On This Anniversary of Battle of Hastings, Explore French-Style Tea
England is famous for its tea culture. From special High Teas to across-the-day cuppas to the nation’s love of certain styles of teas grown in India, the English embrace tea like few others. Only the Turks and Irish drink more tea per capita than the English, who average going through 4.3 pounds of tea a year.
Things could have been different. On this day 955 years ago, on October 14, 1066, a French army led by William, the Duke of Normandy (aka, William the Conquerer) beat Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson’s army in the Battle of Hastings. Just like that, the French technically took control of England.
This was long before anybody outside of Asia had sipped tea. Eventually, the French lost their command of England. By the 18th century, the middle class in England began drinking tea and soon after the beverage became resonant for British identity.
The English Channel is only 20 miles wide, give or take. Cultural back-and-forths between England and France has been near constant for centuries, including different periods when English kings ruled France, and vice-versa. But the English passion for tea never quite flourished in France. Instead, the French drink coffee.
French tea culture unique
But while tea has nothing to do with French culture — the culinary foundations are more about baguettes, cheese, chocolate and yes, coffee — that doesn’t mean the people of la République shrink from it. Instead, the French have their own unique approach to tea, in terms of how they drink it, and what kinds of tea they prefer.
For one thing, the French often sip tea from a bowl. This practice is fairly unique to the French. For another, while the French commonly drink black tea from tea bags, they also have a fondness for tisanes, or herbal infusions. Many high-end displays of teas in France will not showcase the sorts of teas we celebrate in our Ku Cha stores, such as aged pu-erhs and rare rock oolongs. Instead, they feature blends of herbs, spices, flowers and fruit that appeal to the French palate.
While we adore traditional Camellia sinensis teas, we also champion herbal blends. The French are on to something! Tisanes are wonderful after-dinner beverages. They brighten dull afternoons, enliven groggy mornings (after we have had our first proper cuppa) and due to their wild diversity in flavor, have the potential to complement nearly any kind of food.
To honor the French love of delicate, floral teas on this anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, we explore a trio of teas that we trust would attract a following in France. They warrant close attention and abundant consumption in the United States, too — these are lovely teas.
French Tea: Rooibos Provence
This custom tea, which we crafted to celebrate the flavors and aromas of the French region of Provence, would thrill any tisane-loving French person.
Rooibos Provence finds its foundation in rooibos, a South African shrub that offers impressive amounts of body-healing and hydrating electrolytes as well as earthy, herbal flavors. The caffeine-free tea is popular across South Africa, and gaining steam around the world.
To this base we add elderberry and blueberry, for hints of fruit sweetness. And then comes a trio of Provence-centered ingredients: rosehips, rose petals and lavender. If you have ever visited Provence, or just seen pictures, they often include vast fields of lavender. Flowers, including lots of roses, often decorate the landscapes as well. This tea combines it all into a taste sensation worthy of a spotlight in any French tea shop. We sometimes like it with a touch of honey, too.
French Tea: Spring in Paris
French appreciation of tea often revolves around delicacy and blends of sweet and savory. Our Spring in Paris nails it on both fronts.
Beginning with classic black tea from India — the standard British favorite — we then add freeze-dried strawberries and pink peppercorns, which are called baie rose in French (it means “pink berry”). Because the strawberries are freeze-dried, they retain the almost haunting delicacy of a fresh strawberry — perfect for French-style teas. The pink peppercorns add zip and zing to the brew, balancing the strawberry sweetness with subtle jolts of spice.
French Tea: Cloud Chaser
Now this is pure tisane, a blend of six herbs and flowers that transforms into a unified harmony of flavors and aromas once brewed. Consider the Cloud Chaser line-up: lemon balm, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, rose petal and St. John’s Wort. It’s got citrus notes, from the lemon balm. Floral components, thanks to the lavender and rose petals. Marjoram offers savory touches, and peppermint injects a bit of vigor. Finally, St. John’s Wort. In France, naturopathic pharmacies are common, stores selling herbal and natural treatments for a variety of conditions. St. John’s Wort is used worldwide as a natural way to boost mood. Good news: It tastes wonderful.
We often nod towards China, Japan, India and of course the United Kingdom when we embark on our tea journeys. But today, let’s explore the French way with tea.
Health Benefits
Our French-inspired tea blends offer more than just delightful flavors – they also come with potential health benefits:
- Rooibos Provence:
- Rooibos: Rich in antioxidants, may support heart health and bone strength
- Elderberry: Boosts immune system and contains anti-inflammatory properties
- Lavender: Can aid relaxation and improve sleep quality
- Spring in Paris:
- Black te- Contains caffeine for improved alertness and metabolism boost
- Strawberries: High in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting skin health
- Pink peppercorns: May aid digestion and have antimicrobial properties
- Cloud Chaser:
- Lemon balm: Can reduce stress and anxiety, improve cognitive function
- Peppermint: Aids digestion and may relieve headaches
- St. John’s Wort: Traditionally used to alleviate mild depression and mood swings
Remember, while these ingredients have potential health benefits, they’re not substitutes for professional medical advice or treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How does French tea culture differ from English tea culture?
– French tea culture is less formal than English, often involving flavored blends and herbal infusions. The French typically drink tea from bowls rather than cups and don’t add milk.
- Can I add milk to French-style teas?
– While you can add milk if you prefer, it’s not traditional in French tea culture, especially for herbal blends. These teas are usually enjoyed plain or with a touch of honey.
- Are these French-inspired teas caffeinated?
– It varies. Spring in Paris contains black tea, which has caffeine. Rooibos Provence and Cloud Chaser are caffeine-free herbal blends.
- How should I brew these French-style teas?
– Generally, steep for 3-5 minutes in water just below boiling (around 95°C or 203°F). Adjust steeping time to your taste preference.
- Can I drink these teas cold?
– Absolutely! Many French-inspired teas, especially fruit and herbal blends, make excellent iced teas. Brew them stronger than usual if serving over ice.
- Are these teas suitable for people with allergies?
– While our teas are natural, they contain various ingredients. If you have specific allergies, please check the ingredient list carefully or consult with us directly.
- How do the French typically serve tea?
– French tea service is often simple and elegant. Tea might be served with small pastries or cookies, but it’s not typically accompanied by elaborate food like an English afternoon tea.
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