The truth is, we love a good cup of tea. And now, we can all celebrate National Tea Day, which is the most British thing ever, by the way, in the truest of fashions. Guests will be able to redeem a free cup of tea is available to everyone, between 11am and 12pm on April 21, at Bird & Blend Tea Co. on Byres Road.
Tea lovers will be able to choose from over 100 tea blends all showcased on the tea wall, including Chocolate Digestives, Blue Raspberry, Whisktea, Birthday Cake, Peppermint Cream, Cherry Bakewell, Jasmine Poached Pears, Tea & Toast, Honeycomb Cookie D’oh, Cherry Cola Bottles, Earl Grey Crème and Great British Cuppa.
Of course, every day is tea day at Bird & Blend Tea Co., but Friday, April 21 is the strongest of British celebrations of just what tea has to offer, especially the free kind. What is more, curious minds wanting to learn the ways of tea can also ask the Bird & Blend Tea Co. experts about the history of tea, how to brew the perfect cuppa and taste other flavours, celebrating everything tea-related.
How to make the perfect cup of tea at home
Okay, since we’re here, might as well tell you what they told us about making the perfect cuppa. Tea has a long, rich history around the world, with the earliest known mention of tea dating back thousands of years to the Zhejiang province in China.
1. Select the perfect tea that suits the current mood
We know most of us just opt for a breakfast tea, but there so many more tea flavours one can choose. Sometimes, an English breakfast tea is just perfect for an afternoon energy boost. However, chamomile tea is great for its calming effects, and rooibos or fruit infusion teas are great for an evening refresh without the caffeine.
2. Choose a good quality tea
By choosing a tea that doesn’t compromise the planet or the people who grow it, it tastes better, because you know each mug is helping the world instead of damaging nature and underpaying its workers. Plus whole tea leaves are the go-to, and not tea dust, since it tastes better and gives you all the proper benefits of the tea.
3. Choose the perfect mug
At a molecular level, the type of cup or teapot, or the size of your mug will change the taste and experience of the tea. Bigger mugs allow more space for the tea to brew and for the oxygen to deepen the flavour and aroma. Basically, the cup you choose is an essential part of brewing a sensational cup of tea, so choose wisely.
4. Read the brewing instructions
Unfortunately, there is just no other way to go around this: just read the instructions. Green teas like a slightly cooler brewing temperature of 80 degrees, whilst your classic breakfast black tea can withstand boiling (100 degrees) water.
5. Enjoy
Voila! Now you have your phenomenal cup of tea in hand, go and enjoy your day.