How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Tea Have you ever made a cup of tea that tasted bitter? The key to great tea drinking is making the perfect cup of tea. Whether you prefer a bag of tea or loose tea, always start with a pot (or kettle, preferably) of cold water. Bring water to a boil* and then remove the kettle from the stove (overboiling the water could hasten the natural brewing time and make for a less-than-perfect cup of tea).
Throughout history, tea has been linked to a variety of health benefits, short-term and long-term. While the art of tea drinking has its own pluses, others are associated with the key ingredients in tea leaves, and how they are processed after cultivation.
green tea Fresh tea leaves are heated or steamed to produce green tea. Caffeinated. Contains antioxidants that may boost heart health to lower blood pressure, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Matcha is a fine green tea powder; it is considered potent as it contains more antioxidants than regular green tea.
black tea Tea leaves are “oxidized,” dried and fermented. Richer flavor than green tea. Contains the highest level of caffeine of all teas. May have heart-associated benefits. Steam, cool and press tea-soaked pad on minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
HEALTH BENEFITS
Use 1 tea bag per cup or 1-2 teaspoons of loose tea per cup. To prepare a cup of tea using loose leaves, add about 1-2 teaspoons into the tea strainer, set the strainer over your cup, and let the hot water flow over the strainer into your cup. When using a tea bag to make tea, let it steep in the heated water according to the recommended times (white tea takes less time to brew, while black tea takes longer). For a personalized taste, add cold milk (whole or condensed) and/or sugar (or honey) to the tea. Stir slowly to prevent the tea from cooling too fast.
of tea
white tea Delicate flavor. Low caffeine content. Least processed tea variety. May fight off various forms of cancer. Could help with healthy teeth.
herbal tea Blend of herbs, spices, fruits, roots, and other plants in addition to tea leaves. No caffeine.
Recommended Brew Times Green 2 mins Black 3-5 mins White 1-2 mins Herbal 3-4 mins
Chamomile tea (may improve sleep and relaxation, and reduce stress). Peppermint (may soothe an upset stomach). Ginger (may aid with morning sickness and help relieve joint pain). Hibiscus (may lower high blood pressure). Other varieties include: ginkgo biloba, ginseng, jasmine, rosehip, mint, rooibos, and echinacea.
March/April 2023
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