There is an unmistakable nip in the air now in this part of the world a nip that makes you want to roll up in front of the TV with a cup of steaming hot tea in your hand. Deepali Dhingr speaks to four tea experts who drink and dream about teas and coaxes them to share the ideal brews to sip when it drizzles and pours
Antonia Achache
Owner, Suzette Creperie & Cafe
I RECOMMEND: It depends on what you would like to have. For example, if you want to forget about the dreary weather outside, then I would recommend the Vert Provence, which is a flowery and light sort of tea. It will counterbalance the weather outside. On the other hand, the French Breakfast tea is black tea. It’s got a chocolatey and spicy taste and is very wholesome. The sort of tea you would want to sip sitting next to a fireplace with the rains outside. Both these teas are from the brand Mariage Freres, which is the oldest tea house in France.
Antonia Achache warms up with a hot cup of French Breakfast Tea at Suzette, even u00a0as it pours outside Pics/Madeeha Attari
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BREW IT RIGHT: These teas are very strong in flavour, so just infusing them in hot water for five minutes is enough. You can add a little milk and sugar to the French Breakfast tea if you wish.
BEST TIME: You can have these teas throughout the day. The French Breakfast tea goes well in the afternoon with some chocolate crepes.
The teas are available only at Suzette Creperie & Café at St John Street, Pali Naka, Bandra West and at Atlanta Building, Nariman Point.
Radhika Batra Shah
Founder, Radhikasfineteas and Whatnots
I RECOMMEND: This weather typically resonates romance and what better than to recommend from my vast coterie of teas such as the Darjeeling Rose in both black and green tea options. This tea is a blend of whole leaf organic black/green Darjeeling with organic rose petals. A light refreshing tea bedecked with colourful flecks of dried rose petals. You will discover a subtle aroma, a graceful addition to our carefully balanced black/green tea blend, romantic and exquisite.
BREW IT RIGHT: Any whole leaf non-processed tea’s best friend is fresh water out of the tap. So bring to boil this water, shut off and let the bubbles calm. Take a small bunch measuring upto a teaspoon with your fingers and place in your favourite cup. Pour hot water onto the leaves. Cover with lid and let it steep or brew for a few minutes.u00a0Strain and serve. Let the leaves stay in cup. You can re-brew through the day as it gets better with every infusion.
BEST TIME: Darjeeling black/green rose tea can be had through the day, however in RadhikasFineTeas menu it’s recommended as a Luncheon option, as it is that time of the day when you need a great cuppa that acts as a mid-afternoon boost and at the same time, leaves a great after-taste.
This range of Darjeeling blends of organic whole leaf teas have been specially curated for Godrej Nature’s Basket and are available across all stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore. The international range of teas is available online. Log onto radhikasfineteas.com for home-delivery.
Snigdha Manchanda
Tea Sommelier and founder, Tea Trunk
I RECOMMEND: Our ginger root tea. The brown-eyed boy of Ayurveda, ginger is well known for its medicinal properties. Combine it with the health benefits of robust whole-leaf Assam black tea and what you get is the perfect antidote to everything — from a blocked nose to a broken heart. It’s love and care disguised as tea!
BREW IT RIGHT: Tea Trunk has a no-dust policy. All tea bags contain whole leaf teas only and the transparent teabags allow you to confirm this. Each tea tin includes brewing instructions and suggested food pairing. For good tea karma, always pour boiling hot water (100 degrees celsius) on to the tea bag and never the other way around. Sweeten with honey. Our Ginger root tea is best had without milk. If adding milk, use two tea bags for strength and colour.
BEST TIME: It’s great to kick start your day with a refreshing cup of ginger tea. Ginger is also a known antidote to morning sickness. So it might just help you in dismissing your Monday morning blues in a small way.
Buy online at www.teatrunk.com/Buy-Teas/Ginger-Root-Black-Tea-id-174272.html. Delivered anywhere in India within three to five business days. All credit cards, netbanking and bank transfer accepted.
Ami Bhansali
Founder, Chai Diaries
I RECOMMEND: In ode to the romantic feeling that the rain showers encourage, I would recommend two products from our line, the Kashmiri Green Chai (tea) and Evening Comfort (tisane). The former is a beautiful blend of green tea with spices. It is a green tea blended with cinnamon chips, almonds, cloves, crushed green cardamom and cardamom seeds. I find this tea to be a spicy romantic affair, awakening your senses yet soothing with the familiar almond aftertaste. The Evening Comfort is a tisane – an infusion of peppermint leaves, ginger root, and lemon peel. A beautiful infusion to tease the senses, a cup of Evening Comfort is both soothing and relaxing!
BREW IT RIGHT: For the Kashmiri Green Chai, pour near boiling fresh water over one full teaspoon of loose leaf Kashmiri Green Chai in your teacup. Let it steep for about three to four minutes depending on how strong you want it. Strain and enjoy your tea! And for Evening Comfort, take a teaspoon of the infusion and drop it in your teacup. Pour near boiling water over it. Let it steep for about five minutes. Strain and enjoy.
BEST TIME: Kashmiri Green Chai can be had first thing in the morning. It can be enjoyed post lunch as well. The Evening Comfort can be had late evening or even post dinner. Being an infusion it is caffeine free and will not hinder sleep. The peppermint gives it a great after-dinner taste and the ginger root is a great digestive.
Log on to:u00a0the website www.mychaidiaries.com and put in an email to cs@mychaidiaries.com. Home delivery and cash on delivery available.
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