Pu Erh tea, pronounced “poo-air”, originates from the Yunnan Province of China and named after the town of Pu Erh where the tea was first cultivated. It still comes from the plant Camellia sinesis but has a completely different processing method and taste to other tea types. It is known to be a tea full of benefits both to the palate and body. Explore and buy Pu Er tea.

The Process

Cultivated from a larger leaf strain of camellia sinensis “Dayeh”. These ancient tea trees with matured leaves are known to be between 500 and 1000 years old. These trees are grown in pleasant regions and can be harvested all year-round, but some experts say the best time to harvest is mid-spring.

There are two types of Pu-erh teas: Raw Pu-erh (Sheng) and Ripe Pu-erh (Shou).

The raw Pu Erh method is made from green tea leaves that are processed in the green tea method. Then the dried tea is compressed into cakes and balls and then aged in a dark location, often for many years. During this time the tea undergoes a form of oxidation caused by the growth of yeast on the tea. The tea is lighter and bright yellow when brewed. The leaves are dark green when dry and boast a mild, slight sweet after taste flavour profile.

The ripe Pu Erh method is made from black tea leaves and is processed the same as raw Pu Erh until the compressing stage. The ripe Pu Erh goes through a process called piling, where the leaves are placed in piles of 25 to 30 inches in height. The leaves are then sprayed with water and covered with a linen cloth which increases the speed of oxidation and changes the colour and flavour of the tea. This tea has a deep amber colour when brewed.

The aging process allows the Pu Erh teas to improve with age like fine wine and is said to retain their freshness for up to fifty years.

Taste 

Conditions and environmental factors can influence the flavour profile of pu-erh tea. Smooth, fruity, peaty, grassy, musky, herbal and earthy are the flavour characteristics of this delightful tea.

Best times to drink 

Pu Erh tea has caffeine and by drinking a cup in the morning or early afternoon, can help increase energy levels. If maintaining weight loss goals, the best time to consume a cup will be one hour after a meal.

How to brew

This tea is traditionally brewed at a higher temperature and can be steeped multiple times to experience the different flavour profiles of the tea.

1. Preheat your teapot and all utensils by swirling with a little hot water and discard. This is to ensure your tea steeps precisely at the proper temperature and use the right amount of water for brewing.
2. Place 5g of Pu Erh loose leaf in tea pot.
3. Rinse the leaves by pouring a little hot water over them, swirl, and discard this "wash". This removes any small pieces of debris and coaxes the leaves to unfurl to be ready for steeping.
4. Fill the teapot with 350ml hot water at 95 to 100 Celsius. Do not use boiling hot water as it can result in bitter flavours.
5. The steeping time of a Pu-erh tea is generally 1 to 2 minutes. If you want to experience the different flavour profiles of the tea, you can brew the tea up to 3 times. 1st brew - 2 mins, 2nd brew - 3 mins, and 3rd brew - 4 mins.

Pu Erh Tea Benefits

Along with a wide range of flavours and varieties, just one cup of Pu Erh can boost your overall health – but how?  Here’s the breakdown of Pu Erh Tea benefits:

• Supporting your digestion — Regarded by some as a “functional food”, it is excellent after a meal to help with digestion. Believed to encourage bowel movement, this tea may even aid with relieving constipation. Being lightly fermented, it is also said to provide a helpful boost to your overall digestive system health.
• Encouraging improved blood circulation — Full of antioxidants, drinking Pu-erh regularly can act to support your blood in absorbing and carrying more oxygen around the body and to all our organs.
• Aiding in mitigating migraines and headaches — By offering a calming and relaxing effect paired with its role in encouraging optimal blood circulation and its obvious hydrating powers, this tea is a great choice for those who suffer from painful headaches.
• Reducing free radicals — Also due to its antioxidant content, Pu-erh tea can assist in our bodies’ fight to control and limit free radicals and their damaging effects.
• Losing weight — If you are working on shaking off a few extra kilos, then add drinking Pu-erh tea to your healthy diet and exercise routine. Some studies have indicated that this tea plays a role in reducing your bodies’ ability to synthesize fatty acids, which would help in your dieting effort.
• Lowering your cholesterol level — While this claim is still not scientifically proven, some early studies have shown that Pu-erh tea contains small amounts of lovastatin (a chemical found in prescription medicine used to lower cholesterol). Created during the fermentation process, more research needs to be done to definitively prove this health benefit of drinking this tea.
• Increase Energy – Due to the caffeine in this tea, drinking a cup can increase your energy levels and help you focus and get through the day. 

Go Pu Erh tea

Unearth the new flavours, taste the difference, and discover the joy that drinking Pu Erh brings to your energy, mood, and health. This fermented and aged tea is one for the true tea connoisseurs. So, buy Pu Erh tea today.

Coffee and tea are amongst the most consumed beverages in the world. People drink tea and coffee for a variety of reasons including the health benefits they provide. Often there have been debates over the two regarding the health benefits of coffee and tea - some arguing that coffee and tea almost score the same while others feel that tea wins the game.

To help determine which of the two has greater health benefits, it is crucial to look at each of them to see how they benefit people. Here, we take a look at what these beverages bring to the table and why in our opinion, tea takes the win.

Tea Benefits

Tea has more antioxidants compared to coffee
Both coffee and tea are loaded with antioxidants, mostly polyphenols that contribute to the distinctive flavour as well as the health-promoting properties of each. However, tea contains more of these antioxidants that help protect an individual’s body against damage arising from free radicals. Antioxidants can help avoid the development of some chronic diseases. Drinking green tea is going to provide you with antioxidants that help prevent inflammation.

Tea helps keep the immune system strong
To help protect the body from diseases, people need to have strong immune systems. Tea is among the beverages that help to keep the immunity strong. Regularly consuming herbal tea is going to allow your body to fight off pathogens and keep you healthy. The increased number of antioxidants also helps ensure a person has a strong immune system. 

Tea hydrates your body
When you take tea, it helps hydrate your body. Keeping your body hydrated helps with weight loss, increased energy levels, skin complexion, flushing toxins, and cognitive function, and mood elevation. When you regularly drink tea, you are adding more water in your body, helping keep it healthy.

Tea has less caffeine content 
Compared to coffee, tea contains less amount of caffeine. Whilst the caffeine content is likely to vary depending on the time you take to brew your beverage, the serving size, and the method of preparation, coffee can pack up to two times the caffeine you would find in an equal tea serving. A brewed coffee contains about 95 milligrams of caffeine when compared to 74 milligrams found in black tea of the same serving. Caffeine, whilst being associated with many health benefits, you should take it in moderation – only about 400 mg in a day. Higher amounts can bring health problems like reduced calcium in the body. If you are looking for alternative caffeine-free tea, you may want to drink something like rooibos tea, a herb that’s native to South Africa or herbal teas.

Additional benefits of tea over coffee
To make a good cup of coffee, you need a coffee maker which is both expensive and time consuming to brew. Instant coffee is quick but the flavour is nowhere the same as the cafe latte your favourite barista makes. But tea, thanks to our Soilon biodegradable tea bags you can get a loose leaf quality brew with no effort or mess. Consistency anywhere in the world at any time of the day.

"Also, did you know that there are 40 different varieties of coffee worldwide?  That’s a lot, but compare that to over 3000 varieties of tea!! Think of all the wonderful flavours there are out there waiting for you to try.
When you look at both tea and coffee, you will find that tea takes the lead when it comes to offering health benefits to your body.
Explore our wide range of teas now.

As the weather gets colder, why not spice up your winter with a cuppa from our new collection of Turmeric Teas.

Known as the “Golden Goddess” in India, Turmeric is most commonly used as a seasoning when the root is dried and ground into powder form, but it’s the root itself that holds a myriad of health benefits particularly for winter. While we use the powder for our Turmeric Latte, it’s the fresh root that acts as the star ingredient in our 3 new turmeric teas. So get ready to warm up from the inside out with this delicious new winter range.

Why is Turmeric Good?

Its characteristically strong yellow colour plays a large part as to why this incredible root is good for you. These yellow pigments are known as curcuminoids, and they work together with the essential oils found in the root to become powerful antioxidants that help fight off free radicals which can age and damage the body.

• May support a healthy antioxidant status
• May support a healthy inflammation response
• May support healthy brain function & positive mood
• May support healthy cardiovascular function
• Caffeine free
• Vegan friendly

Our Turmeric Range

Turmeric Ginger - A healing concoction

Combining the healing powers of ginger and turmeric, with a subtle taste of liquorice and orange peel, this spicy concoction is an everyday healer perfect for the cooler months. It helps with blood flow, aids the common cold & ensures your digestive and respiratory systems run smoothly.

Turmeric Tonic - A travelers tea

Designed for people on the go, this blend is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C that helps prevent cold symptoms and keeps you clear of any travel sickness. Combining the spice of turmeric & ginger root with a bouquet of mint and citrus notes, this blend stimulates the senses to give that extra pep in your step when travelling.

Turmeric Zest - Fit as a fiddle

This magical concoction is a light & creamy blend infused with vanilla hibiscus, citrus and light earthy notes. Immunity boosting and rich in antioxidants, this tea will give your skin a radiant glow and help with flu-like symptoms, keeping your body fit and healthy throughout winter.

Turmeric Latte - The golden healer

Warm up this winter with a delicious and nutritious plant-based latte. This bold and aromatic blend has a power packed mix of 100% natural authentic spices, combining turmeric with cinnamon, cardamom, ginger & black pepper to enhance the turmeric's health benefits. It’s the perfect go-to for a delicious and creamy energy kick without the caffeine.

So brew up a steaming cuppa of one of our Turmeric Teas and ensure you stay on top of your health this winter!

 

A warming cup of hot chocolate is just the thing you need on a chilly afternoon or cold winter night.

Or if you have some Tea Drop artisan drinking chocolate lingering around in your kitchen shelf from the winter months, worry not we have some insanely delicious and easy iced and frozen hot chocolate recipes perfect for warmer days when drinking hot chocolate would be, well insane.

Whip up these easy hot and cold chocolate drink recipes at home.

Classic Hot Chocolate

Life is better with chocolate! Especially during winter, nothing beats the deep flavour of the classic hot chocolate.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate
• 30ml hot water
• 200ml milk of your choice

How to make Classic Hot Chocolate

1. Add 20g of chocolate (2tbs) into a mug.
2. A little bit of hot water and make a paste.
3. Pour a little hot milk and stir/mix it up.
4. And then slowly pour the rest of the milk so it becomes chocolaty.
5. Garnish - Grate your favourite chocolate bar on top. We use dark chocolate mint

Whipped Iced Chocolate

A super delicious, rich, and kid-friendly version of the popular Dalgona Coffee.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate
• 1 table spoon hot water
• 60ml heavy whipping cream
• 120ml milk of your choice

How to make Whipped Iced Chocolate

1. Whisk chocolate powder, hot water, and heavy whipping cream in a small bowl.
2. Add ice and milk to a glass.
3. Top the milk with whipped chocolate.
4. Stir and serve immediately.

Chai Spiced Hot chocolate

Chocolate and chai don’t make an appearance together very often, and it’s a shame because it’s a fantastic combination.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of Tea Drop Chai concentrate
• 2 tablespoons of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate
• 230ml milk of your choice
• Whip cream and grated dark chocolate for garnish

How to make Chai Spiced Hot chocolate

1. Place milk in a saucepan on medium heat and add chai concentrate to milk.
2. Add chocolate powder in a cup and add a splash of hot water, mix until it becomes a paste.
3. Add this to the milk and stir well. Leave to gently simmer.
4. Pour chai chocolate into a mug, top it off with whipped cream and garnish with dark chocolate shavings.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

If you love hot chocolate but want to switch things up a little, then you’ve come to the right recipe for that. Also, the word “hot” maybe a little deceptive because this is still a cold drink.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of Tea Drop Artisan Drinking Chocolate
• 4 cups ice
• 200ml milk of your choice
• Whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles to garnish

How to make Frozen Hot Chocolate

1. Add chocolate powder, milk and ice to a blender and blend until smooth
2. Pour the frozen hot chocolate you made into a tall glass, top it off with a generous amount of whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles and serve with a bamboo or stainless-steel straw.

 

 

 

As the cold weather sets in, we’re popping on the kettle and drinking lots of delicious tea to keep warm and hydrated. 

Is there anything better than a warm cuppa on a gloomy winter's day? Whether it’s a tea to kick-start your morning, a 3pm pick-me-up, or that cosy cup of joe to help you unwind at night - tea can brighten any day!

But did you know that there are different teas to suit each time of the day and that each blend is full of immunity boosting ingredients that can help promote winter wellness?

Our best teas for winter is packed in small batches to ensure the freshest taste with every brew. Take a look at some of our favourites that will be seeing us through the winter:

Morning

If, like us, you struggle to get out of a warm bed on a winter's morning, drinking a cup of tea is a great way to put that spring in your step. Welcome in the day with the sweet & spicy aroma of Malabar Chai. A harmonious blend of spices blended with whole leaf black tea, it boosts blood circulation & is high in antioxidants. Add milk to enjoy as a cosy Chai Latte, with the caffeine & spices giving you a delicious kick start to your day.

Mid-Morning

Refresh your taste buds with a steaming cuppa of Honeydew Green.  The perfect choice for the mid-morning hours when you need increased concentration and focus. This single origin green tea is combined with honeydew pieces and apricot flavour for a fresh & fruity tea experience. With all the healthy benefits of antioxidants, it’s the perfect healthy ‘pick me up’ if you're feeling down this cold & flu season.

Lunch Time

Though Peppermint tea is a winner at all times of the day, it’s the perfect lunchtime treat to help refresh your taste buds and as an ideal palate cleanser. It can also work wonders to help digestion and leave us feeling more balance and relaxed. Its decongestive powers and ability to ease nasal congestion comes from the menthol in the peppermint leaves & when inhaled through the hot steam of the tea, helps us to breathe more easily when congested. 

Afternoon Tea

Citrus & spice is always nice! Press the reset button with a zesty cuppa of Lemongrass Ginger tea, ideal for doing away with those classic after lunch sugar cravings. The infusion of lemongrass, ginger, rosehip and hibiscus makes for a refreshing and calming brew that reduces bloating and aids with digestion, perfect as a relaxing cuppa on a cosy winter afternoon.

Bed Time

On a cold winter's night, is there anything better than a relaxing cuppa of Chamomile Blossom to help you unwind after a long day? A perfect blend of chamomile flowers, rose petals and lavender buds, it has powerful antioxidants that activates the brain receptors and encourages a restful night of sleep, even when a sore throat or stuffy nose threatens to get in the way. So slip into pure bliss with this soothing tea and say hello to a great night's sleep! 

Our blends are packed in small batches to ensure the freshest premium tea with every brew, so keep warm and have a healthier winter with our guide to best teas for winter.  Explore our range now.