Going beyond your average brew?

As cold weather approaches, sipping a hot cup of tea and feeling the warmth in your hands might sound like a tempting idea. Preparing and drinking tea tremendously helps us slow down, practice self-care, and enjoy a moment of mindfulness. The way we consume tea constantly evolves. So do different brands around the globe. They are responding by boosting their sustainability credentials and sparking moments of delight with the beverage. Take a good sip below and indulge!

Functional claims & health benefits

Imagine getting all the good things out of this traditional beverage. Many different types of tea promise benefits like boosting the immune system, fighting off inflammation and balancing out metabolism. And the tea sector is further expanding its practical claims. It is taking a more holistic approach to tea drinking and offers brews infused with ingredients that can help restore balance, bolster energy and even increase vitamin intake. 

• In the UK, tea company Clipper has launched its Super Greens range. Available in zesty orange-flavor, Reviving, and fruity blackcurrant-infused Defending options, the green teas contain at least 15% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, thanks to the inclusion of superfood acerola.
• Sri Lankan brand Dilmah bills its latest release as the most antioxidant-rich bottled iced tea in Singapore. The green tea has 125.13mg of polyphenols –– naturally occurring micronutrients thought to promote digestion, maintain brain health and reduce inflammation –– per 100ml. By contrast, other green tea brands range from 48.01mg to 102.36mg per 100ml.
• Launched in August, Californian brand Joyo’s sparkling teas are made with a blend of five adaptogens. These comprise L-theanine and lion’s mane mushroom for stress reduction; reishi mushroom to combat tiredness; Panax ginseng to support cognitive function; and acerola extract to boost vitamin C and antioxidants.

Transparency & sustainability

Part of the mindfulness about drinking tea is following the journey of brews from origin to the cup. Many brands cater to this need for transparency from cultivation to distribution through communication and prioritizing eco-friendly packaging and farming. Hence, the enjoyment of tea promotes our health and well-being in the ecosystem surrounding the beverage.

• Canadian wellness brand Tease relaunched an entire tea range in a sustainable format. The 100% biodegradable cylindrical refill container uses a compostable pouch of teabags. This allows consumers to restock their collection by keeping the original packaging.
• Indian tea brand Woolah recently introduced its compostable bagless TeaDips in Canada and Australia. Initially launched in India in 2020, you can dip the unbroken whole-leaf format can directly into hot water without needing a sachet, a real game changer to reduce waste and upholding convenience. 
• New York-based Wild Orchard claims to be the world’s first tisane brand with a tea farm partner (in Jeju Island, South Korea) to become Regenerative Organic Certified. In addition, it met the highest expectations for soil health, animal welfare, and farm-worker fairness. This truly allows enjoying tea on a holistic level.

Shifting Perceptions 

While we often turn to tea for a mindful moment alone, tea drinking involves a clear social aspect. Shifting from calming experiences to celebrations, brands create party-worthy offerings by infusing tea with alcohol or offering sparkling, non-alcoholic alternatives. 

• While most consumers complain about tasting “too sweet” regarding alcohol-free beverages, London-based alcohol brand Happy J’s uses probiotic-rich organic kombucha for its cocktail-inspired tipples. Available in Mint & Lime and Mango & Ginger (a nod to mojitos and mango daiquiris, respectively), the 4% ABV hard kombuchas offer a low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to the traditionally sweet cocktails.
• New Zealand beverage brand Planta’s new sparkling-tea-based offering combines yerba mate with lime and kawakawa to create a floral and citrussy alcohol-free alternative. 
• Belfast-based brand Craft Tea Brew Co. uses kombucha as an alcohol alternative. It recently collaborated with local bar and eatery Bootleggers to launch Tea-Ki Kombucha –– a summery blend of grapefruit, pineapple, and passionfruit juices. 

How do you like to enjoy your tea? At what time do you prefer to drink tea? Share your tea journey with us by leaving a comment below!

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Crafting a natural Earl Grey Tea

Do you remember the first time you tried Earl Grey? We do. The citrusy scent instantly woke up the senses before the lips even touched the brim of the cup. Then the taste followed – a full-bodied black tea lingering on the palette. Elegant, rich, and refreshing. We later learned that the citrus taste came from the bergamot oil used to flavor traditional Chinese tea. Instantly, it became a good friend for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Earl Grey, reinvented

If you like Earl Grey as much as us, you may find yourself on a rainy day curling up next to the fireplace. You are wrapping yourself in a cuddly blanket, a cup of tea misting on the side. The exact right time has come to take a break and enjoy some me-time. For years, you have always been buying the same tea – your beloved Earl Grey tea. This traditional has become your favorite taste over the year. Now wait! The last time in the supermarket, a new Earl Grey variety has attracted you. On the packaging, you see ripe bergamot fruits. It also says made with natural ingredients only and “Bergamots from Calabria. The text promises an authentic and full-bodied taste of ripe and juicy bergamot fruits in combination with a well-balanced black tea note. This copy sounds very promising and makes you curious. So you decide to buy and test this new tea.

You are holding the cup of freshly brewed tea in your hands. You feel positively surprised by the smell. It reminds you immediately of your last vacation in Italy. You’ve been walking through the citrus fields. You start reading the ingredient list. It states – with natural Bergamot flavoring. What does this mean – flavored? It tastes purely genuine and authentic. You thought a flavoring probably tastes artificial? You check the tea bag. The transparent bag allows you to see all ingredients. You are looking for artificial-looking particles. Nil return! That Earl Grey has surprised you! And for this, it just became your new favorite tea.

The Making of Your New Favorite Tea

The journey of a premium product begins with quality sourcing. To make this particular Earl Grey, the bergamots come from the heart of Calabria in Italy. A group of trusted farmers grows the fruits sustainably. Our partner is the world market leader in bergamot oil production for the flavor and fragrance industry. They use state-of-the-art technology for citrus oil processing. This partnership, also involving the local university, drives the implementation of good agricultural practices to secure supply, guarantee the highest quality, and respect biodiversity and positively impact local communities. How to translate these high-quality raw materials now into a natural flavor solution?

The innovative technology, evogran^® coating, attains a truly natural encapsulation by applying the flavor – the bergamot oil – directly to the tea leaves. As a result, the taste of the bergamot lingers right on top of the tea leaves. The process avoids granules within the blend. This method also guarantees outstanding blending features for optimum taste. As a result you receive a tea with a premium natural appeal and an authentic taste experience.

Do you feel interested in trying this new variety? Do you call yourself a fan of Earl Grey tea? Tell us your favorite Earl Grey products! Leave us a comment below!

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All the Tea in China

You might be familiar with green tea and black tea. You might have even heard of Longjing or Pu’er. But did you know that the commonly known black tea is called red tea in China, and black tea has its own category? If you’re feeling a little confused, you are definitely in the right place. “All the tea in China”… is not all the same. We will take you on a fragrant journey to discover the diversity of aromas of this enduring beverage.

It is said that Chinese tea was first discovered in 2737 BCE by Emperor Shen Nong when a leaf fell into his pot of hot water by accident, and he was delighted by the pleasant taste. Tea plays a vital role in Chinese tradition and integrates into all aspects of daily life. It is a way to slow down, meditate and connect. Most Chinese teas fall into six categories based on degrees of oxidation and fermentation.

Green Tea

Green tea is non-fermented and only lightly oxidized. Lu’an Gua Pian is one of the ten most famous teas in China. Unlike most green teas, it uses the second and third leaf on the branch instead of the new buds. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Lu’an Gua Pian was a type of Gong Cha (Tribute Tea) to the imperial family. In July 1971, Lu’an Gua Pian was given as a gift to the US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger to promote Sino-US relations. The tea has a pleasant floral sweetness to it. It’s very refreshing and smooth, a sweeter and warmer tasting tea with notes of baked biscuits, sweet strawberries, and dark baked potato skins. 

Green tea is commonly used as an ingredient in beauty care products, such as Innisfree’s Green Tea Seed Serum and the Rejoice Green Tea Shampoo.

White Tea

Known for its subtle anti-inflammatory benefits, white tea is another type of non-fermented tea. One of the most well-known–and most prized–of its varieties is Baihao Yinzhen, also known as Silver Needle. Bai Hao Yin Zhen’s fragrance is refreshingly sweet, while the taste is clean, smooth, and delicate. The tea has a slight soy milk taste and leaves a fragrant mouthfeel and long-lasting lingering sweet aftertaste. 

Rich in antioxidants, white tea is popular in face and body care products, like Olay’s Infusions Lime & White Tea Body Wash and the White Tea Brightening & Moisturizing Toner by Mask Family.

Yellow Tea

When Princess Wencheng married Songzan Gambo during the Tang Dynasty, she included Junshan tea in her trousseau. Since then, Junshan Yinzhen was offered as a tribute to the emperors. A quintessential yellow tea, Junshan Yinzhen is praised for its delicate aroma with a hint of floral notes. The taste is smooth, light, and sweet at first sip but finishes with a fleeting smoky flavor. The smokiness is only apparent in the first infusion and is not overpowering. 

Oolong Tea

A category on its own, Oolong tea is also known as Qing Cha (Dark Green Tea) in China. It is semi-oxidized and has similar health benefits to green and black tea. Tie Guanyin, a type of Oolong, is named after the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. The taste has a slightly floral flavor with a sweet, long-lasting finish and velvety texture with hints of stone fruits, caramel, or chestnut, and a floral often described as reminiscent of orchids.

Today, Oolong is used to make products like Tenfu Pineapple Cake (Jin Xuan Oolong Flavor), Oolong Infini Perfume by Atelier Cologne, and Rose Oolong Sugar-free Gum by Double Mint.

Black Tea

Black tea is widely used in English Breakfast blends. In ancient times, thanks to the development of water transportation, Black tea was quickly popularized in China and beyond. The Keemun Label, an unblended premium of its type, was adopted worldwide. It is well accepted for its rich flavor, fiery amber-colored liquor, and toasty, sumptuous aroma. The taste has a smoky, slightly malty, and smooth, aromatic finish, with fresh cocoa and baked bread aroma. 

The black tea firming overnight mask from Fresh and Sunsshen’s Pure Black Tea Nourishing Lotion are among the popular products made with Black Tea. 

Dark Tea

Finally, dark tea, or Pu’er, is a variety of fermented tea produced in China’s Yunnan province. Its uniqueness comes from its natural fermentation process, which oxidizes its leaves and amplifies its antioxidant benefits. Pu’er is considered an acquired taste by some. Its profile develops over time–the longer it’s stored, the more flavorful it tastes. This distinctive characteristic has given this type of tea a certain collectible value. Pu’er can be sweet, bitter, floral, mellow, woody, astringent, sour, earthy, watery, or even tasteless. A combination of tastes appears in one single steeping.

Try Cosmetea’s Pu’er Tea Vital Moisture Essence and Tea & Source’s Pu’er anti-aging lotion.

What’s your favorite tea? How do you drink it? Please share your thoughts with us and leave a comment below!

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