Hoogly Blogs / Herbal infusion

Affordable Luxury

Affordable Luxury

Greetings Hoogly fans. The Christmas season has crept up on us again: kids are scribbling down lists, adults are starting to feel a greater sense of urgency and the streets are getting busier. Shops have already decked out their interiors with tinsel, stars and fir trees, enticing us in with shiny gifts and familiar festive music. But this year, the world is a different place. As the weather worsens, so do many issues that affect households up and down the country, not least of which is the cost-of-living crisis. It’s a grim fact that many of us will have to be more mindful than ever of how we budget this Christmas, finding ways to make our funds go further.

With this in mind, we at Hoogly would like to highlight some of our exclusive gift range, giving you some ideas for presents that are original, unusual, and luxurious—without costing the earth. 

First off, we would like to present our snuggly and huggly hot water bottles. Our gorgeous range of winter-beating warmers are all hand-crafted from luxury fabrics and come in an attractive selection of colours, including red, cream and brown. We do things Danishly at Hoogly, and in that part of the world, they know how to keep warm in style—and now you can too!

Up next is one of our personal favourites, the Hoogly filter teapot! This elegantly branded glass pot has a silver lid with a filter which can be removed after the tea leaves have been brewed. Perfectly portioned for one person, simply add two teaspoons of loose leaf or a tea pyramid—then sit back, relax and watch as your tea leaves unfurl! Suitable for both hand wash and dishwasher, this little beauty makes a simple, practical and novel present, perfect for someone who likes to unwind and shake off the stress with a cuppa in true Hoogly style.

Santa is not the only one bringing a sack of presents this year! We at Ho Ho Hoogly are now offering a gorgeous, branded cotton bag filled with fifty individually wrapped tea pyramids! Although we don’t advise throwing it down a chimney! Teas include a huge range of our customer favourites, including Cosy Chamomile (herbal tea), Rhubarb and Vanilla (green tea), English Breakfast (black tea) and Danish Pastry (Rooibos). This really is the gift that keeps on giving, not only providing you with a strong and stylish shopping bag, but also a delightful surprise each time you flip the kettle on and choose one of our tasty brews!

If you feel like being really fancy, then there is only one gift choice for you. Our supremely elegant and branded wooden tea tray comes with two lovely Hoogly mugs, complete with bamboo lids/coasters and golden spoons! The perfect gift for couples, this wonderful package is rounded off with 20 envelope-wrapped teas, featuring a wide range of our most popular blends. Replicating the experience of a luxury hotel, this attractive gift is the perfect way to make an impression this Christmas!

For all of these gifts—and more—visit https://hooglytea.com/collections/all

 

And we’ll finish today with our Tea of the Month—our Hoogly recommendation for November! Beat the winter blues with Banoffee Pie black tea, an indulgent and sweet treat in a cup, combining a rich black tea with subtle warming banana and toffee flavour. Mixing a British classic with a hint of the exotic, this sublime cuppa will warm your cockles and put a smile on your face when the weather gets you down!

 

Stay safe, tea lovers. See you soon!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

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What are you afraid of…?

What are you afraid of…?

I suspect it’s fair to say that most of us are afraid of something. Some people can’t cope with heights; others run a mile at the sight of a spider; a large number of us are scared of the dark; and who doesn’t hear the dum-dum, dum-dum theme song from Jaws whenever you swim out a bit far in the ocean? My personal fear is people wearing large animal heads. Some people say that’s irrational and tease me about it—but when the bunny-men come for us all, they won’t be laughing, will they?!

But there is one lesser-known fear that we at Hoogly would like to draw attention to today. In fact, it’s more than a fear: it’s actually a phobia—and one that goes to the very heart of what we do as a company…

Tepidophobia

This is the fear of a badly-made cup of tea.

I think we at Hoogly all suffer from this in various degrees. The thought of a bad cup of tea brings us out in a sweat. We strive for perfection, and this means putting a smile on our customer’s faces with every brew. So we understand the feeling of dread that can mount when entering someone’s home for the first time and hearing the kettle rumble and puff, wondering if the person making the cuppa will ask how you take it. Will they mention the dunk-time? If they don’t, is it a faux-pas to bring it up? Just a quick in-and-out for me, mate. Or perhaps: Leave the thing in there; I like it as close to coal as possible. And what about the milk? A cup of tea can be savaged by inappropriate dairy levels. And what creaminess, too? Full-fat, green or red-top? Or perhaps no milk at all? Do they have alternative milks? Oat, almond, soya? And we’ve not even considered how long the kettle is allowed to cool down before being poured. So much to think about. But then you’ve found yourself in an engrossing conversation; the tea has not been drunk—it’s gone cold on the side. Don’t worry, your host says. I’ll bung it in the microwave. Your heart begins to pulse. The terror moves over your skin like a snake. Don’t do it, you try to communicate with your eyes whilst smiling. Thanks very much, you actually say, because you’re a good person. And now they’ve gone to all that effort—opening the microwave door and twiddling the knob—you’ll have to drink it. Muddy, creamy, overboiled, cold and reheated tea. Maybe you can’t be friends with this person, after all. It’s all been a horrible mistake. Ping…

Should have asked for herbal.

Should have asked for Hoogly!

We get it, tea lovers. We’re on your side. We want to take the fear away—and we invite you to discover our hygge-inspired range of mindful teas, perfect for sweeping away those stressful thoughts, calmed by the knowledge that our teas smell and taste delicious every time.

Introducing…Apricot Blossom White Tea. The perfect accompaniment to an afternoon tea, this blend of downy leaves, Chinese Pai Mu Dan and green tea is drenched in summery soft-stone fruit flavours, creating an elegant elixir for the pain of a mediocre restaurant cuppa.

Revive your senses this summer with Citrus Bloom Herbal Infusion! Luscious lemony notes are complemented by the tantalising trio of peppermint, rosemary and sage, rounded off with the sweet warmth of scattered fennel seeds. This elegant brew is perfect for parties and barbeques, keeping those long, lazy evenings alive with a bit of Hoogly magic.

Finally…fall in love with a rose. Our gorgeous, aromatic Rose Blush White Tea brings the glamour of nature to your mug, with pink rosebuds creating a luxuriously lavish floral taste, combined with subtly sweet grassy tones. This is a drink to share with someone special; and, yes, that includes treating yourself to some well-deserved Hoogly time!

That’s it from me on Freedom Day! Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine and don’t forget to add a bit of Danish delight to your tea collection!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

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A Flask of Freedom

A Flask of Freedom

As I write this, the evening sun is painting the garden gold, and the sky is a perfect, limitless blue. There is a gentle breeze caressing my face and the enthused chitter of birds from hedges and bushes. From the neighbour’s garden, a sprinkler swivels and whispers as it shoots out a misty haze. At the back of the neighbour’s yard, they have a pond, where a loved-up pair of ducks have just produced eleven chicks, little bundles of fluff who follow their parents about with adorable clinginess, as Mum and Dad quack aggressively at any perceived threat. On the TV, another match from Euro 20/21 is about to start, the second of three today, following England’s opening win. This is a decidedly lovely day.

Alas, Freedom Day has been postponed—we have one last push to get back to normal—but, on a day like this, I don’t feel as though I can complain. As it stands, things feel nice and Hoogly. The dog is chewing the plastic washing liquid cup, because it was there, and my wife is reading a novel about a husband who lies and cheats and then tries to kill his Mrs, which I try not to take personally. The only thing that’s missing from this scenario is something refreshing. Something delicious to accompany this glorious weather. Something simple, straightforward and moreish.

I expect you’ve guessed that I already have the answer to this conundrum! Yes, it’s none other than Hoogly’s dazzling selection of Iced Teas!

To make a family-friendly and summery iced tea for four, do the following:

 

  • Place four Hoogly Tea Bags in a 1 litre jug.
  • Add boiled water until the jug is a third full.
  • Brew for five minutes.
  • Pop some cold water in until the jug is two-thirds full.
  • Add some ice and fresh fruit for extra pazazz!

 

Now for the fun part: which Hoogly blends to use for your cosy cup of chill?

 

For a bit of zest and fire, why not start off with Lemon and Ginger herbal infusion? This energising customer favourite tastes like sunshine and smiles, and can be ratcheted up a few levels by adding lemon zest and grated ginger!

 

For a playful party piece, why not bring out Berrylicious herbal infusion? Bursting with beautiful berries, this dynamic drink builds to a fruity crescendo, before giving way to the rich, caramelised notes of dandelion root. To be especially fancy, add strawberries and raspberries, and you’ll have a sweet sensation that will thrill your family and friends!

 

For a cooling, calming alternative, why not try Chill Out Mint herbal infusion? This invigorating menthol cuppa is especially good for those who have overdone it at the barbecue, offering a soothing fix for full bellies, whilst giving you a fresh and bracing way to unwind and relax after a hard day’s sunbathing.

 

If Iced Teas are not your…um, cup of tea…then why not try a cheeky Hoogly lolly?! We’ve got the perfect flavours to make this traditional treat work: simply brew your bags for twice the usual time, pour the contents into a mould, and then leave in the freezer overnight!

 

For a bit of traditional Hoogly charm, why not try Danish Pastry Rooibos? This riff on the Danish national treat creates a sumptuously sweet lolly, with a chocolate and cinnamon scent, and a cheeky pastry taste!

 

Our next succulent summer sensation is Raspberry, Liquorice and Lavendar black tea! Sharp raspberries combine with super-sweet liquorice, sprinkled with lavender flowers for a flesh and floral twist. Pick this one out the freezer when you want a delicate and delicious treat that will thrill your taste buds!

 

Our final lolly-licious pick is Baked Apple Chai black tea! The Sri Lankan base flavour is overflowing with the combined charms of apple, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, giving you an exotic frozen adventure! This one is perfect for the grown-ups amongst you, full of subtle charm and elegance, ideal for dishing out to guests on those baking summer afternoons.

 

That’s it for this time, sun-lovers. As freedom approaches, remember to stay hydrated, wear sun cream and, most importantly, be Hoogly to each other!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

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THE THRILL OF THE CHILL

THE THRILL OF THE CHILL

Greetings Hoogly fans! With the world continuing to be upside down, I expect we’re all finding things tough at the minute. At Hoogly, we’re always looking for ways to relax, unwind and put a smile back on our faces. With this in mind we’ve been scouring the web to find the Ultimate Chill List: a comprehensive compendium of mindful activities that will help you find balance, tranquillity and calm in your day-to-day life. You may find that some of your favourites have made it onto this list, which means you’re ahead of the game. If not, you may just find something new to help keep you rolling on through the lockdown and beyond!

 

  1. Write something: Putting pen to paper can be deeply cathartic. Write down your worries, your thoughts, your ideas. Jot down the things you love and appreciate. Write about the past and your favourite memories. Write about what you’re looking forward to in the future. Pay attention to the way the pen feels in your hand. Listen to the scrape of the nib on the paper. Go back later and look at what you have written later and see if you feel the same way. 

 

  1. Take a hike! Get out and about in nature. Try starting early when the air is fresh and the birds and other animals are out in force. Slow down and observe everything around you: the colours, the birdsong, the smell of the bark, grass and wet pavement. Enjoy the crunch of leaves under your feet. Stand and watch a dog chasing a ball. Or a bird sculling through the air above you. A squirrel scampering across a field. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth as you travel. Savour the moment.

 

  1. Have a contrast shower. OK, this might not be for everyone, but repeating cycles of hot then cold showers can be extremely relaxing for your mind and body, and fitness professionals and athletes recommend this procedure to produce relief for muscle fatigue and soreness! A great way to start the day! Screaming permitted…

 

  1. Make a song or dance of it…Put on your favourite playlist, make some space and dance like no-one is watching. Don’t focus on form or technique, just let it all hang out. Sing along at the top of your voice (wall thickness permitting) and power out those ballads from deep inside your chest. Movement, rhythm and song are wonderful ways to relax the mind, body and soul.

 

  1. Watch your fave childhood cartoons: Make a list of the shows that brought you joy, excitement and laughter—then hunt them down on YouTube or streaming channels. Connect with your inner child and remember how you felt as you watched them back in the day. For me, it’s Dogtanion and the Three Muskahounds; Thundercats and Super Ted. What’s yours??

 

  1. Ditch the Tech: Take a day off from all your devices. It’s quite a tricky one, this—but with a bit of determination it’s possible, and the rewards are huge. There’s a very strong chance you will feel more relaxed, have greater energy, attain more focus, and observe a big drop in stress.

 

  1. Colour it in! Adult colouring has become hugely popular over the last few years, and with good reason. The act of focussing on the intricate designs, staying within the lines and creating something beautiful is a great way to take your mind off things that are bothering you, and the gentle repetition is an excellent way to relax and bring some mindfulness into your life!

 

  1. Yoga! As an active meditation, Yoga is a wonderful way to reduce stress and lower your blood pressure and heart rate. Combining physical poses, controlled breathing and relaxation, yoga is a healthy, calming and enjoyable way to chill out—and can be done in the comfort of your own home with a free YouTube beginner’s video.

 

  1. Knit! Once you’ve picked up this amazing hobby, it can be as relaxing as meditation. Once you’ve mastered the skill, muscle memory will take over and you can zone out and let all that tension and anxiety dissipate. Also, you can create yourself some super-cosy warm socks for those Hoogly nights in front of the fire!

 

  1. Drink tea! We’ve saved the best for last, of course! Having a cuppa is a wonderful way to slow down and reset. Take your time, experiment with new flavours, enjoy the warmth as it passes through your body, and then put the kettle on and do it all again! At Hoogly, you can choose from a huge range of sumptuous and scent-rich brews that will be the perfect accompaniment to your mindful route. Relax, unwind and discover ancient and modern tastes that will put a thrill in your chill!

 

Until next time, take care of yourself, and we’ll see you on the other side!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hooglytea.com

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A walk on the wild side!

A walk on the wild side!

Greetings Hoogly fans! As the lockdown is gradually eased, many of us are taking the opportunity to step outside and cautiously enjoy exercise in the wider world once again. Spending such a long time indoors has been truly testing (even with our endlessly varied and delicious Hoogly brews to enjoy!) and now that we are starting to stretch our legs, the surroundings that we’ve barely seen in weeks take centre stage once more. But it’s not just the beautiful woods, forests and parks, replete with plump trees, radiant flowers and vast swathes of glistening grassland that demand attention; it’s also the amazing creatures that dwell within. Personally, I love nothing better than to watch wildlife busily going about its business: squirrels scurrying and pestering nuts; ducks with fluffy chicklets drifting across glinting ponds; geese sculling overhead in military formation; foxes on a dusk prowl, flitting into hedge furrows with a flash of orange. And, of course, there are the hundreds of varieties of dogs, hauling their humans around, blissfully unaware of the world’s problems, tongues lapping out like slabs of bacon as they urge yet another lap of the park. Don’t forget, too, the insects, arachnids and reptiles that dart about, burrowing, hiding, marching, flying and hunting beneath and around our feet—a whole other world of stunning intricacy, complexity and imperious design…if only we look close enough.

Watching animals go about their lives has always given me a sense of calm, an escape from whatever else I’m thinking about. It’s oddly comforting knowing the simple, binary prerogatives of these creatures: safety, warmth, food, sex. But it’s not always simply about survival; there are secrets and magic to be found in the wild; chase and play, fun and games, mating rituals, elaborate communication, tender acts, and lifelong relationships. There is so much to admire—and envy—In the animal world that I thought I list a few amazing facts for your enjoyment—nuggets of information that will dazzle, surprise and give you fresh perspective on our wild neighbours!

    

  • In 1945, a Colorado farmer decided chicken was on the menu, and chopped one of his rooster’s head off with an axe; unfortunately, his aim was slightly off, and despite removing the head, the rooster’s brainstem remained mostly intact, and a clot saved it from death by blood loss. When ‘Mike’ continued to run around, the farmer knew he had something incredible on his hands, and soon the rooster became famous, delighting and shocking visitors for eighteen months, before he eventually succumbed to the inevitable!
  • The bombardier beetle, when threatened, cooks up a chemistry set of destruction in its belly: hydroquinone, hydrogen peroxide, catalysing enzymes and water, a jet of which shoots out of its rear end with a loud pop, scaring and stinking predators away! Thankfully, the beetle also has an inner valve which closes so that the beetle doesn’t explode!
  • Some lizards and salamanders can ‘drop’ their tails when a predator grabs it; this process of autotomy happens when the lizard contracts certain muscles, cleaving a vertebra and causing the tail to fall (and sometimes wiggle independently to further befuddle an attacker) Often, a new tail tip made from cartilage may grow back, but the bones are gone forever.
  • It may not surprise you to know this, but cats have adapted to skilfully manipulate their owners. A study showed that cats that want something from their humans emit a unique, high-frequency purr, which is of a similar pitch to the impossible-to-ignore wails and cries of a human baby, ensuring we soon top up the bowl and put a smile on moggy’s whiskers.
  • In 1986, a five-year-old boy fell into the gorilla enclosure at Jersey Zoo, knocking himself unconscious. Jambo, the head of the gorilla group, took the situation into his own hands, guarding the boy, and stroking his back, keeping his curious fellow gorillas back. When the boy came round and started to cry, Jambo stepped back, allowing keepers to rescue the boy unharmed!
  • An African Grey Parrot called Alex, according to his handler, had the ability to understand concepts, recognise colours and shapes and knew around 100 words, including some the parrot had made up himself! When Alex saw his first apple, he christened it ‘banerry,’ a portmanteau of ‘banana’ and ‘cherry,’ two fruits he already enjoyed!

 

To celebrate the outside world, and all the majestic creatures that inhabit it, why not indulge in one of our finest summery brews: Spiced Orange herbal tea! This fresh, zesty delight has a generous dose of mulled spices, and is infused with a fruity centre that will quench your thirst and thrill your taste buds at any time of day!

Until next time, stay safe, be Hoogly, and don’t let the cat twist your arm!

Written by Chris Bedford

www.hoolgytea.com

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Berrylicious!

Berrylicious!

 

At Hoogly, we are always looking for ways to give our customers a true feel of our Danish ethos Hygge through our teas—even though this is a little tricky to pin down. Essentially, Hygge should feel like home. It should feel like the first time you sit down after a long day on your feet. It should feel like the comfort PJs and fluffy socks. Hygge should feel like warm memories of childhood and sunlight on your eyelids. It should feel like laughing with your best friends. It should feel like fresh air and open spaces, with nothing but hope on the horizon.

As one of the happiest nations on Earth, the Danes are unsurprisingly good at incorporating these feeling of Hygge into their everyday life—especially their culinary experiences. Take, for example, one of their signature desserts: rødgrød med fløde (red berry pudding). This tricky-to-pronounce national treasure has been a staple of Danish homes since the late 19th century, incorporating a selection of sun-ripened berries thickened with potato starch or arrowroot (to make rødgrød—red porridge) and served with heavy cream. It offers a deliciously sweet taste with a soup-like consistency that gets better with every mouthful. The combination of red and white also references the Danish flag, making it even more special to our Scandinavian friends!

Tapping into the simple beauty of berries has long been key to summer culinary success. But these little squishy treats are not just yummy, they’re also very good for us—which is always a lovely bonus! Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are all high in fibre, which is great at keeping our digestive tracts working efficiently. One cup of strawberries contains an entire day’s worth of vitamin C, which helps boost our immune system. In addition to this, some berries contain antioxidant properties, which can help protect the body against damage and disease.

Looking after your body and mind is key to Hygge—focusing on the things that bring you health and happiness are the central pillars of our Danish ethos, and live at the heart of our teas (with the odd indulgence here and there, of course!) And so, with happiness and Hygge in mind, we’re extremely proud to introduce our latest tea blend: Berrylicious berry tea! With no added sugar, this summer spectacular combines the natural sweetness of strawberries, raspberries and apple pieces with rosehips, hibiscus and roasted dandelion root to bring you a wonderful feeling of comfort and joy—mixed with a little bit of sunny adventure!

Feel free to enjoy our yummy new-comer hot or cold as the weather dictates—and for the peak of the heatwave—why not try popping the tea in a lolly mould in the freezer overnight for a icy and refreshing treat to keep the sweltering skies at bay!

So, there you have it—if you want something new and exciting this summer, go with Hoogly Berrylicious, and keep the good times rolling!

Try it at www.hooglytea.com

Written by Chris Bedford.

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