We love thinking 'outside the teapot' and exploring different ways to use and reuse loose leaf tea. In a previous post we  discussed Tea Pairings with Food, and how the right combination can enhance your culinary creations. This 'whet our appetite' and got us thinking about ways to incorporate our favourite teas in everyday cooking.

Here are 5 simple ways to add tea to your meals, condiments and treats:

1. Green Tea in Stir-Fry

Fresh ginger, garlic and green tea are a wonderful combination. Delicious with tofu or chicken along with other stir-fry staples such as bell peppers, broccoli and spring onions.

Method: Add oil to wok and lightly fry 1 teaspoon of green tea for approximately 1 minute, before adding fresh ginger and garlic. Gradually add the rest of your ingredients and prepare your stir-fry as usual.

Our recommendations: The classic Gunpowder green tea is a great option. Some of the more vegetal green teas such as Bancha Hojicha and China Sencha also work well (especially with soy sauce).

2. Hibiscus Tea and Berry Smoothie

The tart, refreshing taste of hibiscus blended with berries is a great way to get your daily dose of antioxidants. Hibiscus is also said to help with maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood pressure.

Method: Prepare 2 cups of Hibiscus Tea and leave to cool in the fridge overnight.

Use a blender to mix the tea with 2 cups of frozen berries and some milk. Add 1 teaspoon (or more as desired) of natural sweetener such as honey, stevia or maple syrup to taste. 

Our recommendations: Our Hibiscus Flowers Cut produces a rich red cup that is refreshing, tangy and compliments berries perfectly.

3. Earl Grey Shortbread

Craving a sweet treat alongside your mid-morning cuppa? Why not try making a batch of earl grey shortbread for the week ahead.

Although there are no shortage of great recipes out there, we love Holly and Jess's -
Lemon & Earl Grey Shortbread Biscuits. Their easy to follow method is one that we keep coming back to.

4. Tea Salad Dressing

A fantastic way to reuse high quality tea leaves is to make a salad dressing with them. Our Dragonwell Lung Ching Organic is an ideal choice. It is a top grade tea that is organically grown and carefully dried by hand. 

Method: Once you have enjoyed your cup of Lung Ching, drain the leaves and allow to cool over night (or for a few hours at least). Try and express as much water as you can.

To make the dressing place the following in a blender:

• 2 tablespoons of tea leaves
• 1 chopped garlic clove
• 1 teaspoon of apple or white wine vinegar
• 1 pinch of salt
• 3 tablespoon of rapeseed oil
• approx. 450ml of boiling water

- pulse to the consistency that you prefer and adjust the ingredients until you are happy. Allow to cool and pour into a glass bottle ready for shaking and serving.

5. Matcha Porridge

Liven up your morning porridge with immune boosting Matcha. 

Method: Simply add 1 or 1/2 teaspoon to your favourite porridge recipe. This does work best with milk or a mixture of milk and water, rather than water alone. Stir thoroughly.

Our recommendations: Our robust Matcha Taishan China Organic is a great option. It has a strong, fresh bouquet and a slight tartness that awakens the taste buds.