When taken by itself, tea is a delightful drink that is well suited for many occasions. But it also makes for a great base flavour and an ideal food pairing partner. Tea pairing not only enhances the senses by accentuating the combination of aromas, but also makes for a much more interesting dining experience.
Common and popular tea flavours have hints of a floral scent, which make them an ideal aromatic partner to fruits. In this article, we look at 5 popular tea and fruit pairings to jazz up your beverage menu:
1. Chamomile Tea and Strawberry
Chamomile tea is a herbal tea that is lightly flavoured with subtle floral notes. It makes for a great pairing partner with strawberry’s fruity scent and its sweet-sour yet slightly acidic taste.
2. Earl Grey Black Tea and Passionfruit
A type of black tea that is treated with the rind of bergamot orange, classic Earl Grey has a distinct citrusy flavour. Pair with the tarty and tangy taste of passionfruit and you’ll get a subtle yet tantalising fruit-tea taste combination.
3. Peppermint Tea and Apple
The strong minty flavour of peppermint tea might be a little intense for certain diners. To help achieve a more delicate flavour balance, try adding apple to the mix. The sweet and cooling fruit with its sour and bitter hints makes for a good complement to peppermint tea.
4. Green Tea with Jasmine and Mango
Green tea has a vegetal, bittersweet aftertaste, while jasmine carries a strong floral aroma. This sweet-scented tea makes for a great pair to the juicy, lemon-like tang of mangoes. Combine them both for a gentle yet pleasing taste and soothing aroma.
5. English Breakfast Tea and Papaya
Like the Earl Grey, the English breakfast tea is also made with black tea. However the latter often has a stronger and fuller taste. Add milk and combine it with papaya for a juicy and creamy flavour experience.
