Let’s Talk About…Tea
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I love tea.
It’s a whole wide world that I feel not many people know about. Sometimes I think there’s as many types of teas as stars in the sky, and that’s just fine with me!
Tea isn’t everyone’s….cup of tea, but if it is, let’s talk a little bit about what it is, what types there are, and how to prepare it properly to make the best cuppa possible.
TYPES OF TEA
Tea originated in Eastern Asia and is now, after water, the most widely-consumed drink in the world. That’s pretty amazing, but not extraordinarily surprising once you think about how many types there are and how many different ways you can prepare it.
Tea comes from the tea plant, Camellia sinesis, and tea leaves as we know them are made by wilting and oxidizing the leaves. Oxidizing occurs as the tea leaves are exposed to air, and naturally dry out and darken. The longer they are left out, the darker they become - the point at which the oxidation process is stopped or started determines the type of tea it becomes.
According to the very helpful Wikipedia page on tea, the types of tea and oxidation levels are:
White: wilted and unoxidized
Green: unwilted and unoxidized
Oolong: wilted, bruised, and partially oxidized
Black: wilted, sometimes crushed, and fully oxidized
Any teas that do not come from this plant aren’t exactly “tea,” - but rather “tisane” - this would cover herbal teas that don’t actually contain Camellia sinesis leaves, and Rooibos tea, which comes from the African “red bush” Aspalathus linearis plant.
STEEPING TEA
Ever wonder why your tea comes out bitter sometimes? Turns out, you might be steeping it too long, or the water could be the wrong temperature. Each type of tea is different. If you're an avid tea drinker who enjoys lots of different types of tea, I recommend an electric kettle with different settings based on tea type. The link leads to the tea kettle I have at home. It is a little pricey, but my husband and I drink a lot of tea, and I use the kettle for preparing broth and other things as well, so we definitely get our money’s worth.
TEA BAGS VS. LOOSE TEA
I suppose loose tea is superior to tea bags, but both are equally good in my book, and tea bags are obviously more convenient because it’s less of a mess.
However, as stated, I enjoy both. The benefit of loose tea is that you can usually get more than one steeping out of it. There are several methods to brew loose tea.
A) Cast Iron teapot (with strainer)
My husband got this teapot for me for Christmas years ago, after we’d been lamenting the fact that my china teapot, while very pretty, did not quite hold enough for the two of us. This cast iron teapot keeps the tea hot, comes with a removable strainer, a trivet, and four small cups. We use it at least once a week if not more. It’s super easy to clean - just run it under very hot water, inside and outside, and set to dry. Don’t use soap, as cast iron tends to absorb flavors and will do the same with your dish soap. (Yuck.)
B) Tea strainer and C) Tea ball
These work mostly the same way. A tea strainer like this one came with a cup or a mug; the little hook holds onto the side of the mug. The teaball works much the same way, hooking onto the side of a cup or mug so you don’t lose it in the hot water. Just pack the tea leaves in (usually a tablespoon or two) and let it steep.
D) IngenuiTEA tea pot.
Okay. This one is really clever. You put the loose tea in, pour the water over the top, let it steep, and then - this is the coolest part - you set the whole thing on top of your mug and the rim of the cup pushes this contraption upwards, allowing the steeped tea to drain into your mug - while straining out all the loose tea bits! If you can’t understand what I mean, check out the video on their website!
To clean up loose tea, I usually dump most of the tea into the garbage can so it doesn’t clog up my sink disposal, then rise the tea strainer with hot water, scrubbing with a soapy sponge or brush if needed.
TEA ADDITIONS
Oh, there are so many ways to enjoy your tea. You can add:
Sugar (I enjoy this rock sugar)
Honey (if you buy local honey, it can help with allergies!)
Milk or Cream (that’s the Irish way to drink tea, and how I like my black and chai teas)
Lemon (soothing to a sore throat)
Lime (a great addition to Hibiscus iced tea)
Cinnamon sticks
Mint leaves
Ginger
Whiskey, lemon, and honey to make a Hot Toddy (best with green or black tea)
MY FAVORITE TEAS
Because my husband and I are sensitive to caffeine, most of the teas in my house are herbal or rooibos teas.
Some of my favorite include:
Rooibos Earl Grey by Tick Tock Tea (caffeine free)
I enjoy mine with milk and sugar, and really love to drink it with my homemade Oatmeal Bread or Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Blueberry Rooibos by Rishi (caffeine free)
I enjoy mine with honey, especially this raw Knapweed Honey by Wustner Brothers
Decaf Sweet Coconut Thai Chai by Celestial Seasonings (caffeine free)
This is perfect with a piece of pie or a cookie, especially with a little milk and sugar.
Goji Green Tea by David’s Tea (mild caffeine)
Dragoneye Oolong by Revolution (mild caffeine)
This goes great with Asian-inspired dishes like my Salmon Teriyaki Bowls!
Honeybush by Rooibos Rocks (caffeine free)
What are some of your favorite teas? How do you like them prepared? Let me know in the comments!
