During this summer, a travel company and a tea brand joined forces to address a long-standing issue faced by British holidaymakers.
After extensive research, testing, and over a thousand cups of tea, On the Beach and Lancashire Tea introduced a new teabag designed to address the perennial problem of why a cup of tea while on holiday never quite matches the taste of one at home.
It is a common dilemma many travelers encounter. Upon arriving at a resort in Spain, France, or Portugal, they find themselves faced with generic tea bags like Lipton’s and UHT milk, resulting in a disappointing brew that fails to live up to expectations.
Renowned tea expert Jane Pettigrew attributes this discrepancy in taste to the different tea preferences shaped by the colonial histories of various European countries. While Brits tend to favor strong, black teas from India, Sri Lanka, and East Africa, Europeans typically opt for gentler blends from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
Another contributing factor is the addition of milk to tea, a practice ingrained in British tea culture due to the historical influence of British colonies where tea was produced. In contrast, countries like France, with tea origins tied to Chinese-style teas, prefer lighter, unsweetened brews.
Jane emphasizes that the choice of tea and the quality of water both play crucial roles in the overall tea-drinking experience. Water quality, affected by factors like limescale and heavy metals, can significantly impact the flavor and appearance of brewed tea. Using filtered water is recommended to enhance the tea-drinking experience, especially when abroad where water composition may vary.
To address the challenge of enjoying a satisfying cup of tea while traveling, Jane suggests carrying loose-leaf tea and investing in a water filter. By brewing tea with familiar ingredients and filtered water, travelers can recreate a taste closer to what they are accustomed to at home.
In conclusion, while continental European tea may not always meet British expectations, the key lies in understanding and adapting to the differences in tea varieties and water quality. By making small adjustments like using filtered water and bringing preferred tea blends, travelers can elevate their tea-drinking experience even when away from home.
As for the collaborative tea blend by On the Beach and Lancashire Tea, my personal experience trying it in Sicily was satisfactory, offering a decent cup of tea without any groundbreaking revelations.