In an ancient time, as Chinese legend recounts, an emperor was boiling water in his garden and leaves from the Camellia bush drifted into the pot. The aroma was pleasant and alluring. He tasted the infusion and thus the beverage of tea had its claim in history. First used for medical purposes, tea gradually evolved into a social beverage and ultimately the center of a cultural ritual.
Today tea comes full circle as the "big new" in beverage, bringing along with it a renewed interest in its health benefits. Essential in oils and polyphenols that aid digestion; fluoride, a mineral that prevents the development of tooth decay; and vitamins, such as vitamin C is found in significant amounts in tea. Currently under worldwide research, evidence suggests that tea may provide added health benefits such a reduced risk of chronic disease.
True tea is from the Camellia Sinensis plant, an evergreen shrub that produces many types of teas. The differences of types of teas are based on where the tea is grown, how it is picked and how it is processed. A 1/4 lb. of tea serves approximate 50 cups. Low in calories, just 4 per cup, tea fits in well with our active life-styles.
Caffeine per 6 0z. Cup*
Espresso (2 oz.) 60-90 mg
Drip Coffee 60-180 mg
Black tea 15-110 mg
Oolong 12-55 mg
Green Tea 8-16 mg
Tea Brewing Methods
Brewing a perfect cup of tea is easy. All it requires is freshly boiled water, good tea, and the patience to wait a least five minutes.
Hot Tea
- Bring fresh cold water to a boil.
- Preheat teapot with hot water, then empty.
- Use one teaspoon of loose tea or one tea bag per 6 oz. of water. Place in a teapot. Loose tea may be placed in the pot directly or in a tea ball or filter.
- Pour fresh boiling water over tea.
- Steep: Black, decaf, and flavored teas: 3-5 minutes
- Green, Oolong, and scented tea: 5-6 minutes
- Tisanes / herbal: 6-7 minutes
- Remove tea bags, tea ball or strain loose leaves.
Serve at once. Best served in a china cup used exclusively
for tea. If you want stronger tea, add more tea; don't steep longer. Over steeping produces a stringent undesirable taste.
Iced Tea
Follow the same directions for hot tea, using double tea portions. And pour over ice. When making large quantities of iced tea, allow tea to cool at room temperature for several hours before refrigerating in order to minimize clouding. Iced tea stays fresh for two days in the refrigerator.
To Prepare Chai
Combine 10 oz. (2 - 5 oz. Cups) of fresh water, two teaspoons of loosed Chai or four Chai tea bags in a saucepan and simmer over a low heat for 5-7 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of milk and sweeten to taste. Strain into two cups. For iced Chai, refrigerate and serve over ice. Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon.
(2 servings)
Tea Storage
Although there are variance among tea varieties, ideally teas can be stored for up to one year in separate airtight containers protected from light. Green teas and Oolongs tea tend to loose their flavors before black teas. In some black teas such a Keemun, tea flavor is enhanced over time.
