A conversation with ZEE
Here, we present interesting lives from around the English-speaking world. This time, we talk to Zee, who works in a tea shop.
What kinds of tea do you sell?
We have more than 100 different blends of tea and fruits and spices. They're all amazing. Our teas are nothing like those from the supermarket.
How are they different?
You can see the difference straight away, and you can 100 per cent smell and taste the difference. All our blends are made with the best ingredients. The fruit teas contain pieces of real dried fruit - some of them are more like a fruit salad than a drink! The camomile teas are made with real camomile flowers. The peppermint teas have real peppermint leaves. And the Earl Grey has beautiful blue flowers in it. It's so pretty, you don't want to pour hot water on to it!
And what's your personal favourite?
Strawberry and pomegranate - it's good hot or cold. And there's an apple tea with cinnamon and ginger - that's really nice on a cold day.
Do British people like these non-traditional teas?
Yeah, they're really popular. If you haven't tried anything like this before, buy yourself a tea Advent calendar, so you can try 24 different teas in December.
Fascinating facts
...about tea:
- After water, tea is the world's second-most popular drink.
- A cup of black tea has about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.
- Earl Grey tea is named after Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who was British prime minister from 1830 to 1834. There are various stories about why his name is associated with this blend.
- In Bhutan, people drink "butter tea" - warm black tea with butter, a little cream and salt.
- Fruit tea isn't really "tea" because it isn't made with the leaves of the tea plant. This is why it's often called an "infusion".
- Fruit tea is naturally caffeine-free.
- You can make fruit tea with cold water - leave the tea in the fridge for four to eight hours. It makes a delicious summer drink.