Isn't tea great?

Saved by Twinings! (Continued)

2006-07-05T16:16:00.000Z

Howdy

Well, in the time since Saturday, being two and a half days, I have tried all foru of the infusions blends in the box. The other three are:

- Cranberry, raspberry and elderflower: The raspberry is the strongest taste, but not the only one to stand out. A really soothing cup, fully recommended!

- Raspberry and echinacea: Less variety, but no less of a good taste. Not really sure what echinacea is, but it's definitely good in tea!

- Camomile and Limeflower: Very different to the others, and the most rejuvenating of the four. A friend of mine said he didn't like this one, but I place it in the "amazingly refreshing" category occupied by such flavours as peppermint, peppermint and liqourice, and mint.

In summary, this collection of infusions has been a revelation in my tea drinking experience. I have tasted new combinations of flvaours that I really thought weren't possible. So if you're concerned about experimenting too much with your flavours, as Dave found out in an earlier post with the yoghurt experiment (!), don't be. It can really open your eyes to new kinds of tea!

Chris

Saved by Twinings!

2006-07-01T12:40:00.000Z

An absolutely inspiring cup of tea yesterday made me rush right back here at the first opportunity and tell those who haven't experienced it about the wonderful taste of Twinings Blackcurrant, Ginseng and Vanilla flavoured infusion!

I bought this yesterday as part of a box of 20 Twinings Infusions from Tesco. What a combination! With every sip you get a different taste coming through, for me it started with a strong taste of blackcurrant, then the ginseng, then the vanilla. Throughout my enjoyment of this cup the tastes varied, sometimes merging together and sometimes standing out from each other. It was really enjoyable and I implore you to try it at the next opportunity.

There are three other blends in the pack, next time I will tell you about one of them: Cranberry, Raspberry and Elderflower!

Must.....keep...blog...alive

2006-05-09T10:49:00.000Z

I'm still hoping to keep this going. I'm sure the various members of the team have been drinkin lots of lovely teas since they last contributed here, especially Hannah who has been globetrotting a lot this year - I think she's still in Africa. I have been drinking my East African fairtrade stuff of late, but had a few cups of peppermint tea in various places. There's a cafe just over the road from me which serves really ncie hot chocolate, but I haven't been in to inspect the tea(s) yet. Must do that sometime.

Anyway, that's an update from me. I'll badger the other guys!

Chris

Reunion over a nice tea...

2006-02-27T15:02:00.000Z

Hi everyone

Myself and Dave met up this weekend for the first time since leaving Durham, and I also saw Matt and heather. We decided the best idea for meeting up was clearly to go for some tea and chocolate cake at Vennels in Durham, so we did just that. Tea holds society together and allows good friends to catch up at small expense, hurrah. I told Dave to post here more so watch this space...

Chris

Peppermint and Liquorice

2006-01-19T16:08:00.000Z

Hello again, it's been a while, and a warm welcome to Lizzie on the blog. :)

I just thought I'd tell you about the wonderful taste of peppermint and liquorice tea, yes, that's the two flavours together in one cup! When I went home over the holidays I stopped over in Edinburgh to meet my dad and sister, and went for a tea in Deacon Brodie's cafe on the Royal Mile. I love Edinburgh and that cafe is my favourite, though you really are spoilt for choice in Edinburgh, particularly on the Royal Mile! So I tried said tea, and it really was a wonderul experience. If you see it anywhere, give it a go - you will not regret it. :)

My "normal" tea at the moment is a fairtrade blend of Indian teas, tastes very much like "normal" tea obviously, but is softer and very, very nice. I got it from Wesley Owens Christian bookstore in Dundee.

That's all from me, for now.

Chris

Tea for Christmas anyone?

2006-01-02T17:31:00.000Z

Hello.

Well, this is my first time creating a post as a member of this blog. How exciting!

I just wondered if anybody had received any new types of tea as a present for Christmas? Not that I did, but I did get my brother, Dave, some Vanilla China tea. It is black china tea which is flavoured with vanilla. The verdict from both Dave and myself is that it is remarkably nice. It is the smell which really 'makes' the tea - it has a wonderful aroma, (similar to white hot chocolate) especially as the water is poured in to start the brewing process. Best drunk with a little milk (and of course no sugar) it is well worth investing in.

That's all for now but I shall be back with more tea reviews at some point.

Lizzie

Fairtrade

2005-09-07T13:15:00.000Z

Howdy

It's been a looooong time since I've posted in this, but I intend to keep going, even though the [b]tea[/b]m has been split up. Hannah is travelling in China, Heather and Matt are continuing into their fourth year of study, Dave is working for church at home, and Kenny G is teaching in Wimbledon. I'm going to Dundee to do my masters.

Anyway, that's not important. What is important is the tea. The precious tea, Gollum loves his precioussssss tea. It's why we're here and, let's face it, it's the future!

So anyway, I finally managed to breakaway from habitually buying Tetley's recently. The reason? We should all be buying Fairtrade Tea, from the Teadirect company. That way, the producers get a fair price for their produce, and the tea tastes even better when you know that.

Anyway, that is all for now. I'll try to get Dave to elaborate on the themes he promised in his last post.

Chris

A fresh start

2005-07-07T17:56:00.000Z

HELLO! I'm hoping to start things up again here because as Mrs.Doyle would say "There's always time for tea". Keep checking back for new updates...

Coming soon...

Information on how to get some free tea
Some new reviews of teas
Tea under attack - the health benefits of tea

A long awaited update

2005-05-16T10:09:00.000Z

Hello, this hasn't been updated for a while so I thought i'd post. Exams are looming and a lot of tea is being consumed. The milk theives mean that its mostly lemon and orange tea, but sometimes they are kind enough to leave the milk alone in the fridge and its possible to have a lovely nilgiri cup. Whilst we've not updated this board for a while, we've not lost our appetite for tea.

Holidays

2005-04-11T15:39:00.000Z

What a great chance to drink more and more tea, and to take more time in preparing your brew! I have drank copious amounts in these last three weeks since we departed Durham for our Easter vacation, and have loved it. Hurrah for tea.:D

Easter eggs and tea

2005-03-29T13:11:00.000Z

There hasn't been an update here for a while due to it being the end of term and people being very busy on their holidays - clearly too busy to write - so I thought I would post and say a little bit about the delightful combination of easter eggs and tea. I don't get many easter eggs but I've got one this year and a few days back tried easter egg dipped in tea. It was very good and something which I highly recommend. The curved nature of the egg means that you can also use it as a kind of spoon which is, I feel, an a 'billy bonus'. Add to that the fact that there is little chance of the chocolate falling in the tea and I think you have no reason not to dip your easter eggs in your tea. Probably works best with a normal brew, with milk of course (and definately no sugar).

Competition results

2005-03-17T08:32:00.000Z

Winners: Matt and Dave
Score: 10,650

I am pleased to announce the highest score achieved/posted by anyone in the 'Addemup' challenge was 10,650 points by myself and Matt. Well done to all who had a go. Obviously the prize could be nothing other than a victory mug of classic assam with a stale Hobnob (i'm trying to get rid of them) thrown in as well (not pictured).

Normal Hobnob's are definately the best for dunking. The rarely break and they are made of oats which (to me anyway) makes it seem like they might be kind of good for you. You must be careful though because, as the comedian Peter Kay points out, they do drink half your brew.

The Great Unwashed

2005-03-16T15:55:00.000Z

Oh dear, all my mugs are ditry, think it's time for the big wash today. Can't drink tea out of dirty mugs, that's just not cricket.

The 'Addemup' Challenge

2005-03-09T16:31:00.000Z

This might not be quite on topic but I feel that it is suitably fun and interesting to post about this amazing new game I came across today - 'Addemup'. Whilst it sounds like an educational game for kids to help them improve their maths skills, it is actually a surpisingly complex game, needing intelligence and trickery. I propose a challenge to you to beat the score of 9000 set by myself and Matt earlier today. Make sure you read the rules carefully because there is far more to it than you might imagine. Post your scores as a comment to this article. Let the games begin!

p.s. a cup of tea goes nicely

Who discovered tea?

2005-03-09T11:00:00.000Z

I can't believe I'm English and don't know this. Who discovered this majestic drink? Who saw a tea leaf and said to themselves "if I pour boiling water on that and [maybe this was somebody else later] add milk to it, it will taste really nice!". Who was it? Whoever it was, I thank them heartily on behalf of the team.

Good day to you

Our inaliable right to drink tea

2005-03-06T17:41:00.000Z

Friends, there are times when events happen that make you lose faith in all humanity. This is not one of them, yet still, it is very annoying and, dare I say it, perverse behaviour. I brought a pint of milk on Friday night, put it, unopened, in a communal fridge, and this morning it was not just opened, nor was it just half used. It was gone, the bottle dumped, empty, in the bin. It was the only bottle of its kind in the fridge, so no one could have mistaken it for their milk. It was theft.

I know its only a pint of milk- but it was my whole pint of milk and without that I cannot have the tea I like. Everyone knows there are some situation you find yourself in where you realise the only solution is a cup of tea, so to be denied this is wrong. I shudder to think what they used the milk for- no one would use a whole pint of milk for tea so it was obviously used for some lesser purpose- maybe even in some sordid criminal activity.

The same thing happened to Dave, and Heather in the space of a week. Here are a selection of quotes from their reactions:
"What?!" "Think of the Children!" "We need to put our kingdom spectacles to work out this one" "No, No, No." "ew they might have spat in it"

If anyone has any comments, or suggestions for ways of protecting the milk, please let me know.

'Mango Indica' and 'Blueberry and Yoghurt'

2005-03-05T11:40:00.000Z

Recently I took an unplanned trip to Whit*ard. Mistake. I left the store with two new types of tea, 'Mango Indica' and 'Blueberry and Yoghurt'. Here's my thoughts on the two different types:

Mango Indica: Softly exotic, fruity and dry

This was a good purchase. The smell is the best thing about it - but the taste doesn't disappoint either. I don't think it is quite as good as lemon tea (which has to be my favourite) but still it is a nice change from Tetley or PG Tips. I'd definately recommend it.

Blueberry and yoghurt: Smooth and creamy berries

WARNING: CAFFINE FREE! This "tea" has caused real problems. First, someone that tried it had an allergic reaction to some of the odd flowers or flavours in it, and second, it made my room, teapot and cups smell of blueberries for about a week. Everytime I have made tea in my tea pot since I have had the taste of blueberries spoiling the great taste of nilgiri, Tetley's and mango. There isn't really any positive things to say about it, apart from that it really does smell like you would imagine blueberries and yoghurt to smell. That might seem good, but after a week of it it's a bit irritating!

I hope you have found this interesting and informative. More tea reviews will appear here soon!

How strong?

2005-03-02T11:23:00.000Z

Strength - a commonly debated issue, which if not correctly resolved can lead to such comments (usually by family when you have made the teas) as "eww, too milky" or "where's the milk, that's black?!" depending on the individual's preference. I have to say that for myself if I am making a standard English tea then I will go for a very strong cup, with a nice orangeness to it. Very similar to that featured in the inaugral post in this blog in fact (but slightly stronger). Nothing tastes like it, and I really don't like tea that is too milky - if I wanted that I'd drink a glass of milk!

As for flavoured teas not involving milk at all (what a great idea!), I prefer them to be strong so I don't just get the taste of water.....

So how strong do you like your tea?

Time to decide!

2005-03-01T14:00:00.000Z

At isn'tteagreat,the TEAm know their darjeelings from their ceylons; and I hope you too share the love of the great liquid too. Each type is special in their own special way, and I realise choice of tea is very much dependent on your mood. But the question is this:

If you could only drink ONE type of tea for the rest of your life, which would it be?

I choose Assam! Refreshing, versatile and unique.

Coming up on 'Isn't Tea Great?'

2005-02-28T07:50:00.000Z

Hi everyone! Welcome to a new week. Coming up we'll have more reviews of different types of tea, an attempted answer to the question 'What does how you take your tea say about you?' and an in depth look at biscuits and which are best for dunking. If you have any suggestions for future posts let us know.

Attention all arrogant fingers...

2005-02-26T14:01:00.000Z

Ladies and Gentlemen with fingers lend me your ears... all those without may turn their ears elsewhere. Outlined below are some guidlines for polite and considerate tea drinking in regards to where to stick those little digits:

The best way to hold a tea cup is to slip your index finger through the handle, up to almost the first knuckle, then balance and secure the cup by placing your thumb on the top of the handle and allowing the bottom of the handle to rest on your middle finger. Contrary to popular belief, the ring and pinkie fingers should not be extended, but should rest by curving gently back toward your wrist.
There are two theories about this. One considers the Chinese custom of drinking tea in small cups with no handles. The hot tea tended to burn the tender, sensitive skin of the pinkie fingers, causing them to hold them away from the hot cup. The other theory dates back to the middle ages when the gentry, or upper classes ate with only three fingers and the commoners ate with all five. To extend one's pinkie was an indication of arrogance, an inflated self-importance and was really rather rude. So despite the fact that children often play "tea party" and drink with their pinkies raised, it really isn't a considerate gesture and should be eliminated.

This has changed everything. I'm not always altogether sure what my pinkie is up to, but I'm sure going to be a good deal more vigilant of the little fellow.

Courtesy of http://www.seedsofknowledge.com/etiquette.html ... good tea chat here.

How do you like your tea pot?

2005-02-25T10:44:00.000Z

As promised here is a very detailed look at my tea pot. Sometimes people think that it does not matter whether you use a tea pot, cafetiere, sieve or one of those strange ball shaped strainers you can buy from Whit*ard to make your tea. Can I say that I think those people are dreadfully wrong. Having tea is not just about putting a tea bag in a mug, stirring it around, putting the milk in and drinking - making the tea in a good tea pot is all part of the experience. I would consider a cup of tea made hastily in a mug to only be an average cup. Making a good cup will definately involve the use of tea pot. Nowhere else can you get the experience and aroma than when you make tea in a pot.

Now to the pot itself. I used to use a standard tea pot with the classic Whit*ard strainer. That was fine and made a very good cup. As you will from the photo, I no longer use my strainer but instead use 'The Stay Fresh Hot Tea Pot'. This gadget keeps the tea hot for at least 2 hours after brewing and keeps it fresh so it doesn't stew. Not only that but it makes a massive 5 mugs of tea. Buying this will set you back about £20 which, though it might seem a lot, is really worth it. This tea pot will save you time, energy and tea bags, and has the trendy 'see thru' look which put together makes for a great tea experience.

If you want to buy one of these tea pots then you can do at Argos or probably any shop that sells good tea equipment. You won't regret it!

Sugar - a blessing, not a curse

2005-02-24T18:00:00.000Z

Hi folks

Thought I'd introduce myself to this great celebration of tea by exploring what sugar adds to our tea-drinking experience. I am not, of course, talking about Whittards or any of the more refined teas, merely your quintessential cup of Tetley's/Fairtrade (I am trying to wean myself from the former to the latter). Now there are those who will argue, but whilst this variety of tea is all very well and tasty on its own, sugar in this tea represents additional value for your cup. I have come to understand that two sugars is merely for the sweet tooth and/or the late night student, and I fall into the latter category more often than many think I should, but one sugar is an amount for all occasions. Instead of going to your kettle and pouring out the routine tea without thinking, and possibly taking that little bit less care with your cup (horror!), having two options over how you take your tea makes you think, and you take more care in preparing the perfect brew for your mood. Soften your tea with a little sugar and enjoy the experience so much more.....

Of course, since tea is great anyway, having it without sugar is perfectly fine too...just don't limit yourself.

[Ed: The views contained in this article are not the views expressed by the other members of the team who strongly oppose the use of sugar or other sweetners in tea.]

Ode to Tea

2005-02-24T15:01:00.000Z

I do not presume this to be the best, nor the funniest, not the most moving Ode to Tea ever written, but it would be wrong to have a tea site without at least one poem. Feel free to add your own.

In a mood I may be,
Maybe I have hurt my knee,
Or possibly recovering from brain surgery,
but there is one sure way to fill me with glee.
It is tea, oh yes, tea. tea-tea.

How to make an orange blossom

2005-02-23T09:27:00.000Z

Today I have tasted the delights of 'Orange Blossom'. On a cold, snowy day it warmed my heart. For those of you who haven't come across this cracking tea it is a black tea with a fruity and aromatic citrus flavour. It can be bought at a very well known English tea merchants. It would be wrong to mention the name here so I will refer to it only as Whit*ard [there is a link to their page at the bottom of this site].

The photo above should give you a good idea of the colour of the tea. Unfotunately you don't know how it smells but I can tell you it is good! One person who drank it once said "it's smooth and slips down your throat, it is like drinking syrup". Doesn't rot your teeth like syrup though does it? In fact, tea is good for your teeth. Winner all round.

Those are my thoughts on 'Orange Blossom'. I'd recommend you try some. Take a trip to your nearest Whit*ard and you can pick some up for £3. Enjoy!

[Note: I'll be talking about my extraordinary 'Stay fresh' tea pot in a later post. Keep checking back!]