Tea is the world’s second most popular beverage (after water) and in England we drink more tea than anyone (2 cups a day on average – a third of people in England don’t drink coffee at all). Unlike Finns (who drink around 4 cups of black coffee each day!) Tea has less caffeine, it’s cheaper and (combined with a good chat) solves nearly everything!
NHS recommends no more than 2 cups weak tea daily (if any) for pregnancy/nursing or 1 cup mild coffee. Avoid some herb teas (like hibiscus) for pregnancy/nursing. Due to caffeine, just bin leaves after use to avoid harming compost creatures. Serve in (not bone china) cups with organic plant milk, lemon or honee!
There are only a few good brands of tea (most use ‘dusty leftovers’ in PLA (bio-plastic) bags, so you’re drinking microplastics when you pour hot water on them. Most brands use plastic-free string, but never leave out in gardens as it can choke birds or wildlife.
Brew Tea is made with whole rolled leaves (not dust) as loose leaf or bags in colourful tins. From English breakfast to Earl Grey, these teas (made in Manchester) earn ‘brew coins’ online that can be used to ‘buy’ Borosilicate glass teapots and mugs.
Choosing organic tea also means workers on plantations don’t have to wear protective clothing in hot weather. Also check teas are elephant-friendly (plantation owners don’t shoot, poison or electrocute herds that trample through plantations, when looking for food due to reduced habitats).
All tea is from the camellia bush; different types are simply due to how much leaves are oxidised. Green and white (the healthiest) hardly at all, and black (most people’s favourite) is stronger but still healthy. Herbal infusions are not ‘teas’ but can be made from locally-grown herbs (peppermint, nettle, chamomile).
The tradition of ‘afternoon tea’ started in 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford would get hungry at 4pm and ordered tea with ‘bread and butter and cake!’
Clipper makes good organic teas in plastic-free packaging including white teas (young buds that are gently oxidised to create a healthy cup of antioxidants in fruity flaours like raspberry). Their herbal range is extensive though you’ll likely have to shop online to go beyond peppermint or chamomile (nettles, licorice, fennel and dandelion).
a refreshing glass of iced tea, y’all!
It’s surprising why iced tea is not more popular outside the Deep South (‘can I offer you some sweet iced tea, y’all?!) This Long Island Iced Tea (Crowded Kitchen) is naturally sweetened with sugar or agave and even contains a little booze (you can still leave it out, as the tea and citrus still keeps the flavour).
a set of washable linen tea bags
An alternative to tea bags is to use loose tea with washable linen tea bags. Featuring quotes to inspire your day, wash with biodegradable washing-up liquid and rinse/line-dry after each use, and occasionally soak in a 1 part cleaning vinegar to two parts water (then rinse).
