19 Feb 2015 - posted by Glen

 In this issue we take a closer look at the current tea buzzword - kombucha, we offer a remarkable fig & date slice recipe, take a journey around the world in a teacup and share random acts of tea kindness:

1. Kombucha
   
2. Green Tea - a nominated super food for 2015
   
3. Sally's Remarkable Fig & Date Slice Recipe
   
4. Herbals & Fruits blend of the month - Fig & Rose
   
5. Random acts of tea kindness
   

Regards Michelle (full contact details at the bottom of this issue)

1. Kombucha (fermented sweet tea drink)

Each week our customers are relaying their success stories from making their own kombucha and the positive health outcomes they are enjoying from this probiotic.   These include a boost to their immune system, increased energy, eased joint pain and others.

Kombucha consists of strongly brewed  tea (most often made with black tea leaves), sugar and a starter fungus known as a scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast).  This is combined and then set in a warm place for a period of time to ferment.  Careful attention must by paid throughout to ensure hygienic processes avoid any contamination or harmful bacteria.

This picture shows the scoby in the front jar with brewed kombucha in the other.  This was courtesy of  Sharon who used Stir Tea Lapsang Souchong (smoked black tea)  to which she added some ginger syrup.  It was intense and delicious.  Other customers have reported great results using Stir Earl Grey Blueflower, Darjeeling or Jasmine Pearl.  A small word of caution – if you are drinking kombucha for the first time our suggestion is to start with just a very small amount and gauge your reaction to it.  It is not for everyone.

If you want to find out more about kombucha then follow this helpful NZ link.

What next I hear you saying – Kombucha Beer perhaps?  You could even call it BuchaBeer – sorry folks already done in Dallas – take a look.

2. Green Tea - a nominated super food for 2015.

3. Recipe - Sally's Remarkable Fig & Date Slice

This slice is packed with goodies and perfect for any tea occasion - the flavours and texture are outstanding. We enjoy it with a cup of black tea which we find balances the richness of it.  Everyone we offer it to wants the recipe so here it is. A big thanks to our dear friend Sally for sharing.

READ RECIPE HERE >>

4. Tisane of the month

February’s blend of the month is the caffeine free Fig & Rose. The brewed liquor can be enjoyed hot or cold.  All customers who order Stir Tea online this month will receive a complimentary sample with their order.

5. Random Acts of Tea and a Journey in a teacup

House Warming Gifts:

Stuck for an idea on what to give as a house warming gift?  On a recent house shift we received a beautiful traditional housewarming gift (thanks Julie and Miles) made up of three elements. Here is our tea take on it:

• something for the pantry (a packet of Stir Tea would be perfect)
  
• something for the kitchen (a glass teapot would be loved)
  
• something to eat (some home-made fig & date slice would be delicious)