Pluckley Tea was the brainchild of Richard Smith, owner of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Today, we share with you our Pluckley Tea 1.5kg Loose Tea, one of the many choices to be had with our flagship brew. If you, like many, prefer loose leaf tea over Tea Bags, then this is the choice for you. There is enough here to keep you going for quite a while! Unless, of course, you can’t stop brewing up this gorgeous, full-bodied and wonderfully malty tea, much like us.
Not only is our Pluckley Tea a favourite for many around the world, but is likewise a favourite right here at our Kent-based establishment. We are nestled away in the village of Pluckley, known as the most haunted village in England. Ghostly presences aside, Pluckley Tea is made from the finest quality blend of Assam and Kenya Tea. The recipe has changed very little in 30 years. After all, it’s hard to imagine it getting any better.
There are also health benefits to be had from consuming this beverage on a frequent basis. Promote healthy living and experience improved cardiovascular health, lower LDL “bad” cholesterol, and a boosted metabolism. We’re not scientists but there are a wealth of reputable studies to be explored in our health benefits section below. Best of all, however, is the fact that this tea tastes great. So, what are you waiting for? Buy online or come visit us in store. Alternatively, Pluckley Tea, either in loose leaf or Tea Bag form, can be found in a multitude of shops, cafes, and delicatessens nationwide owing to its immense popularity.
According to legend, Tea was discovered in China in 2737 BCE. But for this blend, we must travel 1,000 miles and jump many centuries ahead to 19th Century India. And that’s just to start. The Indian state of Assam is where India’s love for tea began. In 1823, a Scottish explorer and merchant named Robert Bruce found what he believed to be tea leaves growing near Rangpur (present-day Sivasagar). It was later confirmed as a new variety of the tea plant now called Camellia sinensis var assamica.
Kenya Tea came later still, in 1903. Initially, Kenyan-grown tea was planted for ornamental purposes. Years later, however, its full commercial potential was realised by a Scotsman named Arnold Butler McDonell, who in 1910, purchased 350 acres of Kenyan land from the British Government. McDonell had first planned to grow coffee, but at an elevation of 7,200 ft, his crops failed. He then tried corn and flax, which both wilted in the fierce African sun. After nearly 10 years of disappointment, McDonnell was paid a visit from a friend in India, bringing with him a few tea samplings of the Camellia sinensis var assamica plant. In 1918, Arnold planted 20 acres of tea and to his delight, the bushes flourished. Pluckley Tea represents two great cultures and their respective histories, combining to make something truly unique.
Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Black Tea.
Origin: Blend from Assam, India, and Kenya, East Africa.
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Add lemon, honey, milk, or sugar. Alternatively, serve without any accompaniments.
Tasting Notes: This smooth, well-rounded infusion is easily recognised by its malty-earthy taste combined with notably sweet undertones.
Colour in Cup: Deep coppery liquor with ruby highlights, light in tone.
Health Benefits: According to a report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the latest study to uncover correlations between frequent Black Tea consumption and the reduced risk of cognitive decline was recently conducted by experts at the University of Singapore. It stated that 2,500 people aged 55 or over had undergone a test to measure their cognitive function. When the experiment was repeated 2 years later, results established that those who had drunk two to three cups of black tea a day during the 2 year period were 55% less likely to be subjected to cognitive decline.
Meanwhile, those who had drunk six to ten cups a day were up to 63% less likely. Furthermore, a 2015 meta-analysis found that drinking a cup of tea a day (no matter the type) reduced the risks of developing cancer by 2%. Those who drank the most tea, on the other hand, had a 21% lower cancer risk than those who drank none. It’s important to note, though, that The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company do not endorse the consumption of tea for this purpose.
