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Tea leaves were originally grown and developed as a medicinal treatment. Today, tea is consumed for pleasure and treatment purposes. Tea is made by steeping leaves and buds of tea plants in freshly boiled water. The beverage produced can be consumed hot or cold.
Unlike coffee and other warm beverages, tea contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants like Carotene, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Ascorbic Acid, Manganese, Vitamin A and Potassium. Certain blends of tea are now being studied at medical institutes, as they are thought to reduce the risks associated with heart disease and various forms of cancer.
DIFFERENT BLENDS OF TEA
BLACK TEA is the most common type of tea around the world. It's made from fresh leaves that have been crushed or minced and stored. Once set aside, the leaves begin to turn brown during the fermentation process, and go through various stages of color and aroma. Finally, they are fired, in able to allow them to dry, and packed for consumption. Popular black tea leaves include:
ASSAM, which is made into full bodied tea with a rich, malty flavor.
CEYLON, which has a brisk, full flavor.
DARJEELING, which makes a delicate tea.
KENYAN, which is a very strong tea, often consumed in the morning, in place of coffee.
Black tea leaves are also mixed together to form specialty blends like Breakfast Tea, Earl Grey and Rose Congou.
GREEN TEAS have become increasingly popular in recent years. Said to help boost the immune system, green teas come most from China and Japan, and are made from fresh leaves that have not been allowed to turn color or ferment. Unlike black teas, boiled water is not used in preparation.
OOLONG TEAS are made from large tea leaves that have been twisted or bent, allowing them to brown in spots. This process produces an aromatic, light brew. Oolong teas are not as strong as black teas, as they are allowed to ferment for only a short time.
HERBAL TEAS are made from a blend of black or green tea leaves and herbs. A wide variety of herbal teas are on the market today, most of which are used to treat ailments. Chamomile tea, for example, is often used as a calming aid. Ginger tea has been used for years to treat nausea and morning sickness. Gingseng tea is used around the world to boost memory and stamina.
MAKE THE PERFECT CUP OF TEA
BLACK TEA DIRECTIONS
Experts recommend using two separate pots when making tea. The first will be used to boil the water, and the second is used to brew the tea in. Loose tea leaves can be added to water directly and then pulled out with a tea strainer, or a tea ball, which holds leaves inside a metal container, can be used.
1. Begin with fresh water. If you don't drink your faucet water, don't expect tea to make it taste better. Bottled and filtered water make the best tea.
2. Begin to boil the water.
3. As the water begins to boil, remove teapot or kettle from heat.
4. Pour a small amount of water into your brewing kettle. This will "scald" the pot. Discard the scald water immediately. (This is step is used to keep your tea warmer.)
5. Pour remainder of boiling water into teapot or kettle.
6. Add tea to pot or kettle. If you're using tea bags, add four bags for every six cups of tea. If you're using leaves, it's best to gently pack leaves into a tea ball. (Note: Tea balls can only be filled halfway. Overpacking a tea ball will cause it to explode.)
7. Time the brewing process. Most types of tea take 3-5 minutes.
8. Remove tea bags and balls.
9. If you've used tea leaves, you will need to strain your tea as you pour it into a cup.
GREEN AND OOLONG INSTRUCTIONS
When making green tea or oolong teas, water should not be allowed to boil. When water temperature reaches 185-degrees, tea leaves should be infused. Failing to do this will make green, white and oolong teas bitter.
TIPS AND TRICKS
ALWAYS store tea in an air-tight container. It doesn't matter whether you're using bags or leaves. All tea must be stored this way to preserve aroma and flavor.
ALWAYS use good quality tea. Whether you're a fan of tea bags or leaves is irrelevant. If you don't start with a good product, your end result will be the same.
USE freshly boiled water only! If water is boiled more than once, it reduces the amount of oxygen. This will give your tea less flavor and aroma.
FOLLOW directions. Some leaves require water to boil and brew for specific amounts of time. Following standard guidelines on tea packaging is essential to gaining maximum flavor and aroma.
SWEETENERS can easily be added to tea once it's brewed. White sugar, sugar cane and sugar sticks are popular sweeteners for black teas.
MILK or cream can be used with black teas, as can lemon wedgies.
FOLLOW label instructions when using fresh tea leaves. The standard measurement is usually 1 teaspoon of leaves per cup of water.
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