Bosch and Whittard of Chelsea: Bringing you the ultimate cup of tea

What is it about tea that’s so hard to resist?

Is it a social construct?

The warming, pleasant aromas and taste

Or perhaps the fact it’s come to symbolise a break from working and mental focus.

A warming cup of tea is so much more than a drink, to many of us. Whittard of Chelsea are well aware of that concept, and have built a renowned brand around their expertise and perfection of the ‘cup of tea’ as we know it.

Bosch’s partnership with Whittard of Chelsea has introduced us to the finer details of our favourite brew, from temperature, to form, through to origins and health benefits. This comes as a perfect complement to the Bosch Sky Kettle, since its Temperature Control function allows you to adjust the temperature of the water with 7 different temperature options, ranging from 70° C to boiling in order to bring the best out of your tea selection.

So whether it’s traditional English breakfast with a dash of milk, or a modern matcha with a drop of agave, tea experts Whittard of Chelsea can take us on an educational journey through the origins of the different types of tea available. Let’s take a look at some of the favourites:

Milk Oolong tea is a traditional semi-oxidized Chinese tea, and is transliterated from two words meaning ‘black’ and ‘dragon’; this is said to describe the unique shape of the Oolong leaves in their novel state. But how best to enjoy an Oolong tea? Whittard of Chelsea recommends a hot cup of Oolong at 90° C. The longer you leave it to ‘brew’, the stronger the caffeine content, but typically, a cup of Oolong yields about a third less than a cup of coffee. Whittard of Chelsea describes Oolong as having a buttery, floral taste. And it contains several vitamins and antioxidants, as well as potentially aiding in weight loss and stress reduction. It has even been known to protect against diabetes by improving blood sugar management.

Best enjoyed at 70°C, Matcha Green Tea has a steadfast reputation among health advocates. Traditionally consumed in East Asia for over 900 years, there are some contradictions about its origin, ranging from China to Japan. But it’s said that the history of green tea goes back to China in the 8th century, and was brought to Japan in the 12th century. Matcha has recently become more popular in Western society since its aesthetic green colour, versatility and health benefits took the social media health world by storm. With a deep umami flavour, matcha is green tea that has been milled into a powder, and requires a different preparation method to bring out the creaminess of its taste. The tea is said to improve brain function, aid weight loss, and may even protect the liver.

Best served at 80°C, Silver Needle White Tea was a favourite of Chinese Emperor Huizong, and has a refreshingly light taste with notes of cucumber and cantaloupe. Sometimes referred to as a treasure of the white tea world, silver needle white tea is supposedly best served in the morning before breakfast, and its caffeine content should give you a much needed boost. It has a detoxifying effect on the system, helping to prevent harm from toxins and pollutants, and in Northern China, it’s even been used to help cure the measles!

A loose leaf tea with a signature rose and fruity taste, Chelsea Garden White Tea is mellow and sophisticated, but it’s best enjoyed in its loose leaf form. To brew it properly, pop 1 tsp of loose tea per cup into a mug or teapot with an infuser before adding 200ml water per cup boiled to 80-90°C. Wait for 1-4 minutes, then remove the infuser and enjoy. Chelsea Garden White tea is said to pair well with butter shortbread biscuits to complement the sweet rose, delicious!

An all-time favourite among British tea lovers, the English Breakfast tea has become somewhat of a British tradition in its own right. We probably already have our own preferences to how it’s made, but Whittard of Chelsea offer their own guidance as to how to best prepare it to enhance its full flavour and sentiment. Pairing 1 tsp of loose tea with 200ml of boiled water up to 98°C is said to give the best hot cup of English breakfast tea. English breakfast tea is so versatile, it can be enjoyed from a tea bag, loose leaf, caffeinated, decaf, with or without milk, and even iced!

It’s quite astonishing to learn of the variety of teas available, their different forms, and their history. Most of us become habitual tea drinkers, sticking to our favourites and not daring to experiment with new preparation methods or flavours. But with Whittard of Chelsea’s ample selection and the Bosch Sky Kettle, your kitchen will be equipped to brew up all manner of tea selections, either for you to enjoy, or for your guests. So whether you’re a tea connoisseur or new to the world of teas, consider a warming cup of something a little outside of your comfort zone during these colder months.