Morrisons Organic Fairtrade Tea Bags > Reviews (1)

Recently, I have made a concerted effort to buy more Fairtrade products. Contrary to popular belief, Fairtrade products are not actually that expensive. For example, on a recent shopping trip, I bought a box of Morrisons own label Organic Fairtrade teabags (80) for £1.65. This compares very favourably in price with a standard box of 80 Typhoo tea bags, priced at £1.49.

* So why should you buy Fairtrade? *

Well the reason is simple: buying Fairtrade products guarantees that farmers and producers in Third World countries get a better deal. There are millions of small scale producers throughout the world who have to contend with fluctuating prices that may not even cover what it costs to produce their crop, let alone allow them to make a profit. So the whole concept of Fairtrade is to buy direct from farmers at better prices to allow them to build their businesses and market their products.

Growth of Fairtrade products currently stands at around 20% every year, which is very encouraging. In fact, in many European countries, Fairtrade products are now mainstream in many independent shops and supermarkets.

* Back to the Product... *

Okay, let's get back to my review of Morrisons Fairtrade Organic Tea Bags.

As the name suggests, the tea bags are organic as well as Fairtrade. The box tells us that they are made with organically grown tea which is imported from more than one country, but unfortunately doesn't give specify what individual teas are used.

* The Box *

The tea bags come in a fairly attractive, green cardboard box, which is cuboid in shape and about 14 cm in height. Each face is identical. At the top, you have the black and yellow Morrisons logo, and underneath this, you have the word 'Organic' scribbled in white lettering and then 'Fairtrade 80 tea bags' in a beige coloured font. Finally, at the bottom, you'll see the Fairtrade insignia and Soil Association Certification.

Opening the box is very easy: simply open the lid, remove the perforated cardboard strip and start using the tea bags! Unfortunately, there is no sticky tape to ensure the lid stays shut and the tea bags remain fresh, but the lid does seem fairly secure and should therefore keep the contents as fresh as possible.

* The Contents *

I always love the refreshing tea smell you get when you first open a box of tea bags. This box is no different in this respect. A fresh, powerful aroma immediately invigorates your senses and makes you yearn for a nice cup of tea.

As for the tea bags themselves, well what can I say? They are round and look pretty much like any other tea bag!

* Making a Brew! *

Once you've made yourself a cuppa, sit back and relax. The teabags are quite strong and one teabag can easily make two cups if you wish. However, if you like a nice strong brew, then one tea bag will more than suffice.

The taste is very pleasant and not too bitter. It is quite malty in flavour and has a slightly spicy edge to it, which comes out in the aftertaste. I particularly like the overall strength of the tea and find it very refreshing. So often with tea, you find that the original aromas are lost in the taste, but with this tea, they still seem to come through nicely and are quite distinct.

* My Opinion...*

Overall, I am impressed by these tea bags and recommend you try them. They make a great cup of tea and being organic, are good for you too. The best bit, though, is that they are Fairtrade. It is good to think that by buying these, you are doing your bit for farmers in the developing world.

Thanks for reading!