My Love of Tea is Undying...

My weekend starts with the treat of an early rise, the ritual of pouring a pot of tea while looking out to the birds busying themselves on the lawn. With my sweet little dog Millie snuggled at my feet for me this is my quiet time for some thoughts, planning my goals for the day and week, and maybe some meditation. All before the family have stirred from their sleep.  

My most indulgent and memorable tea experiences are on holiday. Ah, the joy of a pot of steaming tea arriving at the table with a wonderful view, but don’t forget the extra pot of hot water on the side for topping up! One of my lasting memories of a trip to India with my family was the long drive through the tea plantations of Kerala to Spice Village Resort in Thekkady. The drive was spectacular, with stunning views of the green layers of tea plantations hills on every winding turn.  

But as often is with travel, in India it was long and tiring. When we arrived at Spice Village we were met with a warm welcome and the offering of tea on the lawn, to take in the last of the evening sun. A heavenly tea menu was brought to us including Cardamom Tea, made with freshly picked cardamom pods from the organic garden. So Divine, it has to be said the ambience of the journey completed, the sound of monkeys playing in the trees above us and the quality of air in this beautiful Eco village in the hills is beyond compare.  

When I recreate the flavour at home by popping some Cardamom pods into a light blend tea I am transported back in time to a beautiful place in the Thekkady Hills…