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Tea is Key in Kenya With the beat of the Festival of Light’s dhol drums still ringing in my ears, I started packaging for my next big adventure. Between Diwali celebrations and the intensity of Christmas markets, I’m squeezing in a trip to Kenya. The prime motivation is joining a friend for her birthday, but I want to take this opportunity to tell you a little more about this marvellous country. What Do You Know of Kenya? A friend’s birthday is a fantastic reason to make a trip, but how else does Kenya attract tourists? Is it the year-round warm temperatures; that is something I am looking forward to! I’m sure that appeals to others too, but the most popular reason is the rich abundance of wildlife. This African country has over 40 national parks, which are home to beautiful and iconic species. I’m sure that you’ve heard of the Maasai Mara. It’s a destination where you could encounter Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and cape buffalo. I’m hoping to see one of the Big 5! Another great attraction is the vast lakes and coastal waters. Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru are home to flocks of flamingos, along with many other birds and beasts. Kenya also has around 500 miles of stunning beaches, leading out into thriving waters and coral reefs. Heading Into the Mountains Have you dreamed of climbing Mount Kenya, Elgon or Kipipiri? Ascending these geological giants promises magnificent views, which makes it a must for many visitors. I’m not desperate to scale the heights, however, the mountainous regions do hold an appeal to me. That is because the high altitudes, mineral-rich soils and stable weather conditions provide an ideal environment for growing tea. Did you know that Kenya is a major producer of black tea? Two of Kenya’s major export markets are coffee and tea. They are only second to Columbia as a supplier of coffee and equal to Sri Lanka in tea production. Over 550 small tea growers contribute to an industry that supports around 5 million people. I’m not sure how many people are aware that Kenya produces around 450 million kgs of tea a year. What’s more, the tea is known for its distinctive, full-bodied taste and quality. Before I studied tea, I connected Africa with Rooibos. This decaffeinated beverage is dried similarly to tea, however, the leaves are picked from Red Bush, rather than Camellia sinensis. Rooibos is popular in South Africa, however, black tea is preferred in many other regions. To keep everyone stocked up, tea isn’t only grown in Kenya. You can find plantations in other African countries including Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Tea History in Kenya It is said that the first tea saplings were planted in Kenya in the early twentieth century. Initially, this was simply ornamental planting by Europeans. Under colonialism, the first commercial tea plantations were established in the 1920s. However, it wasn't until the 1950s that African growers had the rights to land needed to produce tea. I’ve learnt that the Mabroukie Tea Estate includes some of the earliest tea trees. Although early plantations were a bit of an experiment, the nutrients in the red volcanic soils around the Rift Valley province proved ideal. What’s more, the equatorial location provides a stable climate in which tea can grow and be harvested throughout the year. Kenya is also known for good social and environmental governance, so growers are paid fairly and no pesticides are ever used on crops. These are key to Kenya’s tea market and a priority for me as a buyer and blender of bespoke teas. Have you Heard of Kenya’s Purple Tea? A rare variety of Camellia sinensis grows in Kenya, which contains high levels of Anthocyanin. This anti-oxidant gives the leaves an unusual pigmentation. Once rolled and dried it creates a purple tone when infused in hot water. It delivers an herbaceous flavour and is good for the body.  I’d say that purple tea is one of the hidden delights of Kenya! My Workers Wake Up blend also contains Kenyan tea. In this case, it is the deep flavours of black tea, combined with Sri Lankan and Indian black tea. If you enjoy a stronger brew, with rich malty flavours, this will help you get through the day! Returning to the UK On my return to the UK, I’ll be heading straight to Waddesdon Manor. Holy Cow Tea will be there every Wednesday to Sunday afternoon for the Christmas Market. So, come and taste a selection of my teas and tisanes, which might include Kenyan Purple Tea on some days! I hear the aviary at Waddesdon has a few Brown Breasted Barbets in its collection. These red-headed birds are native to woodlands in Kenya and surrounding countries. If I don’t spot one out there, I might see if I can catch a glance when I’m up at the Manor!  

A Taste of Ascot Through the summer, I’ve been taking Holy Cow Teas to a wide range of festivals. This has included CarFest, Chilli Fest and a Fine Food Festival at Ascot Racecourse. I thought I’d give you a behind-the-scenes taste of what’s involved and why I keep going back for more! Great Taste at Ascot My Chic Lady Grey received a Great Taste Awards star. This offers a mark of quality and opens up the doors to several events that are held across the UK. A new one for this year was being part of the Fine Food Festival weekend at Ascot Racecourse, held at the start of September. Once you commit to a stall, the first challenge is completing all the necessary paperwork. That includes passes for your vehicle and anyone assisting me at the event. Then there is preparing the equipment, stock and all the finishing details that showcase the products and enable us to serve customers. The previous weekend, I had launched Hot Choffee, a beverage containing cocoa nibs, dandelion leaves and chilli at Waddesdon Chilli Fest, so I was keen to get more feedback by including this in my tea-tasting selection. To cater for all tastes, I also decided on the following teas for this event: Milk Oolong – a straight Chinese tea, with a mild and creamy flavour Fruit Bouquet – a sweet and tangy tisane containing hibiscus, apple and rose Road to Marrakesh – a black Ceylon tea blended with a delicate spice mix, which we call ‘a hug in a cup’ Everyday Chai – A stronger Assam tea and spice blend, which was prepared in the traditional way with almond milk and sugar Chic Lady Grey – Our Great Taste bergamot infused Ceylon, with blue cornflower, sweet orange and lime. Setting Up With a car full of tables, crates and stock, I headed off to Ascot on Thursday to set up the stand. I’m very grateful to Loretta, who came to give me a hand. Finding the right entrance was the first challenge – thank goodness for what3words! At this event, we were given a stand, rather than a marquee. This was within a covered area, although open to the elements on one side. It was a wet and windy day, so fortunately the rules about parking the car quite a walk from the venue and transferring stock on our pull-along trailer were abandoned. We pulled up near the stands, unloaded and got the main elements set up. The wind was strong enough to be blowing the bins over, so we kept the stock in the boxes and hoped everything would still be standing the following morning. I have to say, we’ve experienced every type of weather at this year’s events; often four seasons in one day! On the way home the engine light came on in the car. Day One of the Ascot Festival My son had to catch the train to work, as I needed to borrow his car! This time, I collected Catherine en route, but the change of car meant extra authorisation was needed before we were let in. Fortunately, the wind had died down and everything was still standing, so we set to work displaying our 33 varieties of teas. We included a selection of tea accessories and then prepared teas for tasting. I love seeing the final layout; it looks fantastic! I’ll be honest, ticket sales on this day were low and the morning seemed especially quiet. However, we did entice some beautifully dressed guests to sample our teas. We enjoy sharing information on the ingredients, origins and health benefits of our teas, as well as answering questions on brewing times and serving suggestions. Creating Connections Meeting with other stallholders is a highlight of events. As small, independent businesses they are passionate about their products and I love hearing about what’s gone into the great tastes. At this event, we sampled some delicious foods including: Ruci’s Sri Lanka Chutney I am Carnivore Biltong Louisa’s Honey Sublime Butter Before Chocolate Pastries’ Pastel de Nata We also met with Half the Story, a social enterprise organisation that makes melt-in-the-mouth biscuits. Headed up by a chef, they employ people who’ve experienced homelessness, teaching them bakery skills and paying them the living wage. The biscuit packs are supplied to conference venues and hospitality companies. They were looking for bakeries that could help roll out the scheme across the country, as well as buyers and potential stakeholders. Conversations were also had with a visitor from True Food Kitchen, an Asian restaurant on the Isle of Wight and another from the Women in Food organisation. These are valuable connections that are only made when you get out to events. Final Race of the Day We headed outside to watch the final horse race of the day speed past. Then, it was time to pack up and drive home, knowing I’d be back for more the following day. An evening cleaning teapots and restocking ahead, before preparing fresh chai in the morning. I should get an early night, but that’s not in my nature. Thankfully, my energy supplies are fuelled by premium quality tea!

Mountain Tea & Matcha in Montenegro Last month, my husband and I headed off for a holiday to Montenegro. This Balkan state is an unspoilt wonder and was the first ecological state in the world. If you love natural scenery, you’ll be awestruck when visiting the national parks. In addition, there is a rich historic culture which is showcased in some impressive buildings and cultural ceremonies. If you’d like to find out more, read on! Visiting Montenegro Visiting Montenegro is like stepping back in time. Modern conveniences aren’t commonplace, but that makes it a hidden gem and the perfect escape. Just switch off and enjoy all that the country has to offer. The name translates as ‘black mountain’ and if you love mountains, canyons and lakes, you will not be disappointed. Festivals Throughout the Year One fact that instantly appealed to me about Montenegro is that the people love to get dressed up in costume to dance and sing. As in many cultures, music and dance are the traditional means of storytelling. It’s how the younger generations learn about their heritage. I was particularly taken by the intricately stitched folk costumes. The design work on jackets is finished with gold thread and they add a regal feel to every celebration. These costumes are family heirlooms and you can only imagine the hours that have gone into their creation. Camellia Festival If you’ve read my other tea posts, you’ll know that all teas originate from Camellia sinensis. So, I was intrigued to discover that Stoliv in Montenegro holds a Camellia festival every April. However, it turns out that this celebration has nothing to do with tea, it’s the pinky-red blooms that steal the show. Legend has it that a local sailor returned to Stoliv from Japan and brought the gift of a beautiful plant for his wife. This exotic bloom thrived in the Mediterranean climate and spread. Camellia plants now adorn this coastal region, bringing joy and colour to residents and visitors. There is a real appreciation for nature in this state and that is reflected in the celebration days. Montenegro also holds festivals for the Olive, Blueberry, Mushroom, Mimosa and Vine. These plants have helped sustain and provide an income for years, so it makes sense. What is Mountain Tea? Coffee is the beverage of choice in Montenegro, but I heard people mentioning mountain tea. Curiosity got the better of me, so I had to find out more! It turns out that it is common for people to forage for wild herbs as they walk through the mountainous regions of the state. These are widely used to make herbal infusions for the family. The varieties of plants that grow wild include menta (mint), kamilica (chamomile), pelim (sage), hajducica (yarrow) and kantarion (St John’s Wort). As you can see, these are ingredients commonly found in herbal infusions. So, not technically a tea, but a natural beverage with plenty of health benefits. However, if you visited the home of a Montenegrin, you probably wouldn’t be offered a cup of mountain tea. More likely, it would be Rakija or Sljivovica, both are brandy-based drinks that are a national speciality. Matcha Tea for Breakfast One of my favourite breakfasts at the hotel was Matcha Tea Yogurt with Fresh Fruits & Granola. As with the Camellia plant, matcha tea originates from Japan, not Montenegro, but has made its way into the chef’s ingredients. Being served this delicious meal at the start of the day reminded me that Matcha Tea will be added to our range of Holy Cow Teas this summer. What is Matcha Tea? Matcha is a unique tea for several reasons: Firstly, the tea leaves are shade-grown to increase the quantity of chlorophyl in the leaves. This gives it the most vibrant colour, fewer bitter polyphenols and more sweet L-theanine amino acids. Then, the hand-picked leaves are steamed to preserve and prevent oxidisation and then dried. Then the stalks, stems and veins are removed from the fleshy leaf with the assistance of fans. The leaves are then ground with stone mills into a fine powder very slowly to avoid heat building up from the grinding. This process produces merely 40g per hour.  Unlike other teas which are infused in water, the Matcha powder is added to water and whisked in a large bowls for drinking during the Japanese Tea Ceremony. As you are consuming the tea leaves, rather than an infusion, the flavour is more intense and the consistency is thicker and frothy. Matcha is also considerably higher in antioxidants, nutrients and caffeine than infused tea. Although it’s a popular drink in Japan, it’s not to everyone’s taste. However, the powder can be added to a wide range of recipes to give you the nutritional benefits. This brings me back to my holiday breakfast, where Matcha was mixed into yogurt. You might add the powder to your favourite cookie dough mix or sponge cake recipe. It could be mixed into soup or used to enhance the flavour of sauces. Or, on a hot day, coconut yogurt & matcha ice lollies could hit the spot! My Next Adventure So, now it’s back to business, with a diary full of events and farmer’s markets to keep me busy through the summer months. However, I do have another exciting adventure planned for later in the year. It’s a destination where I know there are tea plantations…more on that in a future article!

Do you have plans to be healthier in 2024? If so, I can let you know of one easy step to take you in the right direction. Drink herbal tisanes. Yes, it is as simple as that! For a start, these natural ‘tea’ blends are caffeine-free. What’s more, they contain low or no calories. There are many other health benefits when you drink herbal tisanes, so let me tell you more. What is a Herbal Tisane? More commonly referred to as herbal tea, a tisane contains no tea (Camellia sinensis) leaves. Instead, these drinks are created from natural herbs, spices and edible flowers. Tisanes can be as simple as freshly picked mint leaves infused in water. More often, they are a blend of multiple plants for a complex balance of flavours. Plants have long been used as medicines. They are known to have beneficial properties for treating the body and mind. This is because they contain a wide range of natural minerals, vitamins and nutrients. So, by infusing plants in water, you gain essential hydration for the body and an extra health boost. Health Benefits of Herbal Tisanes Herbal tisanes of all varieties contain antioxidants. These protect the body from potentially damaging environmental factors. Tisanes also aid the detoxification of the body’s defence systems and, being caffeine-free, they can help to calm the mind. In addition, certain ingredients are known to have specific health benefits. Let’s give you some examples: Chamomile Chamomile is soothing, helping to relax the body, calm skin complaints and promote sleep. This makes it an ideal ingredient in bedtime drinks. In a Harvard Health study*, the benefits of consuming this humble plant included a reduced risk of heart disease, anxiety and premenstrual cramps. Our Chamomile & Rose tisane is a smooth drink that reminds me of the aromas of summer in an English garden. Drink it to lower stress and aid relaxation at the end of another busy day. Hibiscus Hibiscus is good for digestion and is known as an anti-viral, immunity cleanser. It is ideal for this time of year, helping you to stave off colds and other winter ills. The study also suggests that Hibiscus can lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol. However, it recommends not to drink herbal tisanes containing hibiscus within 4 hours of taking aspirin. Our Fruit Bouquet tisane blends hibiscus with sweet apple, rosehip and jasmine blossom for a tangy and revitalising drink. I find it is a great boost when you hit that mid-afternoon slump. Rosehip Rosehip is extremely rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for maintaining healthy skin, blood and bones. It also aids the body’s healing process. In addition to the Fruit Bouquet tisane, we include rosehip in Something Sweet. Here, it is blended with cocoa nibs, strawberry pieces, hibiscus and rooibos leaves to tantalise the palette. Drinking rooibos, also known as red bush, is an effective way to balance blood sugar levels and reduce blood pressure. So, this tisane packs a health punch! Mint Mint is easy to grow in British gardens, however, this plant spreads, so it’s advisable to grow it in a pot. Simply pick the fresh leaves and immerse them in boiling water for a refreshing drink. Mint aids digestion and opens up the nasal cavity to increase airflow into the body. In addition, you are left with fresh breath. Our Moroccan Mint tea is a top seller. We’ve blended mint with Chinese gunpowder green tea, red peppercorns and sunflower petals. It’s a tea, not a tisane but it’s still packed with beneficial ingredients! Switch to Herbal Tisanes If you’ve made resolutions to boost your health in 2024, the gym isn’t the only option. What we put into our bodies makes a big difference to how we feel. Regular hydration is vital for health and herbal tisanes offer so much more. So, will you ditch at least one coffee or fizzy drink a day and switch to herbal tisanes?   * https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-health-benefits-of-3-herbal-teas

For the Love of Tea Did you know…on becoming the highest scorer for Premier League team Liverpool, Mohamed Salah commented that he would celebrate at home with a cup of Chamomile Tea? He is not the only person to enjoy a brew. According to Statista* data, 8,872,280 of the UK population enjoy 2-3 cups of tea a day, whilst 7,333,430 have 4 or more. This includes black teas, green teas and herbal infusions. I know I’m in the second category! Putting the kettle on and offering a cup of tea is a widespread welcome for visitors to your home or workplace. It is also a great way to warm up on cold British days. This might be a reason why Egyptian-born Salah wants a cuppa after a match! National Tea Day® On Friday 21 April, the nation is invited to unite in solidariTEA for National Tea Day®, an annual event organised by The Tea Group. This offers a great excuse to bring family and friends together for a tea tasting, afternoon tea or simply a catch up with a cuppa. For 2023, National Tea Day® is dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II. Cake bakers, cafes and restaurants around the country are being invited to bake and decorate cakes inspired by the Queen’s collection of hats. These regal creations could offer the perfect accompaniment to your chosen brew. I invite you to use the occasion to sample a different tea to your usual brew. In the UK, we favour black tea, known globally as English Breakfast Tea. However, there are many other teas, all originating from the Camellia sinensis tea bushes. The difference is how they are processed after hand-picking. One of the most popular blends in our tea range is Festival Vanilla Chai, a blend of Assam and Ceylon black tea with warm and sweet spices. Have you tried our award-winning Chic Lady Grey; a delicate tea which is the ideal option for a traditional afternoon tea? Maybe I can tempt you to try something completely different, such as Chinese Milk Oolong, Pai Mu Dan white peony tea or Japanese Sencha green tea. Each has a rich history and is prized as a quality drink in countries across the globe. Let me know your thoughts if you decide to sample them! First Flush Darjeeling Tea producers and traders have had concerns about supplies of Darjeeling Tea this year. A prolonged dry spell, lasting 4 months, had the potential to affect the growth of the tender new leaves that provide the much coveted First Flush. Fortunately, rain fell in the region at the start of March, bringing hope of more downpours and a favourable crop. Let me share 3 facts about Darjeeling tea: Darjeeling Tea was the first product to receive India’s Geographical Identification (GI) tag. Like Champagne in France and Cheddar Cheese in England, this means that only tea grown in the region can use the name. Reducing the cost of transporting tea, ready for export, led to the building of the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway. This feat of engineering still offers a breath-taking ride up into the hills and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. First Flush Darjeeling accounts for 20-25% of the region’s annual tea production and is renowned for its quality. The majority is exported to Europe and Japan, two tea drinking nations. Some of it makes its way to Holy Cow Tea, as we proudly stock premium Darjeeling First Flush! Whilst Darjeeling is a world-renowned premium tea, a new rival is on the horizon. The Rise of Nepalese Tea I’ve yet to try it, however, there is a growing interest in Nepalese-grown tea, even in India. Nepal has hilly, fertile land that is ideal for tea plantations and produces orthodox and Cut, Tear, Curl (CTC) varieties. Currently, most tea plantations are small, making export in large quantities an issue. They also lack a coordinated system for certifying the origin of the tea. However, Nepalese tea has proved popular at international tea events. At present, it is also sold at a lower price than teas from India. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to give it a try and when I do, I’ll share my verdict. Time for Tea In my book, it’s always time for tea. However, make a point of coming together to share a brew on National Tea Day®. Will you also buy, or bake, a cake disguised as the late Queen’s hat? I love to see it if you do!   * https://www.statista.com/statistics/302046/tea-usage-frequency-in-the-uk/    

The Best in Show Glorious sunshine, wedding celebrations, holidays and time with friends and family meant August flew by. Then it was all hands to the deck, making final preparations for our stand at Bucks County Show. The tradition of a County Show date back over 250 years in the UK. The first event was held in Lancashire, by the Salford Agricultural Society. It is an opportunity for the rural, agricultural community to meet and showcase their livestock, farming skills and produce. Spectators enjoy a taste of the countryside, entertaining displays and a connection with nature. Tea Tasting at Bucks County Show Thursday 1 September marked Buckinghamshire’s 153 rd county show. In addition to the tractors, dog shows, BMX rider displays and farm animals, were a selection of local stallholders, including Holy Cow. On this occasion, we decided to focus on tea tasting and sales. Autumn seemed to arrive overnight, so tea proved to be a wise decision. A dip in the temperature gave added appeal to tea tasting and it was wonderful to welcome lots of people to our stall. Thank you to everyone who came over for a chat, both visitors and stallholders, you made our day! All flavours of tea were sampled throughout the day, including our Chic Lady Grey, which received a Great Taste Award Star in the summer! By far the most popular tea was Spiced Masala Chai; our best in show! Delicious and instantly warming, it is a wonderful drink for Autumn and Winter. Our bespoke Chai is a blend of loose leaf, black Assam tea with cinnamon, ginger, aniseed, cardamom, cloves and red peppercorns, with safflower and sunflower petals. It’s always a big hit. Original county shows are likely to have had a tea and cake stall, along with a baking competition, but not Indian spiced tea, Jasmine infusions or Chinese green tea. It’s great that these events have evolved to fully represent the local community. As with our tea, there is the perfect blend of tradition with a modern twist. We’re on the Hunt for Events The buzz and interaction of events are something we relish, so we’re on the lookout for new opportunities in 2023. Are you hosting a food & drink or gift event? As a fellow stallholder, what events would you recommend? We know plenty is happening in Buckinghamshire and beyond, so where should we go next? Talking of events, the Holy Cow Community team is now busy finalising the details for the Aylesbury Festival of Lights on Sunday 30 October 22. You are invited to join this community celebration, which promises music, dance and an early evening lantern parade. The event will take place in the gardens of the Discover Bucks Museum. Have you visited the Discover Bucks Museum? Aylesbury’s Discover Bucks Museum has been refurbished, have you visited it? If so, you may have spotted me, Poonam, in the collection of black and white images, showing the faces of Buckinghamshire through time. As an organiser of the Festival of Lights community event and a local business owner, I was delighted to be part of this project. The new displays focus not simply on displaying artefacts but on highlighting their connection with the people and places that form our community. From mammoth teeth excavated from College Lake and Roman busts discovered in Stoke Mandeville, to the birds and butterflies that can be spotted in our gardens, there is plenty to see. Whilst there, why not enjoy the museum café? They are one of the latest stockists of Holy Cow tea, so you can enjoy a premium cuppa! Get in touch with me, Poonam, if your café, restaurant or shop is interested in stocking Holy Cow Teas. Equally let me know about those upcoming events!

Every year, thousands of food and drink products are entered into the Great Taste Awards. This year our Chic Lady Grey tea was one of them. We are proud to announce that our loose leaf, premium blend was awarded a star! Taste Award Judging For the last 28 years, a panel of food experts, including critics, chefs, writers and restauranteurs gather to sample products that are commercially available in the UK. To ensure no bias is made in terms of elaborate packaging or familiar brands, this is a blind tasting process. The outcome is determined entirely by taste. The majority of entries do not qualify for a prestigious star, which is recognised as a stamp of excellence amongst retailers, food buyers and consumers. One star is presented to around 25% of entries, with a smaller number being awarded two or three stars. Our Chic Lady Grey Tea The judges awarded our Chic Lady Grey a one star and commented that it is “a fresh, lively and crisp infusion with high citrus notes. Astringency is marked, but the balance of flavours in the tea works well”. This tea can now be sold with the black and gold Great Taste Award sticker. It is part of our business plan to increase the supply of tea to retailers, restaurants and cafes and we believe this accreditation will help us to convince buyers that we have a high-quality range of teas. Read more about the Taste Awards and Lady Grey Tea in the Holy Cow Home blog.

Tea is the national drink of China and it is offered in a rainbow of colours. Green tea is widely enjoyed, with Yellow, White, Oolong, Black and Dark (fermented) teas extending the colour spectrum. In the UK, black tea is favoured and very little is known about Oolong and White teas. Let’s discover some of the traditions, processes and flavour pairings that surround these Chinese favourites. What is Oolong Tea? Believed to have originated in the Beiyuan Tea Gardens, Oolong tea grows in mountainous terrain. It thrives in Taiwan and China’s Fujian and Guangdong Provinces. Oolong sits between black and green teas in both flavour and aromatic qualities. When picked, leaves are withered before being partially oxidised in the sun. This can be as little as 15% or as much as 85% of the oxidisation used to process black tea.  Lower oxidation results in a light, floral taste, whilst fuller body and fruity or nutty flavours are achieved through higher oxidation. The leaves are traditionally processed over charcoal or wood and the long leaves are bruised, rolled and compressed to form loose leaf tea. Oolong tea cannot be confined to a teabag. When steeped in water, the long leaves need space to unfurl and release their flavour. Once open, the leaves can be brewed several times, so one spoonful can produce multiple cups of tea. This is good news, as in China, Oolong is said to aid weight loss and enhance natural beauty! The distinctive flavour of Oolong teas makes them a perfect pairing for smoked meats, cheeses and seafood. For dessert, they compliment fruity puddings and chocolate. Oolong and the Gong Fu Cha Chinese Tea Ceremony Traditionally, Oolong tea is associated with the Gong Fu Cha Chinese tea ceremony. Developed in the Qing Dynasty, this is a mindful process; the careful preparation of the drink is the only point of focus.  A dedicated Oolong teapot is used, as this ensures that the flavours are not contaminated by other teas. Poured into small cups, the tea is sipped and slurped. This may seem like bad manners, however, it aerates the tea, releasing the full complexity of delicate flavours.  Tea Recommendations: What Oolong should I Try? Holy Cow Home currently stocks two Oolong Teas. Our Wuyi Oolong has an earthy, slightly smoked flavour, which might appeal if you enjoy Lapsang souchong and Assam. Milk Oolong has a sweet and creamy flavour. This is one of my favourites and it is generally more palatable to western tastebuds. What is White Tea? White tea is picked in early spring when the youngest, freshest buds have yet to open into leaves. They are quickly dried, with minimal oxidisation and processing. The fact that they are not bruised, crushed or rolled results in a delicately flavoured tea. In Chinese traditions, loose leaf white tea was known as Imperial tea. This is because it was presented to the Emperors as an annual gift; much like a form of tax. Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yin Zhen), is considered the purest type of loose-leaf white tea. This is grown exclusively in the Fuijan Province of China. Another leading variety is White Peony, also known as Pai Mu Dan.  White tea is designed to be sipped and savoured like a fine wine, not gulped as a thirst-quenching drink. It can take a few tastings to get used to the subtle taste. Then you may detect the floral, herby base with sweet honey and peach tones. Due to its light flavour, white tea is easily overpowered by many foods. It works well as a palate-cleansing pre-meal drink. In terms of food pairings, try it with white fish or that afternoon tea classic, the cucumber sandwich. White and Oolong Tea Tasting Are you intrigued to try Premium Oolong and White teas? These exclusive varieties are expensive options. For this reason, you may like the opportunity to try before you buy. We offer tea tasting experiences at events throughout the year. Follow us on Facebook or sign up to receive our newsletter and be the first to hear about our tea tastings.

Britain is a tea-drinking nation, with 96% of the population opting for tea bags, but is it time to switch to loose leaf tea? Tea Bags: Convenience and Price There is no doubt that tea bags are low cost. In the supermarket, you can buy a pack of 80 own-brand tea bags for around £1.00. They are also quick to brew and convenient to use. It is no wonder that they are a popular choice. In contrast, it can be difficult to find a loose leaf tea stockist and you pay considerably more for a packet. In addition, the process of brewing the tea is more complex; you need tea accessories, such as infusers or strainers to make your cuppa. So, why do we choose to be a loose leaf tea supplier? Loose Leaf tea; Quality and Sustainability For us, nothing beats the aromas and flavours that are delivered by premium loose leaf tea. To understand the difference, it is important to know how tea is produced. Tea Production All tea originates from the fresh, new leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are picked at optimum times in the season. For black tea, these leaves are dried, oxidised and rolled in carefully controlled processes, designed to enhance the flavour. Premium tea comes from the whole or broken leaves. These hold the flavour until they are infused in boiling water, creating a fresh and delicious drink with a distinctive taste. Our loose leaf tea range is made with whole or broken leaves. In the process, some particles are too small to be classed as broken leaves; they are classified as fannings. Fannings are lower cost to buy and are sold as loose tea or are used in more expensive tea bags. With a large surface area, these particles brew more quickly than full leaves. When the fannings are collected, the residue is tea dust. This is not wasted. Tea dust is swept up and sold – this is what you find when you open up any mass-produced teabag. Yes, it is the taste that we are familiar with, but we know that our tastebuds deserve better than that. The Traceability of Tea At Holy Cow Tea, we value traceability. We only want to buy from producers that provide fair working conditions and pay and are mindful of the local environment. Whilst enjoying a cuppa, we want to know that it isn’t at the expense of workers or habitats in tea-producing countries. Traceability is possible when sourcing whole leaf and broken leaf tea. It is more difficult with fannings and dust. The reason is, they are bought in bulk from multiple producers and mixed together. This approach also means missing out on the unique flavours that come from single-origin teas. Brewing the Perfect Cup of Tea We all prefer our tea to be served in a certain way. In Britain, it is usual to add milk, but in Europe, a squeeze of lemon is preferred. In much of Asia just the tea, steeped in water is enjoyed. Some herbal infusions and green teas are sweetened with sugar; Moroccan Mint being a prime example. Whether you like a weak tea or a strong ‘builders’ brew the leaves need time to steep in the boiling water to bring out the flavour. With dust, the process is quick; it is one of the reasons that make tea bags convenient. With leaf tea, it takes several minutes for the colour and flavour to steep in the water and transform it into a perfect cuppa. Although a little more time-consuming, we relish this process. It allows a few moments to switch off from the usual routine, unwind and gather your thoughts. In Japanese, Chinese and Russian tea ceremonies, the time it takes to prepare and share tea is as important as the drink. Even the British tradition of Afternoon Tea, we never skipped on the preparation of the teapot, the brewing time and the pouring from height to aerate the drink. In a world where everything seems to be a rush, why not favour the time taken to prepare a proper cup of tea over the convenience of a teabag? Tea in Plastic-free Packaging The final point in favour of loose leaf tea is that the vast majority of teabags contain plastic. They are not biodegradable and when you think about how much tea we drink that is a problem. Our loose leaf tea packaging is 100% compostable or recyclable. Our tea accessories include caddies, which are ideal for storing your favourite blend. Loose Leaf or Tea Bags in Summary Hopefully, this article has enlightened you as to why mass-produced tea bags are cheaper and more convenient. We also hope you understand why we favour the quality, flavour, longer brewing time, traceability and sustainability of premium loose leaf teas.

The majority of us will have enjoyed a cup of tea today, but have we stopped to think about where tea comes from?  Did you know that all tea originates from one plant; Camellia sinensis. All black and green teas are related, what differentiates them is: The variety of this speciesThe environment in which the plant grows When it is pickedHow it is processedThe grade of tea The UK is full of tea drinkers, however, our climate is not ideal for growing this plant. A recent enterprise means tea is now being grown in Scotland, but it is early days. We remain largely reliant on growers in India, China, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Japan to maintain our supplies. The mountainous regions of these countries provide the light, acidic, free-draining soils and moist, tropical climates that result in a reliable crop. Tea Varieties We all have a favourite brew, but according to the UK Tea and Infusions Association, there are around 1,500 varieties. Are we right to stick with what we know, or is it time to be a little more adventurous? English Breakfast is a popular choice, with Assam, Darjeeling, Earl Grey and Green tea being familiar alternatives. Through our articles and tea tasting experiences, we may help you to discover new favourites. Tea Oxidation After picking, the leaves are oxidised – minimal for green tea, partial oxidation for white and Oolong tea and full oxidation for black tea.  The oxidation process creates a deeper, rich flavour, but also reduced the concentration of naturally-occurring antioxidants. Globally, black tea is the most popular for taste, whilst green tea has greater health benefits. Which do you prefer? The Origins of the word ‘Tea’ China was the first nation to cultivate Camellia sinensis, the tea plant. The green, unprocessed leaves have a bitter taste and the drink was named ‘tu’ meaning bitter vegetable. In Mandarin, ‘cha’ is the word for tea. The story is that when the scholar Lu Yu wrote Cha Jing (The Classic of Tea) in 760BC, he missed a cross stroke from the character ‘tu’. This created the word ‘cha’. In India, most dialects use a variation of ‘cha’ (often the Hindi word ‘chai’), following the Mandarin pronunciation which carried from China’s Yunnan province, via Persia (where it was altered to ‘chay’), to India! Chai is used across India to this day. In Britain, we say tea. This goes back to the Fujian province of China, where the local dialect meant that the ‘tu’ symbol was pronounced ‘te’. When the Dutch started shipping tea from China to Europe, this was the word used.  Orthodox Tea and CTC Tea If you are interested in learning more about tea, you may come across the phrases ‘orthodox tea’ and ‘CTC tea’, but what does this mean? Orthodox tea is picked and rolled by hand following the century’s old tea traditions. These extract the full flavour of the tea. CTC – Crush, Tear, Curl, is a faster method of tea production, where specialist tea processing machines undertake much of the work. We are an orthodox tea supplier. Whether CTC or broken orthodox tea, the process of breaking the leaves increases the surface area that will be exposed to the hot water during the brewing process. This, along with rolling or curling the leaves helps to maximise the release of the flavours. We favour orthodox teas, for several reasons. Firstly, they are the highest quality option. The traditional processes also provide work for rural communities in tea-growing regions. It is important to us that we are an ethical tea supplier, so we value traceability. We source from plantations that provide fair working conditions, pay and sustainable practices. Loose Leaf Teas Our selection of loose leaf teas contains whole or broken tea leaves. They are categorised into straight teas and tea blends. Straight teas are pure leaves, sourced from a specific region and include our Assam, Darjeeling and Sencha. Our speciality tea blends are a recipe of straight teas, combined with other teas, herbs, spices and edible flowers. If you are new to loose leaf, you will need a tea strainer to prevent the leaves from ending up in your teacup. If you are unsure about which flavours will appeal to your tastebuds, keep an eye out for our tea-tasting sessions and tea experiences. Our smallest bags contain 50g of quality loose leaf tea, which would you like to try?