Tea blending is a very ancient art which involves carefully blending purposeful amounts of tea leaves, herbs and spices to create a personalised tea experience. You can say that this art is very similar to perfume making, where the secret lies in selecting a base note to have a solid foundation and then adding complimentary ingredients that will elevate its taste.

Tea blending is imaginative and yet calculative at the same time. It engages all of the senses simultaneously. An important tip is to first drink with your eyes and nose and then with your palate. Teas can be personalised to match your individual tastes, moods and preferences. It’s about opening your senses and paying attention to how different blends taste, how they make you feel, and the aroma they emit. Dr. Blossom Kochhar, pioneer in aromatherapy and chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of companies, shares her secrets to blending tea and creating personalised mixes.

Understanding the Art of Tea Blending

1. Base Tea

This implies the tea that you are going to use as the foundation of the blend. It also refers to the origin of the tea and the flavours it brings along. It could be a black tea from Assam or a green tea from Darjeeling.

2. Spices

No tea blending is complete without adding complimentary spies; they not only elevate the taste but appeal to your senses as well. Cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger are some of the easily available ingredients that can enhance the flavour of your tea.

3. Fruits

Dried fruits like berries, oranges, and pineapples are something one should experiment with while creating a tea blend. The fruits are mostly used to give a tangy flavour to the blend.

4. Flowers

Something that should be added with extra care, as they can lose their importance amongst the other ingredients. Place them delicately at the top and avoid using them for strong blends. Jasmine, lavender, and chamomile can be some options.

A word of caution: whatever flavours you opt for, start by experimenting with small quantities.

Some Easy Tea Blend Recipes:

1. Soothing Chamomile Tea

Ingredients:

● 1 tsp. chamomile

● 1 tsp. jasmine

● 1 tsp. turmeric root

● 1 tsp. peppermint

Instructions:

1. Place all the herbs in a tea bag, fold over the top and staple.

2. When you’re ready for your tea, just place the tea bag in a mug, pour over hot/boiling water, cover and let steep for 15 minutes. Add some local honey for its natural antiseptic qualities and enjoy!

2. Ginger Turmeric Tea

Ingredients:

● 2 inches of fresh ginger root, washed and thinly sliced

● 2 inches of fresh turmeric root washed and thinly sliced

● Peel from half a lemon and cut into strips

● 1/2 tsp. black pepper

● Raw honey, if desired for sweetness

Instructions:

1. Combine the ginger, turmeric, lemon peel, and black pepper in a tea strainer.

2. Steep tea for 10 minutes in boiling water, as described above.

3. Drink this anti-inflammatory tea to help reduce pain and inflammation.

3. The Holy Basil Tea

Ingredients:

● 3 parts chamomile flowers

● 2 parts dried lemongrass

● 1 part Tulsi (otherwise known as Holy Basil)

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a glass jar. Adjust amounts depending on how much you would like to have on hand.

2. Add two to three teaspoonfuls into a tea strainer and steep in boiling water.

3. Sweeten, if desired, with honey.

4. Drink this stress relief tea whenever you are feeling stressed out or anxious.

Tea blending is indeed a highly specialised skill that requires a deep understanding of chemistry and flavour science. Creating unique, flavorful blends is a challenging job but it is truly gratifying when it is a success.