Serenity in a Cup: The Gentle World of Decaf Tea

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - April 03 2024

Decaf tea, a cozy companion for those seeking the serene embrace of tea without the buzz of caffeine, offers a delightful journey through flavor, tradition, and health benefits. This blog post will explore the world of decaf tea, diving into its history, production, varieties, and why it might just be the perfect beverage for your next quiet moment.

The Calming Brew: A Brief History

Decaf tea, much like its caffeinated counterpart, has roots deeply entrenched in centuries-old traditions. The process of decaffeinating tea, however, is relatively modern, tracing back to the early 20th century. The initial purpose was to enjoy the beloved ritual of tea drinking without the stimulating effects of caffeine, catering especially to those sensitive to its effects or seeking a peaceful night's sleep.

How Decaf Tea is Made

Decaffeination of tea involves a few key processes, with the aim of removing caffeine while retaining the tea's soul-soothing flavors and health benefits. Methods such as the carbon dioxide (CO2) process, the ethyl acetate method, and water processing are among the most common, each with its unique approach to gently lift caffeine from the leaves. The CO2 method, for example, is lauded for its ability to maintain the integrity of the tea's flavor and antioxidants.

Varieties and Flavors

Decaf tea is not limited to a single type; it spans the same broad spectrum as traditional teas. From the robust decaf black tea, the delicate decaf green, to the aromatic decaf herbal blends, there's a decaf variant for every palate. Each type offers a unique tasting journey, from earthy and floral notes to spicy and fruity undertones, ensuring that decaffeination does not compromise the depth and richness of the tea experience.

Why Choose Decaf?

Opting for decaf tea comes with a myriad of benefits. It's an excellent choice for those looking to reduce caffeine intake due to health reasons or personal preferences. Decaf tea allows the enjoyment of tea at any time of the day, without the concern of disrupting sleep patterns. Moreover, it retains most of the antioxidants and nutrients found in traditional tea, making it a healthful choice that supports overall wellbeing.

A Cup for Every Moment

Whether it's a soothing cup to wind down in the evening, a health-conscious choice, or simply a preference for the taste, decaf tea holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its versatility and wide range of flavors make it a fitting companion for any moment, offering the comfort and warmth of tea, minus the caffeine.

In conclusion, decaf tea provides a splendid alternative for tea enthusiasts and newcomers alike. It's a testament to the versatility and enduring charm of tea, inviting everyone to savor its delights without the effects of caffeine. So, the next time you're seeking a moment of tranquility, consider brewing a pot of decaf tea. Let its gentle flavors guide you to a place of calm and relaxation, proving that sometimes, the essence of a moment lies in the simple pleasures of a well-chosen cup of tea.

Green Tea-Infused Spring Salad

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 28 2024

Welcome the freshness of spring with our Green Tea-Infused Spring Salad. This light, refreshing dish perfectly marries the healthful benefits of green tea with the crisp, vibrant flavors of the season. Ideal for a wholesome lunch or a delightful side, this salad not only tantalizes your taste buds but also infuses your day with an extra dose of antioxidants. Let's dive into the flavors of spring with a tea-inspired twist.

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed spring greens (arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Green Tea Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup brewed green tea, cooled
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Brew the Green Tea:
Start by brewing the green tea. Steep 1 tablespoon of loose-leaf green tea in 1/4 cup of hot water for about 3 minutes. Strain and allow the tea to cool completely.
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cooled green tea, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed spring greens, sliced strawberries, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the green tea vinaigrette over the salad, tossing until the ingredients are evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts over the top of the salad. Serve immediately, offering extra vinaigrette on the side if desired.

This Green Tea-Infused Spring Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of teas. Consider serving it alongside a cold brew jasmine tea for a floral complement, or a light oolong tea for a slightly toasty contrast. The natural flavors of the salad will be enhanced by the tea, creating a symphony of springtime delight on your palate.

Lemon Earl Grey Cake

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 27 2024

Welcome the freshness of spring and the joy of Easter with our Lemon Earl Grey Cake. Infused with the citrusy notes of lemon and the distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea, this cake is a celebration in every slice. Perfect for an Easter gathering or a cozy tea time, it pairs beautifully with our range of teas, enhancing each bite with subtle, comforting flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

1 cup (240ml) milk
4 Earl Grey tea bags
1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
Infuse the Milk:
Warm the milk without boiling it, then steep the Earl Grey tea bags in the milk for 15 minutes. Squeeze the tea bags to extract maximum flavor and discard them.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice.
Combine:
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the infused milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze:
Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice or powdered sugar if needed. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve slices of this Lemon Earl Grey Cake with a pot of your favorite tea. The zesty flavors will complement any tea selection, making it a perfect dessert for Easter or any springtime gathering.

Earl Grey Tea-Infused Chocolate Truffles

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 25 2024

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 20 truffles

Ingredients:

1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves
8 ounces (225g) high-quality dark chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Optional for decoration: white chocolate and food coloring

Instructions:

Infuse the Cream: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat, add the Earl Grey tea leaves, and allow them to steep for 5 minutes. Strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves, pressing on them to extract maximum flavor. Discard the leaves.
Make Ganache: Place the finely chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Reheat the infused cream until it simmers again, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 1 minute to soften the chocolate, then add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy. If any chocolate pieces remain unmelted, you can gently heat the mixture over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth.
Chill: Cover the ganache with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for about 2 hours, or until the ganache is firm enough to shape.
Shape the Truffles: Once chilled, use a melon baller or a small spoon to scoop out portions of the ganache. Roll between your palms quickly to form balls. If the mixture becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator to firm up.
Decorate: Roll the truffles in cocoa powder for a classic finish. For an Easter touch, melt white chocolate, divide it into small batches, and tint each with food coloring. Drizzle or dip the truffles to add festive colors. Allow to set before serving.
Serving Suggestion: Serve these luxurious Earl Grey-infused chocolate truffles with a selection of teas. The complex flavors of the truffles will beautifully complement the tea, creating a memorable dessert experience for your Easter gathering.

Celebrating Mother's Day with the Gift of Tea

Written By Mahya Roudneshin - March 09 2024

As Mother's Day approaches, we're reminded of the warmth, care, and unconditional love that mothers around the world offer. It's a special day to honor and celebrate the incredible women in our lives who nurture, teach, and inspire us. This year, why not express your gratitude and love with a thoughtful, comforting, and luxurious gift—a selection of exquisite teas from our collection.

At Mrs Doyle's Tea, we believe that tea is more than just a beverage; it's an experience that soothes the soul, evokes memories, and creates moments of tranquility and connection. Our carefully curated selection of teas makes the perfect gift for Mother's Day, offering a variety of flavors that cater to every taste and preference.

A Tea for Every Type of Mom

For the Adventurous Mom: Explore our exotic fruity tea blends, featuring bold flavors and unique combinations that promise to take her on a sensory journey around the world.
For the Health-Conscious Mom: Our range of green and herbal teas, known for their health benefits and revitalizing properties, will show her that you care about her well-being.
For the Traditional Mom: Classic teas like Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or our Creamy Irish tea blend, will surely warm her heart and remind her of cherished moments.
For the Mom Who Loves to Relax: Our calming chamomile, lavender, and mint teas are perfect for moms who cherish their moments of relaxation and tranquility.

A Toast to Mothers Everywhere

This Mother's Day, let's toast to the amazing women in our lives with a cup of tea that reflects their warmth, strength, and beauty. Visit Mrs Doyle's Tea collection to find the perfect tea gift that says "Thank you, Mom" in every sip.

Celebrate this special day by giving the gift of serenity, joy, and exquisite flavor with our premium teas. After all, a cup of tea is like a hug in a mug, and what better way to hug your mom than with a selection that speaks directly to her soul?

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms out there. May your day be filled with love, laughter, and the exquisite comfort of your favorite tea.

Irish Christmas cake recipe

Written By seamus mc arevey - November 23 2023

Mrs Doyle's Irish Christmas cakes are made in lots of different ways, all with lots of love and in general they are variations on the old fashioned fruitcake. They are very tasty, and they can be light, dark, a little moist, a little dry, sometimes heavy, and even sometimes spongy . Mrs Doyle's Irish Christmas cakes are made in many different shapes, sometimes with a little with frosting, or a dusting of icing sugar and of course they can be as simple and plain as you like .

So what are the special ingredients and what do they represent? well the dried fruits in the cake may represent the fantastic eastern spices which the three Wise Men brought to the newborn King! And remember just to make things a little more interesting the fruits are sometimes soaked overnight in Irish whiskey.

So what are the ingredients of Mrs Doyle's Christmas cakes ? ok here it comes , now remember , this cake only tastes great if you enjoy it with friends and family and a nice cup of decent Irish tea for everyone !

My Christmas Cake Ingredients:

100ml Irish whiskey

quarter of table spoon of ground clove

50g ground almonds

grated rind of 1 lemon & 1 orange

150g raisins

125g stoned dates

quarter of a block of real Irish butter

125g sultanas

100g glace cherries

extra butter for greasing

200g soft brown sugar

4 eggs

grated rind of 1 lemon & 1 orange

2 table spoons of black treacle

225g plain flour

half a table spoon of salt

1 rounded table spoon of baking powder

1 table spoon of mixed spice

quarter of teaspoon of grated nutmeg

grated nutmeg and a little few teaspoons of Irish whiskey

My Method:

You should Preheat the oven to 150°C (300°F), around Gas mark.

Now grease a 20cm cake tin and then line it with greaseproof paper. Next wrap some newspaper around the outside of your cake tin with string. This should help the outside of the cake from going too brown during the cooking and so help it from drying out.

Now it's time to beat together in a big bowl all that lovely sugar & butter until its all very creamy. Next add the eggs, add a little flour in with each egg, and some treacle and perhaps a few grated fruit rinds and make sure you mix all for a few minutes.

it's time to stir the flour and baking powder into the bowl of all these lovely soaked fruits and add some salt, some spices and a few almonds, again stir all of these great ingredients together and mix well.

Now fold the fruit mix into the amazing egg mix, stir it all evenly. Now spoon the mix into the big cake tin, and maybe pull a little bit back in the middle of the cake , this will help as it rises, it will level itself off perfectly.

So Bake in the oven for 3 hours. If it is browning a lot , then cover it loosely with some tin foil. Now cook for another 30 minutes. You will know the cake is ready if you insert a fine skewer into the middle of the cake , and it comes out clean and really dry.

Now it's time to leave the cake to cool in the tin.

When the cake is cool, you can remove it from the tin, take off the lining paper, and wrap it first in clean greaseproof paper and then in tinfoil.

Here is the secret! do all this in November and each week leading up to Christmas, pour another little bit of your favourite drink over it. This will help the alcohol to penetrate to the Christmas cake and will make it taste so Irish Go On Go!

here's a hint for the perfect Irish gift to send to some one you love or may be a self gift ? yes go on try a Mrs Doyle's Irish Christmas breakfast hamper for everyone to enjoy with your Christmas cake , you can check out just how good Mrs Doyle's tea is vs Barry's ! no competition at all !

Best tea for longevity

Written By seamus mc arevey - November 10 2023

If you want to live a long life and a healthy life—it's very much a matter of what you eat and drink. So next time you are shopping in the supermarket or health store check out their loose leaf teas and herbal infusions or if they don't stock loose leaf tea then simply go online, infect most high end foods these days can be shipped to you by next day delivery, including loose leaf teas. .

What are the best foods for longevity for people who live in Britain and Ireland ?

Our climate can be difficult in winter but all the natural ingredients that we need for a healthy life do grow in these islands, it is just a matter of knowing how to use them. So what are the life boosting foods we should all be using .

BERRIES FOR LIFE

Yes berries are natures secrete weapon to help keep us healthy, in the UK and Ireland we are not part of the Blue Zone of countries where people commonly reach their 90's but we do have the most amazing variety of berries growing everywhere and sure today we can pick them up in the supper market and buy a pack of frozen berries, i love blueberries but what ever your tastes are go for it.. Also beans , leafy greens are all linked to giving you extra years to your life. So what are the best types of drink to help us live a long life ?

For a long time they said red wine in moderation could be beneficial but new research seems to indicate that even small amounts of any alcoholic beverage is not really that good for you ! To day almost all research indicates that the best drink for longevity is actually green tea. Tea is a super beverage that has potent phenolic compounds which can help fight cancer and protect our cardiovascular system. Green tea is by far the winner for healthy drinks, it is rich in catechins, which are some of the most powerful disease-fighting phytonutrients we can find anywhere on the plant kingdom.

So green tea protects against cancer and helps your heart stay healthy and also very importantly it can help you sleep better. The studies undertaken around the world seems to indicate that drinking green tea on a regular basis is directly linked to living a long and healthy life.

There was a 2018 study which found that regular tea drinkers have a reduced risk in age-related decreases of high-density lipoprotein , that is in ordinary English it helps with "good" cholesterol"! .Green and black tea are helpful with green tea having a slightly stronger effect than black tea. It has also been found that Green tea’s EGCGs , which is a type of good for you catechin, which is particularly prevalent in the tea and this may help inhibit tumor growth.

Green tea is also good for your gut health as within your gut there are beneficial gut bugs, these feed on foods rich in polyphenols, which include green tea. One of these beneficial gut bugs is called akkermansia muciniphila and it is this bug that supports the protective mucus layer that prevents a leaky gut , it basically keeps the gut lining strong. It has been found that low levels of this critical bacteria have been linked to diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disease, cancer, and heart disease.

It also seems that green tea is good for the brain, this is because of green tea has caffeine and catechins, and it is these Catechins that can help protect your body from free radicals, so protecting both your brain and the rest of your system.

So green tea is definitely a supper food and most definitely the winner, it is the best beverage to help you live a long and healthy life.

So how much green tea should you drink? we think two cups a day is perfect !

What if you don't like the taste of green tea ?

That is not a problem , because high end tea companies have expert blenders who add little touches of taste like vanilla which is actually our most loved , yes green tea vanilla is the most healthiest breakfast tea. Also green tea is blended with many really good ingredients like mint, check out our Mr Doyle's chillout tea , it is probably the best minty tea in the world and also you can have green tea with rose petals like our Emperors Seven Secrets tea or try a green tea blended with white tea .

The overall message is that green tea is really good for you and so we would say check out the many tastes of green tea and the many blends of green tea with other herbal infusions so that you can taste the best and most healthy drinks in the world , Go On Go.

How Tea can help lower your stress levels and help you have great looking skin

Written By seamus mc arevey - May 20 2023

It seems a little filtered tea into at least one of your daily glasses of water could provide you with enough wrinkle-fighting antioxidants and detoxifying botanicals to keep you looking young and also feeling fresher than when you were 21.

Our skin is the largest organ we have, the secret of great glowing skin is to be healthy. Organic green teas have lots of polyphenols which can help fight free radicals and so help prevent skin damage from UV light, which is one of the main causes of wrinkles.

When we get a little older we have more exposure to UV light, and your skin can look old and it can even change the skins colour. In some studies Oolong tea has been found to have skin lighting abilities and may decrease the amount of melanin at the cellular level.

Does green tea help your skin?

Green tea can help ease the removal of extra fluids and also help accelerate toxin elimination, adding a little hint of grapefruit to green tea gives a sweet kick to the to it , and can also help to even out your complexion.

Perhaps one of the reasons we have a little feeling of pure pleasure is because tea drinking can help lower the post stress cortisol levels. Cortisol is a common steroid hormone and has many roles like controlling blood sugar levels and can act as an anti-inflammatory and also help to influencing memory formation and help control your blood pressure. Also Teas made with cinnamon can help curb some peoples appetite? How cinnamon works is not exactly known but it is believed that it keeps blood glucose levels stable and so reduces cravings, so adding cinnamon to food can help reduce glucose levels after eating .

This month our recommended teas are Chillout tea

Chill out tea can be a great green tea, its a nice simple mixture of green tea, cucumber, mint, and is crisp and refreshing and helps at working in collagen-boosting antioxidants.

So Go On there are so many good things about enjoying a nice cup of tea,

Go On be nice to your self !

How to Make Mrs Doyle's Irish hot tea Toddy

Written By seamus mc arevey - December 13 2022

Mrs Doyle's tea hot toddy is great for keeping warm, and is a soothing mix with no liquor. Her recipe is a nonalcoholic version of the famous toddy drink , it's a fantastic drink and great for cold nights.

Choose your favorite hot tea from Mrs Doyle's tea web site, we like the happy tea which is fruity with cinnamon and watch it transform into a amazing winter mocktail just by adding the spices and sweetener and citrus.

it 's such a great option for nondrinkers but also you can share a glass with the kids, and it's soothing and should help relief for cold symptoms, here's the ingredients .

7 ounces hot tea
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or a cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Lemon wedge, just to garnish

Fall asleep with chamomile sleepy tea and wake up to Irish breakfast tea ..its a dream

Written By seamus mc arevey - April 09 2021

Chamomile is a lovely herb in the daisy family, loved in many cultures as it has various medicinal qualities and is rich in flavor. It's the main ingredient in herbal sleepy tea and lots of people drink chamomile infusion at bedtime to help themselves sleepy better.

Chamomile dried herb infuses to a rich yellow-gold ,buttery and slightly vegetal smell. Chamomile tea’s flavor is slightly spicy, and has a little buttery smell . If you want to improve your sleep? forget counting sheep! chamomile sleepy tea might be the perfect herbal bedtime drink and best of all a Mrs Doyle's sleepy tea can be infused at least twice and is great in summer as its really refreshing over ice. So go on fall asleep with chamomile sleepy tea and wake up to Irish breakfast tea ..its a dream

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