A Symphony of Autumn Tea Flavours in Every Cup
Recent consumer research commissioned by the UK Tea & Infusions Association (UKTIA; tea.co.uk) reveals that tea drinking is still ingrained in British culture, with 99% of over 1,000 Brits surveyed saying that they drink tea. This underscored the deep appreciation Brits have for their daily brew, which becomes all the more comforting as the weather turns cooler.
Dr Sharon Hall, Chief Executive of the UKTIA says, “Autumn is the perfect time to slow down and savour a range of teas that reflect the season’s colours and aromas. However, our latest survey shows that Brits tend to stick with what they know, with seven out of 10 (71%) tending to opt for the traditional cup of black tea, followed by just 16% who predominantly drink herbal infusions and only 13% who tend to drink green tea.”
To inspire us to mix it up a little this season, Dr Sharon Hall has chosen three teas that embody autumn’s essence through their colour, aroma and taste – each one rooted in the landscapes where they are grown.
Three Teas Reflecting Autumn Colours
“Oolong tea predominantly comes from China and Taiwan. With a variable colour ranging from golden-green to deep amber, Oolong’s flavour spectrum spans from light, floral and sweet notes to rich, toasty and fruity flavours. In fact, Oolong mirrors the changes nature undergoes during autumn – a perfect brew for a chilly autumn evening,” says Dr Sharon Hall.
“Assam tea is named after the region of India it comes from. With distinctive flecked brown and gold leaves, known as “orange” when dried, Assam is reminiscent of the falling autumn leaves from the trees. Its robust flavour is bold with a smooth maltiness making this particular brew ideal as the first cup of the day on a crisp autumn morning,” says Dr Sharon Hall
“Sencha is one of Japan’s most beloved green teas, celebrated for its vibrant colour and fresh grassy flavour with subtle vegetal notes,” says Dr Sharon Hall. “After harvesting, producers steam the tea leaves to preserve their bright green hue and delicate taste. The leaves are then rolled, shaped and dried, giving Sencha its needle-like appearance. The result is clean, pure, taste with a gentle balance of sweetness and umami. Although traditionally a spring tea, Sencha makes an ideal pick-me-up during an autumn afternoon slump, that is refreshing, soothing and naturally energising.”
The consumer research carried out on behalf of the UKTIA shows that taste is the number one reason why Brits drink tea (63%). Other top answers included:
- 43% noting they drank tea for comfort
- 40% drink tea for hydration
- 36% choose tea as a pick-me-up
These are all qualities we naturally seek out when the temperature begins to dip and the daylight gets shorter.
Dr Sharon Hall comments, “Just as the weather, light and landscape change in autumn, tea allows us to explore a warming palette of flavours and shades in our cups. Each leaf tells a story of the tea’s origin and offers a sensory journey that feels both comforting and deeply connected to the season.”
Further findings indicate that the weather is the most popular topic of conversation to explore over a cuppa, for over two fifths of Brits (44%), while over four fifths (84%) tend to drink black tea most often at home – reinforcing how tea is woven into seasonal habits.
With almost two thirds (64%) of Brits saying they need a cup of tea before they can tackle the day ahead, tea clearly has an important role to play in the day-to-day lives of many Brits.
“Despite black tea remaining the nation’s favourite, three in 10 Brits added more herbal varieties to their tea drinking repertoire in the last year. It’s encouraging that we’re open to inspiration from the seasonal changes around us when it comes to tea habits. With the brilliance of autumn unfolding outside as well as in every cup, tea drinkers are invited to embrace the season by exploring its colours – leaf by leaf,” concludes Dr Sharon Hall.
To discover more about tea, see: https://www.tea.co.uk/
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