Supporting local organic brands is one of
my major concerns at souvenir shopping, and visiting supermarket or pharmacy on
the streets always provides me a newfound glory. Founded in 1991, 100% Czech company
Manufaktura is famous for beer cosmetics. Based on
centuries-old tradition of the exceptional quality Czech beer, the unique climatic
effects for growing hops and experienced brewers contribute significantly to
the unrepeatable quality, from the daily drinks to skincare products. In 2005,
Manufaktura released its own home spa collection, and luscious fruit tea is no
doubt for my excitement of buds.
The beautiful design of the tin can is painted
with dozens of pears and white hibiscus, on the silver-tone tin lid is carved
‘Original Home Spa, Manufaktura, est. 1991, Quality Guaranteed’, 100% Czech
Republic product. Once opening up, the smell of pear (min. 45%), rosehip,
elderberries (min. 11%), apple (min. 5%), white hibiscus and black current
graces the whole afternoon. It contains traces of the shell fruit, add a
spoonful of white sugar after 80’c boiled water brew is the top tip; no doubt,
the best mate to accompany with the Manufaktura tea is RPR Latvian porcelain
teacup and sauces.
RPR is abbreviated from Riga Porcelain Factory, a
combined effort of the two oldest porcelain factories in Riga, Latvia. The
oldest and largest factory dates back to 1841 by a Russian entrepreneur Sidor
Kuznetsov and the second one was founded in 1886 by German businessman Jacob
Jessen, until 1963, both factories were united to be RPR under Soviet Union
regime. Decorated with rosy pink and golden ornaments, my RPR teacup from
Hakaniemi flea market is a great bargain (4 EUR each!). Its 25ml volume is
perfect for some bites of macarons from PAUL.
Since 1889 by Charlemagne Mayot ran
a bakery in Croix near Lille, France, their granddaughter Suzanne Mayot married
to Julien Holder, while Suzanne and Julien’s son Francis took over the PAUL
family business, opened the second bakery in 1963, the pastry tradition has
been continuously launching store fronts outside France since 1985. With offering
of flavours, regulars opt for rose, chocolate, vanilla, pistachio or even
passion fruit, though not as crispy as Laudrée, PAUL’s handmade pastries are
made of all natural ingredients, and are a delight to eat. Drinking with
Manufaktura pear tea, my favourites among the flavours for teatime snacks are
the framboise, which finely balances the fruity sweetness with a subtle tanginess
from the berry, and the chocolate, which offers a nice bite from the strong
black coffee taste. Organic fruit tea, vintage delicate teacup, with a treat of
natural ingredients of macarons, teatime forever is never merely a dream!
Special Thanks: JMH
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