Spice Journal 11 - Tea

Spice Journal 11 - Tea
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SPICESontheWEB Journal Issue 11 - Tea
THE STORY

A Leaf Worth Crossing Oceans For

Tea began in China thousands of years ago, but its story soon travelled far beyond its homeland.

Along ancient trade routes and aboard merchant ships, tea joined spices and other precious goods, reaching Europe in the 17th century.

What started as an exotic luxury would eventually become part of everyday life, changing cultures, trade and the way we enjoy a simple cup of tea.

One small leaf.
Thousands of years of history. 		Historic tea trading ship
TEA OF THE WEEK

Camellia sinensis
One Plant, Many Teas

Black tea, green tea and many other teas all come from the same plant — Camellia sinensis.

What happens after the leaves are picked makes the difference.

Green tea is quickly heated to limit oxidation, keeping a fresh, delicate character. Black tea is allowed to oxidise much further, developing deeper colour and richer flavour.

Between them lies a whole world of tea styles, shaped by growing regions and traditional methods.

One plant.
An extraordinary world of flavour. 		Camellia sinensis tea plant
RECIPE

Proper Masala Chai

Fragrant black tea simmered with warming spices, milk and a touch of sweetness — where the worlds of tea and spice meet in one cup.

SERVES 2     PREP TIME: 5 minutes     COOK TIME: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
• 500ml water
• 2 tsp loose black tea
• 250ml whole milk
• 4 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves
• 6 black peppercorns, lightly crushed
• 3–4 thin slices fresh ginger
• Sugar or honey, to taste		 METHOD
1. Add the water, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper and ginger to a saucepan.

2. Bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

3. Add the black tea and simmer for 2 minutes.

4. Pour in the milk and heat until steaming and just beginning to rise.

5. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.

6. Sweeten to taste.

7. Strain into two cups and serve immediately.
Proper Masala Chai
TOP TIP: Crush the cardamom and peppercorns just before brewing. Breaking them open releases far more aroma than adding them whole.

Warm, aromatic and wonderfully spiced.
DID YOU KNOW?

Tea Once Fuelled a British Black Market

Britain loved tea so much that heavy taxes in the 18th century created a huge smuggling trade.

By the 1770s, it is estimated that more tea was smuggled into Britain than imported legally.

In 1785 the government reduced tea duty, making legal tea more affordable and the smuggling trade quickly declined.

Britain really did want its cup of tea. 		Historic East India Company tea chest
FROM ONE LEAF

Black, Green &
Everything Between

The same plant can produce a wide range of teas depending on how the leaves are withered, rolled, oxidised and dried.

Green Tea — fresh, delicate, minimal oxidation.

Oolong Tea — partially oxidised, from light and floral to deep and roasted.

Black Tea — fully oxidised, richer in colour and flavour.

Same plant — completely different experiences. 		Green tea, oolong tea and black tea
OUR TEA COLLECTION

Discover Good & Proper Tea

A range for every taste, every moment.

From classic black teas to delicate green teas, herbal infusions, matcha and hojicha powders, our Good & Proper Tea collection offers something for everyone.

Enjoy the familiar flavours of English Breakfast and Earl Grey, explore calming herbal styles such as Chamomile, Peppermint and Lemongrass, or try something different with vibrant Hibiscus, Rooibos and our tea concentrates.

Hot or iced, with milk or without, simply brewed or whisked into a latte — there is a world of tea waiting to be discovered.

Great flavour, simply brewed. 		Good and Proper Tea collection
EXPLORE OUR TEA RANGE HERE  ➜
WEEKLY OFFER
Use code
TeaSpices25
25% OFF ALL OUR FLAVOURS   |   One use per customer   |   Offer ends Monday 14th September 2026
?   VISIT THE SPICE SHOP HERE  ➜
Enjoy all this week's flavours,
Steve and the Spice Team






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SPICESontheWEB.co.uk · Units 1-2 Ladfordfields Ind Est · Seighford · Stafford, Staffs ST18 9QE · United Kingdom

28th Sep 2026 Steve

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