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!
Contents
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.
How To Cold Brew Tea / Iced Tea
Cold brewing tea is a great way to make tea without using any hot water. This is perfect for the summertime when you want a cold drink or don’t have access to hot water. You can use any type of tea for this, but I find that green tea works best. Simply put around two teaspoons of loose leaf tea into a quart-sized Mason jar and fill with cold water. Cover and let sit overnight or for 12 hours. In the morning, strain out the leaves and enjoy! This method will also remove the bitterness discussed earlier with green tea. It will create the best smooth tea flavor!
Iced tea is one of my favorite drinks in the summertime because it’s refreshing and delicious. There are many ways to make iced tea, but today we will explore two methods. The first is to make a tea concentrate which you can then add water or sparkling water to. The second way is to brew tea directly in your glass using ice cubes.
To make tea concentrate, mix one-part tea with two parts cold water or sparkling water. Store in the fridge and enjoy over ice!
For brewing tea directly in your glass, use around four teaspoons of loose leaf tea per quart-sized glass. Fill with cold water and stir in some honey or sugar if desired. Add lots of ice cubes and let steep for about 15 minutes. Enjoy!
Things To Add To Your Tea
There are many things you can add to tea for different flavors and tastes. Here are a few of my favorites:
-Honey: This is a great way to sweeten your tea and add some extra antioxidants.
-Sugar: Another way to sweeten tea and add flavor. I like using raw sugar or turbinado sugar because they have a lower glycemic index.
-Milk: Adds creaminess and sweetness to the tea. I usually use whole milk, but any type will work.
-Spices: Fresh ginger, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, lavender buds all make delicious additions to tea!
-Fruit: Add fresh fruit slices like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a sweet and refreshing drink.
-Herbs: Mint leaves, chamomile flowers, rose petals are all great additions to tea! Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
-Lemon: Lemon slices or lemon juice is an excellent addition to hot or iced tea! It adds great flavor and can help with colds, cases of flu, or a sore throat. It also tastes fantastic and contains many detox properties.
Conclusion
Tea is a delicious and healthy drink that can be enjoyed year-round. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to make the perfect cup of tea every time! Tea is a fantastic drink that can help you in all aspects of your life! Thanks for reading 🙂
