The magic of good tea with Henrietta Lovell, the Rare Tea lady

The Kettle with Meagan Francis

Can you remember the first time you had a really good cup of tea, or maybe a tea experience that left you feeling inspired intrigued, and wanting more? Today’s guest Henrietta Lovell, the founder of the Rare Tea Company and author of the laugh-out-loud funny, informative, and inspiring memoir, Infused: Adventures in Tea, has made an entire career (and life!) from drinking good tea, journeying to the places that grow it, and meeting the people who harvest and make it.

In this episode of The Kettle podcast, Henrietta shares her journey in building the Rare Tea Company from the ground up, her unconventional approach to running a tea business, her thoughts about buying directly from tea farmers, using teabags vs. loose-leaf, why she avoids tea with flavorings and additives, and why buying quality tea is worth it.

We also talk a little about the history of tea-drinking, how our own cultural expectations can shape the way we experience tea, and of course, how to brew the perfect cup (spoiler: it depends on your palate and preferences!)

Some of my favorite teas from the Rare Tea Company:

* Malawi Antlers tea - this is the very unique tea I’m drinking during the episode; it’s made up of the delicate stems, rather than the leaves, of the tea plant. Sweet stonefruit flavors in the first cup, becomes more complex the longer you infuse.

* Rare English Breakfast black tea - Malty, rich, smooth; milk and sugar optional.

* Nepali Gunpowder Green - gunpowder green teas are more toasty than grassy; if you’re on the fence about green tea, give this one a try.

* Chinese Iron Goddess Oolong - midway between a black and green tea, this oolong is light, floral, and delicately sweet.

Other links:

Infused: Adventures in Tea - Henrietta’s memoir

Richard Hart Bread: Intuitive Sourdough Baking, by Richard Hart (who makes an accidental appearance in the episode!) and Laurie Woolever, with Henrietta Lovell - nominated for a 2025 James Beard award (check the site after June 16 to see if they won!)

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