For years, drinking tea has been an immensely satisfying ritual, especially for those who pride themselves in being a tea connoisseur. For tea lovers, tea is more than a simple drink after a meal. It is a customary way of communicating culture and style which is why it has expanded in popularity – and many have begun accumulating their own personal supply. So, with that in mind, read on to find our why tea collecting has gained such universal appeal.

1. The background of tea

In 1606, the first delivery of tea was shipped from China to Europe. People were fascinated by the aroma and taste that it quickly became a fashionable drink among the wealthy. Of course, a fashionable drink must be enjoyed in style, so teapots, teacups and other beautiful accessories quickly flooded the European market. Our previous article titled, English Teapots – Their Origin and Variety showcases exquisite examples from the eighteenth century.

2. How to start collecting

While there is no right or wrong way to collect tea, everyone can certainly start by tasting a variety of tea flavours to discover which ones they enjoy the most. The palatability and perception of the different flavours is a personalised experience, and the same goes for which ones to collect. Collections usually start off with gifts, and then later, as your experience grows and your palate becomes more familiar with flavours that are more palatable to your taste, your collection will grow with flavours of your choosing.

3. Popularity of tea

Tea is the most popular drink around the world, especially in Europe and here in the United Kingdom. Gala Bingo’s research on tea in the UK found that 31% of tea drinkers drank five or more cups of tea each day. This is a welcoming stat, especially with recent scientific research showing the many added health benefits of drinking tea. In one article, Today points out that tea may promote a healthy lifestyle, lower blood pressure, and live longer – so, it is no wonder that tea continues to increase in its global appeal.

4. Varieties of tea

Nowadays, there are many kinds of tea, and here are some of the most popular varieties:

1. White Tea– Delicate in flavour, very subtle and elegant on the palate.

2. Black Tea– Intense and bold in flavour, and typically malty on the tongue.

3. Green Tea– Moderate in flavour, nutty, vegetal, and usually herbaceous.

4. Oolong Tea– A very intense flavour with a bold roast and variety of notes ranging from milky to sweet and creamy on the palate.

5. Earl Grey Black Tea– Beautiful blend of notes from mellow green teas to refreshing hints of orange and invigorating lime.

6. Lemon Green Envelope Tea– A full range of exquisite aromas with a refreshing lemon hint and zesty green undertones.

 

5. Storing tea

Storing tea requires special care to preserve its unique aroma and freshness. If you don’t, they may dry out and you will end up missing out on the exquisite pleasure each bag potentially offers. Here are some tips on storing your precious tea:

1. Keep them in a dry place– Moisture will destroy tea and cause them to develop mould.

2. Keep them at a consistent temperature– Exposing tea to fluctuating temperatures can cause them to lose quality and flavour.

3. Keep them separate– Teas absorb the flavours of its surrounding, whether it be other teas or BBQ crisps. So it is very important to keep them separate from other food.

Tea will always have its global appeal due to its endless health benefits, cultural influences, and social value. And it is certainly never too late to taste this decadence and start your own personal collection.