There’s an astonishing selection of teas on the market these days, but some are definitely more worth their tea leaves than others. Clipper Teas of England is one to note.
Clipper's teas are Certified USDA Organic and UK Soil Association Organic Standard certified and - for those who shop with their consciences - many varieties are also Fair Trade. This award-winning company (they’ve won the Organic Food Awards in the tea category amongst many others), offers boxes of 20 unbleached tea bags in a variety of choices including: green teas, classics, originals and “specialiteas.” From lemon to cranberry green tea, early grey to bourbon vanilla, the choices abound. At $4.60CDN a box, you do pay more than a standard box of tea, but you get a superior product that stands out and has been produced organically.
The three teas sampled included:
- Organic Wild Berry (caffeine free infusion)
- Organic White Tea with Cinnamon (a natural source of antioxidants)
- Organic Green Chai (also high in antioxidants)
Clipper Wild Berry Tea
The wild berry tea is great hot or cold (for when summer Finally decides to join us here in these northern climes). The deep, jewel tone red of this steeped tea is the product of hibiscus, honeybush, liquorice root, pineapple, and bilberry. Sweet (without the addition of any sweeteners like honey), fruity and soothing, this tea is said to be ideal after a meal- think of it as your very own, alcohol-free digestif.
- Steeping recommendation: two to five minutes.
Clipper White Tea with Cinnamon
The white tea with cinnamon has a light amber colour thanks to its prized organically grown white tea and cinnamon. It should be noted that white tea, in fact all tea, comes from the same plant- called the Camellia Sinensis plant. The difference here is that the leaves are harvested before the leaves fully open and while the buds are covered with soft white “hair,” hence the name. This tea is more expensive than others because it is scarcer, and it’s known for its delicate flavour, hence no milk or sugar in this preparation. Clipper Teas states, “White tea has been used for centuries by the Chinese in most formal tea ceremonies, and is described as an almost spiritual experience.” The addition of cinnamon lends the tea a spicy aroma and warming flavour that’s so very comforting during colder weather months.
- Steeping recommendation: one to five minutes and no more than 5 cups of this tea per day.
Clipper Green Chai Tea
The green chai uses singe estate green tea with an array of Indian spices (organic cinnamon, orange peel, cardamom, and cloves) to provide a refreshing, inviting and wonderfully fragranced tea. The company says, “Traditionally served without milk at chai (or tea) stops and houses throughout India, green chai is delicious sweetened with honey or sugar.” Or even a drop or two of maple syrup. Why no milk, you may be wondering, as most chai teas are made with a base of milk? In this case, it’s the green tea component that’s key and to keep those fresh, green notes vibrant in your cup; diluting them with milk just won’t do it justice.
- Steeping recommendation: one to four minutes per cup of freshly boiled BUT NOT boiling water (after boiling, let the water sit for a minute or two so as not to scald the green tea leaves).
For more information about Clipper Teas or to order your own stash of fabulous finds if you’re here in North America, click here to be directed to Epicureal - an online gourmet food shop featuring fabulous of hard-to-find gourmet fare. Oh, and don’t forget to call a good friend over for a cup!
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