Brilliant brews

Us Brits can’t resist a cuppa every now and then – but why not broaden your tea horizons with these brilliant brews?

It’s probably the most British thing you can do. On arriving home from a long day, when welcoming guests or, most crucially, in times of crisis, our first response is to put the kettle on. And with the recent arrival of icy mornings, chances are we’re brewing up a whole lot more. But tea, from your bog-standard builder’s to herbal tisanes, has many more benefits than you might think.

Aside from warming you up, herbal teas are a great addition to a balanced diet, aiding hydration and adding nutrients. ‘Teas like peppermint and licorice can aid digestion, while chamomile and lemon balm have soothing properties,’ explains nutritionist Louise Pyne. ‘Fennel is also a wonderful detoxifier and nettle acts as a diuretic, flushing excess water from your body. If you’re looking to cut down on caffeine, herbal teas can be a great alternative as brews like ginseng or ginger can perk you up without the nasty comedown effects of caffeine.’

Tea expert Bethan Thomas is the drinks buyer for Whittard of Chelsea. She began a love affair with tea while living in China, and later returned to complete a masters in tea science and work on developing different types of tea. ‘Sometimes you can read articles that make tea and herbal teas sound like magical elixirs, and you have to be careful not to presume that they can cure any ill,’ she says, ‘but as part of a healthy, balanced diet, they can both help hydrate your body and are reputed to bring other benefits. But all teas and herbal teas are not equal.’

Black tea

This is still the most common tea consumed in Britain – whether you prefer it with lemon in delicate bone china or in a mug with a good splash of milk. Black tea contains caffeine – how much depends on how strong your brew, but generally less than coffee. It’s also rich in antioxidants, and studies show that it can lower stress.

Green and white tea

The purer sisters of black tea, green and white tea are made with young leaves that have undergone minimal oxidation. These teas are said to be richer in antioxidants, and are claimed to boost metabolism, reduce cholesterol, combat heart disease and even stave off cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The British Dietetic Association, however, is skeptical about some of the miracle claims.

Matcha

A fine-ground Japanese green tea – and the latest hipster ingredient. Matcha lattes, ice cream and cakes are now readily available, with a pleasant green hue. Green tea leaves are grown under shade, producing more chlorophyll and improving the nutrient and amino acid content of the leaves. According to the brewers Teapigs, this gives it 15 times the health benefits of regular green tea. ‘One serving of matcha contains six times more antioxidants than goji berries, 70 times more than orange juice and has nine times the beta-carotene of spinach. The high levels of amino acid L-theanine found in Teapigs Matcha are proven to raise energy levels while also keeping you calm and focused, which is why matcha is drunk by Buddhist monks to aid meditation.’

Peppermint

And you thought after-dinner mints were just to combat a garlicky main? Peppermint tea can ease bloating and gas, aiding digestion. It’s also said to be great for your skin and your sinuses if you’re feeling bunged-up. Perfect for winter, then.

Chamomile

This is a great bedtime tea – chamomile has calming properties and can help relieve stress, anxiety and help you sleep better. Valerian is often added to chamomile for ‘night-time’ teas that will help you to drop off.

Ginger

Ginger tea has been a godsend for many pregnant women suffering from morning sickness. It can soothe an upset stomach, or even just a full one, and its warming properties are also great on a chilly day. Try a ginger and lemon tea for a zingy pick-me-up or infuse lemon and organic fresh root ginger in hot water for a great start to the day.

Detox

Detox is a loaded word – it’s generally recognised that our bodies are effective enough detox tools without any help. However, some teas have diuretic properties that can help with bloating and sluggishness – like fennel, dandelion or nettle.

Click next to check out our top tips for making the perfect brew…