Thés & Traditions
Taste the best teas in the world
The history of tea in England dates back to the 17th century. Since the arrival of black tea in London, the British have consumed this beverage from morning until night. English teas come from the former colonies of the British Empire. Today, Indian black tea, English breakfast and earl grey are consumed in other countries. So which English tea should you put in your teapot?
Much more than just a drink, the cup of tea, with its cloud of milk, is a veritable English institution.
In the 17th century, the British consumed coffee in large quantities. The opening of the tea route from Asia democratized the brew throughout the country. At this time, England was buying green tea in bulk from China. One day, a shipment of leaves arrives in London. Poorly preserved, they had changed their appearance. The astonishing infusion appealed to the English, and the black tea craze was launched.
At the end of the 19th century, the United Kingdom emancipated itself by planting its first tea crops in its colonies, in India and on the island of Ceylon. Today, black teas from Darjeeling, Assam and Ceylon are still the most popular in London and the rest of the country.
The cup of tea is the rhythm of the English day. Early morning tea is drunk on rising from bed, followed by a cup with English breakfast. Black tea is drunk during tea breaks. Afternoontea (five o'clock tea or Tea Time) is another opportunity to bring out the teapot. A final cup can be enjoyed in the evening, during high tea.
In the tea gardens of Darjeeling, the English create a delicate product, with notes of muscatel. Recognized the world over, Darjeeling black tea is nicknamed the"champagne of tea". Different teas are produced depending on the harvest period.
The spring harvest produces a clear infusion and a light beverage. Organic Darjeeling premier flush is a highly sought-after English tea. This product is ideal for special occasions and Tea Time. The English service, with its porcelain teapot and cups, is perfect for enjoying this tea.
The summer harvest produces more astringent teas, with ripe aromatic notes. Finally, the autumn harvest produces less delicate cups, with a more muted taste. Summer and autumn Darjeelings are good teas to replace your morning coffee, for an office tea break or for Tea Time. An English tea to drink on its own or with milk.
This black tea is harvested in India. The flavor of its infusion is typical of the English cup of tea: strong, bitter and spicy. Assam black tea also has hints of honey. The harvest defines the quality and aroma of this English tea. In the UK, Assam tea leaves are often found in blends (mixtures of different teas), notably in English breakfast tea. This English tea is also available loose. A cup of Assam wakes you up at breakfast, thanks to its full-bodied taste.
English tea cultivation began on the island of Ceylon in the 19th century. Tea plants replaced coffee plantations, which had been decimated by a pest. Today, Ceylon black tea is exported worldwide. The infusion of its leaves offers a full-bodied, tannic taste. Like Assam, this English tea is best drunk in the morning. In India, it is not uncommon to infuse black tea leaves in milk rather than water. Adding spices to the teapot or cup produces chai tea.
For an English-style breakfast, opt for English breakfast. This is a blend of black teas with an intense taste. This blend often includes loose Ceylon and Assam teas . Simply infuse the loose leaves for a few minutes in boiling water to enjoy an invigorating English tea. In England, this product became famous thanks to Queen Victoria. Since then, it has lost none of its popularity, and Britons continue to drink a cup every morning with milk or sugar.
An aroma of bergamot wafting from the teapot? That's the secret of earl grey. This 100% English tea was revived around 1830 by Earl Grey. The bergamot-flavored tea became a classic in the UK. Known and drunk throughout the world, Earl Grey is made from black tea leaves. Assam and Ceylon are regularly included in the composition of earl grey. This light, floral English tea is best enjoyed in the afternoon, during a Tea Break or Tea Time. Choosing the right English tea means choosing a quality, organic product. Choose loose tea rather than broken leaves in individual bags. In our boutique, we offer you delicate and tasty loose leaf teas. You'll find them in bags or metal tins. Choose from our best black teas.