Book of Teas by Lindsay David - HTML preview

Tea & Health

Tea has been recognised from its inception for its medicinal properties. Several studies have been undertaken to research the health benefits of black tea consumption.

 

The polyphenols present in tea are active oxidants, which are thought to act protectively against cardiovascular disease risk and carcinogenesis.

The free radicals found within us, are oxidants, which are very active, combining with a variety of other chemicals to cause undesirable effects. Polyphenols and other compounds in tea neutralise the free radical oxidants by reacting with them, in effect acting as free radical scavengers.

In green tea, which has not gone through an oxidative fermentation process, natural constituents know as “Catechins” have similar antioxidant properties to the vitamins A, C & E. General results so far obtained by in-vito experiments, animal experiments or human interventional studies have suggested that tea “Catechins” may contribute towards the prevention of cardiovascular related diseases. These benefits of tea “Catechins” derive from their potent anti-oxidative and free radical scavenging capacity. With improvement of techniques for identification, black tea Polyphenols may also be found to be linked to the beneficial effects of tea. “Theaflavins”, which give the colour to black tea, are also powerful anti-oxidants and have a substantial contribution to the NO scavenging of black tea.

The Inter-Governmental group on Tea in 1992 proposed that the Common Fund for Commodities undertake research on the health benefits to humans on the consumption of black tea. The studies have produced positive results in the contribution to preventative effects of some biomarkers of carcinogenesis, and suggested a possible mechanism of association with a reduction in cardiovascular risk. Studies are also being done on the beneficial effects of tea on dental enamel, caries and oral bacteria.

Apart from these effects, tea also plays a part in human nutrition and is widely accepted as a healthy low caloric drink.

 

Mackwoods Tea ©

 

“Tea is the beverage of ceremonious people, and like the dense monsoon rains, it is calming and stimulating, encouraging conversation and relaxation….ideas and traditions seep slowly in its steamy transparence.”

Paskel Brucker

Mackwoods Tea was established in 1841 by Captain William Mackwoods. Mackwoods fine tea is produced directly on our own estates - we manage 27,000 acres of tea and rubber estates in Sri Lanka. We provide a full range of unblended Single Estate Black Teas in different grades, as well as a full range of Flavoured Tea, Infusions and Connoisseurs Teas including Silver Tips (white tea) and Golden Tips. We are one of the few companies worldwide to be accorded the unique privilege of presenting our Connoisseurs Tea - “The Queens Golden Jubilee Blend”, created to commemorate Her Majesty's Golden Jubilee, at Buckingham Palace.

A full selection of our “Unblended Single Estate Teas” is available in the Justea gift shop.

Golden Tips

The Queens Golden Jubilee Blend.
This tea is a hand plucked premium quality blend of garden fresh high grown Ceylon tea,

especially created by Mackwoods to commemorate her majesty's Golden Jubilee. It contains a unique blend of Golden Tips, which comes from the finest tea buds and is a connoisseurs delight along with Orange Pekoe from Labookellie Estate, one of Sri Lanka's finest tea gardens. It is best drunk without the addition of milk. This exclusive blend of tea is presented in an exquisitely hand crafted brass canister decorated in traditional design depicting the rich heritage of Sri Lankan culture

Silver Tips

160th Anniversary of Mackwoods Ltd
This rare connoisseur's tea was specially created to commemorate the 160th Anniversary of Mackwoods Ltd. It contains a unique hand picked blend of Silver Tips and Orange Pekoe from Mackwoods Estates, some of Sri Lanka's finest tea gardens, situated approximately 2,000 metres above sea level in the misty hills of Nuwara-Eliya. The Silver Tips in Mackwoods 160th Anniversary Blend are made from a special high grown variety of Camellia Sinensis. Only the finest tender buds are hand plucked to provide this exquisite tea, unlike the usual two leaves and a bud. The tips are then sun dried, and specially selected for this blend, thus imparting its delicate aroma and subtle flavour. It is presented in a hand crafted silver plated canister and this rare tea is best appreciated without milk.

Orange Pekoe
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Long, pointed leaves rolled lengthwise. Harvested when the terminal buds open into leaf. Orange Pekoe rarely contains “tips.” A very smooth and soothing drink, suited to evening consumption. Sourced from Labookellie and Weddemulle estates.

Broken Orange Pekoe
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Broken, pointed leaves rolled lengthwise. Harvested when the terminal buds open into leaf.
A medium strength tea, very good as an afternoon tea. Sourced from Labookellie estate

Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Made from smaller, flat pieces of broken orange pekoe and used to make quick-brewing, strongly flavoured, robust teas with good colour. A strong tea excellent in the mornings. Sourced from Labookellie and Frotoft estates.

Mackwoods Flowery Fannings Special
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Mackwoods "Flowery Fannings Special" is brought ot you garden fresh from one of Mackwoods high grown estates situated 2000 metres above sea level in the misty hills of Nuwara-Eliya. The generous content of "tip" found in this Orthodox, Single Estate, black tea, has made it much sought after by ardent tea enthusiasts. It has a brisk liquor and a distinctive flavour, and is best had with a dash of milk.

Infusion Range
Chamomile, Ginger, Peppermint, Rosehip and Hibiscus are the range of refreshing and delicious infusions. No additives , no caffeine.

Flavoured Range
Mango, Apple, Strawberry, Earl Grey, Blackcurrent, Chamomile, Vanilla, Cinnamon, Lemon, Ginger and Mint are the range of delicious flavoured black tea.

ELMSTOCK LOOSE LEAF TEA Traditional Black Teas

Specially selected black teas from the best tea gardens of the world.

CEYLON PEKOE (BOP):
(Broken Orange Pekoe)
(Infusion time 4 minutes)

A special blend of fine teas, from the western highlands of Sri Lanka. Broken Orange Pekoe Tea is a leaf grading and has nothing whatsoever to do with the flavour of the orange fruit! A well rounded 'all day' tea.

Flavour Characteristics: Strong, brisk, full flavour

ENGLISH BREAKFAST:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
High grown Ceylon teas from the best tea gardens, expertly blended, give this tea its crisp distinctive style, quality and aroma. Especially good in the morning it can be drunk throughout the day.

Flavour Characteristics: Strong, brisk, full flavour

EARL GREY:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
A blend of selected teas with strong and coloury liquors, delicately flavoured with the essence of Bergamot, a small citrus fruit with its origins in China. It is best served black with a slice of lemon.

Flavour Characteristics: Strong, distinctive

DARJEELING TEAS:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Tea of the mountain mists, grown in the foothills of the Himalayas at elevations over 5000 feet. The most refined, delicate, noble and precious Indian tea with a rich aroma, exquisite bouquet and subtle muscatel flavour. Darjeeling tea is known as the champagne of teas and has a light coloured infusion.

Flavour Characteristics: Delicate, subtle

PRINCE OF WALES:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
A special blend of premium Oolong and Keemun teas.

Flavour Characteristics: Delicate, sweet

TRADITIONAL AFTERNOON TEA:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
A long leaf tea from the highlands of the Uva Province in Sri Lanka. Ideal for “high tea” in the afternoons.

Flavour Characteristics: Strong, Full Flavour

Green, Chinese and Oolong Teas

Green tea is processed naturally and is well known for its health benefits. Our range of carefully sourced green and China teas give you a choice of the different varieties available.

GREEN (GUNPOWDER):
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Green tea is unfermented and extremely popular in China and Japan. Tightly rolled balls of green tea that look like pellets, hence the name. A pale green coppery colour after infusion with a pungent and unique flavour. It is recommended with most meals.

Flavour Characteristics: Light, astringent

JASMINE CHINA IMPERIAL:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
A Chinese tea enriched with the sweet scent of hand picked jasmine blossoms. It has a pronounced fresh and distinctive flavour. Ideal with spicy foods and after meals.

Flavour Characteristics: Delicate, light

RUSSIAN CARAVAN:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
A blend of Lapsang Souchong and black teas with its origins in the caravan route that traversed the famous Silk Road from China.

Flavour Characteristics: Smooth, smoky,wooden

LAPSANG SOUCHONG:
(Infusion time 5 minutes)
From the Fujiian province. It's entrancing flavour and aroma comes from being smoked over pine embers. Golden bright, it is drunk lightly brewed.

Flavour Characteristics: Crisp, unique smoky flavour

GENMAICHA:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Green tea with toasted rice and popped corn. A Japanese specialty. Flavour Characteristics: Mild, toasty

PU-ERH:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
A famous fermented china 'red tea' with reputed medicinal qualities.

Flavour Characteristics: Earthy, sweet

SENCHA ZEN:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Green tea popular in Japan., produced by being lightly steamed. It infuses a pale green colour and is rich in Vitamin C

Flavoured Teas

Tea absorbs flavours, particularly exotic ones! We have selected interesting fruits and berries to be blended with our quality teas.

CHOC MINT:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
Green China tea flavoured with chocolate and mint _ for the daring.

GREEN CITRUS:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Sencha green tea with orange peel and raspberry pieces _ natural, aromatic and piquant.

PINA COLADA:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
Green Tea that tastes like the original cocktail. Pineapple pieces, coconut shreds and flavouring,
an unforgettable experience.

Flavoured Black Teas

BERRIES OF THE FOREST:
(Infusion time 6 minutes)
Flavoured black China tea with elderberries, blackberries and raspberry _ delicious and refreshing.

CARAMEL MAGIQUE:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Flavoured black China tea with pieces of caramel _ an interesting and pleasant drink.

CHRISTMAS TEA:
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Flavoured black China tea with orange peel, almonds, cloves, hibiscus flowers and cornflowers _ a hearty and festive brew.

CHAI MASALA:
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
Black tea with a blend of special spices _ strong, hearty & full flavoured. An Indian treat.

ARCTIC FIRE:
(Infusion time 5 minutes)
China tea with mint and cornflower petal _ a pleasing flavour

Herbal Infusions

Herbal infusions are caffeine free. In addition to very pleasing flavours they have relaxing, healing and healthy properties

 

PEPPERMINT REFRESH:

 

(Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

Brews with a peppery, piquant fragrance. Highly appreciated for its digestive properties. Blended with lime it makse an interesting beverage.

 

LEMONGRASS ESPANOL:

 

(Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

A healthy infusion with a pleasant citrus taste _ aids digestion.

 

ROOIBOS KALAHARI:

 

(Infusion time 4 minutes)

 

A caffeine free healthy herbal infusion from the remote mountains of South Africa. Pure and natural with a sweet taste it is also known in Africa as 'Red Tea'.

 

ROOIBOS BLOOD ORANGE:

 

(Infusion time 4 minutes)

 

Rooibos, hibiscus, rosehip, safflower blossoms and Dyer's thistle. Caffeine free and natural for those who like their Rooibos with flavoring.

 

ROOIBOS ORIENTAL SPICE:

 

(Infusion time 4 minutes)

A caffeine free healthy herbal infusion from the remote mountains of South Africa. Pure and natural with a sweet taste it is also known in Africa as 'Red Tea'. With fragrant herbs and spices

ROOIBOS VANILLA:

 

(Infusion time 4 minutes)

A caffeine free healthy herbal infusion from the remote mountains of South Africa. Pure and natural with a sweet taste it is also known in Africa as 'Red Tea'. A pleasant experience.

AUSTRALIAN LEMON MYRTLE:

 

(Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

A refreshing drink with the flavour and aroma of lemongrass, lime & lemon. Certified organic

Herbal & Fitness Tisanes

A healthy selection of herbal infusions that have been complemented by selected berries, leaves and flowers. Caffeine free, these tisanes are healthy and are good for your body, mind and well being.

FITNESS:

 

(Infusion time 6 minutes)

A base of Rooibos, the red tea from Africa. Other herbal and natural contents are lemongrass, blackberry leaves, balm flowers, sunflower blossoms, cornflowers and liquorice.

GINGER & LEMON SERENITEA: (Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

Ginger, lemongrass, lemon peel and liquorice rounded off with a sprinkling of peppermint make this a restful and interesting drink.

 

MORNING DEW: (Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

A special blend of blackberry and raspberry leaves, rosehip peels, wild strawberry leaves, orange peels, rose petals, sunflower and lavender blossoms.

 

SPRING DREAMS: (Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

Hibiscus and lime flowers together with orange peel, apple, strawberry, rose petals and sunflower blossoms make for a truly invigorating experience.

 

WITCHES BREW: (Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

Hibiscus flowers, blackberry leaves, orange peels, apple and sunflower blossoms together with a secret flavouring make this an interesting concoction.

Fruit & Berry Infusions

(May be drunk hot or cold)
Imported from leading specialist food and beverage merchants in Europe they contain only fruit, berries and herbal ingredients and are therefore caffeine and tannin free. These healthy beverages contribute a multitude of fresh flavours, exciting aromas and a range of interesting and attractive colours after infusion.

BARBADOS:

 

(Infusion time 6 minutes)

 

Hibiscus flowers, apple, papaya, corinth, elderberries and blackberries. From the islands in the sun.

 

BITTER LEMON: (Infusion time 6 minutes)

Hibiscus flowers, rosehip, orange pieces and corinth and finished off with a sprinkling of pineapple, lemon and papaya. Very refreshing.

ICE FRUIT QUENCHER: (Infusion time 6 minutes)

Dried currants, hibiscus flowers, rosehip, elderberries, bilberries, blackcurrants, raspberry and cornflowers _ a healthy, soothing
and refreshing drink for those hot summer days.
Serve with crushed ice in a tall glass with a sprig of mint.

“The Best Cup of Tea in England”

Not only are we passionate about buying and blending, but also about selling and serving tea. Our Betty's Café Tea Rooms continue to serve over one million customers every year. Betty's has been fortunate to win the British Tea Council's prestigious award, Top Tea Place of the Year”, on three occasions. However, you won't find a Betty's Café on every local high street. We still have just six tea rooms, all in Yorkshire. Our dream is not to be the biggest chain of cafes, but simply to learn how we can refine and perfect the art of serving tea. Now you too can experience “The Best Cup of Tea in England” by purchasing from our large selection in the Justea Gift shop.

Irish Breakfast
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
A tea of full character and a robust flavour. Strong and rich, this blend has bright rosy liquor.

Chamomile Tisane
(Infusion time 6 minutes)
Chamomile flowers harvested in Egypt and Poland make for a light and sweet flavour. Whole chamomile flowers are quickly dried after they have been picked to preserve their mild, fresh flavour. Chamomile is particularly noted for its calming effects and is especially beneficial when drunk before bedtime.

Yorkshire Tea
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
We call our most famous blend “Yorkshire Tea” because we blend and pack it in

Harrogate, in the county of Yorkshire. Its rich refreshing taste reflects everything that the county is famous for: independent character, tradition, and heritage.

Yorkshire Gold
(Infusion time 3 minutes)

Yorkshire Gold is a very high quality blend of teas specially selected from the finest tea gardens of India, Africa, and Sri Lanka .This is a bright, brisk tea with a subtle, rich, and refreshing flavour.

Taylors Tearoom
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
Known on the plantations as “bungalow tea” this blend would usually be reserved for the

estate manager's enjoyment. With all the important elements of a great blend their words cannot do justice but offered, “a strong, rich, full-bodied infusion with a satisfying flavour”, Great with sweet cakes and even chocolate cake, but really comes into its own with traditional full English Breakfast or even fish and chips.

South African Kwazulu
(Infusion time 5 minutes)
This tea comes from the estates of Zululand South Africa and provides a brisk, light, bright and refreshing experience. The tea estates in this area are sheltered by the Drakensberg mountain range and the
Indian ocean is only about 100 miles from these estates.

Decaffeinated Tea
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Some customers prefer to avoid caffeine but do not want to compromise on flavour. To avoid this problem, we have selected a brisk African tea decaffeinated naturally using the carbon dioxide method. By leaving the tea leaves in water and adding liquid carbon dioxide, the caffeine washes off when the water and co2 is drained off.

Imperial Gunpowder Green Tea.
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
A green tea that takes its name from its distinctive leaf style said to resemble gunpowder shot. When hot water is added the leaves unfurl. Our Gunpowder tea produces a strawcoloured liquor with a distinctive flavour and sweet aroma.

Lapsang Souchong
(Infusion time 5 minutes)
After plucking, the leaves are withered over fires made of pine wood, then pan fried, placed in bamboo baskets, and dried over smoking fires. A light tea with a very distinctive, smoky flavour.

Moroccan Mint
(Infusion time 6 minutes)
For centuries mint leaves have been used as an aid to digestion as well as relieving headaches and nervous complaints. When blended with pure black tea the two seem to complement one another perfectly. It can be served hot for a refreshing pick-me-up, but perhaps is most enjoyable in summer as an iced tea.

Scottish Breakfast
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
Scotland is renowed for its soft highland waters. Our traditional Scottish blend contains fine Assam teas which perfectly complement the water to give a bright colour and rich, full flavour ideal for serving at breakfast time.Fortunately, our blend performs equally well whatever the water, so you too can enjoy its satisfying taste, even if you don't live in Scotland.

English Breakfast Tea
(Infusion time 3 minutes)
As traditional English tea merchants we have spent a long time perfecting our English Breakfast blend. To achieve its brisk and stimulating character and wonderful copper colour we use the finest leaf teas from the highlands of Africa and Sri Lanka. Its aristocratic flavour has come to be regarded as the epitome of a traditional “English” cup of tea.

Vanilla Tea
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Pure black tea blended with vanilla flavouring and sprinkled with vanilla pieces and golden sunflower petals. The sweet, aromic flavour makes a delightful accompaniment to cakes and pastries for afternoon tea.

Traditional Indian Chai
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
This traditional blend is guaranteed to please.

GOODRICKE Creating Exquisite Teas
Darjeeling

Darjeeling Tea is the world's most expensive and exotically flavoured tea. Connoisseurs will assert that without Darjeeling, Tea would be like Wine without the prestige of Champagne. The Darjeeling Tea industry is following the lead of world famous Scotch Whiskey of the UK, and the Champagne's sparkling wines of France.

The Tea Board has taken the responsibility of ensuring that only 100% genuine Darjeeling Tea carries the label DARJEELING - CTM (certification of Trade Mark) and reaches the customer in all purity.

Castleton 100g & 250g Single Estate
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Darjeeling tea at its proven best - this is what the group's Castleton garden offers. It is unmatched in its delicate flavour, rich aroma and exquisite bouquet. Its unique “muscatel” is comparable to sweet summer wines, with fragrant top notes of musk. Packed attractively, this legendary tea is prized by tea connoisseurs the world over.

Badamtam 100g & 250g Single estate
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
Badamtam is one of the flagship Darjeeling Gardens of the Goodricke Group. Located in a picturesque valley very close to Darjeeling town, Badamtam offers a beautiful view of Mount Kanchenjunga in the Himalayas and is synonymous with exquisite quality, particularly in the first flush.

Thurbo 250g
(Infusion time 4 minutes)
The groups largest garden in Darjeeling. Thurbo's indigenous clonal teas have unique character known for its rare and delicate fragrance. Thurbo Tea Estate established in 1872 is situated in the magnificent Mirik Valley. The garden traces its origin to the Nepalese word “Tombu” - meaning “Tent” which later became “Thurbo”. At an altitude ranging up to 6500ft; the garden produces Tea of rare and delicate fragrances.

Premium Darjeeling Tea (with a stronger flavour) 250g (Infusion time 4 minutes)
An economically priced Darjeeling tea in carton pack proves to be our largest selling Darjeeling “value brand”. The blend of Darjeeling brokens and fanning's offers the consumer both flavour, bright colour and briskness.

WHITE JASMINE

White Jasmine combines the health force of white tea with the delicate flavours of jasmine blossoms. The hand picked leaves are harvested only two days of the year and blended
with the finest Jasmine flowers, to produce a brew that is best enjoyed with friends. White tea contains nine active polypheniols that act synergistically to inhibit cancer growth, neutralise viral outbreaks and assist with general well being.

JASMINE PEARL

Tender shoots of green tea, scented with fresh jasmine, are hand rolled into beautiful pearls. When infused, the pearls slowly uncurl into needle shaped leaves. Green tea is known to boost the immune system and assist with the regulation of blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure.

DETOX

 

(Infusion time 4 minutes)

Ideal for purifying the blood and improving circulation. This tea flushes toxins and waste from the body, leaving you feeling stabilized and centered. It's also great for skin conditions, helping ease the effects of eczema, acne and rashes.

DRAGON BALL

Dragon balls add a new dimension to social tea gathering. Viewed through a glass teapot or tempered glass, they offer a visual spectacle as they open to resemble the Chinese
chrysanthemum. The White Tea, Jasmine blossoms and Gomphrena blossoms combine
to turn a delicately flavored drink into an occasion. Best enjoyed with friends, the ball can be reinfused up to 5 times for maximum White Tea health benefits.

CHAI TEA

 

(Infusion time 4 minutes)

Rich. Aromatic and unf