“If I couldn’t, three times a day, be allowed to drink my little cup of coffee, in my anguish I will turn into a shrivelled-up roast goat.”
This line – which I’m sure we can all empathise with – is from one of Bach’s miniature comic operas, known as the Coffee Cantata, concerning a young woman obsessed with coffee and who insists on having it inserted in her marriage contract that she be allowed to brew coffee whenever she wants.
Its original name is Schweigt stille, plaudert nicht (“Be still, stop chattering”), which is exactly what we want to tell most people who insist on talking to us in the morning before we’ve had our first cup of coffee.
Let’s brew a welcome pot while we entertain you with some interesting facts about the history of the bean we all know, love…and depend on!
Damn, That’s Old!
The beginning of coffee can be traced all the way back to 800AD, when, as legend would have it, 9th-century goat-herders noticed how their goats were experiencing fits of erratic behaviour after eating the fruit of the Coffea plant. After that, a local monk concocted a drink from the same fruit and discovered it kept him up all night. Here’s to all those sleepless, caffeine-induced nights!
What’s In A Name?
Did you know that we actually only drink two types of coffee? The most popular one is called Arabica, while the less common variety is known as Robusta, which has a more bitter taste and much more caffeine. The word “coffee” also comes from the Arabic word for “wine”, qahwah, which evolved into kahveh in Turkish and eventually koffie in Dutch.
That’s Revolting!
Believe it or not, there were quite a few attempts stretching over two hundred years to have this delicious mixture banned, from the 1500s all the way up till the late 1700s. The first of these goes all the way back to 1511 in Mecca, where it was banned as it waS believed to be a stimulator of radical thinking.
Fast forward to the Boston Tea Party incident leading up to the American Revolutionary War, where we find the colonies ditching the age-old British preference for tea in favour of java so as to avoid King George III’s tax levies. Drinking coffee as a show of patriotism helped popularise the beverage in America, and also helped energise tired Civil War soldiers.
Drink Up, You’ll Look Great!
Don’t throw away those used coffee grounds! They can actually make a very effective DIY facial scrub. Turns out they’re the perfect physical exfoliators for removing dead skin cells, helping to make your skin fell smooth and look vibrant. Caffeine can also improve the blood circulation in your skin.
“I have only to break into the tightness of a strawberry, and I see summer – its dust and lowering skies.” – Toni Morrison
Is it just us, or did this winter feel particularly long? We’re grateful for the occasional breeze coming through our windows, longer days, and blissful siestas, especially before moving into some essential swimming and late-night parties in the middle of our Mediterranean summer.
Are you getting ready to start hosting for the summer? If you don’t have the opportunity to lounge in a shady garden, or look at the stars on a cool rooftop with some friends, indoor dining can be just as relaxing. Take a look at what we recommend.
SET THE SCENE
If you’d rather enjoy the benefits of a fan or air-conditioner, you can always bring the outdoors indoors with some artificial flowers. Faux flowers are currently enjoying a resurgence – if you’re not one for gardening, investing in some high-quality artificial flowers could be the answer to all your problems. No pesky watering or pruning will be necessary with the marvellous colours provided by these large pink and white orchids, complete with ferns and rootballs for added authenticity.
BRING IN THE BEVERAGES
Slake your thirst with some refreshing drinks in style – lemonade or Prosecco, perhaps! These eye-catching vintage goblets in both deep blue and cobalt blue, circa 1970s, will catch the light and make you feel like some sort of Grecian deity, no doubt about it.
CULTIVATE SOME COLOUR
Continue your floral theme by decorating your table with some colourful napkins. These white linen napkins are embellished with vibrant pink peonies, emerald green leaves, and finished with an emerald green border. Now that your table will look like it’s been strewn with real greenery, we really feel like curling up to read A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Care to join?
For more informal dining, bring the brilliance of the sun to the table with these yellow and white checked gingham napkins. They’re fun and provide a less serious picnic-like aesthetic.
CHANGE YOUR CROCKERY
Well, your guests will need to eat off of something, and we’ve got you covered. Here’s a complete vintage stoneware lunch/dinner service set, decorated in blue and white with gold trim. The fact that they’re antique only adds to their quality. In fact, we’d argue that such a set gets better with age by absorbing history. Think of how an item such as this, which can easily become a family heirloom, has brought so many people together to share stories, and will continue to do so well into the future.
Round off the collection with a dainty contemporary butter dome, bringing together a variety of mediums in glass, silver-, and gold-coloured metal.
THE CROWNING GLORY
We’d normally think of a table centrepiece as being something with no functional purpose, such as a bouquet of flowers or an ice sculpture. But who’s to say something can’t be both beautiful and useful? Complete the whole look with a crowning feature: a Mexican silver jug with a green mosaicked malachite parrot handle. To be completely honest with you, we’re still in awe of this piece.
This 2-litre jug is handcrafted from recycled hand-beaten copper and finished in Mexican silver by artisans in central Mexico. The semi-precious malachite bird adorning the jug is truly something to be marvelled at. You’ll certainly get asked a few questions about this addition to your table – a real conversation starter!
Lisa Grech is the powerhouse behind Malta’s The Definitive(ly) Good Guide to Restaurants in Malta & Gozo, the Malta Baby & Kids Directory, Malta Artisan Markets and her latest initiative Offbeat Malta Food Trails. It’s safe to say that Lisa knows a thing or two about hunting down unique, high-quality pieces, and that’s why, today, she’s sitting down with us to discuss her favourite We Are Not A Shop picks.
Lisa, we’re so glad you could join us! Could you talk us through some of your favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces?
With pleasure. Firstly, I thought this bracelet was beautiful and quite unusual. I love vintage jewellery – you could say I’m a bit of a collector. And I especially like my bracelets (as you can see from my arm!). This one is particularly pretty, though. This classic pair of earrings were another obvious choice – they’re well priced and super dainty.
These napkins also caught my eye. They feel great and the colours are fabulous, too. I have a large pink table in my home, and I think these napkins would make a welcome addition to my dining room décor.
Then, I thought that this cotton t-shirt would make the perfect souvenir for someone visiting the island. It’s got a simple and effective design, and is promoting the Save The Valletta Skyline charity – what’s not to like?
When I saw this scarf, I instantly thought of a friend of mine. It’s Nepalese cashmere and feels super smooth – great quality too. I suppose that’s his birthday present sorted!
Then, I couldn’t believe you had this copy of Diana for Girls on your website! I hadn’t seen one in years. As a child, I owned a few and would spend hours going through the pictures, drawings, and adventure stories. Reading this with my nine-year old daughter will be great fun.
Finally, this picnic backpack is so convenient. It’s got its own chopping board, wine opener, cutlery, glasses, and even its own cooling compartment. All it needs now is a bottle of wine and a nice selection of cheeses…
That’s quite the assortment you’ve got there! Now, what would you say was your most surprising selection?
I suppose the copy of Diana for Girls as I haven’t seen one in years! It was a welcome trip down memory lane.
Did you have a favourite section of the website?
Probably the jewellery one. But I have to say, I’m also a fan of the souvenir section –there’s so many original items that would make great gifts for my foreign friends.
What do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?
I think what’s great about We Are Not A Shop is that it’s so environmentally friendly. You’re recycling great pieces that may have otherwise been discarded (and what a pity that would have been). Of course, the initiative behind the concept is incredibly admirable, too. We could use a lot more of that on the market.
And how would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?
An excellent website full of unique products where you can truly find something for everyone!
Finally, will we be seeing you again?
Oh, I’ll certainly be back. You have a return customer in me.
“Everything in moderation”, so the saying goes. There’s good and bad to everything in life. Rather than giving into extremes by either overindulging or completely abstaining, finding a comfortable middle ground can be incredibly beneficial. In this case, we’re referring to technology, specifically the internet.
No one can deny the advantages of the internet. Ever since its advent, it’s blossomed into a meeting place for like-minded individuals, a place where one can share their creativity, perhaps even making a living off of it, and share love and support to individuals halfway around the world.
But as with anything else, things can easily go overboard if you’re not careful. Studies have shown that spending long periods of time without disconnecting from immersive technology can have many negative side-effects, both physically and mentally.
Here are some reasons why you should occasionally give the internet a break, as well as ways of implementing these methods seamlessly into your life.
SAFEGUARD YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Unsurprisingly, studies have shown that people who are addicted to the internet, and social media more specifically, have a greater tendency to succumb to feelings of depression and loneliness. This occurs due to a very human habit of comparing ourselves to others. Indeed, the grass will always look greener on the other side.
Comparisons are odious and often the thief of joy. Looking at someone else’s life through a curated image or video will undoubtedly have negative effects – you’ll feel dissatisfied with your seemingly ordinary life and achievements. But that’s the unfortunate nature of social media, and why we should strive even more to be on our guard. Take our advice: the grass is greenest in the areas you water most.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Considering most of us already lead mostly sedentary lifestyles, barely ever getting up to stretch, the tragedy is that we spend what little free time we have doing exactly the same thing in exactly the same position. If you’re not checking your e-mails, you’re playing video games, scrolling through social media accounts, texting friends, or watching television. Dehydration, blurred vision, and headaches are among the few of many physical side-effects to not taking regular breaks from your work station. Occasionally, get up from that worn-out chair, get out of the house, and go for a walk.
TAKE BACK CONTROL
The feeling of being constantly “connected” can be immensely stressful to our minds and bodies. The average human will spend at least 11 hours of their day consuming information through technology. While we can learn a lot from the internet, it can also be comforting to take a break from it all. The key is setting boundaries and allowing technology to work for you rather than let it control your life.
Even though it hasn’t been officially identified as a legitimate addiction, there are a few tell-tale signs to know if you’re too attached to your device. Are you constantly checking it whenever a notification comes through? Do you find that you’re less productive than you used to be? When was the last time you spent time outdoors or had a real-life, face-to-face conversation? Do you feel you’re unsatisfied with your job? Does your night-time sleep do nothing for your daytime lethargy? If you ticked off more than one of these symptoms, then you’re probably addicted to some form of media device.
All of this stems from what has now been labelled as the “Fear of Missing Out”, or “FOMO”. Marketing experts know how to grab your attention, making you feel anxious about missing out on something. What’s more, today’s society consumes far more information in a few hours than those from 100 years ago consumed in a year. No wonder we’re stressed!
CREATE NO-TECH ZONES
Withdrawal is a real thing, regardless of the cause. You can make self-discipline easier by designating certain rooms as those in which you do use technology, and those in which you don’t. For example, your bedroom should be the one place in the house that has limited internet or technology usage.
If you’re not ready to stop all social media swiping after dark, try turning off the television or tablet about an hour before bedtime. You’ll most likely get a better night’s sleep without modern technology’s lights still blinking through your mind before you go to sleep. Perhaps you’ll also start finding yourself getting sleepier earlier, as your natural body clock recalibrates itself according to daylight.
If you really need to consume something before bedtime, opt for a book or magazine. Apparently, our minds are more efficient at sorting through information when read from physical paper!
REMOVE DISTRACTIONS
To prevent getting overwhelmed, it’s important to place a fine line between your work life and your personal life, a border that has unfortunately deteriorated over time. Leave your professional life where it belongs, though admittedly this would require even more self-discipline if you work remotely. The issue is that most of us remain in a work mind-frame after we’ve clocked out, leading to feelings of stress and of being overworked.
Studies have shown that even the mere presence of a mobile phone when you’re in the company of others, even one that you’re not currently using, can lower our ability to empathise with other persons. This has been dubbed the ‘iPhone effect’.
After work, take a break from the digital world, leaving only 30 minutes of the day to check personal connections, and limited to just one screen format. Eat your meals in peace and quiet, or else with nothing but the voice of a loved one to keep you company. If you can afford to, turn off any notifications on your phone, or delete your social media apps altogether. Once you start to discard the internet’s artificial goals, you might find yourself developing sharper focus, being liberated of any and all toxic behaviours and feelings of isolation.
Remember that it’s never great to quit something cold turkey! Be realistic with your detox goals by setting gradual limits to your tech usage. Eventually, you’ll have built up enough resilience to try out Cal Newport’s 30-day cleanse as suggested in his hit book, Digital Minimalism (2019).
How will you be tackling your own digital detox? Are there any particular activities you enjoy that don’t involve a WiFi connection? Let us know in the comments below!
SO WHAT NOW?
Now that you’re no longer a slave to social media, you’re free to get back to your journey of self-discovery and figure out who you really are without all those distractions. Restart that hobby you always meant to pick up again but couldn’t because of work obligations. Use this new free time to start working out more and feel refreshed throughout the day. Spend time with people you love and have an actual, face-to-face conversation with them without the temptation of a notification on the side. Or else…just unwind! Nothing says ‘freedom’ like being able to do absolutely nothing, especially in today’s society that can make us feel guilty for not working at or achieving something.
Radio host, actress and content creator, Taryn Mamo Cefai, has been busy turning her new house into a home over the past few months. Today, she’s sitting down with us to chat about all her favourite We Are Not A Shop pieces. Read on to discover what she selected from our online store.
Taryn, we’re so glad you could join us. Could you tell us what inspired your selection of pieces today?
Thank you for having me. I chose things that represented different sides of my personality. To start things off, I went with these two mugs. This one because it has a sheep on it (and I love sheep), and the other one purely because it made me laugh. I also collect mugs on my travels, so they’ll fit right in with the rest of my collection.
These gold hoops are gorgeous, too. I’m obsessed – I don’t think I’ve ever come across a pair of hoops I didn’t like…
Then, I can really picture these three cushions in my new living room. I chose this one because it’s a fun representation of Malta (I’m Maltese and proud!). Then, this one because it’s the perfect pop of colour to brighten up my interior. And finally, I picked this zebra cushion because it will look great with the other African touches I’m planning to incorporate into my living area. The cushions all complement each other nicely, too, so I’m looking forward to seeing them together.
I also selected this travel book because I am quite the avid traveller – you can never travel enough, if you ask me. It’s my therapy; where I let loose, meet new people, and experience new things. More importantly, it helps me keep everything in perspective.
Lastly, this necklace is such a unique collectors’ item, I couldn’t resist.
Great picks, Taryn. Did you pick any of them with someone specific in mind?
I guess I picked out this mug with all my single friends in mind…
Now, we know this is a tough question, but do you have a favourite item?
That is a tough one! It’s a tie between the mug and the travel book. I drink tea about eight times a day, so the mug will definitely come in handy. While the book is something I can see myself flicking through fairly often. I’ll have to go with both, don’t make me choose one!
How would you describe We Are Not A Shop to someone who doesn’t know about it?
An online store with a difference.
Now, what do you like about the We Are Not A Shop concept?
It’s a fantastic concept. If you’re going to buy a gift for someone this Christmas, you might as well donate to a worthy cause at the same time! It’s a great thing that We Are Not a Shop are doing.
Finally, would you recommend We Are Not A Shop to a friend?
Definitely!
Check out Taryn’s travels and home renovations over on her Instagram @tarynmamocefai.
What comes to mind when you think of Christmas? Presents! Decorations! Cosy family time! But let’s not forget the traditional Christmas feast. Regardless of culture, it’s a time everyone enjoys some gluttonous frivolity all around the world. But how did we come to associate certain dishes with these festivities? There’s a story behind each one!
GOOSES! GEESES!
Before turkey became popular, goose was the traditional Christmas meat. Those families who lived off the land had to choose which animals they’d eat on special occasions very carefully. Since hens provided eggs and cows gave milk, geese, which lay eggs only seasonally, were the best option.
TASTY TURKEY
Is there any other form of poultry most associated with Christmas dinner? Even though we usually associate turkey with American Thanksgiving, this bird was actually introduced to England in the 16th century. Despite being poorly adapted to the English climate, as well as typically being a dry, bland meat, turkey quickly became the meat of choice for Christmas. As healthcare improved over the years, large rural families had more mouths to feed, so the traditional goose was no longer enough. Turkeys were relatively cheap to raise and grew to a great size, so it was the perfect choice!
In a way, the turkey tradition began with the working class, as more affluent families opted for game meats to exhibit their status. By the 18th century, and thanks to being immortalised in Charles Dickens’ novella, A Christmas Carol (remember that heartwarming scene with Bob Cratchit?), the turkey became solidified in both British and American cultures.
HAMMING IT UP
Whether it’s glazed, baked, or served as cold cuts in sandwiches the day after, pork has been a staple at Christmas tables for ages. During Scandinavian Yule celebrations, a pig would be sacrificed to the Norse god of the sun, harvests, and fertility, Freyr. So too did the Ancient Romans, feasting on boar during Saturnalia.
Before explorer Sebastian Cabot supposedly introduced turkey to 16th-century England, wealthy families opted for peacock or swan to demonstrate their affluence, while everyone else had boar. However, a boar’s head placed at the centre of the table still remained a tradition, most likely a holdover from pagan rituals.
The earliest instance of a boar’s head appearing in a recipe comes from Sabina Welserin’s 1553 German cookbook, which called for the boar’s head to be boiled, placed on a grate, drenched in wine, roasted, and constantly basted with more wine. It was then served with a black sauce made from wine, cherry syrup, sugar, ginger, pepper, cloves, raisins, almonds, and cinnamon. Yummy!
SUGAR, SPICE, AND EVERYTHING NICE
Yes, we’re talking about gingerbread! When the Crusaders returned from the Middle East in the 11th century, they brought spices, sugar, almonds, and citrus fruits back with them. At the time, these ingredients were incredibly expensive and only used on special occasions. They were even used as currency at one point!
The concept of gingerbread men most likely originated from Catholic monks moulding the mixture into decorated figures of saints and religious motifs for saints’ days and festivals. As the prices of these ingredients dropped, they became more popular and were sold at county fairs.
It’s said that Queen Elizabeth I liked to have the likenesses of visiting dignitaries shaped into elaborate gingerbread figures, complete with gold leaf to showcase wealth. Ever since the Victorian era, it’s become a beloved tradition to make edible gingerbread ornaments to hang from one’s Christmas tree. And let’s not forget the classic gingerbread house! We feel like re-reading Hansel & Gretel by firelight now.
PUDDING, ANYONE?
The celebrated Christmas pudding originally began in the early 15th century as plum porridge, a rather unappetising savoury gelatinous mixture that consisted of chopped beef or mutton, vegetables, dried fruit, breadcrumbs, wine, herbs, and spices. By the 16th century, the meat and vegetables started to disappear from the recipe, eventually becoming a rich pudding served on feast days. By the 1670s, it became a Christmas staple. In fact, we still use pretty much the same recipe from the 19th century, though some still choose to add suet as a nod to the original meat concoction.
During the Yule festival, this would have been set alight to symbolise the rebirth of the sun, as well as decorated with a sprig of holly to represent everlasting life in winter. We still do this! A silver coin was also placed inside the mixture for abundance. If you want to stay true to this tradition, try finding an old sixpence!
JUST A SMALL SLICE, PLEASE
The rich Christmas fruitcake also started as plum porridge, but by the 16th century, butter was added, the oatmeal was replaced by flour, and finally eggs to hold it all together. In the Middle Ages, the original plum cake was made to celebrate Twelfth Night (5th January), when the three wise men set out to see the baby Jesus. In fact, the spices are meant to symbolise their gifts to the infant, and a sweet treat with rare almonds and dried fruit was always welcome during the colder months. It was made in advance by those knowledgeable enough not to burn the expensive ingredients in primitive, temperamental ovens, then wrapped up and preserved in alcohol for a year.
Originally, this was a time of feasting, drunkenness, and debauchery. However, in 1870, Queen Victoria banned these festivities, deeming them inappropriate. Eventually, the almonds were replaced with marzipan, and it became fashionable to decorate the cake with a snow-covered landscape. A tradition states that all the family must take turns stirring the mixture in a clockwise motion with their eyes shut while making a wish!
BÛCHE DE NOËL
Oh, you mean the Yule Christmas log? In ancient European homes, a large tree trunk was burned on the hearth for twelve days to symbolise the rebirth of the sun. Now, they’re rich chocolate sponge rolls layered with mousse or buttercream, covered in marzipan, dark brown frosting, holly leaves, red berries, and powdered sugar. The result is a delicious dessert that mimics a tree log!
WE MIGHT HAVE A SWEET TOOTH
There’s an amusing legend to how candy canes were invented. Originally white and straight, it’s said that in 1670, a choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany bent them to represent a shepherd’s staff and gave them to his charges to keep them quiet. The classic red-and-white stripes and peppermint flavouring were all added later in the 19th century.
As colder weather settles in, is anyone else starting to feel a little bit festive?
We know it’s early, but if you, like us, want to get organised for Christmas this year, why not start planning now and have some fun with it?
Make yourself a hot chocolate, put on some cosy socks, and embrace that holiday spirit with our Christmas countdown checklist!
BUDGET
This is a highly personal topic, so tackle it first. Focusing on quantity can be great if you’ve got kids – the stars in their eyes after they see all those presents under the Christmas tree is priceless! However, Christmas can quickly get excessive, so setting a budget can help you feel in better control.
Whatever your preference, as the actor Jim Carrey rightly said: “No holiday should manipulate you to the point where you’re going into debt just to show someone you love them.” Small, thoughtful, tasteful gifts can really make someone’s Christmas, and at least you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
Do your research! Some DIY homemade gifts add that extra special personal touch. If the item is store-bought, provide a gift receipt with your present in case they’ll want to change it. If you’re really not certain what someone might appreciate, a gift voucher can go a long way.
PRESENTS
Ordering Christmas gifts online has become a great way to find all sorts of holiday bargains, including Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday sales. These are great ways of stocking up on stocking fillers, too.
When you’d normally have to think ahead about international delivery times, ordering from We Are Not A Shop’s eclectic mix of items makes things so much easier. Not only would you be supporting a small local business, but you’d also get your gifts delivered in no time!
WRAPPING
You’ve bought all your presents, so now it’s time to wrap them to protect the surprise! Practice a bit of frugality by going through all the leftover wrapping supplies from last Christmas, and then stock up on whatever you need, including wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, sticky tape, and those little name cards to attach to the presents.
If a lot of your gifts consist of toys for the kids, it’s also a good idea to stock up on batteries. Nothing kills a child’s innocent wonder like realising they’ll have to wait till Boxing Day to get their new toy working.
DECORATIONS
Of course, what home would be complete without a time-honoured Christmas tree? There are so many shapes, sizes, and colours to choose from nowadays that it can get pretty overwhelming. At the end of the day, choose a tree that really speaks to your soul and that can be incorporated well into your home.
Collecting all of the charming ornaments to adorn the tree with is also part of the fun. Some fairy lights are obviously a must-have. There are some lovely baubles made from all sorts of materials, too.
Decorations don’t have to stop with the tree! Rummage around in the garage, attic, or basement for that welcoming wreath to place on your front door or mantle.
FOOD
It’s time to start thinking about the traditional Christmas feast! This part can be especially daunting to plan. Whether you’re catering or making everything from scratch yourself, you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle if you sit down right now and think up a menu. Following a theme can simplify things a lot.
There are loads of delicious recipes available online that can be prepared months in advance, frozen, and taken out the night before. Perhaps you’re the kind of family where everyone will pitch in their own dishes, which would certainly amp up the community spirit of the holidays.
A successful display of scrumptious goodies will solidify your status as the foremost Christmas day host!
GUESTS
If you’re getting expecting a swarm of family members, carve out some time to give the house a decent clean-up from top to bottom. Air out the guest bedrooms and double-check any travel arrangements. Remember that this is a crazy time and people will be rushing at the very last minute, so if you suffer from anxiety, you’re going to want to be prepared.
Finally, put on some Christmas-themed music to fill the house with some lovely winter jollity, and your ambience is all set!
TRADITIONS
Having your own unique Christmas traditions provides you with something to look forward to for the holiday season. If you have a fireplace, light it up and huddle in front of it with some blankets and hot chocolate. Or else you might want to include a Christmas movie marathon of all your personal favourites.
Family photoshoots are also quite popular, as is sending out Christmas cards, whether physical or digital, to share some love with loved ones you won’t be able to spend the day with.
If there are kids in the house, you’ve got to leave out some milk and cookies for Santa Clause. He needs to be rewarded for all his hard work throughout the night, after all!
We recently learned of an Icelandic tradition known as jolabokaflod (“Christmas book flood”), where members of the household gift each other books on Christmas Eve and read together throughout the night. How lovely is that?
So, charge up the video camera and you’re ready to enjoy yet another memorable Christmas day!
What are some Christmas traditions you maintain with your loved ones? Do you have any tips and tricks to making the period leading up to the festivities easier? Let us know in the comments section below!
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward to the future.”
Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh
The drinking of Maghrebi (Moroccan) mint tea in North Africa is a time-honoured social activity, as well as a ceremonial ritual performed by the head male of a family when inviting a guest as a show of hospitality. The recipe is a mixture of fresh spearmint, castor sugar, water, and gunpowder tea (green tea leaves rolled into pellets), and is served with both sweet and savoury food.
This traditional concoction got us interested in learning more about the different types of tea in the world, of which there are literally thousands.
If you’re anything like us, you’re already getting excited to learn about all the different kinds of tea that exist in the world. We’ll be discussing the most popular types that come to mind, these being green, black, white, oolong, and herbal tea. We’ve also placed the preferable stewing time in brackets next to each tea type in case you want to try tasting them for yourself!
Something we weren’t aware of before doing our research was that the majority of tea comes from one plant: Camellia sinensis. It’s actually the type of preparation process that results in different tea varieties, including withering, rolling, oxidising, and drying.
We also refer to tea ‘flushes’, of which there are four that produce bolder flavours as we progress through the year. These start with the first flush, occurring between February and April, producing less oxidised and more expensive teas that should be consumed within a year, such as Darjeeling. The third flush, between July and October, produces less complex and therefore less expensive tea leaves, and are typically used for commercial tea bags.
GREEN TEA
Prep. time: 45 seconds – 1 minute
Green tea usually incorporates all parts of the tea shrub rather than just the leaves. As a result, most green tea has an earthy flavour. However, it’s still less processed than black tea and oolong tea. The most popular examples of green tea include Sencha and Matcha. With regards to Matcha green tea, traditional Japanese teahouses employ a meticulous tea-making ceremony that approaches an almost philosophical awareness of oneself. The ritual is an exercise in patience, with the idea being that harmony of the soul results in palatable tea.
BLACK TEA
Prep. time: 2 – 3 minutes
Black tea is the most popular tea type in the Western world, having a very bold, stronger flavour. It’s most commonly found in teabag form in supermarkets. It’s the tea of choice for making iced tea from scratch, and is usually blended, as with breakfast and chai teas, as the flavour is much easier to manipulate with additives like sweeteners, milk, and/or cream. Some famous examples of black tea varieties include Darjeeling and Ceylon.
OOLONG TEA
Prep. time: 3 minutes
Oolong tea lies somewhere between black and green tea, neither too dark nor too light, and having a range of flavours. Oolong tea has some of the best health benefits associated with tea types, such as diabetes prevention, weight loss, and bone strength improvement. However, it’s not commonly found in Western shops.
WHITE TEA
Prep. time: 4 – 5 minutes
White tea is the least processed out of all teas, having very light flavours and aromas. It’s got a sweet, floral quality to it. Like oolong tea, it’s less common than other more mainstream teas, so much so that it’s commonly used only as a base for herbal/infusion teas. For example, jasmine tea is actually a combination of a white tea base and the jasmine plant.
HERBAL/INFUSION TEA
Prep. time: 5 – 6 minutes
Herbal teas are not real teas, in that they’re actually infusions of flowers, roots, herbs, and/or fruits. Apart from black tea, herbal teas are the most popular in Western societies, with their light, floral, sweet flavours and aromas easily being appreciated. Herbal teas are also taken for their many health-related properties.
Some immediately recognisable examples include chamomile, mint, ginger, eucalyptus, and ginseng. These can also be made into fusion teas by adding other ingredients, such as honey and vanilla.
Chamomile tea has a number of health benefits. It’s very gentle on an upset stomach, and has calming properties. Combined with the fact that it has the lowest caffeine content out of all herbal teas, you’ll often see chamomile marketed as a great sleep aid.
Mint tea has similar health properties to chamomile. It’s an anti-inflammatory, can provide stress relief, speeds up metabolism (resulting in weight loss), as well as soothe an upset stomach. It’s also often combined with eucalyptus as an immune system booster for flu prevention.
Ginger root is rich in antioxidants, and is great for curing nausea, indigestion, and muscle pain.
Which is your favourite tea? Do they include any we didn’t mention here? Let us know in the comment section below!
“All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.” – George Orwell, “A Nice Cup of Tea” (1946)
Tea!And all the wonderful thoughts that come to mind when we say that word. There was a time when tea was quite rare to get your hands on, making it very expensive to purchase. As a result, inviting someone over to tea became a fashion statement, along with all the attachments of finery and etiquette associated with it.
Thankfully for us tea enthusiasts, tea is now readily available all around the world. But that doesn’t mean elegant tea parties are no longer popular. In fact, we’re witnessing quite a craze in tea party revivals, and we’re so excited to be a part of it!
Without further ado, here are all the things to keep in mind when making a cup of tea the right way.
INVEST IN A QUALITY TEA SET
If you’re looking to invest in a quality tea set, there really are only a few materials you should consider: silver, porcelain, and glass. All three retain heat extremely well, are aesthetically attractive, and won’t taint the flavour of the tea. Glass tea sets are great for herbal teas like green tea as you’ll get to appreciate the wonderful colour of the tea.
Silver and porcelain are both beautiful, traditional materials. When kept in proper condition through polishing, they only get better with age. As a metal, silver will retain heat like no other. Having a silver tea set is also quite a statement as they can be pricey and can easily stand as decorative items on their own.
Some tea sets are made from porous materials like clay. If they’re not glazed well, the material could absorb the tea and affect the flavour of future cups. That’s why porcelain is perfect. It’s non-porous and super easy to clean!
Fine bone china and steel are also materials worth considering.
PURISTS CLAIM LOOSE TEA IS BETTER
Some tea purists will tell you that supermarket-grade teabags will never come close to buying loose tea leaves. It might be the case that the type of paper used in teabags could also lead to the tea’s flavour being affected. If you’re careless, using teabags can also lead to over-steeping – it’s not the first time some of us were in the process of making a cup of tea and totally forgotten about it.
If you decide to go with loose tea leaves, make sure that you store them in an air-tight container and in dark, dry areas. Some teas should also be consumed within a certain amount of time.
BOIL SOME FILTERED WATER
Before thinking you need to go on a mountain trek to find the freshest and most natural water for your tea, take a breath – so long as you’re not tap or reheated water, you’re fine. Tap water contains chemicals that will affect the tea’s flavour, and reheated water has basically lost all its oxygen anyway. An electric kettle works just fine, though there are some really high-tech kettles out there that monitor the water’s temperature. Gooseneck kettles are quite popular now, too.
It’s essential that the water is boiled properly to release the tea’s tannins. Otherwise, it’ll be flavourless. However, this doesn’t apply to all types of tea. For example, green tea is far more sensitive to hot water and might taste bitter if too hot.
WARM YOUR TEAPOT
Swirl some of the boiled water around in your teapot beforehand. It’s said that this will ensure you’ll get a stronger brew out of the tea as it’ll help keep the temperature stable. It will also prevent your teapot from cracking; if you’re adding boiled water to a teapot that’s at room temperature, the drastic temperature change could damage the material. Once the pot is warmed, throw the used water away.
PLACE YOUR TEA
Some say you shouldn’t add boiled water directly onto your teabag or loose tea, though this differs for each type of tea and their specific preparation. If it’ll make you feel better, fill the teapot first and then scoop the tea into it. If you’re using loose tea leaves, leave the teapot lid open for more oxygen to get in.
You’ll notice that the tea leaves will expand considerably. This is important to keep in mind if you’re using a tea strainer. You don’t have to pack in a huge amount of tea leaves as they won’t have room to expand. Some teapots have built-in strainers, too, making the whole operation a lot easier.
LET THE TEA STEEP
The recommended amount of time to leave the tea steeping in the boiled water is between three to five minutes. Herbal teas should be left steeping for longer than five minutes. The longer you leave the tea, the stronger the flavour will be. That being said, remember that there’s the chance of the flavour also becoming too bitter.
ADD MILK (AND POSSIBLY SUGAR)
After you’ve poured the tea into your chosen cup, it’s time for your chosen additives. Most teas are consumed with milk. And while we’re on the subject, it’s time to do away with a particular misconception about which should be added first: tea or milk. The answer is always tea first, followed by a small quantity of milk. There’s no point drinking tea if you’re only appreciating the milk.
To continue espousing Orwell’s methods in his 1946 essay, a non-creamy type of milk is preferable, and sugar shouldn’t be added. But, of course, everyone has their own preferences. After all, Orwell only believed in drinking Indian or Ceylon tea.
NEVER REUSE TEA
You won’t get a stronger flavour of tea by leaving the tea to steep longer. If you want a bolder taste, just add more tea! There’s also nothing wrong with squeezing the teabag if that’s the form you’ve gone for, but only do this if you’re adding milk as it’ll help mask an otherwise too bold or bitter flavour.
HAVE A BISCUIT!
It’s time to enjoy your tea with a bite-sized snack. Who can resist a scrumptious baked good?! Don’t mind if we do.
Keep an eye out for the final blog post in our tea party campaign where we’ll be talking about the most popular types of tea available in the world!
“It’s always tea time.” – The Mad Hatter in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865)
Tea parties can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. There’s something romantic about them. They’re like little portions of a bygone era that have remained solidified in our consciousness, and that we occasionally enjoy luxuriating in. Nothing says you’ve made an effort like baking your own teacakes for your friends and family to enjoy.
Here are some tips and tricks to creating the perfect fairy tale children’s tea party fit for the Mad Hatter himself. We’ve also included a few items we think will help you on your way to providing an entertainment-filled afternoon for your kids.
Scone, anyone?
FANTASTIC THEMES
Step up the fun by having all the kids follow a particular theme. One great idea is having a fancy dress themed-party, or guests can be asked to bring their own teddy bear or doll to the tea with them.
There’s also holidays and events to consider, like Christmas, Easter, and birthdays, which provide lots of opportunities for these sorts of things. Your only limit is your imagination!
Setting a specific theme will also help you when it comes to preparing refreshments. If you’re particularly creative in the kitchen, you could have so much fun coming up with different ideas for all sorts of sweets and beverages. Classic bite-sized sandwiches always go down well. And while scrolling the net, we even found some adorable-looking biscuits baked in the shape of teabags!
INVITE THE KIDS!
If you’ve settled on a particular theme, imagine how excited the kids will be if they receive a Harry Potter-inspired invitation straight from the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, a message in a bottle concerning deadly pirates and a long forgotten treasure chest, or a scribble on a piece of parchment from a princess trapped in a castle desperately seeking help.
The possibilities are endless!
EXCITING GAMES
The kids are bound to get bored at some point, so shake things up a bit with some fun party games, including storybook reading, sing-alongs, and arts and crafts.
Whip out some paint and paper to get their creative juices flowing. Maybe it’ll even make you rediscover the artist lying dormant inside you. After all, Pablo Picasso once wrote: “All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
SETTING THE SCENE
Of course, you’ll want to set the atmosphere for your kids; their active imaginations will do the rest! You won’t want this to be minimal. Place as many colourful things as you can find on the table to make a properly chaotic Alice in Wonderland-inspired table that will overwhelm the senses.
Use lace doilies, place cards, and napkins. Decorate with flowers (artificial ones will do nicely, too), candles (LED candles are great so that no one burns themselves), and balloons. And obviously you can’t forget all the dainty crockery!
If the weather still allows for it, turn the party into an outdoor event and turn the area into a real Secret Garden adventure to make Frances Hodgson Burnett proud. The mystery of an outdoor wilderness provides so much scope for the imagination, or at least that’s what Anne of Green Gables would probably think.
Make sure that the tea you give the kids is decaffeinated!
PARTY FAVOURS
The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the tea party’s over. Send the kids home with goodie bags filled with all sorts of colourful toys, riveting books, and delicious treats for them to enjoy at home and keep reminding them of what a great time they had. Maybe it’ll make them convince their parents to host their own tea party!
