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Tea and Raclette: the indulgent, light pairing

There’s nothing like the gentle comfort of a melting raclette after a crisp winter’s day. Traditionally accompanied by white wine, this mountain speciality nevertheless finds an unexpected and refined ally: tea. A surprising pairing, yet one that reveals unexpected taste harmonies.

A subtle and beneficial alternative

Pairing tea with raclette is, first of all, a lovely alternative to alcohol. Whether to reduce your alcohol consumption or simply to vary the pleasures, tea offers an equally rich sensory experience. It accompanies the melted cheese by bringing a touch of freshness and a welcome lightness.

The lukewarm temperature of the tea also plays an essential role. It aids digestion while enhancing the flavours of the melted cheese. The milky, round and vanilla notes of the cheese blend harmoniously with the tea’s aromas, creating a soft, balanced fusion on the palate.

  

accord raclette thé nunshen

  

Carine Baudry — Sourcing and Creation Director at nunshen

The art of tea and cheese pairings

If cheese-and-wine pairings are well known, those between cheese and tea remain to be explored by many. Yet tea shares with wine a great aromatic complexity and tannins that interact differently with the flavours of cheese. It can amplify creaminess, bring a refreshing note or prolong the finish on the palate. Depending on its origin, its oxidation and its richness, a tea can awaken unsuspected nuances in a cheese, transforming the tasting into a unique taste experience.

  

accord fromage thé

  

Tea, an aid to lighter digestion

The lukewarm temperature of the tea aids the digestion of raclette for several physiological reasons:

1. Stimulation of digestive enzymes: The warmth of the tea stimulates enzyme activity in the stomach, thus facilitating the breakdown of the fats contained in the cheese.

2. Emulsification of fats: The warmth helps to liquefy the fats in the cheese, making them easier to digest and avoiding that feeling of heaviness often felt after a rich meal.

3. Soothing effect on the stomach: Unlike cold drinks, which can slow digestion by contracting the gastric muscles, a lukewarm drink promotes better circulation of gastric juices and a smoother digestive process.

4. Draining action: Some teas, notably green and white teas, contain polyphenols that can stimulate the metabolism and promote the elimination of fats.

The recommended tea pairings

Tea-and-raclette pairings offer an original and refined alternative to classic combinations.

Whether you love white teas with delicate notes or black teas with deep aromas, there is a perfect pairing to enhance your raclette.

Here is a selection recommended by Carine Baudry, Sourcing and Creation Director at nunshen.

215 – Jasbire

This white tea from Nepal stands out for its notes of fresh grass, honeysuckle and lemon zest. It subtly awakens the milky, round and vanilla notes of the melted cheese. Its freshness and floral roundness make it an ideal companion for a light, fragrant raclette.

Gold medal at the AVPA Paris 2022 Teas of the World competition.

182 – Jasbire Awakening

For those who prefer a more intense experience, this black tea rich in aromas of honey, wood and fruit offers a remarkable depth. It brings more roundness and persistence on the palate, pairing perfectly with a more characterful and flavoursome raclette.

Silver medal at the AVPA 2022 Teas of the World competition.

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