Over the last 30 years tea drinking in New Zealand has moved from a standard, gumboot brew you could stand a spoon up in, to being a treat for connoisseurs.
I've recently discovered the t leaf T range of teas and infusions - and their wonderful shop - on a visit to Wellington. You may have come across a small selection of their teas at some Wairarapa cafes.
There is a mind-boggling selection to choose from (about 120), under the following categories:
- Black tea blends - Assam, Ceylon, Sri Lankan, Darjeeling varieties
- Flavoured black teas - includes Chai, China Rose (China black tea, flavoured with rose), Earl Grey Excelsior (I've tried this - it's outstanding)
- Chinese black teas
- Chinese oolong teas
- Formosa oolong teas
- Green teas
- Flavoured green teas - I've tried Tokyo Lime and Fabulous Feijoa. The latter, which has rose petals and tiny, freeze-dried pieces of feijoa in it - is my current favourite.
- Japanese green teas
- White teas - haven't tried these yet but, the fact sheet points to health-giving properties
- Blooming teas - jasmine, carnation
- Fruit tisanes (all caffeine free)
- Yerba mate
- Herbal tisanes (caffeine free) - a wide variety, including Kawakawa Fire (kawakawa blended with lemongrass and ginger. I've tried Restful - peach flavoured blend of chamomile, lavender, vervain and rose buds.
- Rooibos, a South African tea with health-giving properties
If you're visiting Wellington, the t leaf T shop is in the Midland Park complex in Lambton Quay (adjoining Astoria), or order online from their website, t leaf T
They have various sampler packs available for you to try and make a great, thoughtful gift.
