'Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage' /Catherine Douzel/

There was something ‘bout chocolate and coffee previously. Now, I want to tell you about my next favourite drink. Tea :D I love red or vanilla tea.  If you are new to tea, let me talk and just listen :P But before I start describing different types of tea, I’m going to give you some tips. When you will be  chosing a tea for yourself you will probably remind my words :D  There are many  types of tea, from white and green tea to black teas...  A tea blended with fruits is a good place to start. Trust me :)  Dried fruits like strawberries and blueberries can add extra vitamins to tea.  Some beginner tea drinkers may like the taste (and smell!) Of flowers in their tea. I personally don’t like it but I am not a beginner anymore :P  Flowers like jasmine, lavender, and roses can really enhance the experience of drinking tea :) by adding a full and fragrant aroma.

Black tea is the most widespread type as people all over the world make their tea by dipping tea bags of black tea in their cups and enjoy the rich taste. Being a fully fermented tea, black tea contains about 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. The health benefits include possible reduction of heart disease risk due to its partial prevention of cholesterol absorption. Black teas are good for blood sugar level and blood pressure regulation, for gingivitis and tooth decay prevention :)

Green tea is a type of Camellia sinensis that has undergone minimal fermentation. It originates from China and is associated with many areas of Asia such as China, Japan and the Middle East although it has recently become popular in the west where black tea is more traditionally consumed. :) Part of this revival is due to the numerous health benefits that have recently been discovered in green tea ranging from lowering cholesterol, blood sugar levels and managing obesity to being a possible preventative of high blood pressure, certain cancers and neurological disorders.

White tea is made from the buds and young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and sun dried or dried by steaming with no fermentation. As a result it has the least amount of caffeine of all the teas, about 1% that of a cup of coffee, and the most subtle flavours. They are appreciated by tea connoisseurs all over the world for their natural sweetness and delicacy. It is a speciality of the Fujian province, China.

Oolong tea (also sometimes called Wu Long tea meaning “black dragon” ;) ) is a variety of Camellia sinensis that has been partially fermented to give it a colour between green and black tea. It is commonly served in Chinese restaurants or sold as “weight loss tea” due to its high caffeine content which encourages fat metabolism. Each cup has around 10-15% of the caffeine in cup of coffee. Oolong tea can be processed in two main ways, either as long curly leaves or rolled into tight balls similar to gunpowder tea, sometimes called dragon pearl tea. The Chinese often call these partially fermented teas as “red tea” although it should not be confused with Rooibos, the African “Red Bush” tea that is a completely different plant.

Pu-erh tea with its distinctive, earthy taste and deep reddish color is known in China for its many health related properties. It aids in digestion and fat metabolism and is a great tea to include in a balanced weight loss plan. Whether you prefer teabags, loose leaf Pu-erh, beeng cha’s or compressed tuochas, you are sure to enjoy our high quality and smooth tasting Pu-erh teas. Many coffee drinkers enjoy Pu-erh’s rich deep flavors. :D  Since Pu-erh has less caffeine than coffee, it is a great alternative for those looking to decrease their caffeine intake. Brew gongfu style for a gourmet cup.

Rooibos is made from the plant Aspalathus linearis and not from the Camellia family at all despite often being called bush tea or redbush tea. This is because its name means “Red Bush” in Afrikaans and is often drunk as an alternative to tea. It is naturally caffeine free and low in tannins with numerous health benefits. It has enjoyed several periods of popularity in Africa and is recently reaching a wider international market with all people.

Mate, also known as Chimarrão or Cimarrón, is a traditional South American beverage made from steeping the dried leaves of yerba mate  in hot water. It is traditionally served in a calabash gourd and drunk through a metal straw called a bombilla. This straw has a flared end with small holes in that act like a sieve to filter out the chunky dried sticks and leaves from the water. It has many cultural associations with the people of South America and is often drunk as part of a social ritual or with cultural associations in mind. Mate is also available in convenient tea bags called Mate cocido but it is considered a completely different drink, with none of the cultural associations and never drunk in the same fashion.

Blooming tea, also called flowering or artisan tea :), is an ornamental type of tea made by tying a small bundle of tea leaves and flowers together with cotton thread into a ball. When steeped in water the bundle unfurls in a process like that of a flower coming into bloom. Jasmine flowers are the most common but globe amaranth, chrysanthemum, lily, hibiscus and osmanthus are also used. They are generally steeped in a glass vessel so that the process can be viewed and are a speciality of the Yunnan province of China where they are always hand made by specialist artisans.

I’ll be writing soon. Take care :)

Ania