Yearning over a new leaf

I'm ever so slightly obsessed with tea. I can't work without it, literally cannot start my day if I don't have my sleepy little fingers wrapped around a warm mug. As I mentioned in a previous post (sorry to repeat) I'm off coffee, alcohol and sugary drinks (that would be almost everything else except water and tea) for a little while. So the zest which I used to reserve for discussing NZ Sauv Blancs, Mornington Pinot's and Hunter Chardonnay's has now gone into all things hot and leafy. Earl Grey for the early morning, Chai or white tea for late morning and green or dandelion for the afternoon.

I first delved into tea when I worked at Simon Johnson many moons ago. He stocks a wide range of Mariage Freres teas imported from France, and my goodness they're the most exceptional tea you've ever smelt or supped.

Tea, my dear...
* contains antioxidants called polyphenols which fight disease and keep you looking younger for longer
* lowers total cholesterol and raises good cholesterol
* keeps memory sharp as a tack
* has an effect on stress hormone levels in the body to help you relax
* releases caffeine slower than coffee thereby keeping you alert for longer without the crash

Try: making your own iced tea by infusing a teapot with a strong brew - dandelion and white are perfect - wait ten minutes, strain into a glass bottle and add some lemon and honey. When the bottle cools, keep it in the fridge for a balmy day chillout.

Buy: loose leaf tea and use teapots or individual strainers - and don't use more than a pinch. The best quality tea always goes into the tins of loose leaf while the dodgy small bits are sent straight to the tea-bagging factory. Plus, think of the landfill. (I know, I know, it's a tea bag. But they add up my peeps.)