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Showing posts from July, 2024

Finding a Unique Selling Point in Tea

(9) Finding a Unique Selling Point in Tea | LinkedIn   I've wanted to write about USP in tea for some time to put out there some of my experiences in how independent tea companies are trying to find the ever elusive uniqueness in the tea industry amongst non-primary producer tea brands - basically 99% of the independent UK tea industry. But what do I mean by this? USP is what is going to make your brand/company stand out. It is what your company offers that your competitor does not. So how do companies achieve this in tea when most of the products being sold mainly come from the same finite number of sources? The answer is with a lot of difficulty and unfortunately in some cases with misleading practices. Coffee Roasting Comparison The first question I always ask is "How am I adding value to my product". I like to use comparison of the coffee industry. Coffee roasters are actually physically doing something to their product - they are buying in green beans and then using

Teas that promote Digestion

 Several teas and herbs are known to promote digestion and provide relief from various digestive issues. Here are some of the most effective ones: 1. Ginger Tea Benefits : Ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe the digestive tract and reduce nausea and vomiting. It stimulates saliva, bile, and gastric enzymes, aiding in digestion. Source : Healthline on Ginger Tea 2. Peppermint Tea Benefits : Peppermint helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, which can reduce symptoms of bloating, gas, and indigestion. It is also effective in alleviating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Source : Medical News Today on Peppermint Tea 3. Chamomile Tea Benefits : Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the stomach lining and reduce symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion. It also acts as a mild sedative, helping to relax the digestive muscles. Source : Verywell Fit on Chamomile Tea 4. Fennel Tea Benefits : Fennel seeds have been used for centuries to a

Mixing Green Tea with Oolong

 Yes, green tea can be mixed with oolong tea to create a unique and potentially better-tasting blend. Both types of tea bring their own distinct flavors and health benefits, which can complement each other when combined. Flavor Profile Green Tea : Typically has a fresh, grassy, and slightly vegetal taste. It is lighter and can have sweet or slightly astringent notes. Oolong Tea : Offers a more complex flavor profile, ranging from floral and fruity to toasty and rich, depending on the level of oxidation and roasting. Benefits of Blending Balanced Flavor : Mixing green tea with oolong can create a more balanced flavor, with the freshness of green tea offset by the complexity and depth of oolong. Enhanced Aroma : The floral and fruity notes of oolong can enhance the overall aroma of the blend. Increased Antioxidants : Both teas are rich in antioxidants, and blending them can provide a diverse range of polyphenols, potentially boosting their health benefits. Caffeine Variation : The caffei

Darjeeling Tea Markets outside India

Darjeeling tea holds a revered spot not just in India, but also in many corners of the world. It's also India's only geographically indicated (GI) product, safeguarded by a WTO patent. Every year, a substantial portion of the Darjeeling tea is shipped overseas to cater to the global demand.  Here, we explore some of the foreign countries where Darjeeling tea is particularly popular:  The United Kingdom (UK): The UK is known to have a long-standing love for tea. Darjeeling tea is one of the favourites for tea lovers across the nation. The floral and muscatel notes are particularly popular amongst the tea connoisseurs in the country. Darjeeling tea has carved a niche for itself in the refined settings of afternoon teas and high-end hotels across the UK. It's not uncommon to find this exquisite tea gracing the silver teapots of London's luxurious hotels and restaurants. Darjeeling tea has found favour among royalty and connoisseurs in the UK.  It's said that Queen Eliz

Green Tea vs. Hot Water: Which Boosts Brainpower Better?

Green Tea vs. Hot Water: Which Boosts Brainpower Better? (msn.com)   Recent research suggests that moderate consumption of regular and roasted   green tea   can enhance cognitive performance. The study, published in Scientific Reports, found that moderate green tea consumption aids cognitive performance. Roasted green tea is a traditional Japanese tea made by roasting green tea over charcoal. Known as houjicha, it is characterized by its unique smoky aroma and deep brown color The researchers analyzed 20 healthy adult men from Japan with an average age of 23. The participants were instructed to complete six five-minute mental arithmetic tasks in two daily sessions. In the first session, participants consumed hot water four times, including before the first three tasks and their break. In the second session, water was replaced with green tea. This process was repeated for a month, after which the types of tea were switched so that all participants experienced both kinds of tea. To deter

Different Flavour Profiles of Darjeeling Tea

 Darjeeling tea is celebrated for its nuanced and diverse flavor profiles, which vary depending on the season of harvest, the specific estate, and the processing methods used. Here are the different flavors associated with the various flushes of Darjeeling tea: First Flush (Spring) - March to April : Flavor Profile : Fresh, light, and floral with a distinct briskness. Notes : Hints of green, grassy, and astringent notes with a subtle sweetness and a delicate aroma. Appearance : Light golden or pale yellow in the cup. Characteristics : Often described as having a "springtime" freshness and floral aroma. Second Flush (Summer) - May to June : Flavor Profile : Richer, fuller-bodied, and more complex than the First Flush. Notes : Muscatel flavor, reminiscent of muscat grapes, with fruity, nutty, and sometimes spicy notes. Appearance : Amber or dark gold in the cup. Characteristics : The most prized flush, known for its distinctive muscatel character. Monsoon Flush (Rainy Season) -

Profiles of Darjeeling Tea

 Darjeeling teas are known for their unique flavor profiles and high quality, which contribute to their different value propositions. Here are some key value propositions associated with Darjeeling teas: Unique Flavor Profile : Muscatel Flavor : Darjeeling teas are renowned for their distinctive muscatel flavor, which is often described as a fruity, floral, and musky aroma with hints of grape and apricot. Seasonal Variations : The flavor varies with each plucking season (First Flush, Second Flush, Monsoon Flush, and Autumn Flush), offering a range of taste experiences from fresh and floral to rich and full-bodied. Terroir : Geographic Indication : Darjeeling tea has a protected geographic indication (GI) status, meaning it must be grown in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. The unique climatic conditions, altitude, and soil of this region contribute to the tea's distinctive characteristics. Organic and Sustainable Farming : Many Darjeeling tea estates practice organic a

European versus American Breads

 The differences between European and American bread are influenced by various factors, including ingredients, preparation methods, and cultural preferences. Here are some key distinctions:Ingredients Flour : Europe : European bread often uses different types of flour, including rye, spelt, and various blends of whole grain flours. European flours tend to have a higher protein content and are sometimes less refined. America : American bread typically uses white, highly refined flour. Whole wheat flour is also common but often in a refined form compared to European whole grains. Additives : Europe : European breads usually have fewer additives. There are stricter regulations in the EU regarding food additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. America : American bread often contains more additives and preservatives to extend shelf life. Common additives include high fructose corn syrup, dough conditioners, and preservatives like calcium propionate. Preparation Methods Fermentat

9 Teas That Can Improve Digestion

  The 9 Best Teas for Digestion (healthline.com) Teas like peppermint and ginger, among others, may help relieve digestive symptoms like bloating and inflammation. However, some ingredients may interact with medications you’re already taking. 1. Peppermint Peppermint, a green herb from the  Mentha piperita  plant, is well known for its refreshing flavor and ability to soothe an upset stomach. Animal and human studies have shown that menthol, a compound in peppermint, improves digestive issues ( 1 Trusted Source ,  2 Trusted Source ,  3 Trusted Source ,  4 Trusted Source ). Peppermint oil is sometimes used to improve  irritable bowel syndrome  (IBS), an inflammatory condition that affects the large intestine and can cause stomach pain, bloating, gas, and other unpleasant symptoms ( 5 Trusted Source ). A 4-week study in 57 people with IBS found that 75% of those who took peppermint oil capsules twice per day reported improvements in symptoms, compared with 38% of those in the placebo gro