Mmm, I’d love a cuppa right now
I’ve been trying to drink less soft-drink lately. Partly for the sake of the environment, because of all the plastic and waste that each bottle or can of sugar water involves. And partly for the sake of my waistline – I just don’t burn off the kilojoules the way I used to 
So I’ve been drinking more tea and coffee as well as plain water.
Not that tea and coffee don’t have an impact of their own, but on the whole I think it’s less of an eco-mess to produce and ship a bulk item wrapped in glass or cardboard, than it is to do the same amount of single-servings wrapped in plastic or aluminium the way soft-drink is. Naturally, I go for Fair-Trade and organic wherever possible.
G Magazine says that of the two types of drinks, tea has less environmental impact than coffee. But although I learned to love coffee years ago, until lately tea… well, it hasn’t been my cup of tea.
But I got tired of drinking so much coffee and plain water, and I wanted more variety. Tea comes in so many different flavours I’ve always got something new to try. Plus, I like the little break you get as you wait for it to steep: very nice when I’m at work!
And as it turns out, the tea I didn’t like drinking is the mass-produced, bland type. Once I got into the organic, Fair Trade, loose-leaf types I found it really tasty and enjoyable. I’ve now got 3 or 4 different types given to me as gifts by tea-drinking friends: an organic Earl Grey from Wild Walnut is my favourite so far.
I’ve also got a lovely ceramic mug I keep just for brewing a cuppa, and a couple of those little doohickies that replace tea-bags when you go for the loose-leaf. I can see why the Japanese have tea ceremonies – it’s very easy and stress-relieving to turn your cuppa into a little ritual.
So having done something for the sake of the environment, I’ve now discovered a simple pleasure in life that I didn’t know about before. If you’re a tea drinker with a favourite type, let me know in the comments, I’m keen to try new flavours!
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I’m a big tea drinker. Being English, I think it’s conditioned in our DNA somewhere. The older I get, the higher the daily cup count seems to be getting.
I must admit, given how many I drink now, I tend to opt for the bags to save time. I used to prepare with loose-leaf though.
My favourite brand is Twinnings who do an organic range. And my favourite leaf is also Earl Grey. Although in the past I’ve really enjoyed various Vanilla-flavoured teas.
I’m not too fond of the many fruity numbers. I find them too tangy most of the time. Many claim they’re refreshing but I’ll drink a cold drink for refreshment. I want my teas to be warm and soothing.
Like vanilla, the honeys and cinnamons are nice too. Although they all tend to get a bit sickly after a while so I end up back to EG or plain leaf.
I’m off to put the kettle on…
The Twinings organic is pretty good, my shops don’t always have them though – might have to send them an email to ask for more.
I tried a banana tea which was almost like a milkshake in flavour – didn’t need any sugar at all! Strange but nice for a change.
I really like Lemon Myrtle tea. It is an Australian native rainforest tree, and you can brew it from a few leaves if you have your own tree, or purchase it as tea bags. I must admit I am a little puzzled as to why so many organic and fairtrade teas are only available in bags…? You can also buy little woven parcels of green tea and flower buds that, when placed in a glass teapot, open out into a flower….not sure about the taste, but the look is fabulous!!
Ooh, that’s interesting – I’ve got some dried lemon myrtle that I’ve been using as a herb, but it’d make a nice tea too I reckon. It’d certainly be a pick-me-up style rather than a relaxing one
Will have to give it a try.
Try the liquorice tea as well, just plain pieces of the sweet wood roots. They sell them at Angry Almond in Nedlands.
Delicious, especially when you have a sweet tooth
The rosehip with lemongrass and ginger from Nerada organic is also nice, like the lemon myrtly. But I prefer lose tea, but sometimes I go for a bag.
Ooh, will definitely check that out next time I’m in Nedlands. Cheers!
My favorite organic and fair trade teas are of course Serendipitea, right now I am into a blend called Black Velvet (China Black, Licorice, Ginseng & Pepermint) But like Dominic I am also fond of vanilla so in the afternoon Colonille (viet black & vanilla)
There is always something new to try.