Tom Aikens: Food Spy

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The Rare Tea Company imports the most beautiful teas I've ever tasted. We serve them in my restaurant and they are available at Waitrose (£5.50 to £6.50 for a 25g packet). Some of my favourites are the Emperor's Breakfast Tea, a Chinese single-estate black tea; the unbelievably refreshing Jasmine Silver Tip, which has a heady aroma with a very soft flavour; and the Green Leaf Tea, which is hand-crafted in a wok and has the aroma of wood smoke and a clean, refreshing flavour (www.rareteacompany.com).

This Water's new recipe is made with passion fruit, peach and green tea. Green tea is a great source of natural antioxidants but people don't always like the taste, so the makers have combined it with real fruit to deliver a delicious drink with natural benefits. I particularly like the pomegranate with lychee and blackcurrants (www.thiswater.co.uk).

Theo Fennell's new company, The Original Design Partnership, has created its own take on the traditional coconut goblet. His are decorated with skulls, cherubs and other curiosities, with exquisite attention to detail. I suggest drinking a nice champagne such as Pol Roger from them. They are available by special order on 020 7101 7520.

Food fight

ROSE PETAL JAM

Ladurée Confiture de Rose, £7.40 for 450g (www.laduree.com)
Natural and intensely floral with a gentle perfumed flavour but too sticky.

Bespoke Foods Confit of Rose Petals, £3.95 for 125g (www.harrods.com)
Delicate, subtle flavour with a light texture and just the right amount of sweetness. STAR BUY

Florian Rose Petal Conserve, £6.99 for 250g (www.lakeland.co.uk)
Smooth and sweet but overly scented and slightly synthetic tasting.

Edited by Amy Grier