What is best method to prepare loose leaf tea?

The best first step is to obtain a tea strainer, to either place on top of your cup or to immerse within the cup or teapot. Some teapots include built in strainers, but most china teapots do not. Depending on the desired strength and planned number of cups (and guests) scoop a generous tablespoon of loose leaf tea per cup. Should the tea be of a finer grain (for example the Irish Cream Breakfast tea in the Puddings and Biscakes collection), a heaping teaspoon should suffice per cup. Boil water (there are recommended temperatures per types of tea, see further below) and pour over strainer in cup or teapot. Let the water and tea steep (the act of brewing the two together) for the recommended time, or as per your desired strength of tea. Please see further below for recommended steeping times.

What is the recommended time to brew (steep) tea?

The recommended time to brew your tea is based on the tea type, the grain type of the tea and the desired strength for your tea. As a general guide most black teas are recommended to steep for 4-5 minutes, with lighter and green teas between 2 and 3 minutes, with herbal teas for upwards of 5-7 minutes or more.

What is the recommended hot water temperature for tea?

The recommended hot water temperature is between 175 - 180 degrees Fahrenheit for green, white and fruit and herbal teas; 185 degrees for oolong and 212 degrees for each of black tea and pu’erh tea. However, unless you have a kettle that offers various temperature settings, you are likely using a standard kettle with one temperature which is absolutely fine to enjoy your tea.

What is a recommended blend for someone newer to the tea experience?

While everyone’s taste palate differs, with some preferring stronger brews than weaker ones, or more plain teas than flavored, the Double Cream Earl Grey consistently is the most popular blend in the Puddings and Biscakes collection. Equally enjoyed on its own, or with milk and/or sugar, the fragrance this tea presents, even before the first sip, draws you in.

What is the difference between afternoon tea and high tea?

The two are sometimes interchanged however there is a distinction as they are not the same. An afternoon tea consists of tea sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of mini desserts and tea. A high tea, however also includes heartier savory items such as meats, cheese, quiches to the afternoon tea. Afternoon tea also stemmed from the higher echelons of society who enjoyed afternoon tea as a social occasion, using lower tables (why in some menus you may see a “low tea” referring to afternoon tea). High tea drew from the working group with a purpose of food provision for sustenance and served at the high table.

Is there opportunity for customization with any of the products in the collection?

Customization ranges across the products and presents a great gift idea.

For tea, a) the name may be modified to reflect your desired message b) an additional description (story) may be added to the tea c) an illustration from the image library of Puddings and Biscakes collection may be added and d) a custom illustration may be created especially for the desired blend(s). See examples below.

For tea towels, a current image may be replaced with another image from the Puddings and Biscakes collection or a custom illustration may be created to accompany a recipe.

For further inquiries please contact here.

Are products available for wholesale?

Tea, tea towels and cards are available for wholesale. Similar to the information presented under customization, wholesale orders may be customized to reflect the tea room, shop or location that is seeking to add within their product line - offering a unique look for your business. See examples below.

For further inquiries please contact here.