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Fancy a cuppa?

Fancy a cuppa?

by | Oct 8, 2018 | Novus tea

Whilst I sit here drinking a standard, regular builder’s tea which has been produced for me by a huge company with 2 letters in its name, a monkey as a brand image and in pyramid shaped bags, I’m drifting away again from what I’m supposed to be doing and wondering what is it about this cup of tea that just does the job.

If we think of all the soap opera watched over the years, no matter how great or rubbish life is, it’s a cuppa that sorts it.  The same with weddings, funerals, high tea’s, afternoon teas, hospital trips its all the same – tea bag in the cup, hot water, give it a stir until it looks right and add milk, let it cool a bit then off you go!! (my preferred method throws up several thoughts in its self – tea bag first? milk first? water boiled and cooled or still vibrating which is correct, stir or squeeze)

So why? Quality is important naturally but for me it’s a distraction, a break to get up and put the kettle on, have a biscuit, relax for a few minutes, re-energise and focus.

Could it be the time it takes as you can pop the kettle on, make a brew and sit back down during the Coronation Street adverts? Could it be the ease of preparing or the warmth and comfort it gives?

With hundreds of varieties, brands, blend and flavours to choose from why limit it to just one, especially as teas don’t just taste good they have significant benefits.

Black Tea’s such as the regular builders I’m currently enjoying are full of positivity. Recent research suggests that compounds such as theaflavins and thearubigens are present in black teas which are loaded with healthy benefits such as reducing high cholesterol, releasing digestive issues, reduction in high blood pressure, boosts low concentration levels, and even assist with weight loss. You can of course enjoy an Earl Grey, an organic Darjeeling, or a nice Lapsong Souchong as hundreds of varietal and blends within this category.  Green and white teas (all teas come from the same tea plant FYI which is the Camellia Sinensis) but are harvested earlier and processed differently. Both high in antioxidants. White teas being higher as less processed. Our eyes, skin, memory and general health and wellbeing all benefit from these antioxidants. Plenty to choose from including Dragonwell Green, an organic Jamsine, Matcha or a delicate rare Pai Mu Tan.  Interestingly Green and White teas contain around 15-20g of caffeine with black teas being around 45mg.

Herbal infusions (Not Tea) Caffeine free, an infusion of leaves, seeds sometime bark and roots simply infused in hot water. The range is huge from various Mints to Chamomile’s, Gingers, Rooibos, Rosehips then into more creations such as Persian Pomegranate, Wild Encounters or Berries with Nettles.  It is suggested that they can help with everything from soothing a cold to indigestion relief, to fighting nausea and infections. Not just great in hot water, refreshing over ice, blended in food recipes or even served alcohol

However you take it, and for whatever reason you can’t beat a cuppa!!

Why have I never really used my Clever Dripper?

Why have I never really used my Clever Dripper?

by | Oct 8, 2018 | Fathers Day

In a sudden urge to tidy the office recently I discover a box of appropriately fitting filter papers so in a mad dash I nearly knock the kids over & delve into the kitchen cupboard, you know the one with the plastic containers but no fitting lids & those ramekins that you will never use, I bypass the Syphon, the Aeropress and something that I’m not quite sure what is does, and there I find the clever dripper looking sad and unloved.

My eyes brighten as the wife rolls hers, but the kettle goes on. This little thing is awesome I shout as the beans come out and I grind some fresh.  Whilst waiting for the kettle to boil I look at the box, something I rarely do and am probably the same as most of the male population when it comes to instructions, but I discover on the box it says that even I’m qualified to use this brewing contraption!  I quote “There is no skill required” & “Everyone with no experience at all can make the perfectly clear coffee with no grinds in your cup”. To me this gives me confidence that a muppet like me can do it!!

The kettle’s boiled, a single filter paper from the box of 100 goes into the cone , I wet the paper so it sticks to the side and bung my ground coffee in, top up with water and stand back for a few minutes wondering why had I never used my Clever Dripper. What makes it clever says the wife –  this is what make it clever and almost magical I reply,  – there is no mess , no plungers , no components to put together, no liquid spilt, no coffee grinds escaping. I’m beginning to win her over I feel.

Now for the magic as I lift the Clever Dripper up from the counter expecting to have a downpour of hot coffee but nothing , no drip , no gush, no mess . Get this people, it has a valve in the bottom that stops the liquid escaping and when placed onto the cup push’s up and out comes the coffee straight into the cup.

A wonderful, bright, clear fresh coffee, umm !!

This should be called the really really clever dripper , simple, inexpensive, clean, safe, clever, anyone can use it , makes a great cuppa, clever, practice, small, no mess, easy to clean, clever, portable and clever.

By far one of the cheapest and easiest way to get a decent cup of filter coffee. My morning routine now includes a clever coffee and now I contemplate the years wasted without one.