There are all kinds of tea available right now, but they will only taste great if you brew them properly. Using the wrong technique on the best of teas can turn something delicious into something that tastes like dirty dishwater.
Black teas are the most robust. Their rich, astringent flavor can be enjoyed on its own, or with milk and sugar (such as English or Irish Breakfast), or with lemon (such as Earl Grey). Black-teas generally contain about half the caffeine of coffee, but decaffeinated options are very common now and usually quite tasty.
To brew black kinds, use water that is boiling (212 degrees F or 100 degrees C). For the richest flavor, let it steep for 4 to 6 minutes. For a milder flavor, steep for two to three minutes. If you use loose leaf, you will see individual leaves uncurl. For bagged sorts, be patient, don't stir, and wait until your brew is uniform in color.
Green tea is a wonderful option that has gained popularity in recent years. Flavors range from the bold and smoky Gunpowder to the sweetly subtle jasmines. The caffeine content of most green-teas is less than black-teas, but can vary greatly.
Green-tea is ruined by water that is too hot, and will lose its delicate green color and wonderful flavor. If the green comes out yellow, the water you used is too hot, and you should start over. Water should be well under boiling (160 degrees F or less). A good rule of thumb is to let your water cool until you just stop seeing steam come off of it. Brew green-teas for 3 to 4 minutes, and you can reuse your leaves to brew another pot.
White teas are a newer option, and have less caffeine than green (almost none) with even more subtlety. White-tea can handle slightly hotter water than green (just below boiling), and should steep for 4 to 6 minutes.
There are hundreds of varieties of herbal teas. Not only are herbal-teas delicious, but many of them claim to have healing properties. Chamomile has a light floral or grassy flavor and is said to be relaxing. Mint kinds supposedly calm the stomach. Fruity vaieties like lemon and orange wake you up (without caffeine) and are a source of vitamin C. Generally speaking, herbal teas should be brewed at a lower temperature than black (slightly less than boiling), but longer than green (four to five minutes).
Tea is a delightful way to enjoy something truly good for you. It takes a little practice, but the best cup of tea is brewed when you slow down and take time to do it for yourself.
You can use a magical cup of this amazing beverage to relax at any time of the day because there is something about it that brings people together. You can give someone a tea gift basket or recommend they try out green tea for weight loss to be helpful. For all the free information you'll need, please check out our website.
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