, going to bed in a wired or frazzled state, with a million mental todo lists spinning round inside our heads for the following day.
Sufficient sleep is an essential part of a good self care routine, and over time, provides endless benefits from improved moods and cognitive improvements, better weight and energy management, through to all round health and wellness benefits.
Start by setting yourself up for an early night in order to ensure enough time for a full and replenishing sleep. Maintaining a repeatable sleep schedule is also important, with consistent times for sleeping and waking, even on weekends if at all possible.

So without further ado…

Our 5 steps for an unbeatable bedtime routine and a sound nights sleep.

No. 1
-
One hour before bed, you need to switch off and put away all electronic devices. The blue light generated by screens on mobile, tablet and computer devices is extremely stimulating for your brain and can make unwinding and sleep very difficult.

No. 2
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Turn the kettle on, and the world off. Brew yourself a warm fragrant cup of chamomile tea (our Parisian Floral Calm is a perfect way to finish your day).

No. 3
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Curl up somewhere cosy with your chamomile in hand or head to bed and enjoy it with a good easy reading book.

No. 4
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Last thing before you turn in, think of one thing that made today a great day, and drift off with that thought in mind. Gratitude is a great practice for those dreamy moments as you drift off to sleep.

No. 5
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Rise refreshed and replenished, then rinse (your cup) and repeat this ritual on a regular basis, until your body and mind have built a nice new habit of restful and restorative sleep.

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/naturally-caffeine-free-why-we-dont-do-decaf 2018-02-21T13:41:00+00:00 2018-02-21T13:59:19+00:00 Naturally Caffeine Free: Why we dont do decaf Helen Taggart More

]]>
While there are a lot of 'caffeine-free' teas out there to choose from, not all are created equal. In this article, we are going to explore the benefits of naturally caffeine-free infusions, over the all too common collection of often chemically decaffeinated options on the market today.
 
First things first...What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a molecule found in the leaves and seeds of many plants, from coffee and cacao through to the versatile Camellia Sinensis, aka the tea plant. It is used by plants as a natural pesticide to keep all manner of insects from devouring its delicious leaves. Caffeine is widely consumed by us humans as an energy stimulant, with the most delicious version (of course) being one of our blended teas!
 
So what is Decaf?
Decaffeinated tea or ‘Decaf’ is a tea that has been through an extra level of processing, where either a chemical solvent or carbon dioxide is used to strip the leaves of their caffeine content. Unfortunately, this can also lead to loss of anti-oxidant related benefits as well as impaired flavour.
 
...and Naturally Caffeine Free?
All of our non-caffeinated, botanical infusions fall under this banner. It essentially means that all of the botanicals, herbs, and other ingredients in the infusion are naturally free of caffeine, and therefore don't need to be processed chemically to remove it, meaning they maintain all of their flavour, nutritional benefits and also remain free of unnecessary chemicals.
 
The downside of decaf
To obtain decaffeinated versions of normal teas, that is, true teas (black teas, green teas, white teas, etc) from the family Camellia Sinensis, the tea needs to be processed in a solution that strips the leaves of their caffeine, usually this is either a chemical solvent such as Ethyl Acetate or Methylene Chloride, or a form of Carbon Dioxide. It is an important element to consider when weighing up the benefits of drinking decaffeinated tea, taking on board the risk that leftover chemicals could be more toxic than the unwanted effects of the caffeine themselves.
 
While the jury is out on their exact effects and the level of residue left over after processing, exposure to chemical solvents such as methylene chloride, often found in aerosols and paint strippers, can have links to headaches, skin irritation, dizziness and faintness. Of course, not all decaf is created equally either, some methods like carbon dioxide decaffeination (more common in coffee but gaining in usage for tea as well), are said to be non-toxic and therefore better, but are less cost-effective and are often reported to produce washed out or insipid flavours. 
 
It’s not just the caffeine that's lost.
A 2003 study conducted by the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition found that decaffeinated tea contains only a third of the catechins found in regular tea. Regular tea contains 21 to 103 milligrams of catechins per gram. Decaf contains only 5 to 50 milligrams. Due to a form of Ethyl Acetate occurring naturally in small quantities within tea leaves, manufacturers often label this process as ‘Naturally Decaffeinated’, however, the reality is far from natural, with the process removing significant quantities of the teas nutrients and the chemical residue posing a potential health risk over time.
 
Why we don’t do ‘Decaf’
First and foremost, we don't think it’s necessary. Like with almost everything in life, the gold standard is to find natures own variations. There are so many delightfully delicious botanical infusions available, naturally free from caffeine and therefore needing none of the potentially harmful processes often involved with decaffeination. There’s simply no need to mess with natures best in order for us to enjoy a deliciously brewed blend without the associated caffeine hit. 
 
Rooibos is a perfect example of this and its spike in popularity around the world has led to some amazingly delicious blends being made available. Our own Terracotta Sunburst blend is a firm favourite with our followers, and always at the top in terms of sales throughout the year.
 
Taking into account everything above and adding the often associated loss or impairment of flavour with decaffeinated tea and you have a recipe for disaster. In our opinion, we feel its best to stay clear of decaf, and when you do need a brew without the caffeine boost, opt for a well balanced, expertly blended and naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion instead.
 
You can find out about the naturally caffeine free infusions available on our online store. We offer a beautifully balanced range of blended teas both caffeinated and naturally caffeine-free and feel there is more than enough on offer for anyone, without resorting to tainting our teas (and your taste buds) with unnatural processing methods.
 
Naturally Caffeine Free Herbal Infusions
Final Thoughts
One final thing to consider when weighing up a decision about decaf is that no matter the method, no decaffeinated tea will ever be truly 'caffeine-free' as there will always be some residual caffeine that remains in the leaves, and that amount can vary from tea to tea. There is also the risk of the toxicity level from residual chemicals left on the leaves after processing, and while this may be low, if you enjoy your tea as regularly as we do, the cumulative effects of the residue can build up in your body over time.
The best way forward, in our opinion and the only way to ensure a brew truly free from caffeine, is to stick to naturally caffeine free infusions, known as tisanes and often referred to as herbal or fruit teas. These blends, of which there are many to be found, contain no caffeine and so need no processing and therefore maintain the maximum flavour and beneficial nutrients, without the added risk from any extra processing.

Our Naturally Caffeine Free Tea Collection features a range of blends from sumptuous South African rooibos to chamomile, fruit, herb and spice infusions.
 
A little inside knowledge to leave you with…
Studies have shown that the majority of caffeine is released into the water during the first 60 seconds of brewing, while up to 95% of the beneficial Catechin's can be preserved. With this in mind, and as the majority of our loose leaf blends can be brewed several times, you could potentially treat yourself to a reduced caffeine version of your favourite true tea blend. By steeping your leaves for 50-60 seconds, then removing them, discarding the first liquor and infusing again, science suggests you should be able to enjoy your tea with less caffeine while still retaining a good amount of its nutrients. While this won’t be caffeine free, it should have lower levels. We’d love to know what you think of this idea, and if you’ve tried it do let us know at hello@mdteashop.co.uk or leave a comment below or via our profiles on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/bulletproof-masala-choco-chai 2018-01-26T09:30:00+00:00 2018-02-01T15:39:35+00:00 Bulletproof Masala Choco Chai Helen Taggart I love to explore and experiment with everything in life, both inside and outside of my kitchen, and as amazing as our blends are on their own, I am continually amazed by the endless possibilities to adapt and enhance each one in exciting new directions.

One of my latest explorations has led me to today's wonderful creation. This sumptuous, silky and spice-laden delight makes use of our Masala Chai Express as a base and is unbelievably luxurious in both taste and texture. While some of the ingredients may seem unorthodox to some (butter? in tea? I hear you cry) trust me on this one, the level of luxury it provides is worth stepping outside your usual expectations for and alongside a correctly balanced way of eating, 'Bulletproof' style tea or coffee can actually provide many benefits to both health and performance too.

Bulletproof Masala Choco Chai

  • 2 Cups of Masala Chai Express
  • 2 Tbsp Raw Cacao Powder (or sweetened cocoa if you prefer)
  • 1/2 Tbsp Butter
  • 1/2 Tbsp Coconut Oil
  • 4 Tbsp Coconut Milk


This recipe makes enough for 2 servings so you can share it with a friend (...or save the second serving for yourself). First, brew up a couple of cups worth of Masala Chai Express, infuse 6g of the loose tea for 5 minutes in around 500-600ml of fresh water just off the boil. While the tea is brewing, put all of the other ingredients into your blender jug. Once the tea is fully infused, add it to the other ingredients, blend together and you're ready to serve.

If you like things a little sweeter, a little drizzle of locally-sourced, organic honey would top this off beautifully too!

We'd love to know what you think of this recipe, or if you have any ideas of your own, so reach out and let us know on our Facebook Page, on Instagram @mdteashop or Twitter @mdteashop or, you could just drop us a message in the comments below.

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/drink-green-feel-clean-health-benefits-of-green-tea 2018-01-25T14:40:00+00:00 2018-01-25T14:42:12+00:00 Drink Green | Feel Clean Helen Taggart

Why do people drink green tea? Is it for the health benefits or is it for the taste? While either one is a perfectly good reason, perhaps it is both.

I have heard many people say they don't like green tea because of its bitter taste. Well, green tea is only bitter if it is of poor quality and prepared incorrectly. 

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]]> Why do people drink green tea? Is it for the health benefits or is it for the taste? While either one is a perfectly good reason, perhaps it is both.

I have heard many people say they don't like green tea because of its bitter taste. Well, green tea is only bitter if it is of poor quality and prepared incorrectly.

Quick Tea Tip - Put a little cold water on the leaves before adding boiling water so you don't scold the leaves.

It has also been described to me as a bit bland. This, of course, is personal preference but a good green tea is never bland and can be very flavoursome, if somewhat more subtle and nuanced than the average black tea. If more flavour is required then some additional flavours such as lemon and ginger not only bring an added zest but can pack some additional health benefits too. 

While talk of the benefits from drinking green tea is everywhere lately, an article in The Telegraph - 'Builders tea' loses out to green tea found that it is the young who are benefitting most from the health benefits of green tea, as they are currently the biggest consumers of this ancient Chinese remedy. With its high level of anti-oxidants, it can help fight off a wide range of illness and can help protect against dementia and cancer.

While these may be big claims, if you can find a green tea you like then you're already halfway there, why not sit back and enjoy the taste and hold out hope it is doing some good for your future health too, after all, what do you have to lose?

Visit our online shop now to explore our current range of green teas

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/matcha-green-tea-what-is-it-all-about 2018-01-20T10:33:00+00:00 2018-01-20T10:35:43+00:00 Organic Ceremonial Grade Matcha <br/>- So what's it all about? Helen Taggart We have been so excited about releasing our new blends and now that Christmas and New Year have been and gone and thoughts turn to clearing our heads rather than feeding our bellies we thought it was an ideal time to introduce our new Matcha range.

So, for those that have missed the matcha-mania that has taken place both on and offline, what exactly is Matcha? Well, put simply, it is a powdered green tea that is rich in antioxidants and is full of amazing health benefits.

Our Matcha's are all organic and Ceremonial grade, from Shizuoka in Japan. Ceremonial Matcha comes from leaves picked from the top of the tea bush which are both young and fresh. Several weeks prior to harvest in the Spring, farmers cover the tea plants with bamboo mats or tarp, gradually reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the plants. This step increases the chlorophyll content and turns the leaves dark green, giving Matcha its distinct green colour.

After harvesting, the leaves are steamed and then air dried before being sorted for grade, and then destemmed and deveined. At this stage, the leaves become Tencha, the precursor to Matcha. The Tencha is then ground and becomes Matcha.

A sign of quality in Matcha is how bright and vibrantly green the powder (and subsequent liquor) is. Ceremonial grade Matcha is one of the best powders money can buy and the difference to standard grade is obvious when the two are compared side by side. Lower grade Matcha is not only a duller shade of green but can also sometimes appear to have a slight brown/yellow hue to it. 

Taste is obviously the most important aspect of any tea though. Higher quality Matcha is smoother, sweeter, easy drinking and has less bitter/marine notes than the lower grade counterparts. The smell of a high-grade Matcha is sweeter too.

In terms of its health benefits, Matcha is known to boost metabolism yet calm the mind and relax the body. It enhances mood and aids in concentration. It is filled with antioxidants which means it has shown to help in fighting diseases such as cancer. It lowers cholesterol and blood sugar and detoxifies the body naturally.

These are just some of the health benefits of this power-packed wonder tea.

Because we love Matcha so much, as well as introducing Ceremonial Matcha to our range, we have also developed two exclusive Matcha blends.

Our Matcha Chai is a fabulous mix of health-promoting spices to complement and enhance the benefits reaped from the Matcha alone. With turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, fennel and black peppercorns, this is delicious on its own and wonderful in a latte.

Our Matcha Cleanse and Swing is great for boosting energy and cleansing the body with the addition of Siberian Ginseng, Yerba Mate, Spirulina, Maca and Wheatgrass. Put this in your morning smoothie and you will feel vibrant, glowing and ready to face the world.

Why not try one of our ceremonial grade Matcha's today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/welcoming-our-new-december-blends-and-an-old-winter-friend 2017-12-13T08:03:00+00:00 2017-12-13T08:15:30+00:00 December blends and an old winter friend Helen Taggart

Hello tea lovers. This month we are launching our new December blends as well as welcoming back an old festive friend (...and no, it's not St. Nick). These blends are not only a delight for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes. 

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]]> Hello tea lovers. Finally, we have our December blends available after a few final tweaks. These blends are not only a delight for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes. 


Our new blends include Sweet White Leilani, a delicate white tea with pear, passionfruit and pineapple that has just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the tea. Shanghai Oolong Beats is a beautiful Sencha and Oolong tea with beetroot and raspberry that oozes elegance. Gatsby's Caramaté, a divine green tea combined with Yerba Mate and cocoa nibs that has notes of soothing caramel for a decadent malty indulgence. Our new chamomile blend, Siamese Breeze is also available now and includes lemongrass and ginger for a soothing blend that calms the mind and settles the soul.

Also, don't forget our Warming Winter Chai is back. Spicy, creamy and caffeine free, this rooibos blend was a huge hit last year and is just brimming with festive flavours.

These are blends for the true tea lover who likes the taste of the tea to shine through. Find these blends in our online shop as individual blends and part of our gift sets - Fabulous gifts for fabulous friends and family.

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/sussex-cookbook-post 2017-12-12T15:47:00+00:00 2017-12-13T07:40:25+00:00 The Brighton & Sussex Cookbook Helen Taggart While everyone enjoys a traditional brew, there's certainly more than one way to enjoy loose leaf tea. The lovely folks over at Metrodeco for example, make some delightfully decadent tea cocktails using our blends - and we can tell you first hand that they taste delicious.



So imagine our excitement when they told us they were using one of our blends to create a tea cocktail which would appear in the Brighton and Sussex Cookbook!  It is a great book championing a fabulous range of bakers, cooks, retailers, chefs and food and drink ambassadors from the area.

Here is a sneaky peak at one of the wonderful things to be found inside, Metrodeco’s recipe for their Rum based Chillito cocktail infused with our 'Some Like It Hot (& Cold)' which is a delicious mix of chilli, mint and fennel.



This book is available to buy from Metrodeco or you can get it right here now - Get the Brighton and Sussex Cookbook with a free 50g taster of our Some Like it Hot (and Cold) for only £14.95 

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/new-blends-as-november-ends 2017-11-29T10:51:00+00:00 2017-11-29T11:05:00+00:00 New blends as November ends Helen Taggart November certainly is the month when things turn a little greyer, a little grimmer and a little cooler. Thoughts are turning to Christmas which can bring feelings of joy or dread.
At MDTea we decided we would introduce some new blends this month to cheer us up and spend time in the moment and boy has it done just the trick.


Our new blends range from a reviving turmeric and ginger blend, through to a very special Pu-erh blend with fennel and fenugreek which is a real pick-me-up. We also have a fruity little number with flavours of melon and grapefruit that brings some zing and zest into your step and last but definitely not least our cheeky take on a Genmaicha. The addition of liquorice and calendula petals to this well-loved blend of green tea and toasted rice might be controversial, but it gives a creamy vanilla popcorn taste and aroma which we thought was a hit. It’s a great one to cosy up and watch a film with on lazy Sunday afternoon or evening. All of these new blends are on offer now in our online store.

Oh, and if you love these blends then you should see our new blends for December. They are so delicious and wonderfully pretty too. Perfect for Christmas gifts - watch this space.

SIGN UP HERE NOW AND WE WILL LET YOU KNOW WHEN THE NEW BLENDS LAUNCH

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/the-spice-of-life-how-to-make-the-perfect-chai-tea 2017-11-15T12:23:00+00:00 2017-11-15T13:34:04+00:00 The Spice of Life: How to make <br/>the perfect Masala Chai tea Helen Taggart We love our Masala Chai tea, we can't get enough of it, and in fact, it seems you can't either with our Masala Chai Express being one of our most popular blends. So, on a recent trip to India with my now husband, Michael, I was interested in trying a true Masala Chai from its country of origin. In India, Chai was available on every street corner, in the train stations and even on the trains themselves. Served ready-made, from large urns by Chai Wallahs inviting you to try, with its sweet, spicy smell and at 50 rupees a cup (about 60p) it was even more irresistible. 

While the taste of the spices varied from pot to pot, all were very milky and extremely sweet, but still hard to resist, which amongst other things, might go some way to explaining the decaying teeth of many of the Indians we met!



It is said that Chai recipes are passed down through the generations and are tightly guarded family secrets. The array of ingredients can include peppercorns and cinnamon through to cardamon, cloves, and ginger but these are only a few of the spices that may infuse the milk of a delicious Masala Chai. We visited a number of spice shops on our visit and each had their own special blends of this delicious mix stacked high on their shelves. I brought back quite a few samples and have worked my way through all of them now, so, indeed, I think a trip back there might be imminent.

Traditionally, sugar is a must in this milky treat and it's the only tea I will sweeten. The sweetness helps bring out the spices and can be a little disappointing without a lump or two, so perhaps not one to drink every day. It should also be served with hot milk as this too enhances the depth of flavour.

As I have already mentioned, specific recipes vary from family to family and are closely guarded and clandestine in nature, but there are some commonalities between blends, which you can use as a starting point for your own exploration into blending spiced masala chai tea.

Using the following ingredients as a base, you can experiment and expand on it, and perhaps create your own secret family recipe to pass down.

Makes 2 cups

6 oz Indian Black Tea
1/4 tsp Mixed Peppercorns
6 Cardamom Pods, lightly crushed
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Fresh Ginger, grated
4 whole Cloves

Infuse all of the above in a pan with 1 1/2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of milk, bring to the boil and quickly reduce the heat, simmer gently for a further 5-10 minutes to reach your desired depth of flavour. Sweeten with your choice of sugar or honey and strain.

This base will give you a nicely rounded basic Masala Chai recipe, but you can experiment with adding other ingredients, such as Fennel seeds, Coriander seeds, Star Anise, Tumeric, or why not try infusing with coconut milk for a delicious dairy-free alternative.

While crafting your own personal blend can indeed be an interesting journey, you can, of course, save yourself some of the time, testing and trouble and just grab a bag of our Masala Chai Express, tested and tinkered with by our master blender to achieve a sublimely balanced blend of black tea and spices that is overflowing with flavour. While it's traditionally enjoyed sweetened with milk, our Masala Chai Express can be just as delicious served black and unsweetened, so why not try it both ways.

As the winter months draw near this tea becomes even more popular, maybe because of its warm and comforting feel, or perhaps because the spices remind us of Christmas. Whatever it is, a good Chai is a welcoming companion at any time of year.

The Perfect Chai Tea | MDTea | Beautiful Blended Loose Leaf Tea

Over at the wonderful 1930's themed tea salon Metrodeco in Brighton, they have made a cheeky addition to their menu, and infused some of our Masala Chai Express tea with a dark rum and serve it in a cocktail. You'll have to visit them to try it, however, as this too is a secret recipe which they are keeping all to themselves, passing down through generations of their staff...but only once they have signed an official secrets notice of course!

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/tea-cocktails-devinely-decadent 2017-08-03T03:03:00+01:00 2017-08-03T14:05:25+01:00 Tea Cocktails: A taste of decadence Helen Taggart

If you thought our blends were just for drinking hot and poured straight from a teapot, then think again. Our teas can be used in many wonderful ways, from cold brews and cocktails to ice-creams and baking.

Today we're creating a cocktail, using our Deliciously Decadent blend, currently on special offer (in fuso bag form) in our online tea shop.

We call this cocktail Divinely Decadent and once you've taken a sip, you'll understand why. A definite summer drink to sip on a warm summer's evening.

Okay, to start you do need a bit of preparation. Infuse 50g ( or 15 fuso bags) of Deliciously Decadent tea in 70cl of vodka. Infuse for 24-48 hours then either sieve the loose leaves or take out the bags.

This is your base.

For a single serve

50ml of your infused vodka

10ml of Heston's alcoholic fruit cup ( or Pimms if you can't find a fruit cup )

50ml of grape juice

a squeeze of lime

ice

soda water to finish.

fresh lime or dehydrated lime to garnish

 

Put all the ingredients  apart from the soda water into a cocktail shaker and shake

 

Pour into a cocktail glass or teacup and top with soda- we use glass teacups so you can see the pretty liquid and after all it is a tea cocktail.

Garnish with lime or other fruit.

Sip and enjoy.

 

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/tea-leaf-theory-a-brief-history-of-tea 2017-06-16T16:17:00+01:00 2017-06-16T16:18:25+01:00 Tea Leaf Theory: A Brief History of Tea Helen Taggart Tea is drunk and enjoyed all over the world, and while in Britain the most popular type is Black tea drunk with milk, there are many more varieties and many more ways to enjoy, our nation's favourite drink. It plays such a central role in our daily lives that it's hard to imagine a world without it, yet have you ever stopped to think about its origins and how it was discovered?

While tea has been enjoyed in the East for thousands of years it was only introduced to the West about 400 years ago. Discovered in China, it has exerted a profound influence on societies and cultures throughout the world. Unique ceremonies are performed and social etiquette concerning the preparation and drinking are strictly adhered to and social customs as to when and where to drink it have evolved. So many myths, poems, legends and proverbs also exist which lend an almost mystical element to tea.

One such legend tells us that tea was discovered by the Chinese Emperor, Shan Nong, in 2737 B.C. The Emperor had a habit of boiling his drinking water and one day while he was in his garden a few tea leaves fell, by chance, into his boiling water which then gave off a rich, alluring aroma. The Emperor, upon drinking this brew, discovered it to be refreshing and energising and immediately gave the command that tea bushes were to be planted in the gardens of his palace. Thus the custom of brewing fresh tea leaves in hot water began and quickly spread.

Since this discovery, the drinking of tea has been deeply infused in Chinese culture, but up until the fifth century AD, it was primarily used for medicinal benefits. After this time China's upper class took to giving tea as highly esteemed gifts and drinking tea at social events and in private homes. This is also when the Chinese tea ceremony began to develop and the news of tea began to spread to Japan.

Tea began its journey to world domination, arriving in Europe via Dutch and Portuguese sailors at the beginning of the 17th century. It was sold at auctions and became very popular among the aristocracy and the wealthy as the beverage's initial high price prevented it from circulating among the population at large.

The tea trade was a significant factor in establishing trading connections between east and west. In Europe, tea was used as a symbol of high status and as a stimulus for many technological developments, for instance, the development of fast sailboats such as the "Clipper", which shortened the time it took to sail from China to Europe and made it possible to provide shipments of fresh tea to the west.

British companies established for the importing tea, became very powerful and, after being ordained by the royal family, subsequently became empowered to operate in any way necessary to ensure the continuous supply of this popular drink. At the beginning of the 18th century, with the expansion of tea imports to the West and the consequent decrease in its price, tea became a common product enjoyed by all sectors of the population.

At the beginning of the 18th century, tea arrived in Northern America, quickly becoming a desirable drink there as well. In New York and Boston, London-style teahouses started developing, where the drink was sold to the general public. At around that time, the British Empire decided to place taxes on the tea supply to the colonies of North America who were under their power. This decision greatly angered the American settlers who decided to boycott the taxed products in protest. Whenever the British ships arrived at the harbours laden with tea, the settlers would start demonstrations which forced the ships to leave without unloading their wares. The most famous occurrence in this regard, which took place on December 16th 1773, was named the "Boston Tea Party", during which, a group of protesters, dressed as Native American Mohawks, boarded one of the ships anchored in the Boston harbour and started throwing hundreds of crates of tea from its deck into the sea. Britain retaliated to this by sending military forces to the harbour and shutting it down. This event marked the beginning of the American War of Independence.

Moving on to the beginning of the 20th century, where a significant rise in tea consumption resulted from the appearance of tea bags. The inventor, a New York tea merchant by the name of Thomas Sullivan, had a custom of sending tea samples in white silk bags to his customers, they were in turn intrigued by this new and ground-breaking product. Upon the appearance of tea bags, the price of tea was lowered. This, coupled with the possibility of drinking tea without the need for special brewing utensils, made tea more suitable for mass consumption and helped turn it into the world's most prevalent hot beverage.

During the 20th century, the source of tea crops began to spread throughout the world, from Japan to Africa and South America. Towards the end of the 20th century, an additional rise in the western world's tea consumption occurred and also in evidence was a demand for quality teas.

The rise in tea consumption in the occident results from three primary reasons:

1. The rise in popularity of the back-to-nature trend and an aspiration to lead a healthy, simple life. Tea, as a natural drink with evident health benefits, fits in perfectly with this lifestyle.

2. A massive immigration of Asians to the west. The Asian immigrants disseminated their heavily tea based cultures into the Western countries.

3. Western travellers in the East, who brought with them tidings and samples of tea upon their return.

So it would seem tea has come full circle. Going from an expensive drink enjoyed by the rich to the introduction of the tea bag and mass trading making it accessible to everyone and re-establishing it as the nation's favourite. In recent years the reintroduction of loose leaf, quality tea has emerged with a growing thirst for well-crafted artisanal teas and infusions. An even newer trend, the fuso bag, is providing high-quality tea in posh little fuss free tea temples. Making quality tea easier to serve, without the associated loss of quality or flavour usually attached to a standard tea bag.

I hope you've learned something new today, about the long, illustrious, and at times infamous history of Britains favourite beverage, but all of that reading must have been thirsty work, so go ahead and treat yourself...put the kettle on and your feet up.

]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/humble-hibiscus-helping-your-health-bloom-beautifully 2017-05-11T08:16:00+01:00 2017-05-11T17:47:28+01:00 The Humble Hibiscus:<br/>Helping your health bloom beautifully Helen Taggart

Many people are aware of at least some of the benefits of drinking tea - especially the well publicised antioxidant properties of green and white tea. However, a herb that is often overlooked in terms of its health benefits, yet regularly found in many tea blends, is hibiscus. Though its colour is quite vivid its benefits are less obvious. Hibiscus comes from the green part of the hibiscus flower called the calyx, which is rich in anthocyanins. These are responsible for the production of antioxidants and also give it it's rich red colour. It tastes sweet but also has a quite distinct tartness and though it is perfectly drinkable on its own (and has been used this way for thousands of years), I think it is best enjoyed when mixed with other ingredients to create exciting and delicious infusions.

Because hibiscus is rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and minerals it is great for giving your immune system a well-deserved boost. It has also been identified as being beneficial for helping with upper respiratory tract infections as well as slowing down the growth of pre-cancerous cells. Hibiscus has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine to treat many conditions such as high blood pressure and cholesterol and has widely been known amongst Egyptians to act as an effective coolant to regulate body temperature, while Iranians often use it to treat occasional restfulness and difficulty sleeping.
Recently, the humble hibiscus flower has had a real surge in popularity due to its suggested slimming properties. It is a natural diuretic (something the Mexicans have known about for years), so it has great stomach flattening powers. Hala El Shafie from Nutrition Rocks has said that it can also aid weight loss due to its ability to inhibit carbohydrates being stored in the body. Put this together with boosting mood and detoxifying the liver and it really could be a woman's best friend.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of this delightful botanical as a beautifully blended tea, it can be found in our Pink Pride, a delicate white tea with rosebuds or for a naturally caffeine free option, try our Deliciously Decadent blend - a lively, fruity infusion that will tickle your taste buds while you absorb all the benefits the hibiscus has to offer.
]]> https://mdteashop.co.uk/blogs/journal/83578753-matcha-tea-how-to-benefit-from-the-health-boost-without-drinking-it 2016-01-13T16:35:00+00:00 2018-01-25T15:04:18+00:00 Matcha tea: how to benefit from the health boost without drinking it Helen Taggart

Did you know you can incorporate matcha into your daily diet without drinking a single cup of tea? This is especially useful for people who want to reap the benefits but are not keen on the taste, which is quite strong and not everyone’s cup of tea!

Matcha is a Japanese green tea that has become very popular in the last few years – mainly due to its health benefits and versatility. So let’s have a little look at those health benefits before we get creative.

Health benefits of matcha tea

Matcha has a unique rich, grassy taste and a range of nutritional benefits. Its beautiful bright green colour and powdery appearance makes it incredibly attractive to look at too.

Different grades of matcha are available and generally the more vibrant the colour, the higher the quality. A better grade equates to a creamier taste and higher concentration of nutrients particularly amino acids.

Matcha is full of anti-oxidants which help you fight disease and are anti-ageing. It can stimulate the mind and improve concentration but is relaxing too, so promotes a calm alertness. It provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium and one serving of matcha is equivalent to 10 cups of brewed green tea due to its concentrated form.

Creative ways to consume matcha tea

One of my favourite ways to enjoy matcha is in a smoothie. It feels such a vibrant way to start the day especially when blended with other health giving ingredients.

Follow this recipe for an energy boosting, delicious and nutritious smoothie.

 

spinach leaves

mango

kiwi

matcha

spirulina (protein, heart and brain function) and chlorella (for iron, detox and nerve function)

chia seeds (for omega 3 and fibre)

cucumber

avocado

cashew nuts and sesame seeds

unsweetened apple juice

coconut water

(for extra sweetness add half a banana)

 

Another fabulous way to enjoy matcha is brewed with mint and fennel seeds. This is a great and tasty way to help reduce bloating too.

For a real comfort drink in the evening I love a mixture of matcha and cocoa or cacao whisked into unsweetened almond milk. For sweetness I use honey, agave or maple syrup.

How do you take your matcha? Share your creative ideas.

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