Hoogly Blogs

Tea is more than just tea :)

Tea is more than just tea :)

There is something quietly magical about tea. Not the grand, ceremonial kind though, that has its place, but the everyday cup. The one that steams gently on a kitchen counter, that waits patiently on a coffee table, that’s poured without a second thought when someone walks through the door.

Tea has always been less about the drink and more about the moment around it.

Across cultures, tea is an invitation. It says, sit down, stay a while, tell me what’s been going on. You don’t need a special occasion. You don’t need a perfectly clean house. You don’t even need the right kind of biscuits. The act of boiling water, dropping in leaves or a teabag and handing a warm cup to someone else is enough.

There’s a rhythm to it.
Kettle on.
Cups out.
Steam rising.
Conversation starting.

Tea softens the edges of a day. It gives structure to long afternoons and comfort to grey mornings. It fills the silence between two people who don’t quite know what to say yet. And sometimes, it holds space for the things that are too big for words.

Sharing tea is a small act, but it carries a lot of meaning. When you make tea for someone, you’re doing more than pouring a drink. You’re paying attention. You’re saying, I’m here with you. Whether it’s a friend dropping by after a hard week, a colleague needing a quick break, or a family member you haven’t seen in a while, tea becomes the bridge.

Some of the most important conversations don’t happen in boardrooms or on stages. They happen at cluttered tables, with mismatched mugs, where someone absentmindedly stirs their tea while talking about something real.

Tea also has a way of slowing things down. In a world where everything is instant messages, deliveries, answers. Tea still asks for a few minutes. You have to wait for the water to boil. You have to let it steep. You have to be present, at least for that short stretch of time. And often, those minutes turn into something more: a story, a laugh, a quiet moment of understanding.

Even when you’re alone, tea feels like a form of sharing. Maybe you’re sharing the morning with the sun coming through the window, or the evening with the soft hum of the city outside. Maybe you’re sharing your thoughts with a notebook, or simply giving yourself a small pocket of calm.

A cup of tea doesn’t solve problems. It doesn’t change the world in big, dramatic ways. But it changes the tone of a moment. It makes space for connection. And sometimes, that’s exactly what people need.

So the next time someone stops by, or you feel the day getting heavy, put the kettle on. Pour an extra cup. Sit down together.

Because tea, at its heart, is about sharing time. And time is the most generous thing we can offer each other.

hooglytea.com

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The plant behind your cup of tea

The plant behind your cup of tea

When you sip a cup of green tea in the morning or unwind with black tea in the afternoon, you’re experiencing the work of a single remarkable plant: Camellia sinensis. Despite the incredible diversity of teas around the world—white, green, oolong, black, and pu-erh—they all come from this one evergreen species. The magic lies not in different plants, but in how the leaves are grown, harvested, and processed.

What Is Camellia sinensis?

Camellia sinensis is a flowering evergreen shrub native to East Asia, particularly regions of China, India, and Southeast Asia. It thrives in warm, humid climates with well-drained, acidic soil and plenty of rainfall. When left to grow naturally, the plant can reach the height of a small tree, but for tea cultivation it is typically pruned into low bushes to make leaf harvesting easier.

One Plant, Many Teas

What truly sets tea apart is processing. After harvesting, tea leaves undergo different levels of oxidation, shaping, and drying, which determine the final flavor, aroma, and color.

  • White tea is the least processed, made from young buds and leaves that are gently dried.

  • Green tea is heated soon after picking to prevent oxidation, preserving its fresh, vegetal character.

  • Oolong tea is partially oxidized, balancing floral, fruity, and roasted notes.

  • Black tea is fully oxidized, resulting in bold flavors and dark color.

  • Pu-erh tea undergoes fermentation and aging, developing deep, earthy complexity over time.

The same leaves, treated differently, can create dramatically different drinking experiences.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Tea has shaped human history for thousands of years. Originating in ancient China, tea drinking spread across Asia, becoming deeply woven into spiritual practices, social rituals, and medicine. Japanese tea ceremonies emphasize mindfulness and simplicity, while British afternoon tea reflects refinement and social connection. From Moroccan mint tea to Indian chai, Camellia sinensis has adapted to countless cultural expressions.

Beyond rituals, tea has influenced global trade, colonial history, and even political movements. Few plants have had such a widespread and lasting impact.

A Living Legacy

At its core, Camellia sinensis is a humble plant with extraordinary reach. From misty mountain gardens to bustling city cafés, it connects farmers, artisans, and drinkers across continents and generations. Every cup tells a story—of soil, climate, craftsmanship, and tradition.

So the next time you brew tea, pause for a moment. You’re not just drinking a beverage; you’re tasting the legacy of Camellia sinensis, a plant that continues to shape how the world relaxes, connects, and begins each day.

hooglytea.com

 

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Sip Your Way to Wellness: How Teas Support Gentle Detoxing

Sip Your Way to Wellness: How Teas Support Gentle Detoxing

The new year is the perfect time to reset your habits and one of the easiest ways to support your body is through the simple ritual of drinking tea. Detoxing doesn’t have to mean extreme cleanses or complicated routines — healthy teas offer a gentle, enjoyable way to refresh your body from the inside out.

Especially Hoogly blends are a most indulgent way to feed your body and mind with goodness.  

  • Green tea: Packed with antioxidants, it supports metabolism and helps fight oxidative stress.  We recommned Apple Strudle, Classic Green, Jasmine Dawn, Lemon Drizzle or Rhubarb and Vanilla.

  • Ginger: Soothes digestion, reduces bloating, and promotes circulation. The Ginger Biscuit or Lemon and Ginger ideal for this.

  • Dandelion and herbal blends: Traditionally used to support liver function and natural cleansing. Try our Turmeric Twist, Citrus Bloom or Spiced Banana Rum.

  • Fruit and dessert inspired flavors: From chocolate brownie to blueberry muffin, these teas satisfy cravings without added sugar, letting you enjoy “treats” guilt-free.

A gentle, tea-based approach to detoxing is all about consistency, not extremes. By sipping thoughtfully each day, you can support digestion, hydration and overall wellness — all while enjoying delicious, indulgent flavors that make healthy living a pleasure, not a chore.

www.hooglytea.com

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Gift ideas for every tea lover

Gift ideas for every tea lover

When the air turns crisp and twinkling lights start lining the streets, there’s nothing quite as comforting as wrapping your hands around a warm cup of tea. That’s why tea gifts make some of the most thoughtful Christmas presents, they’re cozy, calming and delightfully personal. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned tea connoisseur or someone who simply enjoys a soothing evening brew, there’s a festive tea-themed gift that suits every taste.

Hoogly has many wonderful tea gifts, including sets with a hygge candle, box of tea, milk urn in a cotten bag with a red ribbon.

Or theres the loose leaf starter kit with a choice of over 40 teas to choose from.

The mix n match boxes, especially the little boxes of 5 tea bags they make a fantastic stocking filler.

All our packaging is sustainble, plastic free and eco friendly.

Here is just a few Festive blends we highly recommend for this time of the year:

  1. Christmas cake: This comforting blend, enriched with the finest spices, brings the perfect harmony of festive cheer to share with family and friends on a cold winters day.
  2. Baked Apple Chai: Mellow Sri Lankan tea provides the perfect base, over which the flavours of apple, ginger, cinnamon and cloves mingle in comforting harmony.
  3. Cinnamon Toffee: A wonderfully indulgent blend with a caramel flavour and warm sweet spices, tastes just like a hot sticky toffee pudding.
  4. Marzipan: Treat yourself to a cup of liquid luxury, suffused with the rich and indulgent flavour of Marzipan.
  5. Spiced Orange: Our take on an alcohol free mulled wine, this spiced fruity infusion is guaranteed to warm the cockles of any heart.

Christmas is all about connection, comfort, and thoughtfulness and few gifts capture that spirit as perfectly as tea. Whether you choose a festive sampler, a luxurious teapot, or a curated gift set, tea gifts bring warmth that lasts long after the holiday season fades.

Cheers to sharing Hoogly moments, one cup at a time :)

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Autumn Hygge and the Comfort of Tea

Autumn Hygge and the Comfort of Tea

When the air turns crisp and the leaves paint the world in shades of gold and amber, autumn invites us to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures. This is the season of Hygge—the Danish art of coziness, warmth, and contentment. And nothing embodies that spirit better than a steaming cup of tea.

The Essence of Hygge in Autumn

Hygge is not about buying things; it’s about creating moments. Autumn naturally lends itself to this practice:

  • A blanket wrapped around your shoulders as rain taps against the window.

  • Candles flickering in the evening, casting a soft glow.

  • A quiet hour spent with a book while the kettle hums in the background.

It’s the season of comfort, of slowing down after summer’s rush and before winter’s stillness.

Tea: The Heart of Cosy Rituals

Tea and Hygge go hand in hand. Beyond its warmth, tea offers a grounding ritual—a chance to pause, breathe, and connect with the present. The type of tea you choose can enhance the atmosphere you want to create, for example some of these Hoogly Blends:

  • Baked Apple Chai with spices like cinnamon and cardamom for a warming, fragrant hug.

  • Cocoa-Nut black tea for a robust, grounding moment.

  • Cosy Chamomile for evening calm, blended with Lavender and Rosehips.

  • Apricot Blossom for balance and mindfulness.

Each cup is an invitation to slow down, hold something warm in your hands, and notice the small joys around you.

Creating Your Autumn Tea Ritual

Hygge thrives in rituals, no matter how simple. Here are a few ways to weave tea into your autumn days:

  1. Morning quiet – Brew a pot of tea while the world still sleeps. Journal, stretch, or simply enjoy the stillness.

  2. Afternoon reset – Take a break from screens. Step outside, breathe in the crisp air, and sip tea slowly.

  3. Evening wind-down – Light a candle, play soft music, and let an herbal blend guide you into rest.

  4. Tea with company – Invite a friend for a cozy chat over steaming mugs. Hygge flourishes in togetherness.

Bringing Hygge Home

You don’t need a cabin in the woods to embrace autumn Hygge. Small touches make a difference:

  • Soft blankets and knitted socks.

  • Warm lighting instead of harsh overheads.

  • A favorite mug that feels good in your hands.

  • A little tray with tea, honey, and maybe a homemade treat.

These small acts turn ordinary days into cherished moments.

One of the reasons the Danes are voted one of the happienss nations in the world for many years, they add plenty of hygge to their everyday lives :)

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Matcha: The Green Elixir of Calm and Energy

Matcha: The Green Elixir of Calm and Energy

There’s something almost magical about matcha. Its vibrant green colour catches your eye, its smooth yet earthy taste lingers on your palate, and its centuries-old story connects us to a tradition of mindfulness, balance, and wellbeing.

But what exactly is matcha, and why has it become such a beloved ritual around the world?

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where leaves are steeped in water and then removed, matcha involves whisking the whole powdered leaf into hot water—meaning you’re consuming the entire leaf and all of its nutrients.

This practice began in Japan over 800 years ago, rooted in Zen Buddhism and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha was used not just for its taste, but for the sense of calm focus it brought to meditation and daily life.

Why People Love It

Matcha is often described as the perfect balance between calm and energy. This is thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which together create a gentle, sustained energy boost without the jitters often linked to coffee.

Other benefits include:

  • Rich in antioxidants (especially catechins, which support overall health).

  • Supports focus and concentration while promoting relaxation.

  • Boosts metabolism and can gently support digestion.

It’s both a wellness drink and a mindful ritual in one cup.

How to Enjoy Matcha

Traditionally, matcha is prepared by whisking the powder with hot (not boiling) water until it becomes frothy. The process itself is part of the experience—a moment of slowing down, breathing deeply, and being fully present.

But matcha isn’t limited to tradition. Today, people enjoy it in lattes, smoothies, baking, and even desserts. From a creamy matcha latte on a chilly morning to a refreshing iced matcha on a sunny afternoon, there are endless ways to make it your own.

Matcha and Hygge

At Hoogly, we love matcha not just for its health benefits, but for the sense of Hygge it brings. Preparing matcha is a small act of self-care, a ritual that invites calm and comfort into your day. Just as Hygge is about finding joy in simple moments, matcha offers a mindful pause in a busy world.

So next time you prepare a cup of matcha, take it slow. Notice the colour, the aroma, the way the froth dances at the surface. Sip, savour, and let yourself enjoy the little things—that’s where true indulgence lies.

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A Journey into Hoogly Tea: Embracing Flavour, Wellness, and Sustainability

A Journey into Hoogly Tea: Embracing Flavour, Wellness, and Sustainability

In a world of ever-growing tea varieties, one brand stands out for its unique blend of flavours, wellness benefits, and commitment to sustainability. That brand is Hoogly Tea. Founded with a deep passion for hygge, the Danish concept of comfort and coziness, Hoogly Tea has crafted a range of teas that blend classic and exotic ingredients to offer the ultimate tea-drinking experience. But Hoogly Tea isn’t just about great taste; they’re on a mission to embrace sustainability through innovative packaging and responsible practices. Let’s dive into the world of Hoogly Tea, discover who they are, and learn about their journey towards sustainable, eco-friendly tea production.

Who Are Hoogly Tea?

Based in the UK, Hoogly Tea is known for its creative and carefully crafted tea blends, offering everything from traditional favourites like Earl Grey and English Breakfast to more adventurous flavours like Rhubarb & Vanillaand Cocoa & Chilli Chai. Each blend is designed to evoke a sense of tranquillity, allowing you to enjoy a moment of hygge in your busy day.

Their journey

Since its inception, Hoogly Tea has been on a remarkable journey, growing from a small tea brand to a recognized name in the wellness and specialty tea market. With an emphasis on premium, ethically sourced ingredients, Hoogly Tea ensures that every cup delivers quality and consistency.

A key turning point in Hoogly’s journey came when they made a decisive shift towards sustainability. Recognizing the impact of packaging waste on the environment, Hoogly Tea began exploring eco-friendly alternatives. This led to their partnership with Parkside Flex, a leading provider of compostable packaging solutions. Together, they introduced 100% compostable tea packaging, a bold step that showcases Hoogly’s commitment to the planet.

 Why Choose Sustainable Packaging?

In an era where consumers are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, Hoogly Tea understands the importance of reducing waste. The tea industry, like many others, has long been associated with single-use plastics and non-recyclable materials, contributing to the global issue of plastic pollution. Hoogly Tea wanted to break away from this mold and adopt a more sustainable approach to packaging.

The innovative packaging is made from bio-based materials, which break down completely in a home compost environment, leaving no trace of microplastics or harmful residues. By using compostable packaging, Hoogly Tea ensures that the lifecycle of their products is as sustainable as possible, from production to disposal.

Incorporating sustainable practices is not just a business decision for Hoogly; it’s part of their broader mission to promote well-being and harmony with nature. Their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint aligns perfectly with their core philosophy: to create moments of comfort and calm while protecting the planet.

Hoogly Tea’s commitment to sustainability is ongoing. As the company continues to expand its reach, they are focused on further reducing their environmental impact, whether through sourcing ingredients responsibly, minimizing waste, or exploring new ways to innovate within the tea industry.

Hoogly Tea’s journey—from its roots in hygge-inspired teas to its leadership in sustainable packaging—serves as an inspiring example of how businesses can grow while staying true to their values. With each cup of Hoogly tea, you’re not just savouring unique flavours; you’re supporting a brand that cares about your well-being and the health of the planet.

So, next time you brew a cup of Hoogly Tea, take a moment to appreciate the comforting warmth, the carefully curated ingredients, and the innovative packaging that all contribute to a better, more sustainable future.

 

Written by Charles Hope

https://www.charleshope.co.uk

 

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Have a Hoogly Christmas

Have a Hoogly Christmas

Advent is finally with us! I think it is now reasonable for us at Hoogly to sneak out first Merry Christmas out. These next few weeks are always my favourite time of year. The decorations can come out, Aled Jones can be sneaked on when no one is looking, and the Christmas films, which multiply year on year, can begin to make their rotation. And if none of those things sound like your kind of Christmas, then whatever it is that you love most can come out too, even if it involves surfing.

 

We take Christmas seriously at Hoogly. We are Danish, after all! Indeed, half of our teas are designed as delicious and indulgent winter treats with all the taste of your favourite desserts but none of the calories. But just as it’s no doubt important to stay warm and well fed over Christmas, there’s also another element which we might all be beginning to get a little panicked over. Don’t worry though, at Hoogly we believe that there is a perfect gift for everyone!

 

The first product to mention is one we are very excited about. Our brand new Luxury Tea Selection Box. Designed by our fantastic team here at Hoogly, this elegant and luxurious box is jam packed with our full range of tea envelopes. It is the perfect gift for either someone with an adventurous palate, or maybe just someone who you can’t decide on a particular tea for. We are certain that it’s beautiful design will delight anyone who lays their eyes on it. Our boxes and envelopes are all 100% recyclable and compostable, so there’s no need to be concerned about any environmental impact. Kick back and enjoy! We are very proud of these selection boxes, and we hope you take as much pride in drinking from their contents as we did in designing them.

 

We also understand that there are those tea aficionados amongst you all with more specific palettes. For those of you who are looking for stocking fillers, our teapods, which contain 5 teabags,  might just be the perfect fit! We offer them across our entire range as well, so whether it’s a caffeine buzz you think they might like, or a warming herbal tea to soothe away the winter chill, we have it. People should be drinking the tea they love, after all.

 

For something similar but just a little bit fancier, we also sell selection boxes of 4 teapods, which are gift wrapped by our wonderful staff. They might not quite fit in a stocking, but  if you can’t narrow down what flavour tea they would want, or maybe the person is just a little bit special, then this is the perfect gift!

 

The final, and maybe most grand of them all, is of course our loose tea starter set. A true set piece of a present, is there anyone who wouldn’t love it? Our teapots are all glass to ensure you get to see the tea leaves transforming the water into those wonderful, deep colours. We at Hoogly know that how something looks is just as important as how it tastes ( although, don’t get me wrong, how something tastes is very important). You also get 50g of a loose tea of your choosing. A very difficult choice! Don’t worry though, you can always add extra flavours to improve the present further,

 

Of course, it goes without saying that christmas is not only a time for gift giving, but also for spreading joy and spending time with the people you love. We just think that if we can spread a little cheer on christmas day then we should let you know! And if you are tired of the growing post-christmas clutter, or want a genuinely sustainable option, then we really are the perfect treat. Our tea, whether loose, bagged or individually wrapped is all compostable and plastic free.

 

Written by Euan Reid

www.hooglytea.com

 

 

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Autum is Hygge

Autum is Hygge

You might not know it from this bright sunshine, but we are now well into autumn. And even though it’s sunny and warm now, there’s sadly only one direction it can go. This happens every year. We think we have beaten the weather. We could swear it’s getting hotter by the day. But then the cold finally snaps upon us, and the leaves fall, and the jumpers and jackets must be taken out from the summer storage.

While for us here at Hoogly Tea hygge doesn’t take any breaks, believing that time should always be taken out of our lives to spend time with the people we care about and enjoy the simpler pleasures, we understand that others aren’t quite as committed. It seems that autumn is the season where hygge has infiltrated British life the most. The celebration of a quieter warmth in darker months, and of cosiness. Perhaps even one of our wonderful hot water bottles upon your lap!

Because of this, at Hoogly we have a lot of love towards autumn. Slowness begins to return to life, scenery becomes something to admire rather just as an a to b, and of course, people fully appreciate the power of a good cup of tea. And who could possibly resist the pull of an autumnal woodland walk followed by a cup of Hoogly Tea?

What teas though would I recommend for Autumn? I will start with a rooibos tea. Our selection of rooibos are almost all perfect for this season. We ensure that our rooibos tea blends pack a punch. Fruity. Spicy. Ones that I would pick out though would of course be Pumpkin Spice. The richness and depth of the allspice perfectly complements the tartness of the rooibos. Can you get any more autumnal?  While certainly a more American spice mix, dating back to the Dutch settler colonies in the 1600s, it has really become a part of our lives here in the UK since Starbucks first opened its doors in 1998. And, to be honest, we will give the Americans this season. Who doesn’t like halloween? If you fancy, why not turn this tea into a syrup to cover your ice cream with! Simply boil up the tea with sugar and water, scoop out your ice cream,  and hey presto, a delicious and easy dessert. Naturally caffeine free as well, so you won’t be springing off any bedroom walls.

Our black teas are probably our second most autumnal tea selection. Baked Apple Chai embraces the aromatic firieness of a Masala Chai whilst also celebrating the autumn harvest.  The baked apple gives a real smokey sweetness to the tea. This is a more aromatic tea than the pumpkin spice, which is a richer blend, so it depends which style you prefer. If you are feeling adventurous, why not try adding a teabag of our baked apple chai to your apple crumble! Just pop one into the mix when you bake it and enjoy.

Of our white and green teas, Rhubarb and Vanilla is what springs to my mind for this season. This might seem odd. Is rhubarb not more of a spring fruit? Something happens when it is mixed with vanilla though, which brings me straight back to the sweet shops of my childhood. It is, in essence, confectionary in a cup! The hibiscus enhances that clean sharpness of the rhubarb, which is then undercut by the smallest of hints of vanilla. The warmth and the sweetness will bring the flush right back into your cheeks. The hibiscus also makes it a beautiful deep red.  If you are looking for a savoury way of enjoying our tea, why not try making this into a jelly to have in a trifle? Pop it into the hot water for a bit, then pour it over some jelly mixture and leave to set! I promise it won’t disappoint.

We have skirted over some of the more jarring elements of the seasons changing. Colder, longer nights can mean that people are in need of lifestyle changes. Our Turmeric Twist, a herbal infusion made primarily of turmeric, is soothing and relaxing.  A miracle tea, it will sift through the foggy malaise which comes when the days get darker and the sun hides itself for a little bit. Subtle hints of citrus and mint add to the delightfulness of this cup of tea, raising the spirit and the body! It’s delicious in a butternut squash soup as well, and we all know that they are just round the corner.

These are of course just four of our teas. Who knows what your tastes could be. We have a list of over fifty different blends for you to pillage your way through though, so I’m sure one will be the perfect blend to get you through the coming months. 

Written by Euan Reid

www.hooglytea.com

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Hampers and corporate gifting.

Hampers and corporate gifting.

Corporate gifting is something that we really love here at Hoogly. We adore it when people ask us to be involved in their hampers. Our teapods, which offer 5 of our unique flavours in teabag form, are the perfect addition to any hamper. We have teas to fit every season, so they can be slipped in as a Christmas thank-you present or perhaps as congratulations to someone who has just completed their first deal.

Let’s step back a little, though, to the origins of the hamper. The hamper is, in most of our minds, synonymous with traditional British family life. I experienced my own pastiche form of this. I remember well the excitement of filling it up with all the things we would eat, the blankets slung on precariously. These trips to various beauty spots for a picnic were an integral part of my childhood. Growing up in Kent, we had the North Downs to contend with, a 153-mile stretch of chalk escarpment, wooded for the most part, covered with wildflowers and cows where it wasn’t. We could also turn north, out to the marshes, to Dickens country, where the land became a little murkier. Still cows, of course, just sunken a little. Since I am not an Arthur Ransome character, I never quite experienced the picnic hamper at its peak. Lashings of ginger beer and corned beef sandwiches. I had to settle for supermarket pork pies and scotch eggs. For nectarines, not freshly scrumped apples (orchards in Kent are a serious business. I couldn’t dig like Mr Fox).

While this, the early twentieth-century British countryside picnic, is no doubt what we think of when we think of the hamper, its origins lie elsewhere. Originating from the Old English "hamper," meaning literally "wicker container," they are, in fact, an invention of medieval Europe. Not used for a picnic, but rather as a cheap box used for transporting food and clothes across great distances. It was as late as the Victorian era when they began to be used for picnics. It was also in this period where we see them begin to be used for gifts. Various artisanal products presented in a hamper for Christmas became a staple of Victorian society.

From this, the idea of corporate gift-giving flourished. Around the midpoint of the twentieth century, companies began to give hampers as gifts to clients. As trade flourished across borders and industries, the concept of sitting down and discussing business began to decline. Phones, for the most part, dealt with day-to-day administration, but, as we have all witnessed, they are less reliable for expressing gratitude. Suddenly, your grandma's Christmas hamper became a revolutionary product. Is there a better way to say thank you to a client if you couldn’t necessarily

be there, or as personalised staff gifts in the increasingly impersonal office environments? Indeed, they became a market in and of themselves, with companies offering to create the hampers for their various corporate clients.

As can be imagined, the internet was a major driving force in the growth of the industry we see today. The internet has allowed the flourishing of smaller craft industries, due to its eradication of barriers to entry, increasing the distances that we can trade with. Whereas before, chances are a quick trip along the high street would be all that could be done, now we have access to pretty much every small seller across the country. The hamper symbolically travels across those same distances it did in medieval Europe, only perhaps with a few more ribbons attached.

The internet also has a habit of reviving cultural moments, long forgotten even by the people within them. The hamper in its wicker container has come full circle and is back with us. While the internet helps to repopulate, the growth is no doubt as a result of increasing interests in sustainability, since wicker is a regenerative material.

We are proud to have been a part of that boom in luxury artisanal products at Hoogly. We embrace the importance of smaller sellers and are driven by sustainability. Our teapods are fully compostable and biodegradable. For a summer hamper, I would recommend one of our white teas, particularly Sparkling White, which is probably our most luxurious tea. Champagne in a mug! For the winter, any of our black teas or rooibos are perfect. Can you imagine anything better than our Chocolate Brownie Tea, for instance, on a cold winter's night?

Written by Euan Reid

www.hooglytea.com

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The Afternoon Tea

The Afternoon Tea

Silk curtains and pretty tablecloths, silver trays and cutlery, people gossiping about incidents not quite as scandalous as the hushed tones would have you imagine. This is no doubt what you think of when you think of the institution that is the afternoon tea. George Gissing writes that “Nowhere is the English genius of domesticity more notably evident than in the festival of afternoon tea. The chink of cups and the saucers tunes the mind to happy repose.” It  is this repetition that lends afternoon tea its universality; crustless cucumber sandwiches and china teaware. The fussy, old world charm of village jigsaw puzzles and Agatha Christie. No violence or disagreement can penetrate. Gets itself stuck in all the curtain folds.

If you are thinking this way, then you are more in line with your imagination than reality. For a start, tea has splintered into so many different factions in modern British life. Even the word itself has lost its university. Is it tea as in camellia sinensis, or tea as in a herbal infusion, or tea as in rooibos?  The tins and jars, precariously stacked to find space, crush me.

Just like the changes in tea that have come about in the past 50 or so years, so too has the afternoon tea adapted to the changing culture. As the years roll on, generations pass onwards into disrepair. Entropy hits even millennials. If I get palpitations when someone of my own generation becomes prime minister, what’ll happen when a zoomer finds themselves there? This rolling on of time has helped to lift afternoon teas up from its stuffy origins. Millennials and Generation Z are the chief revolutionaries, with Generation Z at the vanguard. Not the normal battleground for teenage angst, but I guess that is the point. According to studies from Jing Tea, afternoon teas have rocketed amongst zoomers, with 52%  having been once a month. As their interest grows, they have been adding their own spark. Younger audiences are moving towards herbal and green tea options, as well as a towards more artisanal patisserie, as opposed to your more basic victoria sponge. Alexander House, for instance, one of the hotels we work with, has a fantastic array of cakes and tarts. Champagne as well has become a popular addition to the afternoon tea, adding to the party element.

Millennials as a generation are drawn to particular brand identity, whereas gen z are drawn more to how brands interact with them. A generation weaned on choice, they are constantly drawn to uniqueness.

This seesaw between uniqueness and identity has been the driving force of the changes to the afternoon tea. In a competitive marketplace, an establishment has to stand out, both in appearance and what it can offer. An integral part of this is that it is becoming more of an events based activity among modern generations; a treat as opposed to your average afternoon activity. Gissing’s domesticity shrinks into the shadows. But while this is true, I think what is drawing younger generations to it is still contained essentially in what Gissing has to say. For him the afternoon tea represents a form of slow excitement, which I think strikes a chord with modern generations. Generation Z are turning more and more to simpler, more routine based lives. Influencers speak of ‘romanticising your life’, embracing the little pleasures, such as candles, a bath, or a Netflix binge. Younger generations are also drinking less and less, so the statement “pub anyone (?)” is losing its power.

It seems like the slow and subtle beauty of an afternoon tea fits perfectly into the priorities of the younger generations. Eric Hobsbawm speaks of British traditions as being malleable. We pick and choose our traditions so that they may fit into the modern times. It seems like this is being done here. The slowness, the repetition of an afternoon tea appeals to the fast paced, almost cyber reality of the modern world. To put it bluntly, it’s something to do that keeps us off our phones.

It maybe true, that in its development  as a response to the speeding up world, it contains within its success its essential failing. It’ll innovate too far, lose its initial power, show up in one too many ads, and people will lose interest. This is true of everything though really. Nothing stays forever. Who knows what the tea habits of Generation Alpha will be. Let’s just relish, for the moment, in the current popularity of the most wonderful of all drinks.

 

Written by Euan Reid

www.hooglytea.com

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A Hoogly Cocktail

A Hoogly Cocktail

Hello all! Maybe we all spoke too soon. The past few weeks have finally brought along some of that promised weather we have all waited so patiently for! Long may it last. 

Since this trundle towards summer, I have been spending a lot more of my evenings outside. The beach here in Brighton is so close that really there is no excuse to not pop down on your bike and watch all the brave people swimming. The parks are looking so lovely as well, and it’s too easy to stray off the path at Preston and amble through the walled garden there. There is nothing I like more in these moments then to watch the sun slowly set with a gin and tonic or a mojito in hand. Unless I crack open a can, it is my own garden that beckons me for this particular fancy!  A gin and tonic somehow manages to balance a crisp tartness with a summery punch, which always reminds me of the feeling this time of year brings! 

It was one of these such evenings which made me start to think about how I might incorporate our tea blends into a cocktail. I know, I know, there is no way I’d try to say our tea isn’t best served warm and in a mug, but there is no reason it can’t be enjoyed in both circumstances. Embracing hygge is what we try to do here after all, and that doesn’t always means fortifying against the winter cold. 


There really is no reason to use the particular teas that I used. I am sure you can use whatever Hoogly tea you love into the drinks you equally love. They are simply teas which were delicious when combined with my favourite drinks. Do give it a try! The first is a spiced orange gin and tonic. I find that spiced orange, a tea which we actually created to mimic the flavours in a mulled wine, brings out the herbal flavours in the gin, lending the drink a softer taste. 


Spiced Orange Gin and Tonic:


Gin , Orange flavoured preferably, 50ml


Tonic, 100ml


Hoogly Spiced Orange Pyramid Tea Bag


There are so many lovely local gin companies that I find myself spoilt for choice, but since I am in Brighton then surely the Brighton Gin Company needs to be drunk! I  always like to be heavy handed on the gin side, so I fill my glass with 50 ml of gin. I always choose a tumbler, but I know the huge glasses look fantastic in photos.  I then add a spiced orange Hoogly tea bag to the gin, and leave to soak for ten minutes or so, before removing the teabag and adding ice. Afterwards, I fill it up with double the quantity of tonic, and may be a touch too little for most but I like to get the full kick from the gin! 



Sparkling White Mojito:


Mint, 6 sprigs.

White Rum, 45 ml

Sugar syrup, 2 teaspoons

Soda water, to 

Hoogly Sparkling White Pyramid Tea Bag 



This is another great summery drink, and I’d say definitely best enjoyed lounging with a book in front and the full force of the sun behind. A Chill Out Mint would of course work wonderfully here, but to add some new and vibrant to the classic Mojito I think our Sparkling White Tea is the best! I have always been a fan of the combination of both fruit and mint, and I think the elderflower, while enhancing the flavour, is subtle enough to not overpower the flavour of the mint. This is a less citrusy drink to the lime based original, so best for those of you who prefer a fruity taste. 

To make this drink, simply muddle 6 sprigs of mint in the bottom of your glass ( I know you could use a cocktail shaker, but since not everyone has one, I will use a glass) using a fork. Use as much or as little mint as you desire. Then, add 45 mls of rum and a sparkling white tea bag. Leave for 10 minutes before removing the teabag, adding ice and sugar syrup, and then topping up with soda water to taste! A delicious drink, trust me! 

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