Tea leaves are picked from these huge plants
Tea blending is a personal process - there's no right or wrong way to blend teas so experiment to find out your favourite.
Try the teas separately in small amounts before you start blending to determine which taste you prefer. Aroma is an important part of taste, so smelling your tea will give you a good idea of how it's going to taste. Brew up your teas individually in small amounts and smell to start beginning flavour combinations.
Work on the quantities of 1tsp of loose tea for a single cup, plus one for the pot. Steeping times will vary according to taste so try a little after two minutes or up to four for a stronger taste.
When selecting your dried tea mixtures for use, it is best to crumble the dried mixture into a tea strainer or tea ball first, as mixing and crushing in metal or plastic bowls can affect the taste of the tea. If you do wish to mix your tea in a bowl, choose ceramic or china.
Fruits such as oranges and lemons can also be dried and added to your tea blends for a more exotic twist. You can also use dried flowers, just check that they are safe to eat before using.
You can also add flavoured oils if you like such as lemon, peppermint or even rose. Again check the packaging to make sure they're safe to eat.
Store your blended tea in foil pouches or a tin rather than plastic as this will impair the flavour.
If you'd like to try something a little different with any of the teas or your own custom tea blend, try this recipe for a spicy Kenyan Chai Tea Blend:
Kenyan Chai Tea Blend
1/2 cup Kenyan black tea leaves
3 crushed cinnamon sticks
12 crushed black peppercorns
5 crushed cloves
6 crushed cardamom seeds
1 teaspoon crushed cumin seeds
4 whole crushed allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
To make one cup of Chai Tea mix half a cup of milk and half a cup of water together, then add 1 tablespoon per cup of the Kenyan Chai Tea Blend. Let it stand for 10 minutes, then strain and serve.
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