Move on from cutting chai

A new online store promises you a glimpse into the exotic world of tea, one sip at a time

A new online store promises you a glimpse into the exotic world of tea, one sip at a time

Coffee, tea or me? The month-old online store, Tea Culture of the World, intends to make that choice an easy one. After all, how can you not be tempted by a Blooming Tea that promises to unfurl in your glass, or the Colyx that tastes like coffee? Tea Culture of the World was started by 33 year-old Mumbai-based physiotherapist Dr Rupali Ambegaonkar, to cater to tea-drinking aficionados. The online store delivers 12 varieties of exotic and rare teas from all over the world to your doorstep.u00a0u00a0

The leaves of Red Tea are sourced from the Cederberg mountains of
South Africa. The tea, available in the store for Rs 800 for 50g, is
reputed to improve concentration and cure diarrhoea

Ambegaonkar's love affair with tea began when her friend brought her back some Tie Gua Yin Tea from an overseas trip. "The first sip, and I was hooked. The healthy tea did me a world of good," says Ambegaonkar. Once her stock got over, she found it difficult to replenish and that was when the idea of an online store was born. Ambegaonkar researched, travelled abroad for tea-tasting sessions and started the Iron Buddha Co., a beverage company, out of which Tea Culture of the World was born.

The focus is on health and the website lists the type of tea required to cure specific ailments. For example: white tea from Sri Lanka helps increase bone density and has anti-cancer properties. The Pu-erh Tea from China reduces cholesterol, aids in digestion and increases metabolic activity. "Every country has particular types of tea with medicinal properties and we offer a selection of them here," says Ambegaonkar.

Although limited, the selection comes with a short write- up about the tea and how to prepare it. For instance, Blooming tea, informs the website, gets its name from the brewing process since it's like watching a flower bloom, albeit, within minutes. Blooming tea consists of hand-picked flower buds such as chrysanthemum, jasmine, lily, or hibiscus that are then wrapped in tea leaves and tied with a cotton thread. The buds are released and brewed when added to boiling water. Typically, this tea is served in a tall glass, brandy snifter or any other wide-based glass cup so you can watch the bud bloom.

Red tea, we're told, is made of the leaves of the rooibos plant found in the Cederbergu00a0 mountains of South Africa, and contains a small amount of caffeine that helps stimulate the brain cells and improve concentration. It is also good for curing diarrhoea. What's more, many of these varieties are consumed without adding milk, making them easier to prepare than normal tea.

"You just need to pour hot water using a strainer," says Ambegaonkar, whose personal favourite remains the Tie Gua Yin Tea, "as it helps reduce cholesterol and lose weight". Rose Tea comes a close second, because of its soothing floral fragrance. With prices ranging between Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 for a 50g package, the cuppa does not come cheap. However, says Ambegaonkar, "One package lasts for a month. Since the tea is not processed (it is made of tea buds and flowers), it can be re-used at least thrice." www.teacultureoftheworld.comu00a0You can purchase the product online, using credit or debit card. Cash on delivery for Mumbaikars