Best Brews For National Tea Day

This National Tea Day we’re pouring over all things brew related, from how to make the perfect cup to types of tea and what to have with it. When it comes to a brew, leaf it to Tea-fal to tell you what’s what!

All proper tea comes from one plant, the Camellia sinensis, which is native to Asia but now grown around the world. How the leaves are treated and processed is what gives the different types of tea, from black to green to white to Oolong.

In our tea-loving nation, black tea is by far the most popular brew, followed by Earl Grey. But if you fancy a change from a cup of builder’s, check out this wide range for tasty alternatives.

Whatever you choose, consider Fairtrade tea to make sure farmers get the best deal while you get a great cuppa.

We all have our own way of making tea, whether that’s strictly in a teapot, popping a bag in a favourite mug or making it to go. It’s definitely down to personal preference but there are a few golden rules for achieving the best flavour.

• Warm the pot first (if you’re using one)
• Add a scoop of loose-leaf tea and one for the pot or one tea bag per person
• Always use freshly boiled water
• Stir to help the tea infuse
• Brew for between 2 – 4 minutes
• Pour and add milk/sugar. Talking of milk…

Minor scuffles have been known to break out over when – or if – to add milk to tea. Traditionally, milk was added to the cup first to prevent delicate china from cracking on contact with the hot tea. Adding after makes sense so as to judge the amount needed. And to many, tea tastes perfectly good without it, so do what feels right to you.

While not strictly tea, herbal alternatives like peppermint and chamomile are hugely popular and there is an ever-increasing selection on sale. As well as being caffeine free, herbal teas can have added benefits like aiding digestion and helping you off to sleep.

Fancy growing your own? It’s pretty simple to keep some mint, sage, rosemary or bay in a pot to pick fresh leaves for a delicious hot drink.

Trust Tik Tok trends to bring us a new way of serving tea. If a sugared brew laced with food colouring, dried flowers and edible glitter isn’t your cup of tea then you might want to skip this one but if you’re even mildly curious, take a look at how to do it.

Does your perfect cuppa need a snack-shaped companion? Always. If a biscuit’s your preference then we recommend getting your dunking game down with these winning tips.

Of course, tea and cake is a must so whip up a batch of these delectable carrot cake muffins or a glorious Victoria sponge  to make it a National Tea Day to remember.