When it comes to Loose Leaf Tea, one would be hard-pressed to find a better brew than Pluckley Tea. This is our flagship Tea, one that plays a vital role in who we are as a company. After 25 years of making it, we still, indeed, love it. Is it your turn to try it? We know so.
What is Pluckley Tea?
Pluckley Tea is a blend of the finest quality Assam and Kenya Loose Leaf Black Teas. Mr Richard Smith, the owner of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, first introduced it to the UK after returning from India in the 1970s.
With the help of his mother and co-owner, Mrs Janet Smith, as well as a few others, Richard hand-packed Tea from chests of ten-thousand into packages of either 40 or 80 Tea Bags. Their first customer was the local Pluckley shop! But since those early days, Pluckley Tea has become so much more than just your average cuppa’. For us, it meant a beginning.
In 1982, Richard and Janet established The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Indeed, we owe a lot to Pluckley Tea for much of this! We now pack everything fresh to order, including Pluckley Tea. This ensures not only quality but also consistency.
Assam Tea in Pluckley Tea
A Scottish adventurer named Robert Bruce discovered Assam Tea in 1823. Before then, the British Raj had attempted to grow the Chinese Camellia sinensis var sinensis plant. However, with the discovery of the Indian Camellia sinensis var assamica plant, their focus changed. It eventually kick-started an Indian Tea Industry. Indeed, India hasn’t looked back since.
The northern Himalayas, the Brahmaputra plains and the Deccan plateau surround the region of Assam, creating one of the richest biodiversity zones in the world. It experiences heavy rainfall (2,500-3,000 mm annually) and high humidity throughout the year. These make perfect conditions for the growing of wonderful Assam Tea.
Kenya Tea in Pluckley Tea:
Kenya Tea came even later than Assam Tea, in 1903! Even then, the British man who introduced it, G.W.L Caine, only grew it for ornamental purposes! It wasn’t until 1918 that a Scot named Arnold Butler McDonell realised the true potential of growing Tea in Kenya.
Much of Kenya Tea grows in the highlands west of the Rift valley at high altitudes between 1,500 and 2,700 metres. Today, the UK imports over 50% of Kenya Tea! That includes a sizable quantity coming to us here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company!
Useful Information
Type of Tea: Black Tea.
Origin: Blend from Assam, India, and Kenya, East Africa.
Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water. Infuse for 3 to 5 minutes.
How to Serve: Consider adding milk, sugar, honey or lemon. Alternatively, serve black.
Tasting Notes: Pluckley Tea boasts a refined malty taste with every sip, followed by earthy undertones.
Colour in Cup: Coppery liquor with ruby highlights, light in tone.
Benefits of Pluckley Tea
Looking to lose a few extra pounds? Consider drinking Pluckley Tea. This is because, like all Black Teas, it has metabolism-boosting properties. By boosting the metabolism, one can burn fat quicker and more efficiently.
This, in turn, can lead to better results during periods of moderate exercise. One should note, however, that this Tea can only help those who already follow a healthy and active lifestyle. Don’t give up on that morning jog just yet!
