This post is an informative journalistic coverage of a PR event with editorial & reportage elements that do not aim to promote any business, organisation, product or service.
Today - on the day of publication- I am a member of Ruokatoimittajat ry (Finnish Food Writers' Association), and attended this PR event as a food writer (not as an influencer).
14 January 2025 - Helsinki
Today, we had a rainy day in Southern Finland, which -minus the melting snow- somehow resembled the grey days I spent in England which automatically calls for a cup of tea. After work, I hopped on a bus and headed to Helsinki to learn how to pair quality tea with chocolate at The Ounce teahouse.
There is one thing is in common in the beautiful tea ceremonies of Japan, the 5 o'clock tea of England, and your simple home-brewed tea: these are all moments of connection surrounded by rituals.
While still holding onto its timeless charm, tea is also incredibly versatile by evolving with us and adapting to trends. You can infuse it with spices, add milk and sugar, drink it hot or cold, or even use it as an ingredient for cooking, baking or cocktail-making.
When you offer someone a cup of tea, it’s not just a drink, but a way to bring us together!
Established with a mission to offer a wide selection of premium loose leaf teas, specialising in quality, sustainable products from around the world, The Ounce tea shop is ensuring every customer has a memorable experience for both traditional tea-drinkers and those seeking experimental or innovative blends.
They offer a various tea categories, including green, black, oolong, and herbal teas, and they are also known for their custom tea blends tailored to various palates.
In addition to high-quality ingredients and authentic flavours, customers can also find tea accessories and guidance on proper tea brewing when they visit The Ounce.
Since their foundation in 2003, Teen Ystävät ry ('Friends of Teas') is dedicated to advancing tea culture by offering a platform for both enthusiasts and professionals to share knowledge about tea.
The association focuses on promoting high-quality tea and educating the public on the proper preparation methods. They also aim to improve tea service in cafes, restaurants, and hotels across Finland, encouraging feedback on tea quality. Their membership is open to both individuals and businesses interested in supporting tea culture.
Tea culture in Finland is thriving, as evidenced by a variety of exciting events and experiences designed for tea enthusiasts in order to showcase the richness and diversity of tea in both traditional and modern forms. The association and their tea shop partners are preparing a wide range of programmes, offers and tasting opportunities for the upcoming National Tea Day on 6 February - which has been so popular in the past years that tea enthusiasts can now deepen their palate and knowledge about their favourite hot drink over a 'Tea Week'.

Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Use fresh water and heat it so the water does not boil in order to its not losing oxygen. To easily get water at 70-80°C, mix a quarter of cold water with boiling water before brewing.
White tea
- Water temperature: 80-85°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1-2 teaspoons)
- Steeping time: 2-4 minutes
- Portion: 2-3 brews
Green tea
Japanese green tea
- Water temperature: 60-70°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Steeping time: 40 seconds to 1 minute
- Portion: 2-4 brews
Chinese green tea
- Water temperature: 75-80°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Steeping time: 1-3 minutes
- Portion: 2-3 brews
Oolong tea
- Water temperature: 85-90°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Steeping time: 2-4 minutes
- Portion: 2-4 brews
Black tea
- Water temperature: 95-100°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Steeping time: 3-5 minutes
- Portion: 1 brew
Pu Erh tea
- Water temperature: 95-100°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Steeping time: 4-6 minutes
- Portion: 2-3 brews
Mate tea
- Water temperature: 85-90°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Steeping time: 3-4 minutes
- Portion: 2 brews
Herbal mixtures & Rooibos tea
- Water temperature: 95-100°C
- Tea leaves amount: 3g (1 teaspoon)
- Brewing time: 5-8 minutes
- Portion: 1 brew
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Oolong Four Seasons tea
with Matcha chocolate
The delicate floral notes of the oolong tea paired beautifully with the creamy texture of Matcha chocolate, offering a balance of subtlety and richness.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Oolong Da Hong Pao tea
with raspberry yoghurt chocolate
This combination created a complex flavour profile, with the robust, deep flavours of the Da Hong Pao contrasting with the tart and sweet raspberry yoghurt chocolate, making it a memorable pairing.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Orange Pu Erh tea
with 70% dark chocolate
The earthy tones of Pu Erh tea blended seamlessly with the bitter, rich taste of dark chocolate, providing a perfect balance for those who enjoy a more intense experience.
Photo by © Reka Csulak - Three Pod Studio
Ho Chili Minh tea
with brown sugar, whipped cream & chocolate crumbles
A more indulgent pairing, this combination offered the bold, spicy notes of chilli mint tea mixed with the sweetness of sugar syrup, cream, and chocolate, creating a fun and playful contrast between hot and cold elements.
I had the pleasure of attending this PR event and learning directly from tea experts about the most popular hot drink in the world, along with tips on pairing quality teas with sweet treats. Thank you so much to Inna Dalem from The Ounce + Katriina Jordan-Westermark, Kirsi Pohjola and Noora Hinkka from Teen Ystävät ry for inviting me to this event.
You can check out the wide range of teas at The Ounce, learn more about the mission of Teen Ystävät ry + see more insights and photos on my Instagram.
DISCLOSURE
The organiser has not set any special criteria and has not initiated any financial/alternative compensation that would require the creation of any written or visual content related to this PR event nor the promotion of any products/services in exchange for attendance - but I decided to share my experience anyway as I think you'd enjoy exclusive insights from my recent gastro adventure. Any PR products/samples/food, drink/services/raffle prizes handed out by the organisers, other participants or exhibitors (if applicable) were not a form of compensation, nor part of an exchange agreement.