# Stir Tea > - [Tea Recipes | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/recipes.html): Recipes using Tea as an ingredient or to serve with a cup of Stir. At Stir we enjoy really nourishing food served alongside our cup of tea or increasingly using tea as an ingredient in food. - [Service FAQs | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/service.html): We offer New Zealand tea lovers an exquisite range of premium loose leaf tea Stir Tea with stunning flavours and aromas, specialty tea gifts and tea accessories. Buy tea online. Our passion is tea. - [Buy Stir Tea | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/how-to-buy.html): Check our website for a list of tea stores throughout New Zealand selling our specialty teas, buy your Stir Tea tea online – top quality, fresh stir tea, loose leaf teas, herbal tea, tisanes, tea acce - [Contact Stir Tea | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/contact.html): We sell our range of loose leaf tea called Stir Tea an exquisite range of premium loose leaf teas and caffeine free rooibos, herbals & fruits with stunning flavours and aromas, specialty tea gifts and - [Junior Tea Drinker | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/stir-Junior.html): Stir Junior. Nourish and Grow with Stir Tea Junior - choose to brew a drink that is packed full of goodness, caffeine free, delicious and super easy to make. - [Stir Tea Instagram | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/stirteanz-instagram.html): Follow Stir Tea on Instagram for lifestyle shots of our beautiful loose leaf range, tea tips and tea life at stirteanz - [The connection between umbrellas and the Stir Tea range] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/why-the-umbrella.html): We explain the connection between umbrellas and the Stir Tea range, NZ's tastiest leaf tea. - [Join Newsletter | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/join-our-newsletter.html): We invite you to come and join our newsletter, a welcome break from busy lives and a chance to enjoy a great cup of tea. - [NZ Specialists Loose Leaf Teas | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/our-story.html): Stir Tea imports & distributes top quality, fresh and beautifully presented loose leaf tea products and caffeine free herbals and fruits for sale to businesses and discerning tea drinkers throughout N - [Types of Tea & FAQs | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/best-tea-for-me.html): Stir Tea is committed to keeping up to date and informed on current tea research and tea developments. - [Our Customers Say | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/customers-say.html): Come read what our Customers Say! We are thrilled when customers take time to contact us about their Stir experience. - [Create your online account | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/create-your-account.html): create your online account, your details, name*, email*, email (confirm)*, phone*, Address, Address*, Town/suburb*, City*, PostCode*, Province*, Country*, How did you first discover Stir? - [Customer Login | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/customer-login.html): Login, In November 2017 we upgraded this website to enhance your online tea experience with us. Enhance your online tea experience with Stir Tea, returning Stir customers, create an online account, - [What’s New | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/stir-news.html): Here you will find a selection of our newsletters. We welcome you to join our mailing list to receive our regular updates on tea news, research and special offers. Access our blog, media coverage and - [Master Your Brew | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/learn-about-tea.html): Learn About Tea with Stir and become a tea master! Our master your brew articles are a firm favourite with our customers. - [Tea Articles & Research | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/articles-research.html): Explore the Tea Articles & Research we have gathered on our favourite topic - tea drinking. A must read for all tea enthusiasts. - [Newsletters | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/stir-tea-newsletters): Keep your cup filled with our wonderful newsletters, packed with interesting information about loose leaf tea! - [Loose Leaf Tea Shop | Stir Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/shopping.html): Purchase our exquisite range of loose leaf tea from our tea shop today! You'll taste the difference. - [Customer Favourites] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/913230): An introduction to the most popular tea blends from each of our collections, as selected by our Stir customers and tea lovers. - [Seasonal News - Autumn 2026] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/seasonal-news-autumn-2026): In this autumn issue, we celebrate the versatility of tea and the important role it can play in your day-to-day health. We offer our article on tea and chocolate pairing, including guidelines on how to host your own gathering plus the latest in tea news, stock updates and a delicious Butterfly Pea Flower Soda drink recipe. - [Tea & the 12 animals of the Chinese Lunar calendar - A shared philosophy] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/tea-and-the-chinese-lunar-calendar): The Chinese lunar calendar follows a twelve-year zodiac cycle, with each year represented by an animal. Each animal symbol offers a lens through which to reflect on tea’s diverse expressions: bold and delicate, traditional and evolving, practical and ceremonial. This blog explores each animal's symbolic association with tea. - [Tea and Chocolate Pairing] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Tea_and_Chocolate_Pairing): When thoughtfully paired, tea and chocolate can highlight each other’s qualities, creating a tasting experience that is both balanced and interesting. You may find that your tea can soften the sweetness of chocolate or highlight unexpected flavour notes. Read our blog on how to host a tea and chocolate pairing event. - [Tea and Dark Chocolate: A Healthy Combination] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Tea_and_Chocolate_A_Healthy_Combination): New research suggests that enjoying tea and dark chocolate could support heart health and healthy blood pressure. A delicious reminder that simple daily rituals can have positive effects. - [The holistic nature of tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/917433): At Stir we also greatly value the holistic properties of tea. Read more about our thoughts beyond science here. - [Visit us at Remarkables Market on these dates] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/remarkables-market-queenstown): You will find us at Remarkables Market on selected dates throughout their market season. Our stand is located in the red barn at the market, which is located around a 5-minute drive from Queenstown Airport, at Frankton. You can always place your tea order online and shop our full range of loose-leaf tea to collect on market day. - [Seasonal News - Spring/Summer 2025] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/seasonal-news-summer-2025): In this edition of tea news, we focus on the gentle nature of tea and expand on the concept of Teaism. You'll find simple recipe ideas for using up any leftover tea liquor, plus planting suggestions for herbs and flowers to enhance your summer iced teas. - [Herbs & Flowers for your summer tea - the pick of the bunch] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/2241055): Add a garden-fresh twist to your iced teas this summer. From mint and lemon balm to edible blooms and citrus, discover our favourite easy-to-grow plants for creating your own “mocktail garden.” - [Teaism - The Art of Tea as a Way of Life] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/what_is_teaism): Teaism is the practice of finding harmony, simplicity, and mindfulness through tea. Each cup invites us to pause, breathe, and enjoy beauty in the everyday. - [Must You Brew Tea in a Teapot? If So, Which is the Best Type to Use: Ceramic, Glass, Metal or Porcelain?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/brewing-tea-in-teapot): We’re often asked teapot questions - Do you have to brew Stir loose leaf tea in a teapot? What is the best type of teapot to use? Is it a traditional ceramic or stoneware teapot? Or maybe a more modern glass teapot is the answer? We share our teapot thoughts (and other options for brewing) with you so you can decide. - [Jane Guy spends an afternoon with Stir] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Queenstown-life-blogger-Jane-Guy.html): Queenstown Life Blogger Jane Guy spends an afternoon with Stir. - [QT Magazine - Stir Tea and Remarkables Market] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Remarkables-Market---Local-Charm-33.html): Stir Tea featured in QT Magazine, when they did an article on the fantastic Saturday Remarkables Farmers Market. - [Delicious Magazine - Australian Master Chef Judge discovers Stir] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Australian-Master-Chef-judge-discovers-Stir-Tea-read-Delicious-magazine-March-2010-issue-14.html): Matt Preston describes the Stir Tea herbal blends in his 'Delicious.' article (March 2010 issue). - [We rush our cuppa, expert Michelle Casson says] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/We-rush-our-cuppa-Michelle-Casson.html): Making good tea takes time. Stir Tea's Michelle features in Charmian Smith's article for the Food & Wine section of the Otago Daily Times (October 2009). - [Dish Magazine Tea Trends Article] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/763252): As featured in Dish Magazine in August 2009 the humble cuppa has come a long way in recent years, Melinda Williams explores the explosion in New Zealand’s love for tea. The article includes our very own Stir. - [Tea is the New Black] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/771576): Qt Magazine spent an hour chatting over a cup of tea. They declared: Michelle Casson is Queenstown’s undisputed “queen of tea” - read what else they discovered about Stir. - [Stir Tea Packaging] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/stir-tea-packaging): Learn more about Stir Teas resealable foil pouches and our journey to more environmentally friendly packing without compromising the quality of our loose leaf. - [Enjoying the Dance of the Tea Leaves (aka The Agony of the Leaf)] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/dance-of-tea-leaves): When was the last time you paused and took a moment to enjoy the dance of the tea leaves? That moment when boiling or hot water is poured over the dried leaf to awaken it from its slumber, to stir it from its sleep. It’s something we love here at Stir Tea and today we’re going to explain more about this beautiful process and its benefits. - [Seasonal News - Autumn 2025] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/seasonal-news-autumn-2025): In this autumn edition, we explore how tea can naturally support your immune system, highlighting the goodness found in every brewed cup. We share two delicious recipes - a savoury immune -boosting green tea miso soup, plus a sweet, salted fennel cookie that pairs beautifully with your cup of tea. - [Seasonal News - Summer 2024/25] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/news-summer-2024): In this newsletter we're sharing a little tea inspiration and some relaxing summer ideas. Discover ways to use any surplus brewed tea with our suggestion of flavoured ice cubes, or unwind with a soothing thumb-bathing ritual. - [Chemistry of Tea - What goodness will I find in my brewed cup of tea?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/chemistry_of_tea): Ever wondered about the natural goodness in your brewed tea? This blog breaks it down by highlighting key compounds like antioxidants, amino acids, and L-theanine. - [Camellia Sinensis - What The Science Says] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/917437): There has been extensive research into what benefits might be associated with drinking tea leaf (camellia sinensis). Read this article from the American Botanical Council outlining the supporting science around this. - [Save On Bigger Bag Sizes] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Save_On_Bigger_Size_Bags): We offer a variety of 4 bag sizes depending on your needs. Try a new flavour with the discovery bags or if you have already discovered a new favourite go bigger and save. Customers that buy the bigger bags simply transfer contents into a smaller container for every day use and set the larger resealable bag aside until needed again for tea top ups. - [Discovery Size Bags] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/913619): We have developed these smaller size bags of Stir to offer you an opportunity to explore a flavour from our range before committing to a bigger bag. - [The Heating and Cooling Nature of Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Heating_And_Cooling_Nature_Of_Tea): Tea can be classified as either heating or cooling in nature based on its effects on the body's internal balance, rather than the temperature of the tea when you drink it. This article explores how this idea aligns with the holistic practices of Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. - [Seasonal News - Spring 2024] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/seasonal-news-spring-2024): In this issue we focus on how you can harness the power of tea to heat or cool your body. Our recipe section includes ideas for simple tea snacks plus We look at how you can store your tea to maximise its freshness and explore current tea trends. - [The best way to store your tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/the-best-way-to-store-your-tea): By its very nature, tea is a hydroscopic product, meaning it will also very easily and happily absorb moisture and odours in the air. This absorption of moisture can impact both the quality and flavour of your stored tea leaf. Read how to keep your dry tea leaf in the best condition possible. - [Seasonal News - Spring 2019] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/spring-news-2019): In this edition we celebrate the dance of the tea leaves and take a closer look at white tea, a light and delicate style of tea just perfect for this time of year. - [Seasonal News - February 2018] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Stir-Tea-Newsletter-Feb-2018.html): In this newsletter we share with you some of our favourite iced tea flavour combinations and touch on the cooling aspects of tea. - [Seasonal News - Autumn 2019] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/autumn-news-2019): We share results from our recent experiment on how plant based milks perform when added to black tea. We also take a look at whether a teapot is essential when brewing your loose leaf tea. - [Seasonal News - Winter 2019] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/winter-news-2019): In this edition we are celebrating the versatility of Rooibos. This magical plant offers a massive nutritional boost and can be incorporated into your lifestyle in a number of ways. - [Seasonal News - Summer 2019] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/summer-news-2019): In our tea lifestyle section we reminiscence over tea traditions & folklore, dive into tea jellies with our delicious jelly recipe and gain insight into projected food and drink trends for the year ahead. - [Seasonal News - Winter 2020] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/winter-news-2020): Read about how the colour of your cup may influence your tea drinking experiences. We also share a fun article on the versatility of tea - aptly described as the 'Swiss army knife of beverages'. - [Seasonal News - Spring 2020] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/spring-newsletter-2020): Read our latest blogs on how the shape of your tea cup can influence your tea drinking experience and our guide on the right measure of loose leaf to use when brewing different styles of tea. - [Seasonal News - Summer 2020] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/summer-news-2020): In this edition we look at options for placing tea at the heart of your celebration. If you need some guidance around choosing the right tea for yourself or as a gift we have put together a tea buying guide which we hope you find useful. - [Seasonal News - Spring 2021] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/915218): Our lead technical article explores the key role your choice of water plays in the quality of your brew. I hope you find it interesting to read about the magic and chemistry that occurs when tea leaf meets water. - [Seasonal News - Spring 2022] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/952857): Embrace the playful nature of tea with our article on bubble tea, discover new recipes and read our update on tea trends and Stir news. - [Seasonal News - Summer 2022] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/summer-news-2022): Read about how tea is replacing alcohol for cost conscious consumers and how a daily brew has been linked to a longer life. - [Seasonal News - Autumn 2023] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/autumn-news-2023): Enjoy reading our latest article about the language of tea, and try our Sticky Masala Chai Latte tea inspired recipe! - [How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/764426): View our 5 simple steps to brew the perfect cup of tea. - [Iced Tea Hints and Tips] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/764424): View our helpful hints on preparing Iced Tea. - [Tea Style Latte - Stove Top Method] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Tea_Style_Latte_Stove_Top_Method): A tea style latte is a drink made with tea and a high percentage of milk. While a traditional café latte is prepared with using steamed milk and a tea concentrate, we find you can get a great result by using the stove top method for preparing your drink. - [Pause when brewing for greater effect] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/pause_when_brewing_for_greater_effect): Read why it is important to allow your tea time to steep. - [Exploring Bubble Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/exploring-bubble-tea): Learn more about this increasingly popular beverage known as bubble tea, including its origins and magnificent floating balls. Try our recipe for a home made, sugar reduced bubble tea to serve at home or your next bubble tea party. - [How Do I Know How Much Tea Leaf to Use? Our Simple Guide to Finding the Perfect Measure] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/how-do-i-know-how-much-tea-leaf-to-use): Is there an exact quantity of tea leaf I should be using in my pot? We take a look at the factors that come into play when making this decision, helping you find the perfect measure. - [5 Creative Ways to Enjoy Iced Tea This Summer ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/enjoy-iced-tea): At Stir Tea, we’re huge fans of relaxing in summer with a cold glass of iced tea! Today we’re sharing five of our favourite and most creative ways for you to enjoy iced tea with family and friends over the summer months. - [Seasonal News - Autumn 2024] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/autumn-seasonal-news-2024): In this issue we invite you to take a closer look at white tea, we explore why you might want to add salt to your cup of tea plus we offer a recipe for Culinary Tea Salts and much more. - [Seasonal News – Summer 2023] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/984915): Explore cooling tea from two perspectives as we touch on the Yin perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine and then a literal interpretation of using tea as the base for your iced teas and popsicles. - [Adding Salt to Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Adding_Salt_To_Tea): Salt is not a common additive for most tea drinkers; however this practice has been embraced by tea drinkers in some cultures for centuries. In this article we explore the reasons why you may consider adding a pinch of salt to your tea. - [Milk First or Milk Second - Does it alter the taste?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Milk-First-Or-Milk-Second): This simple question evokes strong responses. We recreated a scaled-down version of a pioneering 1935 experiment to see for ourselves. - [Stir Tea - National Programme Level 3 registration - current to 2026] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/784123): We lovingly pack every bag of Stir tea at our registered food premise in Queenstown. Here is a copy of our current food premise registration, current to March 2026. Stir Tea is registered under the Food Act, National Programme Level 3. Our commitment to quality control processes continues. - [Exploring the Delicacies of White Tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/exploring-white-tea): We take a look at the delicate flavour and aroma white tea gives us, comparing the differences between itself and green tea. We discuss how white tea got its name and look at some exciting research into the benefits white tea can provide. - [White Tea Research] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/White-Tea-Research.html): Read about research findings from Kingston University London August 2009 - [Your jasmine pearl is better] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/988232): I ran out and was forced to use another vendor but came back to Stir Tea because your Jasmine Pearl is better. B, Greymouth - [The nicest tea I have ever had!] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/987815): The masala chai is the nicest tea I have ever had .... and I am old! Lol. C, Porirua - [My lovely tea has arrived already.] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986736): My lovely tea has arrived already. The samples are a great idea - I wouldn't have considered coconut cream if we hadn’t tried a sample and I love the rose earl grey. J, Auckland - [I had pretty much stopped drinking tea] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986742): I’m loving your teas by the way. I had pretty much stopped drinking tea and then started making tea like Mum used to - in a teapot with leaves and tastes so much better and your teas are especially good. S, Queenstown - [What an amazing brew] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986746): We visited the Remarkables Market searching for your stall as we sampled your English Breakfast tea at the Patagonia cafe in Wanaka. What an amazing brew, since purchased some and we will be regular customers. P & J, Christchurch - [Best service!] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986735): Best service! But even better, I just made a pot of my peppy mint. I had purchased another brand of peppermint at ....... but just not as good. J, Christchurch - [We just love the tea!!] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986734): We just love your Hearty Breakfast tea!! It’s our NZ treat! E, Australia - [May I have another packet please] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986739): I just wanted to tell you that your Coconut Cream black tea is the only drink I break my caffeine free rule for, may I have another packet please. - [One of the best teas I have ever had.] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/986744): Just a quick message to let you know that the coconut cream tea is one of the best teas I have ever had. Y, Wellington - [Stir Tea Guide on Choosing the Perfect Tea ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/new-to-tea-or-buying-tea-as-a-gift): Are you searching for tea for yourself or as a gift? Are you stuck on which tea or tisane to purchase? Let us walk you through the process we use to help customers choose the perfect tea along with recommendations from our range. - [What Makes Earl Grey Tea Unique? ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/earl-grey-tea-bergamot): Earl Grey tea is a delightful tea with a difference: the inclusion of bergamot. We look at the history behind the creation of Earl Grey tea, with a special focus on the oh so aromatic bergamot. - [Seasonal News - Winter 2023] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/winter-news-2023): Enjoy a cuppa while you learn ways to maximise your investment in loose leaf tea, peruse a report outlining caffeine levels in beverages and explore our new recipe Tea Infused Quinoa Porridge. - [Refresher Roast] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Refresher_Roast_Blog): If you have a packet of tea in your cupboard that is well past its best-before (BBF), why not try a refresher roast. - [Caffeine – how much is in your daily tea?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Caffeine_how_much_is_in_your_daily_tea_blog): Read the latest guidelines (May 2022) from the Ministry of Health on caffeine in tea and beverages. - [Tea and Iron Absorption] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/785490): Does the consumption of tea affect the absorption of iron from your food. Read the answers in this report by a UK Tea research organisation, Tea Advisory Panel. - [Rooibos - What The Science Says] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/917438): You may have heard the terms rooibos and antioxidants often used in the same sentence. Read this article from the American Botanical Council outlining the supporting science around this herbal tea. - [Tea and Human Health] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Tea-Human-Health.html): Here is the full report on speaker summaries from the Fifth International Scientific Symposium on Tea and Human Health - [Green Tea - Weight Loss and Cancer Research] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Green-Tea-Weightloss.html): Read what recent studies show on this subject - [Grow your own Tea - NZ Gardener Article ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Grow-Your-Own-Tea.html): Read how to grow your own camellia sinensis (tea) trees. - [Does a hot cup of tea really cool you down on a hot day?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Does-a-hot-cup-of-tea.html): Pop the kettle on and have a read to find out. - [Creative tea trends good news for NZ dairy] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/794647): Fonterra creates a new business section to accommodate the growth in the young Chinese tea drinker market wanting to add yoghurt, cream cheese, cream (or all of the above) to their tea beverage. - [The Power of Tea in a Crisis] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/798031): Nurse Adam Miller reminds us all of the power of a cup tea in a time of ill health. - [New Zealand Guide to Tea Etiquette (or as we like to think of it Tea Manners)] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/tea-etiquette): New Zealanders have developed their own form of tea etiquette over the years but retained many of the old traditions that travelled to NZ with UK settlers. Here is a reminder of what some of those traditions are to try at your next tea party! - [What Plant Based Milk is a Good Alternative to Cow’s Milk in My Black Tea?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/non-dairy-plant-based-milk-alternatives): Milk helps induce sleep, fortifies the nervous system and is rich in proteins and minerals. Increasingly tea drinkers who are trying to reduce or eliminate dairy from their diet are asking us for a plant based milk alternative. We decided the best way to answer this was to test it for ourselves. So, we set aside an afternoon to run a blind tasting with five non-dairy plant based milk alternatives. - [Drinking Rooibos to Chase Away Colds] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/drinking-rooibos-to-chase-away-colds): Drinking Rooibos can enhance the body's natural defense system. Try it as part of your cold and flu fighting strategy as scientists have identified evidence that drinking Rooibos helps enhance your body's natural defense system. - [Taking an In-Depth Look at Rooibos (aka Red Bush)] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/look-at-rooibos): We explore the delightful Rooibos plant and how it has become one of our most popular caffeine free beverages. We'll take you to its indigenous home of South African and discuss the likely benefits of choosing rooibos as your daily beverage of choice. - [It’s 9am: Time for Aunt Daisy & a Cup of Tea!] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/time-for-aunt-daisy-cup-of-tea): Listening to Aunt Daisy while drinking a cup of tea was one of life's most enjoyable moments for many of New Zealand's past generations. Come with us on a journey to learn about one of our most precious treasures, and grab some of her tea-themed tips along the way. - [Tea Poem By Anita May Blanchett] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/tea-poem): Enjoy a cuppa and take a read of this delightful tea poem by Anita May Blanchett. - [Tea Folklore and Superstitions We Just Have to Share!] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/tea-superstitions): Whether or not you believe them, tea folklore and superstitions are a fun way of connecting with the past and having a laugh over the teacups. We share our favourite superstitions with you today! - [A cup of tea is a hot, wet, aromatic Swiss army knife.] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/864172): "I am not sure what I’d do without tea" - read this light hearted view of life with tea. Article originally posted on The Guardian, written by Hannah Jane Parkinson 1 May 2020. - [Does the Colour of your Cup Influence Your Tea Experience?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/does-the-colour-of-your-cup-influence-your-tea-experience): In part one of a two part series, we take a look at the influence the colour of the cup we use can have on how we perceive the colour and taste of the tea we drink. - [Does Your Teacup Shape Influence Your Tea Drinking Experience?] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/does-your-teacup-shape-influence-your-tea-drinking-experience): In part two of our series on teacups, we look into whether or not the shape, size and material of your teacup can have an influence on your tea drinking experience. - [Peter Keen - Tea Lover and Author] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/911801): Peter writes and researches on tea: its rich history, science and medicine, cultures and technology. He has kindly given Stir Tea his permission to share an extensive library of articles with you. - [It's All About the Water] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/913542): When bad things happen to good teas, it’s generally the water that’s the problem. Yes – the water! When brewing tea, many of us don’t give much thought to (1) what type of water to use, (2) how hot it should be, and (3) how long to steep tea before serving it. Truth is, these 3 factors have a substantial impact on the taste, aroma, and flavours of tea. Your choices here can make the difference between your brewed green tea being a smooth and fresh pleasure of flavours or not. Read more about how water impacts your tea experience in this article written by Peter Keen. - [Can Drinking Tea At Meals Affect Iron Absorption? ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/can-drinking-tea-at-meals-affect-iron-absorption): Tea, like fruit and vegetables is a natural source of polyphenols and flavonoids. With growing interest in plant based diets we consider how your cup of tea might interact with the level of iron you can absorb from food you are eating and simple changes you can make to alleviate any concerns. - [Chamomile - What The Science Says] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/917435): You may have heard of Chamomile referred to as the Sleepy Tea (Tisane). Read this article from the American Botanical Council outlining the supporting science around this herb. - [Fennel Seeds - What The Science Says] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/918528): You may have heard of fennels benefits to stave off hunger. Read this article from the American Botanical Council outlining the supporting science around this herb. - [Peppermint - What The Science Says] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/917436): You may have heard that peppermint has qualities that can aid in digestion. Read this article from the American Botanical Council outlining the supporting science around this herb. - [Banana - A Natural Tea Sweetener ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Banana_Natural_Tea_Sweetener): The Stir team were curious to find out if a banana boiled in water might work as a natural sweetener for tea? - [Tea Meditation ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Tea_Meditation_Blog): Tea Meditation is increased mindfulness and intention when making and consuming your loose leaf. - [Study Shows Daily Brew Can Lead To A Longer Life] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Daily_Brew_Blog): Researchers from Edith Cowan University have reported that having a cup of tea each day may help people to have better health late in life. - [2018 Food Registration Certificate] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/2018-Food-Registration-Certificate.html): Our tea is all packaged in Queenstown. Here is a copy of our current food premise registration. - [Stir Tea Packaging & Reducing Waste ] (https://www.stirtea.co.nz/blog/Our-Packaging-Review.html): Conscious about packaging? Take a read to understand why we use the packaging we do and how we reduce waste.