This week, the first heat of summer has boldly poked its head around the corner, and we’ve been celebrating with creamy shortbread and some lively pairings from JusTea.

As a direct-trade partnership with Kenyan tea farmers, Vancouver-based JusTea does more than sell delicious tea.  Since 2012, JusTea has been working with tea farmers in rural Kenya to create a business that benefits the farmers and their communities, while also producing exceptional tea.

A local business that values relationships, community and exceptional quality? We think JusTea might be our shortbread’s perfect match.

The Teas

Paul, JusTea’s Tea Captain, has hand selected two of JusTea’s most popular teas for this pairing: African Chai and Kenyan Earl Grey.

African Chai

This tea is re-imagined from the classic Indian Masala Chai. With notes of liquorice root and cloves, the African Chai blends Rainforest Alliance Kenyan Black tea with a unique combination of spices. Rose petals add a floral touch.

Personal Steeping Suggestion: 2 tsp at 96 degrees celsius for 3 minutes

Kenyan Earl Grey

A deceptively simple blend of Rainforest Alliance Kenya Black tea and cold-pressed, organic bergamot oil, the Kenya Earl Grey has a rich, citrusy flavour that will brighten your day.

Personal Steeping Suggestion:  1 tsp at 96 degrees celsius for 3 minutes

The Pairings

Zesty Lemon and Kenyan Earl Grey

Our creamy lemon shortbread takes the sweet, buttery flavour of traditional shortbread and freshens it up with a splash of lemon zest.   

With its hint of citrus and its rich, smooth flavour, the Kenyan Earl Grey is a natural choice to pair with this shortbread. The depth of the tea provides a rich bass to the shortbread’s sweet soprano, while the notes of lemon and bergamot dance.

Decadent Chocolate and African Chai

Dark chocolate takes centre stage in our smooth, satisfying chocolate shortbread. The bitterness of the chocolate tempers the shortbread’s sweetness, resulting in a robust, indulgent flavour. 

This rich treat pairs perfectly with the African Chai. The tea’s bouquet of spices enlivens the dark chocolate tones in the shortbread, creating a complex palate that plays well with the biscuit’s simple sweetness.

Try Rose’s Shortbread and JusTea At Home

To try these pairings, or create your own, visit JusTea’s website to find out where you can pick some up. And of course, you can order Rose’s Shortbread on our website.