Tea Articles & Research

What Makes Earl Grey Tea Unique?

Earl Grey tea is a delightful tea with a difference: the inclusion of bergamot. We look at the history behind the creation of Earl Grey tea, with a special focus on the oh so aromatic bergamot.

Posted: Wednesday 1 April 2020

Tea Folklore and Superstitions We Just Have to Share!

Whether or not you believe them, tea folklore and superstitions are a fun way of connecting with the past and having a laugh over the teacups. We share our favourite superstitions with you today!

Posted: Tuesday 3 December 2019

Tea Poem By Anita May Blanchett

Enjoy a cuppa and take a read of this delightful tea poem by Anita May Blanchett.

Posted: Thursday 7 November 2019

Enjoying the Dance of the Tea Leaves (aka The Agony of the Leaf)

When was the last time you paused and took a moment to enjoy the dance of the tea leaves? That moment when boiling or hot water is poured over the dried leaf to awaken it from its slumber, to stir it from its sleep. It’s something we love here at Stir Tea and today we’re going to explain more about this beautiful process and its benefits.

Posted: Monday 30 September 2019

It’s 9am: Time for Aunt Daisy & a Cup of Tea!

Listening to Aunt Daisy while drinking a cup of tea was one of life's most enjoyable moments for many of New Zealand's past generations. Come with us on a journey to learn about one of our most precious treasures, and grab some of her tea-themed tips along the way.

Posted: Tuesday 23 July 2019

Taking an In-Depth Look at Rooibos (aka Red Bush)

We explore the delightful Rooibos plant and how it has become one of our most popular caffeine free beverages. We'll take you to its indigenous home of South African and discuss the likely benefits of choosing rooibos as your daily beverage of choice.

Posted: Tuesday 23 July 2019

Drinking Rooibos to Chase Away Colds

Drinking Rooibos can enhance the body's natural defense system. Try it as part of your cold and flu fighting strategy as scientists have identified evidence that drinking Rooibos helps enhance your body's natural defense system.

Posted: Tuesday 23 July 2019

What Plant Based Milk is a Good Alternative to Cow’s Milk in My Black Tea?

Milk helps induce sleep, fortifies the nervous system and is rich in proteins and minerals.
Increasingly tea drinkers who are trying to reduce or eliminate dairy from their diet are asking us for a plant based milk alternative. We decided the best way to answer this was to test it for ourselves. So, we set aside an afternoon to run a blind tasting with five non-dairy plant based milk alternatives.

Posted: Friday 7 June 2019

Must You Brew Tea in a Teapot? If So, Which is the Best Type to Use: Ceramic, Glass, Metal or Porcelain?

We’re often asked teapot questions - Do you have to brew Stir loose leaf tea in a teapot? What is the best type of teapot to use? Is it a traditional ceramic or stoneware teapot? Or maybe a more modern glass teapot is the answer? We share our teapot thoughts (and other options for brewing) with you so you can decide.

Posted: Thursday 28 March 2019

New Zealand Guide to Tea Etiquette (or as we like to think of it Tea Manners)

New Zealanders have developed their own form of tea etiquette over the years but retained many of the old traditions that travelled to NZ with UK settlers. Here is a reminder of what some of those traditions are to try at your next tea party!

Posted: Monday 26 November 2018

The Power of Tea in a Crisis

Nurse Adam Miller reminds us all of the power of a cup tea in a time of ill health.

Posted: Tuesday 31 July 2018

Creative tea trends good news for NZ dairy

Fonterra creates a new business section to accommodate the growth in the young Chinese tea drinker market wanting to add yoghurt, cream cheese, cream (or all of the above) to their tea beverage.

Posted: Saturday 30 June 2018

Tea and Iron Absorption

Does the consumption of tea affect the absorption of iron from your food. Read the answers in this report by a UK Tea research organisation, Tea Advisory Panel.

Posted: Tuesday 17 April 2018