Birchall Tea – which is family run and owned – is driven by the mission to share with the world the best tasting, sustainable tea. Chloe finds out how they’re doing so far

With over 150 years of family experience in the industry, the business is now led by Managing Director Daniel Graham, who has spent his whole life working in tea. He was also honoured to name the company Birchall after his great-great-grandfather, Captain Birchall Graham.

I am a self-confessed tea-aholic. I have some sort of cuppa most days but especially during winter when I tend to feel the cold more than others, drinking back-to-back teas. I’m not fussy, either, loving everything from a classic cup of English Breakfast Tea (the Great Rift at Birchall) through to a fruity Red Berry & Flower. My only rule is I try not to drink caffeine after midday. Not a problem with Birchall’s incredible selection.

The Birchall Green Tea & Mint is a combination I have only recently discovered. It uses the light tasting whole leaf Mao Feng green tea from China, paired with the distinct and invigorating Birchall peppermint leaves. For many years, green tea has been known as a rich and natural source of antioxidants meaning some people find it bitter and drink it more for its perceived health benefits than its taste. This blend, however, is smooth, fresh and easy to enjoy. 

For those who want a simple peppermint experience, Birchall make a classic Peppermint herbal tea, using single-leaf whole peppermint leaves to create a dark amber tea which is bursting with a cool, fresh, perfectly minty taste.

When you look carefully at the bag, the Jasmine Tea Pearls bag really does house perfect little rounds of Jasmine tea. The finest examples of this classic green tea are harvested each year and carefully rolled into ‘pearls’. When mixed with water, the result is a delicious, floral and enchanting tea whereby you can truly see the tea come alive in the bag.

I particularly enjoy a rooibos in the afternoon as it’s often warming, earthy and carries a subtle sweetness. The Birchall Cederberg Redbush is a classic red rooibos tea made from the soft needle-like leaves of the wild South African Aspalathus Linearis plant. In the pursuit of quality, Birchall has sourced the best grade rooibos from the majestic Cederberg Mountains in South Africa’s West Cape Province.

Giving a fruity kick is the Red Berry & Flower tea, which blends sweet red berries and refreshing hibiscus creating a flavour that’s both sweet and slightly tart. The classic calming Camomile, on the other hand, is floral and made from the leaves of the camomile plant. Perfect for a wind-down before bed, a touch of honey can be added to enhance its naturally sweet notes. 

I’ve always been told that when you start to feel a little under the weather, reach for a lemon & ginger tea – although, this could very much just be an old wives’ tale when you just need a bit of zip. Or, because Lemsip comes in lemon flavour…

Regardless! The Birchall Lemongrass & Ginger is a warming herbal tea which combines lemongrass and ginger pieces. From the first sip, and even the first wafts of its aroma, you can really taste the zesty, uplifting and lively character of this tea. Perfect for warming you up and giving you some zip.

One of the things I particularly love about Birchall tea is its commitment to sustainability. It’s something the company is clearly proud of, and rightly so, with the details highlighted on every box.

The state-of-the-art tea factory in Amesbury, Wiltshire, is the UK’s first solar-powered tea factory, with more than 460 solar panels installed across its roof.

The teabags and packaging are from renewable resources. The Prism Inner Bag is made from renewable wood pulp, and the Prism Tea Bags are made from a plant-based material and designed to allow the tea leaves more room to infuse, helping to deliver exceptional flavour and quality. 

There’s something lovely about the ritual of brewing loose-leaf tea, and Birchall offers a wide range of loose-leaf options, too. But when you’re drinking as much tea as I do, a teabag is often the easier and quicker choice.

What’s more, every box has a little window on its side to allow a view to the tea within. A little touch, but it truly allows you to see before you buy. 

Regardless of your tea-preference, Birchall have you covered – or, if you’re a bit like me, it’s best to have a few different boxes depending on where the mood might take you. 

Birchall Tea is available nationwide at Waitrose, online at www.birchalltea.co.uk and through selected independent retailers. Prices start from £5.50 RRP for a box of 80 Great Rift Breakfast Blend plant-based tea bags.