Before perhaps making it a reality one day, we invite you to travel from your living room by tasting the world’s finest teas. Because when travelling wherever and whenever we wish is not possible, a cup of tea can be enough to transport us elsewhere. Proof in five.
Discovering the world’s finest teas.
1/ China, cradle of tea.
It was in China that tea cultivation was first established. Tea has been consumed there since the third millennium BCE, first as a medicinal plant, then as an everyday drink. Even today, China is the world’s leading producer and consumer. The Chinese particularly appreciate green teas, such as organic Long Jing tea, meaning Dragon Well. Originating in Zhejiang province in the south of the country, it stands out for its long, flat leaves in a beautiful emerald-green hue and its delicate notes of hazelnut and chestnut. At Kusmi, you can discover one of the world’s finest teas: organic Jade Pearls with Jasmine tea, made up of delicate little tea pearls ready to be infused.
2/ Japan, the land of Matcha.
It was ambassadors returning from China who first brought green tea to Japan in the Middle Ages. Little by little, Zen monks, lords and the aristocracy embraced it. And now an entire country is hooked! Japan produces several renowned green teas, such as organic Sencha green tea, also known as “the tea of hospitality”, organic Genmaicha green tea, with toasted puffed rice grains, and organic Hojicha green tea, from the island of Kyushu. But it is clearly organic matcha tea that has become the trendiest abroad in recent years. To drink it, whisk the tea powder in a bowl using a bamboo whisk. A pure delight! Very fashionable, matcha is increasingly found in pastries, where it serves as both a colouring and natural flavouring. While matcha is one of the world’s finest teas, it is above all increasingly trendy. Very fashionable, matcha is increasingly found in pastries, where it serves as both a colouring and natural flavouring. There are many matcha recipes. At Kusmi, you can notably find our matcha dalgona recipe.
3/ India, the origins of Tchaï.
It was at the end of the 18th century that Chinese tea plants were planted in India, in well-watered mountainous regions. The plants adapted well there, giving rise to Indian tea. Here, it is drunk black, with milk, packed with spices and very sweet! Its little name? Tchaï (which simply means tea in Hindi). Kusmi offers two versions. Organic Kashmir Tchaï tea, one of the house’s oldest recipes, is a blend of various spices including cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and clove. Organic Tchaï of the Tiger tea is a more recent recipe, with a powerful spice blend (ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, black and pink peppercorns), which helps support the WWF in its tiger protection mission in India’s Nilgiri region.
4/ England, at the heart of the tea trade.
It was thanks to the powerful British East India Company, which orchestrated trade between the Kingdom and its colonies, that tea arrived in Europe, winning over the powerful. So much so that in the 18th century, tea became a symbol of the British aristocracy and bourgeoisie before becoming accessible to all English people. While they drink it throughout the day, abroad we especially remember tea time, at 5 pm. This is when black tea is drunk, often produced in former colonies such as India or Sri Lanka: organic Earl Grey tea, flavoured with bergamot, organic Ceylon tea with its round, chocolatey aroma, or organic Darjeeling tea, grown on the slopes of the Himalayas.
5/ Morocco, kingdom of mint tea.
It was in Morocco that Chinese green tea became incredibly popular. And for good reason: it is Chinese “Gunpowder” green tea that is used to make traditional mint green tea, a symbol of hospitality. Offered to guests, mint tea is drunk hot, even in the desert! Indeed, hot tea quenches thirst more effectively than iced tea. Traditionally, it is served in stainless-steel or silver teapots with long spouts and matching trays. Plain green tea and a bouquet of mint are infused, then generously sweetened before tasting. Enough to transport you to Morocco from the very first sip!
The world’s finest teas no longer hold any secrets for you. Which one do you particularly love?