Why has no one tried to grow tea in the UK before?

It was reportedly considered during World War II when imports were threatened: when the six year minimum establishment period was researched it was decided to stockpile dried tea instead!  It is not feasible to compete on low value teas.  Tregothnan knew from the outset that the first English tea would be very special and produced only using the finest techniques. Tregothnan blends are the only ones to contain our own leaves from England.

Is tea fresh?

Tea brands take great care to maintain freshness, a passion shared by Tregothnan.  Our tea is often enjoyed within weeks of plucking.

Why is tea blended?

Taste varies from season to season and even each plucking can be different. To satisfy discerning tea drinkers the tea brands must constantly vary amounts of each tea in the blend to keep a consistency of taste. A typical brand will be a blend of around 30 tea estates. A brand of tea is invariably strives to be a consistent blend.

Can tea only come from Camellia bushes?

Yes, all other ‘teas’ are tisanes or herbal beverages. Tregothnan is home to many other innovative crops.

When is the next plucking?

Tregothnan usually plucks tea from April to October, a bush is plucked for its top ‘two leaves and a bud’ at least every month during the season.  These tip leaves are the ultimate flavour and softness to create perfect tea. They grow at the end of each branch and are strictly limited in quantity.

Why is it more expensive than ‘normal tea’?

Tregothnan tea is rare and hand processed! The special blends contain the first True English tea grown in the UK.

What is the difference between green and black tea?

Black ‘Classic’ tea has five main stages of processing: Pluck, wither, cut, oxidize, dry. The oxidation (fermentation) stage is missed out in the green tea production. The leaves could potentially come from the same bush.

Where can I buy Tregothnan tea?

A list of approved stockists can be found on the right hand navigation bar.  We carefully select a handful of stockists from around the world. These stockists customers are in the vanguard of tea appreciation.

Is tea now being grown anywhere else in the UK?

Tregothnan has advised a number of potential sites, from Aberdeenshire to Pembrokeshire and in Europe from Ireland to Portugal. In every case it is sensible to start with a small number of bushes as none have the benefit of two centuries of Camellia growing that has been so essential to Tregothnan. Whether Yorkshire, Lancashire or Pembrokeshire tea can join Tregothnan in actually growing within the UK should be known this decade.

How do I grow a tea bush?

This information is available with our mail order tea bushes, or download here. 

Alternatively you can purchase via our mail order service (0800 970 1674) or via our online shop.