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Anise
Anise, scientifically known as Pimpinella anisum, is an annual plant from the Apiaceae family, primarily cultivated for its aromatic seeds. These seeds are known for their sweet, licorice-like flav...
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Bombilla
The Bombilla is an essential drinking straw used in the South American tradition of Mate tea drinking. Acting both as a straw and a filter, the Bombilla plays a vital role in the traditional prepar...
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Bourbon Vanilla
Bourbon Vanilla is celebrated as one of the world's most renowned vanilla varieties. Harvested from the Vanilla planifolia orchid, this precious spice serves as an indispensable natural sweetener a...
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Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb from the basil family (Ocimum) within the Labiatae family, which also includes mint, oregano, and thyme. There are over 200 species of this plant worldwide. Basi...
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Caraway
Caraway, known scientifically as Carum carvi, is a well-known spice plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. The small, crescent-shaped seeds of caraway are frequently used as a spice in culinary ap...
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Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an aromatic spice derived from the bark of trees belonging to the Cinnamomum genus. You're probably familiar with its warm and inviting flavour in holiday treats or the ever-popular Pum...
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Cloves
Cloves are the dried flower buds of the clove tree (Syzygium aromaticum), an evergreen member of the myrtle family. Renowned for their potent aroma and warm, spicy flavour, cloves are a staple in c...
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Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao is an exclusive Oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains in China's Fujian Province. The rocky landscape of the Wuyi Mountains, where these renowned tea plants grow, gives it the name of Wuyi...
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Elder
Elder (Sambucus) is a genus of plants consisting of about 20 species that belong to the family Adoxaceae. These plants thrive in temperate to subtropical regions and can also be found in higher alt...
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Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through distillation or cold pressing. They contain the characteristic aromas and fragrances of the respective plant and are used in a...
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European Organic Seal for Tea
The European organic seal is a mandatory label for all organic products packaged in the EU, including tea. This label is designed to help consumers easily recognize whether a food product has been ...
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Fermentation
Fermentation refers to the microbial and enzymatic conversion of organic substances into gases, acids, or alcohol. In the tea world, "fermentation" is often used interchangeably with "oxidation," w...
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FSC certification
The FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council, is a certification label that ensures wood and paper products are sourced sustainably. The organization is an international non-profit that sets standards fo...
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Fennel
Fennel is a plant known for its naturally caffeine-free seeds, which offer mild and refreshing flavors. These seeds are characterized by a distinctive sweetness and notes reminiscent of anise. This...
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Gunpowder Tea
Gunpowder is a traditional Chinese green tea, named for its distinctive shape: The tea leaves are tightly rolled into small, firm pellets—a technique that not only preserves the tea’s aroma but als...
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Honey: Nature's Sweetener with a Twist
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by hard-working honeybees from either the nectar of flowers or honeydew. In modern beekeeping, beekeepers harvest and produce honey for culinary purposes. It p...
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Honeybush
The honeybush plant (Cyclopia) is a South African plant valued for its naturally sweet aroma and flavor. It primarily grows in the mountainous regions of southern Africa and is known for its bright...
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Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made from the calyces of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, native to tropical climates in Africa. The dried calyces produce a naturally caffeine-free, vibrant red infusio...
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Juniper Berries
Juniper berries are the dried fruits of the juniper plant (Juniperus communis). Known for their intense, spicy-sweet aroma, they are a popular spice. In the Middle Ages, they were highly valued in ...
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Kombucha
Kombucha is a fizzy fermented drink made from tea, sugar, and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast), also known as a kombucha mushroom or tea fungus. You can find kombucha in various fl...
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Kyusu
A Kyusu is a traditional Japanese teapot specifically designed for brewing green tea. Characterized by its side handle, it allows for comfortable and precise pouring.
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Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena, botanically known as Aloysia citrodora, is a plant species from the verbena family, cherished for its fresh scent and taste. In addition to its use in the kitchen and aromatherapy, i...
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Lemon: Nature’s Fresh Miracle
The lemon, a fruit from the lemon tree (Citrus × limon), belongs to the Rutaceae family. Ideal for cultivation in larger gardens or plantations, these sunny fruits require plenty of light to thrive...
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Licorice root
What is the Liquorice Root? Liquorice root is the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra and belongs to the legume family. For centuries, liquorice root has been appreciated for its aromatic and swee...
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Marigold
Marigold, or Calendula officinalis, belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes the cornflower. Likely originating from the Mediterranean region, the plant can now be cultivated and grow ...
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Mizudashi
Mizudashi (水出し) is a Japanese method for making an infusion or broth (dashi) using cold water (mizu) to extract flavors. Internationally, this technique is known as "cold brew" and is especial...
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Nettle
The humble nettle, part of the Urticaceae family, encompasses a variety of species, with the common nettle (Urtica dioica) being the most widespread. Its Latin name originates from "urere," meaning...
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Orange – A Versatile Citrus Fruit
The orange is the fruit of the evergreen orange tree (botanical name: Citrus × sinensis) and is part of the rue family. It is the most widely cultivated citrus fruit in the world. Culinarily, it is...
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Oxidation
Oxidation refers to the chemical reaction in which a substance interacts with oxygen. During this process, an ion or atom loses one or more electrons, which leads to a change in its oxidation state...
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Pineapple
The pineapple is a tropical fruit cherished worldwide for its sweet, distinctive flavour and striking appearance. It belongs to the Bromeliaceae plant family and has spread globally from its origin...
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Peppermint
Peppermint is often used as a synonym for mint, but it is one of the 30 mint varieties. Botanically known as Mentha x piperita, peppermint is a hybrid mint that originates from a cross between wate...
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Rosehip
Rosehip refers to the fruit of various rose species, particularly the Dog Rose (Rosa canina). These vibrant red to orange fruits boast a range of culinary and decorative uses. More than just nature...
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Rooibos
Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a mild, sweet flavor. It is crafted from the leaves and branches of the Aspalathus linearis plant, which grows in South Africa's Cederberg regio...
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Strawberry
The strawberry, scientifically known as Fragaria × ananassa, is a fruit renowned for its vivid red colour and sweet, juicy flavour. Belonging to the rose family, it's not only a popular dessert sta...
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Scones
Scones are the iconic bake of British tea time – light, tender, and perfect for a Cream Tea with clotted cream and jam. Discover their origins, variations, and expert tips for baking them to perfec...
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Sage
Sage (Salvia) is a genus comprising about 900 species and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The plant is native to tropical to temperate regions across all continents, except Antarctica and A...
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Tapioca Pearls
Discover the small, flavourless pearls derived from the cassava root, which enhance bubble tea and a variety of desserts around the world. This article is intended for readers seeking to learn more...
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Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin refers to both a specific variety of the Camellia sinensis tea plant and the Chinese Oolong tea made from it. Originally, this tea variety comes from the Anxi region in the renowned te...
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Yuzu
Yuzu, or Citrus junos, is a rare and aromatic citrus fruit originally from East Asia. It is primarily grown and cherished in Japan, China, and Korea. Resembling a small, irregularly shaped lemon, Y...
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Yerba Mate Tea
Yerba Mate tea is a naturally caffeinated infusion made from the leaves of the mate tree, Ilex paraguariensis, which belongs to the holly family. It is a central part of South American culture and ...
