McEntee’s Tea Time Moments - Blog

Every year on March 17th, Ireland and the Irish diaspora around the world celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a day filled with music, community, storytelling, and of course plenty of refreshments. While modern celebrations are often associated with pints and parades, there is another deeply rooted Irish tradition that has quietly been part of the day for generations — a good cup of tea.

The Origins of St. Patrick’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in Britain in the late 4th century, Patrick was brought to Ireland as a slave before eventually escaping and later returning as a missionary.

Over time, his legacy became woven into Irish culture and identity. March 17th, believed to be the date of his death in 461 AD, gradually became a day of remembrance and celebration.

Originally, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious feast day, marked by church services and family gatherings. In fact, for much of the 20th century in Ireland, pubs were closed on March 17th. The day was more about community, hospitality, and sharing food and drink at home.

And what drink was always on the table?

Tea.

Ireland’s Love Affair with Tea

Ireland is one of the largest tea-drinking nations in the world. Tea became popular in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries and quickly became a staple of everyday life. It was affordable, warming, and perfect for bringing people together.

By the time St. Patrick’s Day became widely celebrated, tea was already the centre of Irish hospitality.

Visitors calling to the house on March 17th would often be greeted with:

• A pot of strong Irish tea

• Fresh bread or cake

• Plenty of conversation and laughter

Even today, many Irish families start St. Patrick’s morning with a strong cup of tea before heading out to parades, community events, or meeting friends and family.

Tea and Irish Hospitality

In Ireland, tea has always meant more than just a drink. It represents welcome, warmth, and conversation.

Whether it’s:

• catching up with neighbours,

• warming up after a parade,

• or settling down after a busy day of celebrations,

there is always time to “put the kettle on.”

At McEntee’s Tea, we love continuing this tradition — bringing people together over a proper Irish cup of tea.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with McEntee’s Tea

This St. Patrick’s Day, we’re celebrating the tradition of tea with a special offer.

Use the code:

LUCKYDAY10

and enjoy 10% off your order at McEntee’s Tea.

The code is valid until midnight on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th).

So whether you’re hosting friends, watching the parade, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a warm cup in hand, make it a proper Irish brew.

☘️ Shop now at:
https://mcenteestea.com

A Final Thought

St. Patrick’s Day has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture, but at its heart it’s still about community, tradition, and hospitality.

And sometimes the most authentic way to celebrate is also the simplest.

A kettle on.
A cup poured.
And a moment shared.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from McEntee’s Tea. ☘️

If you’ve ever taken a sip of a strong breakfast tea and thought, “That’s powerful,” there’s a good chance you were drinking CTC tea.

But is CTC tea actually stronger? Does it contain more caffeine? Or does it simply taste bolder? Let’s clear up the confusion.

What Is CTC Tea?

CTC stands for Crush, Tear, Curl, a method of processing black tea leaves where they are mechanically rolled into small, hard pellets. This technique is widely used in regions like Assam and Kenya, known for producing robust, full-bodied teas.

Because the leaves are broken into much smaller pieces than orthodox tea, they have more surface area. This allows water to extract flavour, colour, and caffeine very quickly. The result is a dark, strong cup in a short amount of time — which is exactly why CTC is the foundation of traditional Irish breakfast teas.

If you’ve ever taken a sip of a strong breakfast tea and thought, “That’s powerful,” there’s a good chance you were drinking CTC tea.

But is CTC tea actually stronger? Does it contain more caffeine? Or does it simply taste bolder? Let’s clear up the confusion.

What Is CTC Tea?

CTC stands for Crush, Tear, Curl, a method of processing black tea leaves where they are mechanically rolled into small, hard pellets. This technique is widely used in regions like Assam and Kenya, known for producing robust, full-bodied teas.

Because the leaves are broken into much smaller pieces than orthodox tea, they have more surface area. This allows water to extract all of the tea’s qualities — colour, aroma, flavour, body and Caffeine — very quickly. The result is a dark, strong cup in a short amount of time — which is exactly why CTC is the foundation of traditional Irish Breakfast teas.

Does CTC Tea Have More Caffeine?

The short answer is: not necessarily.

Caffeine levels depend on the tea plant variety, the part of the leaf used, and how long the tea is brewed. 

However, CTC tea often feels stronger because its flavour qualities are extracted faster from the smaller particles. When hot water hits those tightly rolled granules, the release is immediate and intense. So while the total caffeine may be similar to orthodox teas, the initial impact can seem more powerful.

Why Does CTC Taste So Bold?

The bold character of CTC tea comes down to structure. When leaves are crushed and torn, their cell walls break open more fully. This encourages rapid oxidation during production and rapid extraction during brewing.

That’s why CTC tea develops a deep copper colour within minutes and delivers a brisk, punchy taste. Tannins release quickly, creating that satisfying bite many people associate with a “strong” cup.

It isn’t about higher strength in a chemical sense — it’s about speed and intensity of extraction of all the tea’s qualities.

CTC vs Orthodox Teas

While orthodox teas preserve more of the leaf’s natural structure and highlight subtle aromas, Irish tea is traditionally CTC, designed for strength, consistency, and body. This is why a classic Irish breakfast cup delivers a bold, malty character that stands up to milk and sugar — a hallmark of the Irish tea experience.

You can read more about why CTC is the secret behind strong Irish tea blends and why it has become the preferred method for breakfast teas worldwide.

So, Is CTC Tea Stronger?

If “stronger” means darker colour, faster brewing, and a bolder character, then yes, absolutely. If it means dramatically higher caffeine levels, the difference is usually minimal.

CTC tea isn’t stronger because it contains more caffeine. It’s stronger because all of its qualities are extracted quickly and completely — reliable, robust, and ready in minutes.

McEntee's Tea: The Heart of Social Life in Nursing Homes & Day Care Centres
In nursing homes, tea is more than a drink — it’s comfort, connection and community. As the most served beverage in care homes, quality matters. Learn why more homes are moving to McEntee’s Tea for a smooth, traditional Irish cup that residents love.

Read more

1. Retail Boxes (80 Teabags): Perfectly sized for shop shelves and home kitchens.
2. Catering Packs (400 Teabags): 5 x 80-pack bundles, foil-wrapped for maximum freshness.
3. Bulk Food Service (960 Teabags): Our most cost-effective solution for busy cafes and restaurants needing consistent, high-quality volume.

We listened to you!

For years, our customers have told us how much they love the rich, full-bodied taste of McEntee’s Tea, but many wanted the convenience of a teabag without compromising on quality. We heard you!

After years of perfecting the blend and carefully designing the teabag size to ensure the perfect infusion and depth of flavor, we’re thrilled to bring you the same authentic Irish Breakfast Tea experience – now in an easy-to-brew, biodegradable teabag.

Shop Now: McEntee’s 80 Biodegradable Irish Breakfast Tea Teabags

Why Biodegradable Teabags?

Because sometimes you crave the full flavour of a proper McEntee’s Tea cuppa, but you also want the ease and convenience of a teabag. With our Irish Breakfast Blend Teabags, you can enjoy the same rich taste you love — any time, anywhere, without compromise.

Many traditional teabags contain plastic fibers, which means they don’t fully break down in compost or landfill. At McEntee’s, we have worked hard to find the right teabag that doesn't compromise the environment or your cuppa!

Our new biodegradable teabags are made from natural, sustainable materials, ensuring that every cup you enjoy is a step towards a cleaner planet.

✔ 100% biodegradable teabags
✔ Same rich and smooth Irish Breakfast Tea
✔ Fully recyclable carton packaging
✔ No compromise on quality or taste

A Step Forward for Tea Lovers & The Planet

As a family-run business, we believe in staying true to tradition while embracing the future. This launch is part of our commitment to making responsible, sustainable choices while continuing to provide the premium tea experience our customers love.

We can’t wait for you to try it! Our new 80-pack of biodegradable teabags is now available online and at select retailers.

Enjoy your favorite strong, smooth, and full-bodied cup of McEntee's Tea Irish Breakfast Tea - now in a convenient Teabag.

Where to Buy

☕ Order Now: McEntee’s 80 Biodegradable Irish Breakfast Tea Teabags

🍵 Explore Our Full Tea Range: McEntee’s Tea Collection

The start of a new year often comes with long lists of resolutions: eat better, slow down, take better care of ourselves. But the resolutions that actually last are usually the simplest ones. Building small, comforting habits into everyday life can make a real difference over time, and one of the easiest habits to start is drinking more tea.

Tea has long been part of daily life in Ireland, offering warmth, routine, and a moment of pause. Beyond comfort, tea also brings a range of health benefits that make it a natural fit for realistic New Year resolutions. 

Why Tea Fits Perfectly Into New Year Resolutions

Many New Year resolutions fail because they ask too much, too quickly. Tea, on the other hand, is an easy addition rather than a restriction. Choosing tea more often throughout the day can support both physical and mental wellbeing without feeling like a chore.

Making tea part of your daily routine can:

• Encourage better hydration
  

• Support moments of calm and balance
  

• Offer a gentler alternative to high-caffeine drinks
  

• Help create mindful breaks during busy days
  

It’s a resolution that works with your lifestyle, not against it.

Tea Health Benefits Worth Building Into Your Day

When enjoyed as part of a balanced routine, tea offers several well-known health benefits. Tea is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from oxidative stress and support long-term health.

Tea also contains moderate levels of caffeine, providing a steady lift in energy and focus without the sharp highs and lows often associated with stronger drinks. For many people, this makes tea easier to enjoy throughout the day.

Just as important as what’s in the cup is the ritual itself. Taking a few minutes to make and enjoy tea encourages mindfulness, something many New Year resolutions aim to achieve.

Black Tea Benefits: A Daily Classic With Real Value

Irish Breakfast Tea is a staple in many Irish homes, and its benefits go beyond tradition. As one of the most commonly enjoyed teas, black tea offers a range of health advantages when consumed regularly.

Some key black tea benefits include:

Rich in antioxidants
Black tea contains polyphenols, which help support overall health and protect cells from damage.

Supports heart health
Research suggests that regular black tea consumption may support heart health as part of a balanced diet.

Steady energy and focus
Black tea provides a gentle caffeine boost, helping improve alertness without the jittery effects some experience with coffee.

Supports digestion
Many people find black tea easy to digest, making it a comforting choice after meals or during breaks.

A Simple Resolution That’s Easy to Keep

Unlike extreme diet changes or strict routines, choosing tea is a habit that naturally fits into daily life. Swapping just one drink a day for a cup of tea can be a simple step toward healthier choices.

To make it stick:

• Set aside a regular tea break each day

• Choose quality tea you genuinely enjoy
  

• Keep tea bags or loose leaf tea easily accessible
  

• Treat tea time as a moment to slow down
  
  

Starting the Year One Cup at a Time

New Year resolutions don’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes, the best changes are the ones that feel familiar and comforting. With its long-standing place in Irish life, tea offers both tradition and wellbeing in every cup.

By focusing on the health benefits of tea, especially the everyday benefits of black tea, you can start the year with a resolution that’s realistic, enjoyable, and easy to maintain. Especially if it's a warm cup of McEntee’s Loose Leaf or Tea Bags!