2022 – Page 5 – Discovering Tea

Tea in Brittany

28 January 2022

There are attempts to grow Camelia sinensis in many countries, including France. On the banks of the Blavet, near Hennebont (Morbihan), Denis and Weizi are pioneers. They planted eight tea bushes 17 years ago, for their own consumption. They now have 30,000 from 15 different cultivars. Their production is still limited (20 kg per year) but is set to double over the next few years. Denis and Weizi’s enthusiasm is inspiring others to grow tea, and in addition to supplying nearly 20,000 tea plants a year to hobby growers, they are supporting them and forming a strong community.

Long-term commitment

21 January 2022

I’m often asked what relationship we have with the farmers from whom we buy tea, and whether they work exclusively for Palais des Thés. In terms of our relationships, they often go back a long way. These ties are strengthened over time; they are often close and nourished by friendship. We do our best to help each other. There are few producers of delicious teas and few buyers of rare teas: this helps make the partnership unique.

In terms of exclusivity, Palais des Thés has never asked this of a producer. We think the best way to ensure long-term commitment is to promote their tea as effectively as possible, to support them in the event of a setback, to listen to their needs and to visit them.

A tea for every season

14 January 2022

So, it’s January, it’s cold outside, what tea should you be drinking? I recommend a dark tea (not to be confused with black tea), especially after that holiday period when the chances are you’ve overindulged. Because this deep, rich tea has been reputed for centuries for its digestive properties. Note, however, that this type of tea, also known as pu’er or pu-erh, undergoes post-fermentation. As such, expect your cup to develop aromas of moss, mushrooms, undergrowth, wet straw, along with notes of vanilla and liquorice as well as leather and other musky flavours. This incredible tea is simply perfect for this time of year and is good for us too. Let me know what you think!

A wish for balance

7 January 2022

The passage from one year to another reminds me of crossing those monkey bridges you find in mountain regions. Made of rope or bamboo, or even steel, some can feel shaky to walk across and others more secure, but what they all have in common is the absence of piles and a swinging sensation that comes from the somewhat rickety deck. Balance can often feel precarious.

In these times disrupted by a virus that made has made a difficult period worse, I wish all of us safe passage into the new year and hope that we leave behind the dark clouds of 2021 and step into a healthy and happy 2022 filled with clear blue skies. I would also like to pass on another wish that is just as important: that we take care of our beautiful planet once and for all and think about the future generations in everything we do.