Tea Defined

All tea comes from the same plant: specifically, the leaf of camellia sinensis, a subtropical evergreen plant native to Asia and now grown around the world. If the leaves did not originate from camellia sinensis, then it is not tea.

Tea Types

All tea starts out as a green leaf on a bush. From there, it is made into the various types of teas by manipulating the shape and the chemistry of the leaf in different ways. All teas are then dried at the  end of the process. From this experience, we get green, white, black, and oolong teas. Herbal teas do not contain any camellia sinses and also do not contain caffeine.  They are also referred to as tisanes.  They contain interesting ingredients such as fruit leaves, bark, chocolate, spices, etc.

Tea and Health

Researchers have discovered that tea contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols that show potential in helping to prevent heart issues, disease and cancer. The antioxidants in tea work similarly to the way fruits and vegetables promote good health in the body.

Here are a few of the health benefits found evident through research:

• Tea may reduce the risk of heart disease
• Tea may reduce the risk and growth of cancer
• Tea may aid in digestion
• Tea may improve concentration and reduces fatigue
• Tea may help to fight allergies
• Tea may help control asthma
• Tea may wipe out the germs that cause bad breath
• Tea may improve immune system functioning
• Tea may relax and revive the body and mind
• Tea may prevent cavities and improve overall bone density
• Tea may be helpful in combating arthritis and rheumatism
• Tea may aid in weight loss
• Tea may aid with stress

It is important when brewing teas that the correct water temperature and brewing times are followed.  Here are some guidelines:

White                              175 degrees                   3-5 min
Green                              160-175 degrees           1-3/3-5 min*
Oolong                            195 degrees                  4-6 min
Black                               208-210 degrees          5 min
Rooibos                           212 degrees                 5-8 min
Herbal                             212 degrees                 5-8 min

*Depends if Japanese or Chinese Green Tea. Less time and water

temperature when brewing a Japanese green tea.

If seeking iced tea, you may double the steeping time to concentrate

the tea. When tea is poured over ice, the correct consistency is achieved. You may also add equal parts water to the concentrated tea.  To avoid cloudiness, let tea stand at room temperature before refrigerating.

Take our TEA 101 Class to learn proper steeping techniques and water temperatures, countries of origin and flavor profiles, what tea is

and what it is not, other health benefits of tea and taste lots of tea from green, black, oolong, white, and herbal.  We have focused tea tastings and learn to taste like professionals. You will also receive your own professional tea cupping set.  See our events calendar for specific class dates and times.