$178 for a cuppa made with gold-plated tea leaves?

GOLD YIN ZHEN TEA

$178.50 a cup and $850 for 50g

TWG Tea has a collection of more than 800 different tea blends.

So it is no surprise that you would find the Gold Yin Zhen Tea here.

Priced at $850 for a mere 50g, it is easily one of the most expensive teas in Singapore.

A kilogramme of the exclusive tea leaves costs $17,000.

The Yin Zhen white tea leaves, also known as silver needles, are plated with 24 carat gold and are sourced from Fujian, China, one of the foremost tea-producing regions of China.

The tea exudes a warm aroma with notes of vanilla and caramel, and is said to have a woody taste with a mineral aftertaste.

As a drink, the brew is a sparkling infusion with honeyed overtones.

To make a cup of the Gold Yin Zhen tea, one has to pour 70°C water over 2.5g of the tea leaves and infuse it for around 15 minutes.

Available at TWG Tea outlets

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MURRAY RIVER GOURMET SALT FLAKES

$10.50 for 250g

The gourmet sea salt flakes stands out not only for the price but also because of its pale pink colour.

It is naturally produced from underground brines in the Murray-Darling Basin in the south-east region of Australia. The natural mineralised inland brine gives the sea salt its hue.

The salt contains natural beneficial minerals such as magnesium and calcium, and has no artificial colour, preservatives or additives.

The salt flakes, which does not expire, is ideal for us as a garnish, subtly enhancing the flavour of food without overpowering it with its taste.

Available at Jasons The Gourmet Grocer, Ion Orchard, #B4-17

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JAPANESE SHINE MUSCAT GRAPES

$88 for 500g

This large, light green seedless grape is derived from a cross between two different types of grapes.

The Shine Muscat grape is well known for its high quality and flawless appearance.

It has a high sugar content and low acidity levels, making it very sweet without a tinge of sourness.

The grapes found in Meidi-ya Supermarket are flown from Okayama, Japan, and are in season from early July till late October, and ripen in mid-to-late August.

They can be eaten on its own or used to make raisin or white wine.

Available at Meidi-ya Supermarket, Liang Court Shopping Centre, #B1-50

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ENER-G FOODS WHITE RICE LOAF

$11.50 for 454g

Ener-G Foods specialises in producing gluten-free, non-GMO vegan products and their white rice bread is worth the exorbitant price.

Suitable for the health-conscious, this bread is wheat-, gluten- and dairy-free. Alternative ingredients used include white rice flour and tapioca starch.

It has also undergone testing to ensure all ingredients used are not genetically modified, earning itself the Non-GMO Project Verified seal of approval.

It is a healthier albeit costlier alternative to the regular white bread sold everywhere.

Available at Jasons The Gourmet Grocer, Ion Orchard, #B4-17

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PREMIUM MANUKA UMF 20+ HONEY

$180 for a 500g bottle

Manuka honey is famous for its strong flavour.

Extracted from the nectar of the white flowers of the Manuka tree, this 500g jar of honey costs $180.

But prices can change as the demand can sometimes outstrip the supply.

The world’s supply of Manuka comes mainly from New Zealand but there are also supplies from South-east Australia.

Swift Health Food business manager Chua Wee Ming says: “Manuka honey has non-peroxide activity that kills bacteria, unlike ordinary honey which only contains hydrogen peroxide that inhibits bacteria activity.

Manuka honey has no  expiry date and there have been studies touting its health benefits.

Available at Honeyworld outlets