Spilling the Tea

What is Tea?

Tea is derived from an evergreen shrub or small plant called Camellia sinenis (scientific name) that produces leaves and buds. After harvesting, teas are dried and prepared as a beverage by soaking the leaves in boiling water. This native Asian camellia flower grows in deep soil at high altitudes in tropical gardens and subtropical climates. Today tea is grown around the world. Tea is the second most commonly consumed beverage in the world, exceeded only by water.

Types of Tea

A surprising fact about tea is that all teas come from the same plant. The most common types of teas are Black, Green, Oolong, White, and Pu’erh. Other forms that may be called tea are actually referred to as herbal or tisane which include chamomile, rooibos and fruit teas.

Benefits of Drinking Tea

Tea contains antioxidants

Tea reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke

Tea helps with weight loss

Tea helps protect your bones

Tea boost your immune system

Tea soothes your digestive system

Components of Tea

The three primary components of tea:

1. Essential Oils - provides aromas and flavors.
2. Polyphenols - these provide a slight acidity or bitterness in the mouth and components that carry most of the health benefits of tea.
3. Caffeine - provides tea's natural energy boost.

How to Make The Perfect Tea

* Bring freshly drawn cold tea water to a rolling boil

* Use one tea bag or diffuser with one teaspoon of tea for each cup desired

* Pour boiling water into teapot or cup and let tea steep for 3-6 minutes according to taste

* Add milk, sugar, honey or lemon to taste

* Store unused tea in moisture free container

Proper Boiling Temperatures:

Proper water temperature for steeping is crucial when preparing to sip tea. If you temperature is too high, the tea will lose its fresh taste and if your water is too low the flavor will not extract fully.

Recommended Water Temperatures:

2 grams of tea per unbleached tea bag is recommended per cup; each can be reused 2-3 times

White and Green Teas – 70°C/158 F

Black and Oolong Teas - 85°C/185 F

Herbal Teas - 100°C/212 F