Chai Wallah Margate – Tropical Punch

Time for Tea Please?

Who doesn’t love a tea blend made for summer perfect not just hot but iced cold too. So thanks to Chai Wallah Margate, I’m able to try their Tropical Punch.

Chai Wallah Margate

(Direct from website)Chai Wallah Margate was born after falling in love with the country that invented chai – India. With a desire to source high quality chai upon returning to the UK and finding it difficult, nigh on impossible, we decided that the only thing to do was create our own. This allowed the freedom to experiment with the flavours we loved and find different blends that reflect our every mood.

A delicious taste was not enough however, each blend has been individually hand-crafted to be as beautiful and fragrant as it is delicious, to create an all-round sensuous tea drinking experience. We spend enough time rushing around in our everyday lives, the very act of taking the time out for yourself to enjoy a restorative cup of tea is important and shouldn’t be underestimated. Having expanded from chai alone to stocking a variety of unusual blends and exotic twists on the classics, Chai Wallah Margate is perfect for the adventurous tea drinker.

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link: https://www.chaiwallahmargate.co.uk

Tropical Punch

For this blend, Chai Wallah uses: apple pieces, rosehip, orange peel, desiccated coconut, pineapple, passion fruit, pomegranate flowers, sunflower petals, natural flavouring.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with an intense fruity aroma. All the fruity flavours give one massive punch of tropical blend which certainly makes your mouth water!

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state. However the aroma isn’t quite as intense the flavours have mellowed out but still give off the tropical vibe.

The brewed liquid is that of a bright yellow ornagery colouring a bit like a sunflower.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip, and i am hooked!

Every single flavour is working in perfect harmony. So much so that there isn’t really a stand-out flavour. It’s doing exactly like the blend is named “tropical punch” .

At times, the blend gives off pina colada vibes with the tropical tones mixed with the coconut. Although primarily the blend tastes more a mix of the apple and passion fruit and the pineapple which provide the blend with perfect sweet and sour notes.

The use of the floral aspects within the blend adds an almost lighter mellow aspect to the blend, which only enhances the fruity flavours.

This blend is also the perfect brew for brewing as long as possible as this only enhances the punch!

This tea blend is so versatile as it’s one that will be perfect hot or cold or even as part of a blend for a spritzer. Perfect for a summers evening.

Happy Sipping 🙂

Only Coco- Ice Cream Matcha

Time for Tea Please?

A tea tasting first for me tea chocolate! Thanks to Only Coco i’m able to try their Ice Cream Matcha, white chocolate.

Only Coco

(Direct from website)

Handmade, single-origin Chocolate Single-origin, artisan, handmade Chocolate from East Sussex… how did we get here?

We first started our little chocolate business in 2016 with a small broken chocolate machine (fondly known as Lilly) from the Welsh valleys. We got to work, curating the best recipes and designs for our chocolate bars, sourcing only the best chocolate from around the world. All we needed was huge enthusiasm, truck loads of creativity and most importantly, a focus to bring quality handmade chocolate to the market.

Ice Cream Matcha

For this chocolate bar Only Coco blends: White Chocolate (sugar, cocoa butter, whole milk powder, vanilla), Bird & Blend Tea Co’s Ice Cream Matcha (Japanese matcha green tea, carob powder, natural flavouring). Cocoa solids 31.5% minimum.

First taste and I am hooked.

It’s quite hard to explain the taste but think matcha come jelly and ice cream vibes.

This bar is made so that you are able to taste all of its individual flavours matcha, white chocolate and ice cream. They don’t over power each other just work in complete harmony.

The matcha ice cream with the white chocolate provide a creamyness to its taste with a slight earthyness of the matcha.

The matcha adds to the green colouring of the chocolate but this doesn’t put your eating it , if anything it adds to its uniqueness.

The chocolate itself is fantastic quality it’s the perfect about crisp crunch with an amazing snap to it. Smelling just like it tastes.

I’d certainly like this chocolate with a bowl of ice cream for summers treat.

Happy Sipping 🙂

Cocoon Tea Artisans – Green Quince Tea

Time for Tea Please?

I’m always a hit and miss kinda green tea drinker but hopefully with the help of Cocoon Tea Artisans they are going to give me a green tea that’s a hit!

Cocoon Tea Artisans

(Direct from website)

We love tea. Always have, always will. And that’s where our journey began.  

As our love for tea turned into a passion, we put a lot of work and heart into learning everything about it. In 2016, we decided to dedicate our time doing what we love and created Cocoon Tea Artisans.

There are many reasons why we love tea. There are the endless aromas and flavors that we’ll never get tired of exploring. There are the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that the original tea plant Camellia Sinensis has to offer the body. And last but not least, there’s the calming effect on the mind. 

Our mission is to make it easier to bring quality tea into your daily routine. That’s why our teas are crafted in pyramid bags to avoid mess and protect our fine blends – just like a real cocoon.

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link:https://cocoonteaartisans.com

Green Quince Tea

For this blend , Cocoon Tea Artisans uses : Green tea (70%), organic apple pieces, organic ginger, organic sunflower, natural quince flavouring (1,5%), organic cornflower petals, organic quince pieces (1%).

Upon opening the tea pouch you are hit with the aromas of the quince and apple, it’s really sweet in its smell. At this point you can’t even smell the green tea!

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to its dry state other than the floral notes are really coming through now and provide a lovely perfume sensation.

The brewed liquid is that of a greeny yellow colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked.

Like it’s aroma while brewing the taste is really floraly and purmey in equal measures. The cornflower and sunflower petals taste sensational together and with the quince and apple makes the brew natural sweet.

This blend is also giving me Turkish delight vibes.

The ginger within the blend is only really noticeable on the after taste where you get an almost peppery taste. Which adds an extra warming sensation to each sip.

You really wouldn’t even believe that your drinking a green tea. As other than it’s colouring you could easily not realise your drinking a green tea blend. Which is just perfect for me as I love benefits of a cup of green tea but not always taste.

This is a perfect summer blend as it’s light and flavoursome.

Happy Sipping 🙂

In Nature Teas – Natural Oolong

Teas with added benefits always have an extra appeal to me. In Nature Teas – Natural Oolong does just that with its detox, slimming qualities, and boosting immunity.

In Nature Teas

(Direct from website) Established in 2005, we offer an exquisite and unique range of quality loose leaf teas. We work with Independent, sustainable farmers to deliver only the freshest tea leaves from the best crops.

Our mantra is “nothing added, nothing is taken away” to ensure our produce is always fresh, organic, and natural. We are passionate about educating the customer on the many health-boosting properties of our teas, informing them on our website about the healthy properties of each tea.

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link: https://www.innatureteas.com

Natural Oolong

This blend In Nature Tea uses:

Natural Oolong Tea – also known as Nai Xiang exclusively harvested in the Mountains of Taiwan. A fresh aromatic tea with an exceptionally crisp and sweet taste. Known in Chinese as Nai Xiang-Jin Xuan, the name of this oolong tea variety – grown at high altitude in Taiwan – translates as ‘fragrant milk’.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are hit with a really fresh smelling blend with almost a light fruity undertone. Think spring fresh vibes.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing is completely different to that of its dry state. Its really earthy more like a green tea kinda smell. Oolongs are known for their freshness similar to that of a green tea.

The brewed liquid is that of a yellow brown colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip is very light and refreshing. The taste is still giving of a light green tea vibes however it’s very uplifting and almost floraly at the same time. Where it mixes the earthyness of a green tea or even a black tea mixed with a freshness you don’t tend to get from those types of teas.

The blend also has a very subtle sweetness to it so is perfect to drink straight from the brew.

This tea also has an almost milky like after taste which you tend to expect from an oolong tea.

It’s not an over powering flavour like some times have but it’s also unique too with its light floral tones and it’s refreshing sip perfect for an afternoon pick me up!

Happy Sipping 🙂

A Minor Goddess – Spirited Away

Time for Tea Please?

Trying new teas and flavour combos is always something I love todo so when A Minor Goddess offered me the chance to try their blend Spirited Away I was more than happy to oblige.

A Minor Goddess

After their favourite tea shops closed down they were inspired to start making their own tea blends in stead!

Hand crafted teas inspired by books and media.

To find out more or to try for yourself then hit the link: https://www.etsy.com/shop/aminorgoddess

Spirited Away

Tea inspired by Spirited Away….soothing mint and lavender calm your nerves while black tea leaves keep you alert. Japanese konpeito (sugar star candy) give this brew a hint of sweetness, a favorite treat of soot sprite spirits.

For this blend A Minor Godess uses :black ceylon tea, spearmint, lavender, konpeito.

How cute and interesting are the konpeito !!!

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with a sweet spearminty aroma a floral and black tea undertone.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing is still predominantly that of the mint but the lavender is also coming through now and less so that of the black tea tonnes.

The brewed liquid is that of a darker brown colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked!

I’ve never tried a black tea with the flavour of mint and lavender and they really do work.

The calming tones of the lavender and the belly tonic love and flavour from the mint work perfectly together and earn there right to be with the black tea as a perfect calming afternoon pick me up! Which blends in perfectly with the teas name.

The tea is naturally sweet and refreshing so doesn’t need the use of milk within this blend, if anything it would work better without milk at all!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Furniss

Time for Tea Please?

The perfect pairing for a cuppa to me is always a biscuit or two!

Furniss

Over 136 Years In The Baking
We’ve been crafting quality biscuits using perfected recipes since 1886.

From when John Cooper Furniss opened his first teashop in the centre of Truro, to Furniss becoming the only company in the world licensed to make The Original Cornish Fairing™ – learn about the history of Furniss by experiencing our story through an interactive timeline.

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link: https://www.furniss-foods.co.uk/

The Shortbreads

Furniss adds “They’re the flavour of long lazy days on the beach, the centrepiece of picnics on the moor and the perfect pairing for your cup of tea”.

I was really lucky to receive 6 different flavours that they currently do these included: clotted cream, Sicilian, strawberry pieces, Belgian chocolate chunks, Cornish gingerbread with dark chocolate pieces and fairings.

Sicilian Lemon Shortbread

Tea and biscuits are a classic combination and of course are the perfect pairing with a cup of tea.

Today I’ve decided to pair the tea perfectly to Furniss Shortbread and have chosen an Earl Grey tea. Perfect for not just a palate cleanser but what better pairing to go with a lemon shortbread. I love a lady grey and this way I’ve got the perfect balance of lemon and earl grey! Simply delicious on its own or teatastic together!

Furniss have made a delicious shortbread. In texture it’s everything you want and expect. It’s crunchy , crumbly yet perfectly sweet without being too much!

The sweetness is spot on it’s sweet in the way you need a shortbread to be but the Sicilian Lemon brings the citrus zing which sourness and tart side is counteracted by the overall sweetness making it the perfect pairing.

Each shortbread is perfectly made for dunking in any sized tea cup, mug etc and the crumbly nature make it perfect for absorbing the tea. Which works perfectly with an earl grey tea or I’m sure any tea of your choosing.

The Original Cornish fairings is a completely different textured biscuit. It’s more like a cookie come ginger snap with the perfect balance of crunchy and gooey. The flavour of Cornwall!

It’s flavour is lemony and spiced with the use of , Pimento, Cinnamon and Coriander. The lemon just works perfect with spiced and is a flavour combination I’ve notnhad before but it certainly works. The textures are also perfect for dunking in a cuppa as it still stays crunchy but gets extra gooey in the middle!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Palar Tea – Ginger Tea

Time for Tea Please?

Today, thanks to Rosamma and Sunny Joseph, the founders of Palar Tea I’m able to share with you their tea sent to me from India!

Palar Tea

(Direct from website)

At Palar, a village in the Idukki Hills of Western Ghats, in a land ventured into by many to grow pepper and cardamom, we grew tea naturally and sustainably and today through Palar Tea we share the goodness of our single garden orthodox teas, our soil and our land with the world. From tea growers to tea makers our journey in the world of tea making is as aromatic and flavourful as our high mountain teas.

Words from the founders :Rosamma and Sunny Joseph: All good things begin with sound health and the food we consume is the key to it. As farmers, we have learned that richness of food originates from soil. A healthy soil and healthy environment not only enhances the food it produces, but also the health and life of people consuming it.

With this belief we shifted to natural and sustainable farming methods to rejuvenate our soil and to grow our tea naturally.

Growing and making chemical free tea is our way of sharing the goodness of our land with you. We hope that you enjoy every sip of Palar Tea and wish you a healthy life.

To find out more or to try for yourselves hit the link: https://www.palartea.com

Ginger Tea

For this blend Palar Tea uses black tea and ginger.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly engulfed with a super rich ginger that really catches your attention and senses.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing is completely different to that of its dry state. It’s now almost solely that of the black tea which you are able to smell.

The brewed liquid is that of a dark brown colouring which you tend to expect with black based teas.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip is just perfect.

When Palar Tea said ginger tea they certainly weren’t lying to us!

The ginger is rich raw and spicy.

Blended with the black tea it becomes more slightly subtle . They work in perfect harmony and balance. The black tea is smooth and punchy and with the ginger it mellows yet intensifies at the same time.

The gingers peppery tones mixed with thr soothing black tea would work perfect for a pick me up if your feeling a little bit under the weather.

Palar Tea also recommend trying the tea served with milk or as a latte and with how strong this blend is in its flavour it would certainly make the perfect warming blend and afternoon pick me up!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Cup of Tea – Feel Relaxed

Time For Tea Please?

Like many of you I use a cuppa to wind down for a moment of calm. Thanks to Cup of Tea I’m trying and sharing with you their blend Feel Relaxed.

Cup of Tea

(Direct from website)

At Cup of Tea, we love all things tea!

We pride ourselves on sourcing and distributing some of the finest orthodox handpicked loose leaf teas from around the world.

Our range includes loose leaf tea, green, black, white teas and oolong.

If you love herbal tea and fruit infusions, you will find both the latest blends,classics and infusions like peppermint and English Breakfast.

Based in the heart of Somerset, England, Tea is our favourite topic and we can look back on two decades of experience

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link: https://www.cupoftea.co.uk

Feel Relaxed

For this blend Cup of Tea uses: Rooibos, flavouring, sweet blackberry leaves, lemon balm, sunflower petals, and cornflower petals.

Upon opening the tea pouch you are instantly hit with some very punchy fruity aromas. Its very sweet and does give me sweetie vibes. It certainly smells mouth watering . With a light floral under lay.

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state however the Rooibos within the blend is now coming across a lot more prominent compared to in its dry state where you couldn’t smell it at all.

The brewed liquid is of a golden orange brown. It’s almost like a mug of sunshine will is always a bonus and a much needed pick me up.

Let’s Get Sipping!

This blend is quite hard to detect one prominent flavour. They all work together just perfectly to create on taste which I couldn’t put a name too.

The sip is split into lots of different aspect but the main flavour of the sip is very much of the lemon balm mixed with the floral tones which give off an almost orangery sherbet taste.

The almost after taste of each sip is that of Rooibos with its Earthy redness and almost palate cleanser onto the next sip.

However this blend is very pleasant to sip despite no prominent flavour which isn’t a bad thing. It’s definitely relaxing so the blends name couldn’t be more perfect!

Happy Sipping 🙂

Little Foxes Bakery – Mothers Day Cookies

Time for Tea Please?

Thanks to the lovely Ellie of Little Foxes Bakery I’m able to share with you her latest postal Cookies especially designed for Mothers Day!

With Mothering Sunday coming up on March 19th its essential to make sure our mums know even more than they already do how much they mean to us so thanks to Little Foxes Bakery we can treat her even if she’s not far away or share them with her !

Little Foxes Bakery

(Direct from website and Ellie)

With a husband in the Navy and two little foxes of our own, life involves lots of baking but not many people to share it with!

I’m very much a tastes good rather than a looks good kind of baker, so whilst I’m very much in awe of fancy piping and fondant work, there’s no better way to relax for me than with a cuppa and a cookie (bonus points if both little foxes are asleep!)

My Grandpa came over to England from Latvia after WW2 ended, with 5 shillings (25p) in his pocket, on which he bought a punnet of cherries! His farm back in Latvia was called Little Foxes Farm, and he also named his new home in England, Little Foxes. So there’s no better name for my home bakery! There’s also no better way to honour my late Granny, who taught me how to bake as a child-I still have her hand scribbled on Bero recipe book!

My cookie boxes are the perfect gift to cheer someone up, share the love or treat yourself.

To find out more or to try for yourself hit the link : https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleFoxesBakery?fbclid=PAAaZGoGh9dHElQLBRxYIxH_3RfK1qmqW2Ds2Ez74bZzLVrG85BS4R9dK0dFU&load_webview=1&bid=ByH81mwhaXCHqRvIiqqa77pohKJk

Mother’s Day Cookies

Little Foxes Bakery includes 3 different types of Cookies within this collection. These are:

2x Signature cookies – Brown butter, luxury vanilla fudge and Belgjan milk and dark chocolate chunks. They’re half dipped in milk Belgian chocolate and drizzled with dark Belgian chocolate, finished off with sugar flowers and edible pink glitter.

This cookie is the perfect indulgence and doesn’t it look super pretty , definitely one for the mums. The fudge as chewiness which works perfectly with the chocolate chunks !

• 2 x chocolate dough cookies with milk and dark Belgian chocolate chunks and Hazelnut pieces, stuffed with Hazelnut chocolate spread.

This one is a Nutella lovers dream it’s sweet chocolatey and with the perfect amount of crunch! As recommended by Ellie a quick blast in the microwave and the Nutella is gooey and even more yummy!

• 2 x lemon meringue cookies, filled with lemon zest and juice, meringue pieces and white Belgian chocolate chunks

And in my opinion the best till last ! This cookies everything you want , fruity , sweet, moist and crunchy. All in proportion other than maybe not lasting long enough. The freshness and zing of lemon work perfectly and the added sweetness and crunch from meringue pieces add extra dimension to the eating experience!

Let’s Get Brewing!

Upon each order Little Foxes Bakery gifts you a Brockenhurst breakfast loose leaf teabag from the newforest tea company. As there’s nothing better than a cuppa to with biscuits well in this cake cookies!

This blend is just tealicious it’s really strong in its flavour and is the perfect palate cleanser to match each cookie. As it doesn’t over power the flavours of the cookies it just gets you ready for the next one. Perfect for dunking as well if you so wish!

I serve mine with a splash of milk and it’s still a really strong brew just the way I like it !

The strength also helps adding to cleanse the palate perfect for your next cookie!!!!

Don’t forget if you think these might be perfect for your mum then hit the link : https://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleFoxesBakery?fbclid=PAAaYrBNnXo_ZpcsE65VZCh1BwPWkNtGGnKoS-md_rcezK_d2Me4hWyorguks&load_webview=1&bid=a0H5eFRJbLKdI7goRzke31FGu0JB

Happy Sipping 🙂

Tea Enthusiasts – Orange Hibiscus Refresher

Time For Tea Please?

I use tea as the perfect pick up , a time either just for myself or recouping. This blend Orange Hibiscus Refresher should be the perfect blend for this due it’s vitamin c content! So I can’t wait to get sipping on this!

Tea Enthusiasts

(Direct from Website)The Tea Enthusiasts was founded by Mother and Daughter team Carol and Liza in 2004. Liza was the foodie with a passion for tea and Carol was a biomedical scientist who thought she had retired. It began as many businesses do in a spare room, but it quickly grew into its own premises. Liza had begun to explore the world of tea when she found the taste of coffee unpalatable during pregnancy. She was importing samples from all over the world and sharing them with friends. Its this ethos of sharing teas and knowledge with friends that still forms the foundation of the Tea Enthusiasts today.

In 2016 Carol took the decision to retire for good and Liza moved the company to a warehouse in the north of County Durham. Interestingly our building used to be a coaching inn and local pub. It had been closed for 11 years by the time we took it over and renovated but the building in some form has been on this spot since the early 1800s. From there we began to branch out from Internet sales to wholesale, stocking some of the finest delis, cafes, restaurants and shops in the region. 

To find out more / try for yourself hit the link: https://tea-enthusiasts.com

Orange Hibiscus Refresher

For this blend Tea Enthusiasts uses: Apple pieces, carrot flakes, blackberry leaves, eucalyptus leaves, beetroot pieces, hibiscus blossoms, lemongrass, flavouring, freeze-dried tangerine-orange pieces, orange slices.

This blend looks absolutely BeauTEAful!

Is also smells tealicious too. It smells soooo exotic and if I said it smells tropical with rich citrus and sunshine I hope you know what I might mean. It’s certainly getting my mouth watering just from the smell !

Let’s Get Brewing!

The aroma whilst brewing isn’t too dissimilar to that of its dry state. Other than that the lemongrass is really starting to shine through. It’s also giving off a sweet and sour aroma!

The brewed liquid is of a ready pink colouring.

Let’s Get Sipping!

First sip and I am hooked!

It’s the kinda brew that each sip doesn’t taste the same. Normally that would annoy me but on this occasion it doesn’t.

It perfectly suits the name refresher as each sip is refreshing not just in flavour as your not sure what prominent flavour your going to get. It’s a brew that keeps you guessing sip by sip.

The main flavour combos for more the citrus sides of the lemongrass and tangerine and orange pieces providing a sharpness to each sip.

This is then followed by the more fruity floral tones of the blend which add a new dynamic. It’s also naturally sweet so no need for anything to be added. It’s perfect just the way it is.

Together they just work perfectly complimenting each other . The use of the eucalyptus and all the Vitamin C it’s not just the perfect winter warmer but also an amazing pick me up not just in flavour!

This blend is also one of those that you know just going to be perfect served over ice or with a splash of lemonade on a warmer day too. It’s such a versatile blend in temperature or mood !

Happy Sipping 🙂