Twinings
In response to this surge to celebrate things as nature intended, Twinings’ range of fruit & herbal infusion blends and green & white teas are made using only natural ingredients.
Twinings has also partnered with TV’s gardening guru Rachel de Thame to develop some simple tips for cultivating a window box or outside space that will bloom with wellbeing from spring through to summer.
“Twinings range of teas really inspired me to come up with some ideas that’ll help those with burgeoning green fingers to grow their own herbs, flowers and fruits. Many of the plants you can cultivate this spring perfectly complement Twinings teas and will inspire you to embrace nature in a fun and effortless way,†says Rachel De Thame.
Inspired by Twinings’ natural ingredients, Rachel De Thame has the following tips:-
1. Blueberries are officially one of the plants to cultivate this year – not only are the fruits reputed to offer health benefits, they look great. My number one tip re growing a Blueberry plant is that they absolutely must have an acidic soil or ericaceous compost in order to thrive. Watering with collected rainwater, rather than straight from the tap will help to maintain the acidity.
I’m planning to raid my blueberry bush and make blueberry cupcakes for my friends, while sipping new Twinings Blueberry & Apple – delicious!
2. Lavender is a pretty and easy to grow in a window box. Make sure you incorporate plenty of horticultural grit or sharp sand into the compost to improve the drainage and clip them back after the flowers have faded. I find lavender is so calming and there’s nothing better than enjoying its fragrance while relaxing with a cup of Twinings Honeybush & Lavender, feet up, after a busy day gardening or running after the children.
3. Similarly, herbs such as Peppermint are a lovely, fragrant addition to the garden. Remember that mints are incredibly vigorous plants. Growing them in a pot is the best way to stop them taking over your border, but don’t forget to water them regularly in warm weather. Peppermint is also, of course, a wonderful ingredient - in salads or for marinades, for example. A simple sprig in a reviving, warming mug of Twinings Nettle & Peppermint is lovely. Or try freezing peppermint leaves into ice cubes and serve with a chilled, refreshing glass of Green Tea & Citrus.
4. I was really inspired by Twinings’ new special spring edition blend Lemon & Lime with Orange Blossom. Orange Blossom is beautiful and in a sheltered south-facing position there’s no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the fragrance in your own garden – I have two large orange trees on my terrace in London and they produce blossom and large fruits. Use a big pot and feed with proprietary citrus food for the best results. Try sprinkling the gorgeous petals on the top of a jug of Lemon & Lime with Orange Blossom on ice when entertaining or spice it up with a splash of vodka to create a luscious cocktail.
5. Finally, in my family, fresh strawberries and raspberries from the garden are the highlight of the summer. Raspberry canes should ideally be planted when dormant during the winter, but strawberry plants are available now. Choose early, mid and late varieties to extend the harvest for as long as possible. I’ll be picking them and serving them with Twinings Cranberry, Raspberry & Elderflower and new Rooibos Strawberry & Vanilla on ice.
With 60 blends to choose from in Twinings’ range of Fresh & Fruity, Revive & Revitalise, Cleanse, Moment of Calm infusion blends and Twinings’ range of Green & White teas – there really is something for every mood, taste and occasion. You also have the reassurance that you are drinking delicious, versatile blends that are prepared by the experts at Twinings who have 300 years of tea blending expertise in creating blends using nature’s own.
Twinings’ range of fruit & herbal infusion blends are available from leading retailers in the UK from £0.85 for 20 teabags. For further information on Twinings, visit www.twinings.co.uk.