There are a number of varieties of tea to consider and it can be difficult to work out which tea is best for you amongst the many that we have for you. In order that we can help you to decide you can explore Our Tea shop and use the Mail Order Form and you can find more information here on all the types of tea and their health qualities.
Black | Green | Oolong | White | Rooibos | Honeybush | Mate | Pu Erh | Herbal/Fruit Infusions | Organic
What is Tea
Tea is simply the leaf from the tea plant – Camellia sinesis, an evergreen shrub that grows in many countries around the world.
Not only is tea soothing and delicious, but it is really good for you. This fact has been widely accepted through the ages but more recent research helps to explain how and why. Research as recent as August 2006, for example, suggests that drinking 4 cups of tea a day, can be better for you than drinking water!
Facts about tea:
• Contains a number of nutrients such as vitamins and minerals which are essential for GROWTH and DEVELOPMENT.
• Contains manganese which is essential for bone growth and the body’s development.
• Contains potassium which is essential for maintaining fluid balance and normal heart beat.
• Contains antioxidants which are assocated with providing essential protection against free radicals.
• Contain caffeine which In moderation caffeine can be a benefit - stimulating the metabolism, increasing brain function and alertness.
Black Teas:
Black teas are known for their robust, earthy, full bodied flavours. They can be blended or flavoured and are currently one of the most popular teas drunk in the UK. This is partly because they are widely available, and partly due to the fact that there is little awareness of some of the other teas and their qualities.Cha dao black teas originate form China, India and Ceylon where they are harvested, dried and well fermented to give them their distinct flavours. You can choose unscented blends or flavoured varieties.
Health Qualities:
Black Teas are believed to:
• Relaxing and calming
• Stimulate and help with the function of the breathing organs
• Support digestion
• Good for those stomach churning moments
• Helps support good oral health
• Caffeine stimulates the activity of the brain
Click here to see the black teas we have in our shop.
Green Teas:
Green tea is dried, not fermented like black tea and therefore has a lighter flavour although it does share a little of its astringency and has just a hint of bitterness. A good green tea has a fresh, leafy, grassy aroma. You could look at the flavoured varieties which offer a whole host of vibrant aromas and tastes.
Green Tea is packed with health benefits, has caffeine, boosts energy and tastes fantastic. They have a very delicate flavour with a slight bitterness. All the different kinds of green tea have different flavours, but they do have a taste in common. The flavour of green tea can be described as: fresh, light, green, grassy, nutty or sweet. Some varieties of green tea have a little sweetness to them, and some are a little astringent. Green tea is not usually served with milk or sugar, but you can decide that for yourself.
Health Qualities:
Green tea has a reputation for bringing tremendous health benefits:
Green Teas are believed to:
• Slows the ageing process
• Good for those stressful moments
• Keeps kidneys healthy
• Helps with Oral hygiene
Click here to see the green teas we have in our shop.
Oolong Teas
Oolong tea is a semi fermented tea with the leaves undergoing a number of processes to produce a delicious natural flavour. It can be either black or green dependent upon the processes with a range of distinct aromas and tastes unlike green teas or black teas and generally no bitterness. Oolongs can be recognized by their large leaves and a complexity of flavour that ranges from highly floral and intensely fruity to mildly roasted with honey nuances. The varieties of oolong tea differ greatly in flavour,depending on the amount of time that the leaves are given to ferment ranging from bright, sweet green-tasting tea to the a mature and complex rich flavour.
Health Qualities:
Oolong Teas are believed to:
• Helps fight against weight gain
• Improves blood circulation
Click here to see the oolong tea we have in our shop.
White Tea
Well, just like those other teas, white tea come from the Camellia sinensis plant and it’s similar to green tea in that it’s undergone very little processing and no fermentation.The leaves are picked and harvested before the leaves open fully, when the buds are still covered by fine white hair; hence the name. White tea is more scarce than the other traditional teas, and are therefore a bit more expensive. Produced mostly in China and Japan, but the Darjeeling region of India also produces some fine white teas.To match its delicate appearance, white tea has a pleasant, mellow taste that is both subtle and sweet, and has a delightful gentle aroma. It’s light clear flavours tend towards being savoury and nutty.
Health Qualities:
White Teas are reputed to have more antioxidants that any other tea, and are virtually caffeine free.
White Teas are believed to:
• Helps maintain a healthy skin complexion
• Eliminate fatigue
• Slow the ageing process
Click here to see the white teas we have in our shop.
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is the Africaans for ‘redbush’ and this South African plant, related to the Honeybush with its unique sweet, nutty flavour and soothing character makes it a very popular choice for tea. Rooibos teas start as green, but through the fermentation process become rich and red in colour. They come in a host of exotic flavours. It’s grown only in a small area 250km north of Cape Town in the Cedarberg area with no alternative source of supply of this unique product is available anywhere in the world. Rooibos is a flavourful, caffeine-free alternative to tea for those seeking to eliminate caffeine intake. It is tannin free. Also known as Red Tea, rooibos tea gained popularity when tea supplies from Asia forced drinkers to find an alternative. With the many amazing health benefits surfacing and many flavours available, rooibos tea has far surpassed its role as an alternative beverage. Rooibos teas have high levels of antioxidants, Vitamin C and being caffeine free, makes them a wonderful choice for everyone. Rooibos is a wonderful bedtime drink, an excellent drink before drifting off to sleep - a wise addition to your daily diet.
Health Qualities:
Rooibos Teas are believed to:
• Be great for people wanting to eliminate caffiene from their diet
• Great for children
• Be great for pregnant and breast feeding women
Click here to see the rooibos teas we have in our shop.
Honey Bush Tea
Honeybush tea is described as having a pleasant, mildly sweet taste and aroma, somewhat like honey. Other descriptions of the honeybush flavour include hot apricot jam; floral, and dried fruit mix. The overall impression is mild sweetness. The tea has the added advantage that the cold infusion can also be used as iced tea and that it blends well with fruit juices.
Grown in the high mountains of the Western and Eastern Cape regions of South Africa, this unique plant is not only delicious but it is good for you as well.Honeybush tea is naturally sweet, caffeine free and has very little tannin. Like camomile and rooibos teas, it can be applied topically to skin irritations. It is also rich in minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, and sodium. Interestingly they are increasingly being used creatively; in sauces, infused with fruits, blended with fruit juices, to flavour sorbets, ice-creams and even chocolates!
Health Qualities:
HoneyBush Teas are believed to:
• Regulate the menstrual cycle
• Help the digestive system
• Help maintain a healthy skin.
Click here to see the Honeybush teas we have in our shop.
Mate Tea
Mate Teas are best known for increasing energy. They have a slightly musty flavour and many believe the bitterness associated with green teas. Mate tea is well known for its vitamin and mineral content. Many regard it as a brilliant appetite suppressor if it is taken 15 to 20 minutes before a meal. It is claimed that it energises the body and mind, improves concentration and heightens physical endurance. This tea will give you a real kick, and is said to aid in mental alertness, it is generally regarded as a coffee alternative.
Health Qualities:
Mate Teas are believed to:
• Help boost your getup and go!
• Burn fat
• Suppress appetite
• Stimulate digestion
• Cleanse the bowel
• Enhances immunity
Click here to see the Mate teas we have in our shop.
Pu–Erh Tea of Chinese Emperors
Pu-erh tea is aged, post-fermented, and often compressed into bricks. Its name comes from the town of Pu-erh in Southwestern China. Pu-erhs have a strong earthy taste that gain complexity over time. Some prized pu-erh teas are more than 50 years old and are very rare. Drunk for centuries by the Chinese, the tea is said to lower cholesterol, aid digestion, and cure hangovers. It is also known for its capacity to fight obesity. Pu-erh tea is one of the most famous Chinese teas, try it, it’ll give you great pleasure! As with many varieties Pu-erh is named after the region where it was first harvested. There is a small town in the Yunnan province called Pu-erh, and trade in this type of tea was very heavy there. They harvest the tea from a broad-leaved variety of tea, that is reputedly a very ancient strain of tea. All teas have a wide spectrum of health benefits, but Pu-erh has an extra one. Drinking Pu-erh tea can help reduce cholesterol, according to scientific studies. By helping digestion (particularly of fatty foods), Pu-erh is the perfect tea after a heavy meal.
Health Qualities:
Pu Erh are believed to:
• Help in the fight against obesity
• Boosts the immune system
• Eliminates alcohol for the blood twice as fast as normal
• Reduces levels of cholesterol.
Click here to see the Pu Erh tea we have in our shop.
Herbal and Fruit Infusions
You’ll find explosive aromas, tastes and colours with these wonderful infusions each packed full of health qualities. From Peppermint leaves to real fruit, mixed together to ensure the most wonderful flavours, there’s an infusion to suit everyone’s palate.
Herbal and fruit infusions (sometimes referred to as tisanes) do not contain any tea from the tea plant and therefore they should not be referred to as teas. They are usually caffeine free. Infusions have been drunk for many centuries for refreshment and some are traditionally taken for specific medical purposes, such as camomile, which is reputed to aid sleep. These infusions are calorie free, packed full of vitamins and have a host of heath benefits.The fruit infusions taste good hot or cold, and after brewing, you can eat the fruit.
Health Qualities:
Infusions:
Camomile: Help maintain a healthy liver, and great just before bed
Peppermint: Helps with the digestive system. Clears the head. Has a great calming effect
Nettle: Helps kidneys, good for digestion, helps fight flatulence
Fruit: High content of vitamin C, no sugar, no calories.
Click here to see the Herbal and Fruit infusions we have in our shop.
Organic Teas
As organic tea is in demand these days, we offer these teas which are certified as grown and processed without artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Whilst many of our teas have natural ingredients we are unable at this stage to class them all as organic. For those of you who have a preference for organic teas you’ll find two exciting varieties in our range.
Click here to see our Organic Teas.
