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Typically, though not exclusively, a black tea’s name will refer to its origin of growth.   Indian Black Teas Darjeeling The tea variety Camellia Sinensis Sinensis – the Chinese variety of the plant – took well to the soil, humidity, and altitude offered by Darjeeling hills. However, the tea produced here seemed to obtain a different taste profile to the Chinese tea that people were familiar with – its non-astringency and floweriness was preserved from the Chinese plant, but the conditions in Darjeeling gave this tea a sweetness that had not been seen before in a black tea. Darjeeling tea...

As spring starts to hedge into our periphery, the gardeners are collecting seeds so numerous they cannot possibly hope to sow them all, and Ireland celebrates its patron saint – St Patrick. In light of watching for signs of spring, preparing the garden, and being Irish myself, I find I am turning away from my winter favourite (Char’s comfortingly smoky Russian Caravan) and instead reaching for a familiar, strong brew to rejuvenate the energy I am now spending outside – Irish Breakfast tea.   But what exactly is Irish Breakfast tea?   I'd never really questioned it before I came...

It is the beginning of the new year, a time many of us use as an opportunity to reflect on practices which we can change to improve our way of living. Switching to loose leaf tea is a small step you can take to immediately improve not only your enjoyment of the nation’s favourite beverage, but also improve your health and lessen your environmental impact. Here’s how: Environmental Impact The average tea consumption per head in the UK is currently estimated at 2-3 cups per day. This comes to the length of 31,000 football pitches every year! With many commercially available teabags...

The Christmas spirit is catching here at Char, and we have already had a few people asking about buying Christmas presents!  With that in mind, we have created a handy helper for anyone intimidated by how many types of tea we have to make sure your recipient is grinning ear-to-ear with their first brew on Christmas morning!   Quick links to the teas in our Christmas tea gift chooser You can find any of the teas in our gift chooser by using our site search, or by following the links below: Sweet, Loose Leaf and Caffeine-Free Rooibos Scent of Christmas...

This delightful, easy-to-make beverage teeters between the sweetness of vanilla and the floral explosion of Lavender Blossoms, with the cakey base of rooibos to balance the two beautifully. You can get both Rooibos Vanilla, and Lavender Blossoms at Char in our Winchester shop, or online. I enjoy this best with coconut milk which gives it some extra lightness, but you can use any milk you prefer. If you like it a little sweeter, it is also lovely with a dash of honey. Thing's You'll Need You will need a 500ml container that will fit in your fridge, and a strainer...