insideKENT Magazine Issue 117 - January 2022 | Page 74

FOOD + DRINK
OUR OBSESSION WITH TEA CONT .
Today , we recognise tea as not only a staple part of everyday life , but also a drink rich in health benefits , the brewing of different herbs , spices , fruits and leaves now a way to absorb nutrients , antioxidants , vitamins and minerals into the body . From fighting flu , to lowering blood pressure and dealing with stubborn bloating , green tea is one of the most popular and simple teas that promote good health . However , tea and health expert , Richard Gray , from Roast and Ground ( www . roastandground . co . uk ) tells us that green teas shouldn ’ t be lumped into the same category as fruit and herbal teas . ‘ They ’ re really rather different ’ says Richard , they have differing preparation techniques , flavours and health benefits . Herbal and fruit teas aren ’ t created from the leaves of the tea , but rather from plant infusion . In contrast , pure green tea is the extraction of a tree called Camellia Synesis .’ Richard also tells us that Earl Grey is high in antioxidants , Assam will give a wholesome energy boost , red bush is beneficial to heart health and blood pressure , peppermint is great for digestion , camomile tea will help bring about serenity , cranberry and raspberry tea takes on toxins to ease cholesterol , lemon and ginger will strengthen your immunity to coughs and colds , and jasmine tea is simply packed with nutrients .
Tea mixologists Bird and Blend ( www . birdandblendtea . com ) who aim to spread happiness through tea , lay claim to having the UK ’ s largest collection of flavoured matcha green tea powder . Something of a millennial trend , matcha has really taken the Instagrammers and health conscious alike by storm over the past few years , with the nutrient dense powder available in most coffee shops , ready to be added to your brew of choice .
All of Bird and Blend ’ s matcha powders use a pure grade Japanese matcha as their base ingredient , ‘ So you will still get all of the goodness of a straight matcha , just with extra flavour ’ says Bird and Blend ’ s tea mixologist Edward , who is a tea-loving expert based in the company ’ s Notting Hill store , ‘ Founder Kristina Smith disliked the taste of matcha , so developed Bird and Blend ’ s extensive range of flavoured matcha powders ’ Edward tells me . You can now get all sorts of tasty matcha powders from Bird and Blend , each with a wholesome and non-synthetic flavour and each claiming their own unique benefits on our health . Whilst in their Notting Hill shop , I sampled their Mermaid Matcha , which Edward recommends you blend with coconut milk and hot water . Not only was this magical blend of blue pea and green tea powder delicious , it is also meant to work wonders on your hair , helping it to grow in thick and luscious locks . With a whole host of delicious matcha flavours as well as tea leaves , Bird and Blend ’ s extensive ranges have a plethora of other health and lifestyle benefits , with everything from Vegan Super Matcha packed full of antioxidants , to a Bedknobs and Broomsticks tea blend to give you a deep and peaceful sleep when drunk before bed .
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