Tea is a popular drink around the world. The history of tea can be traced back to 2737 BC, when it was first discovered in China. It has since grown to become one of the most popular beverages in the United States and many other countries. In this blog post, we will explore some basic information about making tea and some more advanced topics that you may want to learn about if you are interested!
Most Teas Are From The Same Plant
Most mainline teas are from the Camellia sinensis plant. It includes black tea, white tea, oolong, and green tea. The difference in the teas is created by how the plant is processed. Most natural teas are naturally caffeinated like coffee but can also come decaffeinated. Other flavored teas are usually flavored by other herbs, plants, or flowers. For example, chamomile and hibiscus tea are flavored and decaffeinated for night use.
Tea Has Many Health Benefits
There are many tea health benefits to drinking tea. Tea is an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and other ailments. It also has been shown to have cardiovascular benefits as well! Most tea drinkers will tell you that tea helps them feel less stressed, lose weight and have longer sustained energy throughout the day. Green tea has detoxing qualities that will clean your body of all toxins.
The Different Types Of Tea Leaves
There are three main types of tea leaves: whole leaf teas (leaves not broken apart), cut or torn teas (broken into small pieces), and fannings (very tiny particles). Whole leaf tea tends to be the most expensive because it’s the highest quality, while the most petite particle sizes tend to be cheaper for producers but still taste good in your cup.
Water Temperatures For Making The Perfect Cup of Tea
Drinkable temperatures range from 136 degrees to 175 degrees Fahrenheit based on personal preference. Lighter teas like white tea and green tea can usually be steeped at around 150 degrees Fahrenheit. More robust teas like black tea should be steeped with water around boiling. This is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are making your child tea, a good temperature is around 115 to 130 degrees.
Steep Times
Lighter tea steeps for around one to three minutes. Black tea usually takes about four to five minutes, while herbal tea can take between six and ten minutes depending on your preference – some people like it very strongly! Green tea is the most difficult because green tea will turn bitter if you overstep. So this type of tea should be taken out after only 30 seconds to a minute or so.
