Our June 2017 box

Tea is often thought of as being a quintessentially British drink yet despite us drinking it for over 350 years the true history of tea goes much further.

The story of tea began in China. According to legend, in 2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water. Shen Nung, a renowned herbalist, decided to try the infusion that his servant had accidentally created. The tree was a Camellia Sinensis, and the resulting drink was what we now call tea.

Since then tea was consumed throughout China and many large tea containers have since been found in tombs dating back to 2068C. Soon after it was introduced to Japan by monks studying in China. So at this stage in the history of tea, Europe was rather lagging behind. In the latter half of the sixteenth century there were the first brief mentions of tea as a drink among Europeans. In 1606 the first consignment of tea was shipped from China to Holland but was reserved for the wealthy.

Britain always a little suspicious of continental trends had yet to become the nation of tea drinkers it is today. However, it was the marriage of Charles II to Catherine of Braganza that would prove to be a turning point in the history of tea in Britain. She was a Portuguese princess, and a tea addict, and it was her love of the drink that established tea as a fashionable beverage first at court, and then among the wealthy classes as a whole. Capitalising on this, the East India Company began to import tea into Britain, its first order being placed in 1664 for 100le of China tea to be shipped from Java

Calming Camomile — From the perfect growing conditions of sandy loam and nutrients of the Nile we bring you the highest quality Egyptian Camomile Flowers. Renowned for its many health benefits, Camomile makes a great tea on its own but transforms when introduced to honey, lime or lemon.

Lancashire Best — A black tea blend inspired by the novel Truestorywritten by the award winning novelist and short story writer, Catherine Simpson. Truestory tells the tale of Alice and her struggles to raise her son Sam, who has Aspergers, on an isolated Lancashire farm. Best Lancashire was developed to reflect the strength of Alice, the brighter moments of hope and laughter and of course to reflect a tea that would typically be enjoyed around a farm table in the heart of Lancashire.

Hibiscus Green — A combination of the gunpowder green leaf, naturally dried hibiscus and rosehip produces a slightly tart, yet sweet berry astringency complimented by the hint of grassy notes. Our Hibiscus Green is a smooth, refreshing drink that can be enjoyed anytime of the day.

I hope you enjoy this months teas, have a fantastic July and remember to share any pictures you have with your BRUU's on our social media pages.