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What are the main health
benefits of tea?
Recent studies on tea have
indicated that it is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols
which have been shown to help fight free radicals in our
system. The results of these studies explain that
both black and green tea may benefit us in a number of areas.
Some of these areas are:
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Fight cancer causing cells
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Contain protective antioxidant
properties
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Help with cardiovascular assistance
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Lower your cholesterol level
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Help you to lose weight and fat
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Beautify your skin
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Aid in digestion
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Stimulate and clean your digestive track
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Alleviate headaches
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Promote general good health
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Freshen bad breath
-
Provide fluoride for teeth and bones
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Eliminate foot odor
-
Fight foot fungus
-
Improve fluid balance
-
Help with preventing strokes
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Where does tea come from?
All tea comes from the
Camellia sinensis plant. There are three major types of
tea—Black, oolong, green. White tea has recently been
introduced into the U.S. and is becoming quickly popular
because of its greater amount of health benefits. Black, or
fully fermented tea, produces an amber-colored, full-flavored
beverage without bitterness. Oolong, or semi-fermented tea,
produces a slightly bitter, light brownish-green liquid.
Green, or unfermented tea produces a mild, slightly bitter,
pale greenish-yellow beverage. White tea, also unfermented,
is a very delicate tea made from the unopened new buds of the
plant. After being gently dried, the buds have a silver white
appearance and produce a pale, straw colored beverage with a
subtle flavor.
Tea is
primarily grown in Mainland China, India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon),
Taiwan (Formosa), Japan, Nepal, Australia, and Kenya. Teas
are classified according to their region of origin. For
example, China, Ceylon, Japanese, Indonesian, and African
tea. Smaller tea districts include Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgris
from India, Uva and Dimbula from Sri Lanka, Keemun from
Chi-men in China’s Anhwei province and Enshu from Japan.
Tisanes,
or herbal infusions are blends from herb plants and contain no
tea, therefore, they are not considered teas. They come from
different parts of the herb plants and are often blended with
other herbs to create soothing, relaxing tisanes. Examples of
these would be peppermint, lavender and chamomile.
The Cozy Tea Cart
offers a wonderful selection of many of these
teas.
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How much caffeine does
tea contain?
The amount of caffeine in a
cup of tea is determined by how you are brewing your tea. If
brewed properly at the right temperature and for the correct
amount of time, the caffeine content will vary by the type of
tea you are brewing. Use the chart below as an estimated
guideline.
|
TEA (loose, 8 oz) |
| Black |
45-60 mg |
| Oolong |
<30 mg |
| Green |
<20 mg |
| White |
<15 mg |
|
Red (Rooibos) |
naturally decaffeinated |
| Herbal (Tisane) |
0 mg |
|
OTHER |
| Hot Cocoa (6 oz) |
14 mg |
| Coca-Cola (12 oz) |
45 mg |
| Pepsi-Cola (12 oz) |
37.5 mg |
|
COFFEE (8 oz) |
| Drip |
100-200 mg |
| Brewed |
80-135
mg |
| Espresso (2 oz) |
100 mg |
| Instant |
65-100
mg |
To
eliminate caffeine intake completely, please consider
switching to herbal tea, because even decaffeinated tea and
coffee contain a trace (between 5 and 10 milligrams) of
caffeine.
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What is the proper
temperature for brewing tea?
All teas are not brewed the
same. The act of brewing tea is part of the tea ceremony…to
fully appreciate a quality cup of tea, one must brew it
properly. Start with fresh spring water. For black teas and
tisanes, bring the water to a full boil (approx. 212oF),
and steep for 4-5 minutes. For Oolong teas, bring the water
to just under a boil (approx. 190oF-203oF)
and steep for 3-5 minutes. For green and white teas, the
water should be between 160oF and 180oF.
Green tea should steep for 1-3 minutes and white tea for 3-8
minutes. Measure one level teaspoon of loose tea into the
infuser for each cup desired. Pour prepared water over tea
and steep. Remove the infuser, sip slowly and enjoy!
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How do I properly store my
tea to keep it fresh?
The biggest enemies of tea
are Air, Moisture, Light, and Heat. These elements cause
degradation, which adversely affects the flavor of the tea.
Loose tea can be stored for up to 1˝ years in an airtight
container that does not allow light to penetrate through,
without any ill affects on flavor or quality. Tea bags can be
stored for up to 6 months without any adverse affects on
the quality of the tea.
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Does The Cozy
Tea Cart offer gift certificates?
Gift certificates are
available from
The
Cozy Tea Cart and can be obtained in any
value, good for both merchandise as well as services. Tea
time, or the act of taking tea, forces us to slow down and
delight in the fragrance of the tea while we reflect on our
thoughts. Why not purchase a gift certificate as that special
gift for a friend or family member who you think might enjoy
the simple act of taking tea.
*Gift
certificates are good for up to 6 months from the date of
purchase.
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How do I brew good
iced tea?
It is important not to skip the brewing process
when making iced tea. Using this most common way of brewing
tea increases tea’s maximum antioxidants. Refrigerator brewed
tea may keep the antioxidants confined.
Because this
is freshly brewed tea with no preservatives, you should drink
your tea within 72 hours of preparing it. After this, the
healthy benefits will begin to fade.
When preparing black iced tea, Ceylon and China
black teas are preferred as they will not cloud when they are
iced. Cloudy tea will not affect the taste, only its
appearance in the cup.
All tea types, Black, Oolong, Green and white
can be used to prepare iced tea. Many herbal tisanes are also
excellent iced.
There are several ways to prepare a delicious,
antioxidant rich pitcher of iced tea. Using purified,
filtered or spring water will allow you to taste the full
flavor of the tea. By following the steps below, you will
produce an antioxidant-loaded iced tea
with ample flavor and fragrance.
And,
if you are trying to cut down on caffeine, the cold
brew method (or refrigerator method) is the perfect choice
because cold water does not extract caffeine from the loose
tea leaves.
Tea Pot Brewing
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To prepare a pot of strong hot tea,
use the measurements suggested according to the directions
on the tea package, for the size of your pot. Then add an
additional teaspoon of loose tea or one additional tea bag
for a strong flavor.
-
Steep the tea for the number of minutes
suggested on the package.
-
Pour the hot tea over ice. This will help
prevent clouding of the tea. If the final liquid is
cloudy, try adding a few teaspoons of boiling water.
The ice will dilute the tea, providing the optimum flavor
for your iced tea.
Brew
a Tea Concentrate Using Loose Tea Leaves
-
To make
1 quart of iced tea, follow these directions.
(Using a Pyrex 4-cup glass measuring cup to prepare the
concentrate is helpful, but any container that can handle
the temperature of the water will work fine.)
-
Prepare
the water to the appropriate temperature for the type of
tea you are using.
-
Black
tea and Tisanes (herbals): full boil (approx. 212oF)
-
Oolong tea: just under a boil (approx. 190oF-203oF)
-
Green
and White teas: 160oF and 180oF
-
Add 3 teaspoons
of your preferred loose tea to a
t-sac disposable tea bag
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Pour 1
cup of
the prepared water over the tea bag.
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Let it
steep for 12-15 minutes.
-
Add
three cups ice cold water. (Or add 2 cups cold water and 1
cup ice.)
-
Squeeze
the teabag and remove from container.
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Sip
slowly and enjoy!
Cold
Brew (refrigerator method)
-
Place your loose-leaf tea leaves in a container
-
Pour in cold water and let steep in the refrigerator for
up to 6 hours or overnight.
-
Remove the container from the refrigerator, stir up the
infusion to distribute the flavor
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Strain the tea leaves and enjoy!
Garnishes
-
Garnish
your tea with a lemon, lime, or orange wedge, or a mint
leaf.
-
Sugar
can be added to sweeten the tea.
-
Use a
cinnamon stick, together with an orange and lemon slice
for a spicy kick!
Iced
Tea Pops
These
are an uplifting treat for both children and adults!
-
Prepare your iced tea using one of the methods suggested
above.
-
Pour
the tea into your ice pop mold. (Fresh fruit can also be
added here.)
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Insert
a stick into each pop.
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Freeze
until solid.
-
You
can also use this method to prepare tea
flavored ice cubes. Fruit flavored teas
work nicely. The ice cubes add a delicious burst to a
glass of water or fruit drink.
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Iced tea tidbits...
Iced tea makes a refreshing, stimulating
beverage all year round, especially during the summer months.
It can also be invigorating as a pick-me-up after exercising.
We have Richard Blechynden, an Englishman and
India Tea Commissioner, to thank for his enterprising
commercialization of iced tea in the United States. It was at
the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, on a sweltering hot day,
where he got the idea to serve his hot tea over ice. The
people attending the fair were quick to drink his tea to
quench their thirst. This new iced brew helped to introduce
the black Indian and Ceylon teas to the US, and allowed
Blechynden to continue to popularize iced tea, which spread
quickly through the United States.
When trying to decide between convenience teas
(ready to drink teas) and hot brewed tea, studies have shown
that most homemade iced tea has more antioxidants than
convenience teas. Since the levels of antioxidants in the
green and black teas are similar, whichever type you choose,
you will be getting a healthy, refreshing glass of iced tea!
I
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How do I brew my own
Chai Tea?
Brew Your Own Chai and serve it hot or cold!
Use The Cozy Tea Cart’s “American Chai” for a sweeter
infusion, or the “Indian Spice” tea for a more authentic
Indian Chai spiced tea blend. (See the ‘Flavored
Black’ tea menu for a complete list
of ingredients for these teas.)
Follow these easy steps:
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Heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk in a saucepan over
medium heat until just to a boil. Allow to cool slightly.
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Add 2 tbsp. American Chai OR Indian Spice tea and
allow to steep for 5 minutes. (If using raw sugar cubes,
they may be added during this step.)
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Strain through a
tea infuser and add your sugar and/or honey to taste.
Enjoy!
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