We all know the wonderful benefits tea can have on our health. Besides protecting our hearts from disease, and boosting our energy with less caffeine, it also supports mental health by lowering the risk of neurological disease and stress levels*. Well, we all agree that there is nothing that cannot be solved or discussed over a comforting cup of tea, right?
We also know that tea, particularly green tea, may help accelerate weight loss thanks to its chemical composition as it contains amino acids that signal the body to burn stored fat.
Your grandma or mother may also have brought a herbal infusion to the rescue when you experienced an upset stomach. This age-old tradition goes back to China and India, where Ginger and Lemon infusion have been used since time immemorial, to treat an upset stomach and aid digestion.
Same great benefits, all year round
Come summer, most of us tend to switch our teas for other cooling beverages, some of them containing more sugars than we would have liked them to, so here is the Good News – Tettiera’s versatile teas and tisanes can go from hot to cold to make Iced Teas which provide the same benefits to the heart and soul, and a great taste too!
Tettiera Founders – Joanna Micallef Farrugia and Diana Mifsud
“We are on a mission to provide quality, tasty cold-tea infusions that contribute towards our consumers’ wellbeing and their daily water intake with the added benefits of tea, herbs and spices. Our iced teas do not contain any added sugar, preservatives, or anything artificial. They are easy to prepare thanks to the large tea sacks and are affordable, considering that a typical ready-to-drink 1.5 Liter iced-tea bottle is sold at around 1.79€, which unfortunately is filled with added sugar and preservatives We are therefore providing a refreshing beverage for all the family to enjoy whilst encouraging a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Go from Hot to Cold Tea and enjoy!” Say Joanna Micallef Farrugia & Diana Mifsud, the Tettiera Founders.
The answer lies in your cupboard
The summer months don’t necessarily mean you need to shelf your teas, on the contrary, get them out and challenge their versatility! Did you know that all our teas (except black teas) can be used in cold infusions? Black Teas would need to be brewed using hot water – we explain how below.
Spice up your teas with some fruit, or ice to enhance the feel-good factor if you miss the added sugar. The glucose of the fresh fruit will instantly sweeten your cold cup.
So how simple is it?
First, you need to find out which type of iced tea you are in the mood for.
All the following Tettiera tea blends can be brewed and enjoyed chilled. Simply follow the brewing instructions found on the packaging and multiply according to the capacity of the glass pitcher. Once brewed, remove the tea leaves and add the recommended fruit and herbs. Refrigerate for at least 6 to 8 hours and enjoy!
Green Tea Lovers
Green tea is bursting with antioxidants whilst the glutamate, a type of amino acid, imparts a pleasant, savoury umami taste – no wonder we’re in love! This type of tea is extremely versatile. The classic is to add honey, but we’ve created inspiring concoctions to tantalize your senses. Why not try the following and snazz them up with some fresh garnish?
Tanzania Usambara Green Tea – Add some lemon and honey
Gunpowder – Add Mint leaves for the ultimate Marrakesh Tea
Tempting Raspberry with Raspberries and Strawberries
Mango Twist add mango and apples
Chai Tea Loyals
If you love spices, then your tea is Chai. Besides an alluring aroma, this tea boasts great versatility and charm. Have you tasted the following? Go on, we know you want to.
Thai Chai – why not add coconut flakes for a cheeky, tropical twist?
Tisane Addicts
The earth-loving, hippiest, peace-loving teas of them all is the tisane, created through an infusion of herbs, spices, flowers, and leaves. Here’s our pick from the Tettiera collection:
Rooibos Vanilla-flavoured – add a wedge of lime or lemon and mint leaves
Peppermint Leaf – great with a dash of lime
Berry Burst – triple the tea’s earthy goodness by adding some meat leaves
Turmeric Utopia with added fresh mint. Add or mix this cold infusion with our non- alcoholic Sparkling Tea for an amazing bubbly indulgence. 0% alcohol or 5% alcohol available. Alternatively, use Prosecco, but why not be adventurous and give Sparkling Tea a go? We promise, it puts Prosecco to shame.
Trankwilla ‘calm’ is blended in Malta by Tettiera. It serves as the perfect antioxidant, aids digestion, is anti-inflammatory, helps with detoxification and provides an overall calming feeling. Why not try it as a cold infusion?
Berry Compote – Add fresh mint to enhance and balance the sweet-tangy flavours.
Lemongrass & Ginger – Pairs perfectly with a spoonful of Maltese honey.
Black Tea Afficionados
Tghanniqa “embrace” is a unique Maltese blend created by Tettiera. It is blended with Maltese Carob pods and Ceylon black tea. You can enjoy the brewed cup with a dash of Maltese honey or a splash of milk. Our Maltese generations of old used carob as a healthy beverage to boost their immune system, soothe sore throats and coughs on a rainy day and aid digestion. Why not drink it chilled and add Pears and Honey?
How to prepare a Black, Iced Tea
Start off by boiling two cups of water, steep 3 to 4 teaspoons of loose-leaf and brew for a maximum of five minutes. Add two more cups of cold water, pour into a pitcher and refrigerate for at least three hours. To sweaten the tea, add some Agave syrup or a cup of chopped fruit.
White Tea Fans
White Tea is the least processed type of tea, as well as the most delicate in flavour. If you’re in search for the finer things in life, we suggest giving this tea a swirl.
Jasmine Silver Needle – Add peaches for a delicately sweet taste.
Oolong Tea Groupies
Olong tea is high in an amino acid called L-theanine, which studies show has cognitive effects like improved brain activity, better sleep quality, and reduced stress and anxiety.
Besides the Delightfully Fruity Oolong Ice Tea added with raspberries and lemon, why not try the:
Ali Shan and add Blackberries
.
Summer days are saved by the evening sweet breeze, or as we Maltese like to call it ‘Żiffa Ħelwa‘
We are also extremely excited to introduce another innovative tea which has been conceptualized and brewed here in Malta. The ‘Żiffa Ħelwa – Tisan Kiesaħ’ (Iced Tisane). This new thirst-quencher is as revitalizing and gentle as a soft summer breeze, hence its name in Maltese ‘Żiffa Ħelwa’
The spearmint and rooibos contribute to the drink’s freshness whilst the vanilla, pineapple and apple add sweet and tangy notes. Simply place overnight in a 1.2 litre pitcher of cold water.
Look into your cupboards, and give it a try.
Your homemade brew is 100% clean and guilt-free with no preservatives and artificial flavours. With plenty of recipe ideas to choose from, your summer kitchen table will have all the variety to suit our long Maltese summer days. So come on, take the plunge, give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.
Snap a photo of your creations, and tag @tettiera when uploading them as an Instagram story. We’ll feature the best ones!
Sources regarding benefits:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123419/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19597519
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3689013/
*Disclaimer:
If you suffer from any medical condition, always consult your medical advisor on how natural teas and tisanes may help your wellbeing.
