McEntee’s Tea Time Moments - Blog

For tea lovers, few debates are as enduring as the question: should you pour the milk first or the tea first? At McEntee’s Tea, we believe that every tea-drinker has their own preference, but let’s explore the history, science, and tradition behind both methods.

The History of Milk in Tea

The tradition of adding milk to tea dates back centuries, particularly in Britain and Ireland. Historically, fine porcelain teacups were delicate and could crack under the heat of freshly brewed tea. Adding milk first helped to cool the tea slightly and prevent breakage. Over time, this practice became a matter of etiquette and personal preference.

The Science Behind the Order

Studies suggest that adding milk first can create a smoother, more evenly mixed cup of tea. When milk is added after the tea, the proteins in the milk can react to the sudden heat, causing slight curdling or an uneven distribution of flavour. By adding milk first, the temperature change is more gradual, allowing for a creamier and well-blended taste.

The Case for Tea First

Many tea connoisseurs argue that adding tea first allows for better control over the strength and flavour of the brew. By pouring the tea first, you can gauge its colour and strength before adding just the right amount of milk to suit your preference. This method also ensures that the tea is properly brewed before milk is introduced, preserving its full-bodied flavour.

For those who enjoy a robust Irish Breakfast Tea, check out our Irish Loose Tea Collection to brew the perfect cup before adding your milk.

The Case for Milk First

Those who prefer milk first argue that it leads to a more consistent and smooth tea. This method allows the milk to mix naturally as the hot tea is poured in, preventing scalding and preserving the milk’s creamy texture.

If you’re a fan of a perfectly blended tea experience, why not explore our range of teaware designed to make your brewing process effortless?

Our Recommendation

At McEntee’s Tea, we believe the best way to enjoy your tea is the way that brings you the most comfort and satisfaction. Whether you prefer milk first or tea first, the most important thing is to savour the moment with a high-quality blend.

So, next time you brew a cup of McEntee’s Tea, experiment with both methods and discover which one suits your taste best. You do not even have to add milk, some people prefer to drink tea black or with a slice of lemon. Whow do you like to drink your tea?However you choose to enjoy your tea, make it a moment to relax and indulge!

What Colour Mug Does Tea Taste Best From?

When it comes to enjoying a perfect cup of tea, most people focus on the quality of the tea leaves, the brewing time, and the water temperature. However, did you know that the colour of your mug can also influence how your tea tastes? Studies in psychology and sensory perception suggest that the colour of the cup you drink from can alter your taste experience.

The Science Behind Colour and Taste

Research has shown that colour can affect our perception of flavour. This is because our brains associate different colours with certain tastes. For example, red and orange tones are often linked to sweetness, while blue and green might be associated with cooler or fresher tastes. This phenomenon is known as crossmodal perception—where one sense (sight) influences another (taste).

The Best Mug Colour for Tea

1. White Mugs – White mugs tend to enhance the perceived strength and bitterness of tea. This is because the contrast between the tea’s colour and the mug makes the drink appear darker and richer. If you enjoy a strong, bold cup of tea, a white mug may be the best choice.  We have a white mug with a strainer and lid that you might like (click here). 

2. Red or Orange Mugs – These colours are often linked to warmth and sweetness. Some studies suggest that drinking tea from a red or orange mug may make it taste slightly sweeter, which could be beneficial if you drink your tea without sugar but still want a hint of natural sweetness. We have a red mug with a strainer and lid that you might like (click here). 

3. Blue or Green Mugs – These cooler tones may create a psychological effect of freshness. While they don’t necessarily enhance sweetness or strength, they might make herbal or green teas feel more refreshing and light.

4. Black or Dark-Coloured Mugs – Dark mugs can make tea feel more intense, but they also absorb more heat, keeping your tea warm for longer. This can be great for those who like to sip their tea slowly over time.

Personal Preference Matters

While science provides interesting insights into how colour affects taste perception, personal preference ultimately plays a significant role. Some people may associate certain colours with comfort and enjoyment, enhancing their overall tea-drinking experience.

Conclusion

If you prefer a strong, bold tea, a white or dark mug may be your best bet. If you enjoy a sweeter or more comforting experience, red or orange mugs might be ideal. Meanwhile, green or blue mugs could enhance the freshness of herbal teas. Ultimately, choosing the right mug colour can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your tea ritual. So next time you brew a cup of McEntee’s Tea, consider how your choice of mug might influence your experience!

Are you in the retail or food service industry and looking to enhance your tea offerings? Look no further! McEntee's Tea, known for their range of high-quality Irish loose teas and teaware, is now available for purchase on Musgraves Online, the largest wholesale marketplace in Ireland.

What makes McEntee's Tea stand out?

McEntee's Tea is renowned for its premium selection of Irish loose teas sourced from the finest tea estates. With a focus on quality and authenticity, each tea blend is carefully crafted to deliver a rich and flavorful experience for tea enthusiasts.

Why choose Musgraves Online for your tea needs?

As the largest wholesale market in Ireland, Musgraves Online offers a convenient platform for retail and food service professionals to access a wide range of products, including McEntee's Tea. With a seamless ordering process and reliable delivery services, Musgraves Online makes it easy to stock up on premium teas for your business.

Benefits of adding McEntee's Tea to your offerings

By incorporating McEntee's Tea into your menu or retail selection, you can elevate the tea experience for your customers. Whether they prefer a classic black tea, a soothing herbal blend, or a refreshing green tea, McEntee's Tea has something for every palate. Stand out from the competition and attract tea connoisseurs with the exceptional quality of McEntee's Tea.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your tea offerings with McEntee's Tea now available on Musgraves Online. Elevate your business with the finest Irish loose teas and teaware that are sure to impress even the most discerning tea lovers.

Click here if you'd like to get in touch with us about our tea range.

At McEntee's Tea, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional tea experiences to customers across Europe. We understand that our diverse community of tea enthusiasts spans various countries, cultures, and languages. That's why we're thrilled to announce significant enhancements to our website, designed to better cater to the needs of our European customers!

Introducing Enhanced Language and Location Features

As a business supplying the entirety of Europe with our premium teas, we recognize the importance of providing a seamless and personalized browsing experience. That's why our website now offers enhanced language and location features, ensuring that you can explore our tea range with ease, no matter where you are or what language you speak.

Automatic Language Detection

When you visit our website, our advanced system will automatically detect your location and display content in the local language of your region. Whether you're in Berlin, Paris, Rome, or Madrid, you'll be able to browse our tea collection in a language that feels natural and familiar.

Customizable Language Selection

We also understand that language preferences may vary, even within the same geographic region. That's why we've added a customizable language selection option, allowing you to choose your preferred language from our range of available options. Whether you prefer English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, or any other language, we've got you covered!

A Commitment to Customer Satisfaction

Our goal is to provide you with the best possible tea experience, from the moment you visit our website to the last sip of your favorite blend. With our enhanced language and location features, we're confident that you'll enjoy a more seamless and personalized shopping experience than ever before.

Join Us on a Journey of Taste and Tradition

We invite you to visit our website today and explore our exquisite range of teas in your preferred language. Whether you're a connoisseur seeking rare and exotic blends or a tea novice eager to discover new flavors, [Your Company Name] has something for everyone.

Thank You for Your Continued Support

We want to express our gratitude for your continued support and loyalty as we embark on this exciting journey of growth and innovation. We look forward to serving you and delighting your senses with the finest teas Europe has to offer!Our products are also available on Amazon throughout Europe and USA

Since January 2022, there has a growing trend in cafes and restaurants globally, including Ireland, to offer loose leaf tea instead of traditional tea bags. This shift was largely due to the increasing demand for higher-quality and more flavorful tea options among consumers who are becoming more health-conscious and interested in premium tea experiences.

Loose leaf tea offers several advantages over tea bags, including:

• Better quality: Loose leaf tea is often considered to be of higher quality compared to tea bags as it typically consists of whole or larger tea leaves, which can result in a more flavorful and aromatic brew.

• Variety and customization: Loose leaf teas come in various types, blends, and flavors, allowing cafes to offer a more extensive selection to cater to diverse consumer preferences. Additionally, customers can often customize their tea by adjusting the quantity and steeping time.

• Sustainability: Some consumers prefer loose leaf tea due to its reduced packaging and waste compared to individually wrapped tea bags, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Moving to loose tea couldn't be easier, we offer:

• Great value 1.3Kg catering boxes with an inner resealable bag.
• Filter Teapots & Mugs at an affordable price.
• Fast free shipping over €40, talk to us about our wholesale pricing.
• Easy Subscription order service.