Tea, High Tea And Afternoon Tea – What’s The Difference?

Tea, High Tea And Afternoon Tea – What’s The Difference?
By: Marcus Stout

Tea the Drink

There are two forms of tea that often cause confusion in the tea world: tea the drink and tea the meal. Tea the drink is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant and from the processing of the plant white, green, oolong, and black teas are produced. The basic teas are also often blended with other plants like vanilla, mint and melon as well as flavors like Oil of Bergamot to make Earl Grey Tea,

The beverage is made by steeping processed leaves, buds, or twigs of the tea bush in hot water for a few minutes. The processing can include oxidation, heating, drying, and the addition of other herbs, flowers, spices, and fruits.

The term "herbal tea" usually refers to infusions of fruit or of herbs (such as rosehip, chamomile, or jiaogulan) that contain no Camellia Sinensis.

Tea the Meal

Tea the meal on the other hand involves tea the drink as an important part but really is directed toward social and family gatherings where tea and food are often consumed together.

Generally speaking , the tea meal became most popular and refined in England but spread to English speaking countries or former English colonies as well. Tea meals are also celebrated in other countries in differing forms.

The key distinction between differing tea meals is the time of day, type of food served and the location of serving.

Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea (or Low tea) is a light meal typically eaten at 4:00 pm. It originated in Britain, though various places in the former British Empire also have such a meal. However, most Britons no longer eat such a meal.

Traditionally, loose tea would be served in a teapot with milk and sugar. This would be accompanied by various sandwiches (customarily cucumber, egg and cress, tuna, ham, and smoked salmon), scones (with butter, clotted cream and jam) and usually cakes and pastries. Traditionally the tea and food would be served on a lounge (or low) table.

While afternoon tea used to be an everyday event, nowadays it is more likely to be a treat in a hotel, café, or tea shop, although many Britons still have a cup of tea and slice of cake or chocolate at teatime. Accordingly, many hotels now market and promote afternoon teas.

High tea

To the uninitiated, High tea may be a confusing term.

High tea is an early evening meal, typically eaten between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. It would be eaten as a substitute for both afternoon tea and the evening meal. The term comes from the meal being eaten at the ‘high’ (main) table, instead of the smaller lounge (low) table. It is now largely replaced by the later meal tea.

It would usually consist of cold meats, eggs and/or fish, cakes and sandwiches. In a family, it tended to be less formal and is an informal snack (featuring sandwiches, cookies, pastry, fruit and the like) or else it is the main evening meal.

On farms, rural areas or other working class environments, high tea would be the traditional, substantial meal eaten by workers immediately after nightfall, and would combine afternoon tea with the main evening meal.

In recent years, High tea somehow became a word for exquisite afternoon tea. Such usage is incorrect. High Tea is not, in traditional terms, afternoon tea.

Main evening meal

Tea is the main evening meal, even if the diners are not drinking tea. It is traditionally eaten at 5 o'clock in the evening, though often it is later, as late as 9pm.

In many rural parts of the United Kingdom tea as a meal is synonymous with dinner in Standard English. Under such usage, the midday meal is sometimes termed dinner, rather than lunch.

The United States

The term high tea is sometimes used in the United States to refer to afternoon tea or the tea party, a very formal, ritualized gathering in which tea, thin sandwiches and small cakes are served in an exquisite setting. This usage comes from misunderstanding the term high to mean formal. Most tea drinkers understand that such usage is incorrect;

This form of tea is increasingly served in high-end U.S. hotels, often during the winter holidays and other tourist seasons, and many big-city teahouses, where it is usually correctly described as Afternoon tea

Social Implications

The tea party is still occasionally given in the U.S., usually for a special occasion. This occasion is a formal one, but otherwise afternoon tea is an informal gathering of friends. The tea party often became a place of intimate conversation and social intercourse.

Tea is a very important part of many people’s lives and it is important for those who drink tea or participate in tea meals to understand the correct terminology.

About the Author:
Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, green tea and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

Essiac Herbal Tea: Alternative Cancer Treatment

Essiac Herbal Tea: Alternative Cancer Treatment
By: Sarah Thomas

Essiac herbal tea for cancer was named after a Canadian nurse by the name of Rene Caisse, Essiac being her last name written backwards. She was credited for refining the original formula which contained eight herbs into a tea containing the four essential ingredients. The following is a brief account of them.

Essiac Tea Formula: Herbs

*Burdock root (Arctium lappa)

In the past, this plant was used in folk medicine. It contains trace minerals such as potassium, phosphorous, chromium, iron, magnesium, zinc, silicon, sodium and cobalt. It also has vitamin E and B complex. According to various clinical trails, the plant has been found to have anti-tumor properties. Burdock root can be an alternative blood purifier. It is a diuretic and diaphoretic.

*Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella)

Sheep sorrel is a known ingredient in folk remedies in Asia and Europe for cancer. The plant is a diuretic and contains anti-tumor properties like the Burdock root. It is high in vitamins E, K, D, C B complex and A. Trace minerals such as iron, silicon, sulphur, manganese, copper, magnesium, calcium, can be found in this herb.

*Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva)

According to many herbalists the bark of the slipper elm can make a drink full of nutrients that heal and soothe various ailments. The bark has been reported to have an ability to remove toxins from the body, and many claim it has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties as well.

* Turkey Rhubarb (Rheum Palmatum)

Cassie chose this variety of rhubarb over the common variety because it is less bitter and more effective. The root contains a number of vitamins such as B complex, C, A and P. It has a lot of the trace minerals needed by the body such as sodium, copper, iodine, iron, chlorine, calcium, manganese, potassium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus and zinc.

The more waste matter removed from the body, the more toxins that may cause tumor cells are eliminated. The rhubarb is a laxative that gently stimulates the organs to purge the body of this matter.

About the Author:
Sarah Thomas provides articles on health matters. You can find more of her work at the site herbal-today.com

Health Benefits For Chai Drinkers

Health Benefits For Chai Drinkers
By: Rachel Medlock

What is Chai Tea?

“Chai” actually means “tea” in Hindi, so calling “chai” “chai tea” is actually rather redundant. However, marketers in the western world thought that “chai tea” would help them sell the “new” product to the western market. Chai is actually centuries old, with its origins in India. Generally, it is a milky, spiced tea made with black tea, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, pepper, and various other spices. It is usually sweetened – most commonly with sugar, but some drinkers prefer honey. There is not a universal recipe for chai, as different drinkers like it different ways, so the spice list can change depending on who’s making it.

It is most likely this list of ingredients not often found in western beverages that makes chai seem “exotic” to westerners. But in India, chai is as common as tea is in Britain and coffee is in the United States. In fact, it’s so common that in many Indian households, the first thing a host offers a guest is a cup of chai.

Potential Health Benefits of Chai

Some tea companies tout the health benefits of drinking their chai product – but buyer beware. While chai is certainly better for the body than a drink such as coffee, because not all chai is made with the same ingredients, it’s not really possible to state that chai is universally beneficial. And it’s also more likely to benefit the drinker when the drinker has brewed his/her own chai, rather than buying boxed chai or chai in tea bag form. Why? Simply because the spices and herbs being used are much fresher. Here is a list of some of the benefits of the different ingredients in most chai recipes:

1) Cinnamon: In a recent study by the US Agricultural Research Service, cinnamon has been shown to benefit diabetics because the cells are less likely to let insulin in. In lab rats with Type 2 diabetes, cinnamon helped lower blood pressure and prevented cell damage. Cinnamon’s oils also help to stop the growth of certain bacteria and yeasts.

2) Ginger: In the Far East, ginger has been used for over two millennia to treat upset stomach, diarrhea, arthritis, and heart disease. Recent research by western scientists also suggests that ginger may help lower the risk of colon cancer.

3) Cardamom: Like ginger, cardamom is often used to soothe digestion problems. But it is also used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma or people suffering from other kinds of respiratory spasms. Further, in Saudi Arabia, animal studies have shown cardamom to have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing muscle spasms.

4) Cloves: Used in Ayurvedic medicine as an analgesic, cloves are most often used to soothe toothaches and remedy halitosis. It also has antiseptic qualities, and can be used to kill intestinal parasites, fungi, and bacteria. These latter qualities have also led cloves to be used for treating diarrhea and similar digestive ailments.

5) Pepper: Most chai recipes do not usually contain enough black pepper for it to be of significant benefit to its drinkers. However, black pepper does reduce intestinal gas and works as an antioxidant.

Just remember: The best way to ensure that your regular cup of chai provides you with the health benefits you’re looking for is to brew it yourself. Then you can select the herbs and spices that benefit your specific health condition.

About the Author:
Rachel Medlock is a connoisseur of hot drinks, including chai. She owns the informational website http://www.MyChaiTeas.com

Enjoying Chai Tea The World Over

Enjoying Chai Tea The World Over
By: Michelle Bery

Tea is one of the common threads that unite a myriad of cultures; what is a morning jolt of caffeine or a ritual afternoon respite for some, may be a traditional ceremony for others. Regardless of the purpose it serves, tea has been a constant in society for centuries. The different flavors of tea have changed and evolved but the love for it has remained the same.

Having made its appearance more frequently on many a restaurant menu, Chai tea – named for the Hindi word for tea itself – has reached a popularity of huge proportions making it a favorite staple for tea enthusiasts everywhere. In fact, in India, Chai tea has reached a pinnacle of popularity that has surpassed even coffee.

The tea that is commonly referred to as Chai tea in most cultures is a tea infused with a variety of spices; its taste is unique and easily recognized. The people of India have a variety of recipes they use to make Chai tea and recipes are handed down from generation to generation. The strength and combination of the spices is what makes each Chai tea recipe unique.

All Chai tea recipes begin with a strong black tea as its base. Added to this is heavy milk or cream followed by a variety of spices. The spices used in Chai tea vary according to the particular region from where the Chai tea derives but some particular spices that are normally associated with Chai tea are cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and ginger. Finally, sugar, honey, molasses – or a combination of some or all – is added to the Chai tea to sweeten the beverage.

Chai tea can be found in a multitude of shops and restaurants around the world. But for those who are willing to experiment you can make your own delicious Chai tea at home that reflects the combination of tea, milk, spices, and sweetener that most suits you.

No matter whether you prepare or purchase your Chai tea, the result is the same – a soothing beverage that can bring peace, relaxation, and joy with every cup.

About the Author:
For easy to understand, in depth information about tea visit our ezGuide 2 Tea

Discover The Health Benefits Of Essiac Tea

Discover The Health Benefits Of Essiac Tea
By: Addison Taylor

People who have been drinking Essiac tea have been reporting health benefits from this practice for years.

Essiac tea's "claim to fame" is it's reported ability to help fight cancer. However, Essiac tea is not a one punch fighter and offers several health benefits for those seeking health improvement using all natural methods like herbal tea.

Essiac tea has been reported to offer some of the following benefits.

1. Helping cleanse the blood.

2. Normalize the bodies enzymes.

3. Assist the liver in producing lecithin which helps protect nerve fibers.

4. Increase red blood cell production.

5. Nourish and stimulates the brain along with the nervous system.

6. Help increase bone and joint strength.

Essiac tea offers a variety of benefits for those who are seeking a healthier lifestyle or help with one of those areas mentioned above.

Ideally Essiac tea should be drank on an empty stomach at night about two hours or so after eating.
Proper preparation is key when drinking Essiac tea because if you prepare it using the wrong herbs or get pre-filled bags containing the wrong herbs the tea is said to be of little to no use.

Essiac tea comes in a variety of forms. You can buy it in bulk, in a bottle, in a packet, or you can buy it pre-packaged in tea bags.

You want to avoid air, heat, and light when storing your tea. These elements will effect the teas effectiveness making it less effective and hurting the power of the herbs used in the tea formula.

Storing the tea, in whatever form you decide to buy, in a cool, dark, and dry area will help you achieve the best results.

To sum up what we've covered so far, Essiac tea offers a wide range of health benefits and comes in a variety of packages from large bulk bags to average tea bags making essiac tea a nice option for those people looking to increase their health through herbal teas.

About the Author:
Addison Taylor writes articles on different topics. To know more about visit http://www.squidoo.com/exposedacnekit http://www.squidoo.com/exposedacnetreatment http://www.squidoo.com/exposedskincare

Chinese Oolong Tea Processes And Benefits

Chinese Oolong Tea Processes And Benefits
By: Angela Sorros

Chinese oolong tea is in the first place a class as well as a kind of tea. It is one of the most famous teas in the world. According to many experts, the Chinese oolong tea is half way between green tea and black tea in a sense that it is half-fermented. It is as clear and fragrant as green tea and as refreshing and strong as black tea. As often said, if you drink oolong, the natural aroma may linger into your mouth and make your throat much comfortable.

The name of “oolong” is said to be an enigma to Chinese tea history. Nobody knows if it is named after a place or any variety of the plant. And, although the pinyin for oolong is “Wu Long”, which means black dragon, nobody can tell if the name “oolong” has any relation with “dragon”, which traditionally taken as the Chinese lucky indication.

The Processing of Chinese Oolong Tea

When it comes to the procedures involved in the processing of Chinese oolong tea, experts have shown six procedures that are usually considered. These include sunshine withering, tedding fresh leaves, rocking green, stir-fry green, rolling, and drying. With these procedures, many have considered oolong as one of the most complicated teas, if not the most complicated whole food beverage produced.

Usually, after picking, the leaves undergo withering, then bruised and dried. The leaves are either rolled or twisted by hand depending on the variety of oolong. While those may seem like straightforward steps, the number of different techniques as well as the precision timing employed give this partially-oxidized Chinese tea an enormous range of flavors, other than fragrances and liquor colors.

Types and Flavors

The Chinese oolong teas generally offer a spectrum of flavors that impart distinct notes and elegant bouquets. Some Chinese oolong teas are light and sweet. Perhaps a good example of this type is the Formosa oolong. This tea boasts beautiful large leaves that are tightly rolled.

Another great example of this type is the Tieguanyin, which presents a thick and shiny dark green leaves that release a flowery, amber brew. This type of Chinese oolong tea is also balanced and a great all-purpose tea.

There is also the Wuyi Cliff Chinese oolong tea that is grown in Fujian province where the weather is mild all year and the mountains are misty and cool. This variety is said to offer rich lasting flavors. The leaves are highly fermented before they are twisted and dried. According to experts, this more fermented Chinese oolong tea can aid digestion. It even offers a great complement to the pu-erh teas for a balanced weight loss program.

Benefits of Chinese Oolong Tea

Just like any other types of Chinese tea, the Chinese oolong is said to be helpful in anti-aging, bringing blood pressure down, improving the immuno-competence, and anti-heart disease. Many studies also revealed that the oolong can help you digest food, refresh yourself and sober up. What’s more, it is said to be helpful in prolonging your lifespan. And, recent researches have noted that the Chinese oolong tea is best for a balanced weight loss. It is said that if you increase your daily oolong tea consumption to 4 to 10 cups, the body will perform at an optimum level with an increased feeling of energy and vitality.

About the Author:
Are you sick of the lies and tired of getting ripped off by so called "breast enhancement products" over and over again? Then I have some wonderful news for you... I will show you how you can get the shape you've always wanted! Active link must stay.

A Beginners Guide To Oolong Tea

A Beginners Guide To Oolong Tea
By: Rob Jameson

Over the last few years green tea has become very popular and is available in most stores and cafés. It is also used in all kinds of products such as shampoo, face cream, candles and many other daily items. Oolong tea is produced from the same plant, which is called Camellia Sinensis. The difference is that Oolong is a semi-fermented brew whereas green tea is unfermented.

The fermentation process is carried out by a skilled worker who can ferment the tea to many different levels to create different varieties. The leaves are stimulated until the oxidization process reaches the desired level and then cooked to finish the process.

The leaves are further processed after the fermentation to enhance the smell, texture and the flavor. This is done by rolling and rubbing the tea. It it possible to achieve many different levels of tea, and when the processing is over a knowledgeable master of Oolong will check the leaves and give them a grade.

The history of Oolong tells us that it was first produced in Fujian province in China. Some of the finest tea still comes from this area although it is now also produced in many other places including Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand.

One of the reasons that green tea has become so popular is that there are believed to many health benefits which can be obtained by regular drinking. These benefits are also reported to exist in Oolong and are retained even after the tea is processed. Some of the common benefits claimed are the stimulation of the metabolism and the ability to enhance the digestion.

If you are interested in trying some Oolong then it is recommended to find a quality supplier. There are many sellers on the Internet who can supply good tea and many who can supply not so good tea. The stuff in the local Chinese store tends to be of very low quality and not worth buying. Look for a specialist tea merchant and try a few different ones to find the best quality.

Some of the more popular varieties include Gao Shan, Tie Guan Yin, Vietnamese Golden Buds and Formosa Oolong which comes from Taiwan. Don't be afraid to get stuck in and try a few varieties. I can tell you that a good Oolong is really a great tea so if you are not impressed with what you buy then shop around for another merchant because the good stuff is out there.

About the Author:
Rob Jameson is a writer and tea lover. For more information please stop by at this web resource for Chinese Oolong Tea

The Stimulating Effects Of Black Tea And Green Tea

The Stimulating Effects Of Black Tea And Green Tea
By: Mary Rose Antonio

The effect of tea on your body depends largely by the growth stage of the leaf, the brewing time, the amount of tea used and a person's sensitivity to tea's ingredients.

The stimulating effect of a tea is mainly due to what is called alkaloid caffeine which is then linked with tannin found in a tea leaf.

Almost the entire amount of caffeine is dissolved during the infusion within the first 1-2 minutes because caffeine dissolves well in hot water. This is without the tannin.

This short brewing time results to a brew with a high level of caffeine not related to tannin. If the tea is brewed for a longer time about 4-8 minutes, the tannin as well as other ingredients start to dissolve gradually. This results, however, to a stronger brew.

Tannin has the ability to prevent or delay the caffeine from being absorbed quickly in the stomach or intestines.

It has been found that this delayed effect can stretch the cumulative effect of caffeine to 10-12 hours with frequent, daily tea-drinking.

So, if you want a more stimulating effect of a black tea or green tea, consider a short brewing time and if you only want a slightly stimulating effect, have a longer brewing time.

The caffeine of a tea can be reduced by pouring a little boiling water over the amount of tea to be used and then sieving this off after half a minute.

When not consumed in excess, tea can have a stimulating effect but not irritating unlike other beverage. This stimulating effect does not raise blood pressure. However, an excess intake of caffeine can cause an increase in blood pressure.

A recommended amount of tea to use is a maximum of one level teaspoon per cup of tea leaves with a longer brewing time about 4-6 minutes. This can be consumed naturally without the use of artificial sweeteners or sugar.

A tea left for a shorter time only results to a milder brew.

About the Author:
Mary Rose Antonio invites you to learn more about the benefits of green tea, organic green tea, assam black tea

Tea: How Is Green Tea Different From Other Teas?

Tea: How Is Green Tea Different From Other Teas?
By: Marcus Stout

For years, green tea was consumed almost exclusively in Asia. For centuries, green tea has been used by Chinese herbalists to treat many health maladies from menstrual difficulties to headaches. In China and Japan, most people drink green tea all day long.

However, here in the Western world it has gained popularity only in the last few years. There are many ways to enjoy green tea, and many things to learn about it. There are several differences between green tea and other types of tea.

Processing – Green tea comes from the same plant as black tea, but it is processed differently. Green tea, however, is not fermented like black tea.

Green tea leaves are laid out to wither for about 8 to 24 hours after plucking to allow most of the water to evaporate. Next, to prevent the oxidation (fermentation) process, the leaves are steamed or pan fried. Finally the leaves are rolled and then dried again, unlike black tea leaves, which are cut.

Flavor – Because green tea is in a very natural state, it tastes more plant like than black tea. Most people describe green tea as having a somewhat “grassy” taste. It is green and somewhat pale in color, and can become bitter if over brewed. Green tea can have subtleties and differences in aroma and flavor based on the variety of the tea plant and the region in which the tea is grown.

In addition, there are many flavored green teas. Green teas are blended with herbs or fruit to create a wide variety of flavors. Many people who don’t enjoy the taste of plain green tea love the combination of green tea with other flavors.

Serving method – Green tea needs cooler water than any other tea for proper brewing.

Water for green tea should be purified and heated to about 160°F. It can be enjoyed with sweetener, milk or lemon if you prefer. Green tea can also be enjoyed cold. Keeping a pitcher of iced green tea in your refrigerator lets you enjoy its health benefits all day long.

Caffeine Content – Green tea contains only about half the amount of caffeine as black tea. Black tea contains about 40 mg of caffeine per serving, while green tea contains just 20. In addition, caffeine in tea has been shown to be less likely to cause jitters than other caffeinated beverages.

Health Benefits – Green tea has received a lot of attention in recent years because it has been shown in research to be very effective at preventing many diseases and even in treating some. The natural anti-oxidants in green tea make it one of the most powerful health protectors you can consume as part of your diet. Green tea may be effective in:

• Reducing your risk of some forms of cancer – Many different studies have supported the finding that green tea can prevent and possibly even help treat some forms of cancer. The first interest in green tea’s health benefits resulted from statistics showing that Asian cultures, where green tea is the most commonly consumed beverage, have the lowest incidences of cancer in the world.

Some studies have even shown that green tea compounds can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, slowing the progress of the disease. It appears that tea may be most effective at preventing bladder, colon, rectal, esophageal, bladder, liver, lung, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer.

• Lowering Cholesterol - Tea has been shown to be effective in lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol). It appears that tea’s anti-oxidants work with HDL cholesterol to help transport bad cholesterol to the liver, where it can be passed from the body. Tea also appears to inhibit the formation of abnormal blood clots, which are the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes.

• Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis –Tea’s anti-oxidants may have the power to help prevent rheumatoid arthritis. In some studies, it has even been suggested that green tea may be able to ease symptoms of those already suffering with this disease.

• Help Lose Weight – Tea’s combination of catechins and caffeine appear to speed up the metabolism and may help with weight loss. In addition, it appears that using green tea as a diet supplement causes fewer instances of jitteriness and rapid heart rate than other diet supplements. It may also help regulate insulin in the body, which can be beneficial for diabetics. Many studies have shown that lifelong tea drinkers tend to weigh less and have less body fat than non tea drinkers.

• Prevent Alzheimer’s disease – Studies suggest that tea drinkers may also be less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Though the subject requires far more research, it has also been suggested that green tea’s potent anti-oxidants may even have the power to slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s disease in those already suffering.

Most people in the Western world still drink black tea over green tea. But, as you can see, there are many health reasons to make green tea a part of your regular diet. Green tea may be an important way to protect your health and prevent disease. And, it’s delicious, too!

About the Author:
Marcus Stout is President of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, wholesale tea and black tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

Caring For Your Tea Kettle, Its Functions And Uses

Caring For Your Tea Kettle, Its Functions And Uses
By: Mary Rose Antonio

Tea kettles started back as far as when tea was first discovered in Mainland China.

Although these exquisite tea kettles were used for the sole purpose of boiling water to prepare tea; nowadays its function has extended as useful kitchen wares seeping tea leaves.

These kettles come in various types from traditional tea kettle to modern stainless steel tea kettle. Some tea kettles' sole purpose is for boiling water only, however, some are intended to be “conversation starters” because of its beautiful style and design.

There are many types of tea kettles such as cast iron tea kettle, electric tea kettle, ceramic tea kettle, stove tea kettle, contemporary tea kettle, and whistling tea kettle.

Just make sure that the dish soap is diluted with water though, especially if you are using a particularly strong agent.

Caring for your tea kettle is not difficult. For many types of tea kettle, a gentle soap and water is enough. For cast iron tea kettle care with rust inside, you need to take a small piece of cotton cloth and wet it. Add a tablespoon of salt into the bottom of the kettle together with a small amount of olive oil. Rub the bottom of the kettle with the mixture in it to remove the rust.

One misconception among users of cast iron tea kettle is to never use dish soap on cast iron tea kettles. But the truth is, there is not a better cleaning agent out there than the good old dish soap to remove rust inside cast iron tea kettles. If you are using a strong agent, make sure that the dish soap is diluted with water though.

Whatever your purpose is for having a teapot or whatever the type of tea kettle you choose to have, you can assure of its elegance and satisfaction. Now, it’s just a matter of brewing your favorite tea, sit back, relax, and enjoy the pleasurable benefits that this tea brings to every home.

About the Author:
Mary Rose Antonio has a store where you can buy organic tea and teapot. She also invites you to learn more about the health benefits of drinking green tea

The Power Of The Tea Kettle

The Power Of The Tea Kettle
By: Michelle Bery

What’s a kitchen without a tea kettle; that most traditional of appliances that has been loyally brewing our tea for generations? While the tea kettle has evolved over the years – its shape and color reflecting the ever-changing style of the times – its purpose has stayed true; to brew us that beverage around which gatherings are made, families are united, and life is celebrated.

The electric tea kettle traditionally makes its home on the kitchen countertop ready to be plugged in and turned on to brew our tea. The convenience of course is that a watchful eye on the stove becomes unnecessary. However, tea traditionalists are often quite adamant about the benefits of the stove top counterpart.

The stove top tea kettle – with its traditional lines and nostalgic spout – boils the water using the heat source on a stove. Customarily, the completion of this job is signaled by the whistle of the tea spout – a sound that can bring us back to childhood in an instant.

Today, there are a variety of tea kettles on the market of all shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities. Some can heat your water in an instant; others can bring your water to the perfect temperature in which to steep tea – and keep it there; still others will boil your water and hold your tea all in the same container.

There is no right or wrong way when it comes to the purchase of a tea kettle. Tea is a very personal beverage; the tradition of tea signifies vastly different things to different cultures. So it stands to reason that our methods for brewing the tea vary just as much from individual to individual.

Find the tea kettle that speaks to who you are. If you live in an older home where antiques abound, then perhaps an antique stove top tea kettle would fit perfectly with your décor and lifestyle.

If you live in a more contemporary environment and your décor favors more modern lines, then perhaps a state-of-the-art electric tea kettle would make the most sense.

Whatever your choice, when it comes to picking the perfect tea kettle, be sure to do your research. If you’re looking at an electric tea kettle, get online and find out what consumers are saying about this particular product before you make the decision to purchase.

Or search out antique stores or home good stores for a more traditional stove top tea kettle.

Either way, a tea kettle can bring you years of satisfaction and is it continues to keep you in tea.

About the Author:For easy to understand, in depth information about tea visit our ezGuide 2 Tea.

Tea: White Tea: India’s White Teas Compared To Ceylon White Teas

Tea: White Tea: India’s White Teas Compared To Ceylon White Teas
By: Marcus Stout

White tea is quickly becoming one of the most popular teas in the world. Tea connoisseurs everywhere are scrambling to learn about the different varieties of white tea and sampling them like made. The vast majority of white tea is grown in China, with Japan being the second most popular place for growing white tea.

However, each year more and more white tea comes from India and Sri Lanka, making these the two fastest growing regions for the production of white tea. Many people are not familiar with white teas from these countries, though black tea from both Sri Lanka and India are very common. As time goes on, it’s certain that you’ll see more of these white teas become available.

Sri Lanka and Ceylon Tea

Ceylon is the colonial name for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is the third largest tea producing area in the world, but is mostly known for its black teas. In fact, tea production is Sri Lanka’s largest employer, providing work for more than one million residents. Approximately 19% of the tea consumed in the world is Ceylon tea.

Tea is grown in Sri Lanka’s highlands over an area of about four thousand miles, and tea can be plucked all year long. White Ceylon tea is grown in the Nuwara Eliya region near Adam’s Peak, where the altitude is about 2200-2500 meters above sea level.

All Ceylon teas have a distinct flavor that is different from Indian and Asian teas. Ceylon is a very mild tea, and is often recommended for new tea drinkers since it has lots of flavor, but retains its mildness. When it comes to the Ceylon white teas, the color is very light with gold to copper color. You’ll taste a bit of honey and pine in a Ceylon white tea.

Ceylon white tea is harvested and rolled by hand. The leaves are dry and are allowed to wither in the sun. Because Ceylon white is only grown in a small area of the country, it is rare and highly prized. Because the tea is not mass produced, and because Sri Lanka ensures that tea farming can continue to be viable career for its citizens, Ceylon white tea is one of the most expensive white teas you can buy.

India and Darjeeling Tea

Darjeeling is a region in the northeastern part of India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, between Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. Darjeeling is one of the most well known tea producing regions in the world, and Darjeeling tea is known for its very distinct flavor. Today the Darjeeling region boasts more than 80 tea gardens over 19,000 hectares. Tea production employs over 52,000 Nepalese people full time, with another 15,000 people employed part time during the plucking season.

Darjeeling teas are known as the “Champagne of Teas”, in part because of the distinct muscatel flavor. You’ll also find Darjeeling teas to have a bit of a flowery note and a significant astringency. It is the exact combination of the moist cool climate, the fertile soil, heavy rain and gradually sloping terrain that gives the Darjeeling tea a flavor that cannot be matched by tea gardens in other parts of the world.

If you’ve tried Darjeeling in black tea, and been disappointed, it’s likely because you bought a tea that was labeled Darjeeling, but was actually a mix of teas, including Darjeeling as part of the mixture. Darjeeling experts believe that each year about 10,000 pounds of Darjeeling tea is grown, but about 40,000 pounds of tea is labeled Darjeeling. So, it’s important to choose tea that is labeled 100% Darjeeling to ensure you get that distinct flavor.

Darjeeling white tea is far rarer than Darjeeling black teas. Darjeeling white tea is very mild and slightly sweet like other white teas. It brews to a pale golden color, and because it is less compact than many other teas in loose form, requires more tea leaves per cup. However, it still retains the astringency and muscatel flavor of Darjeeling black in a lighter flavor.

Many tea drinkers who find black Darjeeling a bit strong will likely love white Darjeeling because it is more flavorful than many other white teas yet is not as robust as black Darjeeling.

If you’re interested in sampling a Darjeeling white tea, Darjeeling White Tips is a great tea to start with. It’s very indicative of most good Darjeeling teas, with a light sweet note and a flavor that reminds you of muscatel and other white wine. If you’ve found other white teas nearly tasteless, you may be pleasantly surprised by the flavor in a Darjeeling.

Because such a large percentage of the world’s white tea is grown in China and Japan, people often overlook Indian and Ceylon teas. But, in fact, some of the most delicious white tea in the world is grown in these two areas. As you’re sampling the many variations of white tea out there in pursuit of your favorite, don’t forget Ceylon and Darjeeling. You’re sure to love them both.

About the Author:
Marcus Stout is President of Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, white tea and wholesale tea go to http://www.goldenmoontea.com

The Health Benefits Of Rooibos Tea

The Health Benefits Of Rooibos Tea
By: Brennan Howe

Rooibos or Red Bush Tea as it is also known is not a true tea but an herb which is indigenous to the Cederburg area of South Africa. Due to its widely publicized health benefits it has grown into a billion dollar export industry since the mid twentieth century.

The tea has no caffeine and only half the tannin of ordinary tea. Apart from being refreshing to drink, in place of ordinary tea and coffee, it has the advantage of containing minerals and powerful antioxidants. Having no oxalic acid it also does not irritate the kidneys.

The Japanese scientists, who did studies in the 1960's, discovered Rooibos contains a powerful antioxidant similar to SOD which is thought to retard aging and quercetin which is believed to have potent anti-inflammatory properties. Besides that Rooibos is also found to contain aspalathin which counteracts the atherosclerotic processes that result in heart disease. Due to this the Japanese promote it as an Anti-Aging Tea and import large quantities of the tea.

Research was done elsewhere where the French found that hair lotion containing Rooibos promoted faster hair growth with improvement in the hair condition and caused no allergic reactions. In South Africa research found that the polyphenol content in Rooibos is similar to green tea. Polyphenols help protect the body from damage by free radicals.

Rooibos has been found to be helpful with general health problems. It relieves digestive problems, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and constipation. Having a calming effect it helps with irritability, insomnia and depression.

Both pre natal and breast feeding Mothers supplement their intake of manganese, calcium and fluoride drinking Rooibos and therefore promote strong teeth and healthy bones in their babies. Rooibos, when applied at every nappy change, relieves nappy rash and when drunk by the baby relieves colic.

Preparation of Rooibos is the same as ordinary tea. First warm the tea pot with boiling water and then place one teaspoon of tea or tea bag per cup required in the pot. Pour over boiling water and let infuse for a few minutes. The longer it is left before drinking the more antioxidants the tea will contain. Can be served plain, with hot or cold milk or lemon. It can be lightly sweetened with honey or sugar or just left without any sweetening. Rooibos also makes a wonderful ice tea.

In South Africa Rooibos Tea is often used in day to day cooking as not only does it add important minerals and antioxidants to the diet and help digestion, it also enhances the flavors of the cooking. Just replace the water in a recipe with the tea.

Next time you are in your health shop or in a department store stocking specialty teas, why not pick up a packet and try it out?

About the Author:
Brennan Howe is owner of http://www.freeinfosites.com. Where you can find free information on a variety of topics including hair loss prevention.

Discover Rooibos Tea

Discover Rooibos Tea
By: Uma Mays

Rooibos: Tea of South Africa

Rooibos or Redbush as it is more commonly known is red tea that is grown only in the South African highlands. It comes from the plant Aspalathus linearis, rather than the Camellia plants that produce traditional teas, such as Black, Green or Oolong tea. The name Rooibos, an African slang word of Dutch origin meaning " Red Bush.". Rooibos tea is a distinctive red colour and its taste is also unique with a very sweet and slightly nutty flavour.

Rooibos contains a variety of antioxidant substances, some of which are entirely exclusive to the Redbush plant. As well as being decaffeinated with low tannin content, the tea contains Vitamin C and many minerals and can almost be considered a nutritional supplement. The minerals contained in a cup of Redbush tea are:

- Zinc
- Manganese
- Alpha-hydroxy (great for the skin)
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Fluoride

Various studies have shown the many health problems that can be helped by drinking Rooibos tea on a regular basis:

Can be used to treat hay fever, asthma and eczema
Placed directly on the skin, it can slow the aging process
Boosts the immune system
Eases irritability, headaches, nervous tension and insomnia
Acts as an anti-spasmodic agent, to relieve stomach cramps and colic in infants.
Contains no oxalic acid, so people who are prone to kidney stones can safely consume it

Mothers in South Africa have long been aware of the benefits of Rooibos tea and it is traditional to give this tea to children. A small amount of Redbush tea added to milk could soothe babies and help ease symptoms of colic.

It is the perfect caffeine-free alternative to black tea! Why not have a cup of Rooibos tea now?

About the Author:
I have been working as an IT project manager for the last 10 years and I have recently given that up to spend more time with my young family. To that end I have started an online tea shop called Teaworld (http://www.teaworld.co.uk), promoting and selling quality speciality tea. Visit our Rooibos Tea section at http://www.teaworld.co.uk/rooibos-teas.php

A Chinese Tea Ceremony: The Art Of Drinking And Serving Tea

A Chinese Tea Ceremony: The Art Of Drinking And Serving Tea
By: Sarah Williams

The art of drinking and serving tea plays a very vital cultural role in China. It inspires a lot of artists that the Chinese tea ceremony, as it is called, has been written in songs and poetry. The ritual of preparing and serving tea has even held a special place in the hearts and minds of the Chinese aristocracy, court officials, intellectual, poets, and even the common people.

On its most basic, the Chinese tea ceremony emphasizes the tea itself, rather than the ceremony. It focuses on what the tea tastes like, smells like, and how one tea tastes compared to the previous tea, or in inclusive rounds of drinking. It doesn’t mean that each server will perform the ritual the same way and it is not related to religion. Every step taken during the ceremony is meant to be a sensory exploration and appreciation.

How to conduct a Chinese tea ceremony is just so easy. However, it is important to note that steps to assure the finest tasting tea is very exacting. As often said, if done properly you can extract the finest flavor a tea has to offer.

The Teapot and Tea Cup Preparation

The Chinese tea ceremony uses small cups to match the small and unglazed clay teapots. Each cup is just large enough to hold about two small swallows of tea. These tiny cups are particularly popular in Chiujao and Fujian, while in Shanghai and Beijing, large cups are employed.

Curing the teapot and cups is one essential step in Chinese tea ceremony. When you receive your teapot and cups, they have to be cured. The teapot used is usually made from red clay, and to seal the inside of a teapot and the cups, you first need to place loose tea into the pot and fill it with boiling water. Let it sit for three hours to a day.

Some tea masters advise to do it for a week prior to the curing of the teapot, cups and pouring pitcher. This technique is said to seal the inside of the teapot. Also, oils from the tea leaves fill in all the tiny pours of the new clap teapot.

In a Chinese tea ceremony, washing bowls are also needed. You need to pour the hot tea that has been brewing for 5 minutes and fill the washing bowl with hot tea. Let the tea cups also sit in the tea. This is also done to seal the tea cups with the resins of the tea. And, once the teapot, tea cups and pouring pitcher have been cured, the next step is to get ready for the ceremony.

The Tea Preparation
For the tea preparation, all you need to do is prepare the boiling water, and carefully place the tea into the teapot until it is about a third full. Also, make sure that the teapot and cups are now on the tea washing tray. Then, pour the hot water into the teapot until it is overflowing. Place the lid on, and continue to pour the hot water over the teapot. This is done to allow the entire teapot to be hot.

After that, pour the second brewed tea into the tea cups and pouring pitcher. This is to allow the flavor of the tea to penetrate the tea cups and pouring pitcher. Then, pour the boiling water into the teapot for the third time and cover. Place the tea strainer over the pouring pitcher. Wait for the tea to brew. After three minutes of brewing, pour hot water into the pouring pitcher to assure that it is hot and pour that into the teacups. When ready, empty the tea cups and pitcher and then pour the tea into the pitcher through a tea strainer. Pour the tea into the cups, making sure to never fill a cup at a time, but by passing the tea over each cup so they fill equally.

The Importance of Water

The water used in the Chinese tea ceremony is as important as the tea itself. As noted, chlorine and fluoride in tap water should be filtered out as they harm the flavor of the tea. Distilled water is said to make flat tea, thus should be avoided. The ideal water should have an alkaline pH around 7.9.

Note: In Chinese tea ceremony, the aroma of the tea is certainly what is sought after. When using the small tea cups never drink or gulp the tea. Instead, sip the tea through the lips and teeth making a hissing sound. Drinking and sniffing the tea during the Chinese tea ceremony can take over an hour and many fine conversations will ensure. The sign of the tea master is to insure that every round of tea tastes exactly the same.

About the Author:
Need to flush your system fast? Quick Detox can rid your body of all traces of toxins in as little as two hours! Active hyperlink must remain with this article.

Chinese Tea Set: Essential For Tea Making Today

Chinese Tea Set: Essential For Tea Making Today
By: Sarah Williams

You probably all know that tea is highly considered by Chinese as one of the necessities to start a day. Well, it is a very important part of the Chinese culture. They have drunk tea since time immemorial and so they have a wide range of knowledge and experience with tea and tea making.

Speaking of tea making, it is interesting to know that there are some very important steps involved in tea making. One of those is choosing the right Chinese tea set.

Choosing the right or appropriate tea sets is said to be very crucial in the tea preparation. In particular, it holds a very vital role in brewing tea.

Now, what composes a Chinese tea set?

Basically, the Chinese tea sets are referred to as tea pots, tea saucers, tea bowls, and tea trays. Today, there are different forms and types of Chinese tea sets that have certain characteristics and designs. Because of this, the tea sets are considered a very necessary part of artistry.

Being highly valued, the Chinese tea sets are dedicated to the established tea culture in China. They are actually divided into two categories. The first refers to those that have high artistic value, while the second is those that are used in every day life. I think it is quite understandable that those with high artistic value are commonly used in special tea ceremonies like a Chinese wedding ceremony. They are usually kept in beautiful cabinets and are proudly presented during a tea ceremony. On the other hand, those that are used in every day life are just used plainly for that purpose. As you may know, tea is a very vital part of every meal in China.

How to select the right tea sets and identify their use is not difficult. Selecting Chinese tea sets for every day use largely depends on the types of the tea that people drink. It even depends on where the people live.

For example, in the eastern as well as northern regions of china, the people usually drink floral teas, which are also considered as herbal teas. Now, in drinking floral tea, the people commonly employ large tea pots to boil the tea in water. According to some resources, these tea pots are ceramic, and their size depends on the number of people to be served.

In the Kangnam area, it was reported that green tea is usually drunk. It then follows that using a ceramic tea pot with a lid is very appropriate. Then, in areas like Fujian, Taiwan and Guangdong, the people drink usually oolong teas, so they usually use a regular kettle to brew the tea.

Furthermore, when brewing Gongfu tea or Hong tea, experts suggest using a ceramic pot or a regular kettle. Then, when drinking a high quality tea such as Xihu-long-jing, Jun-shan-yin-zhen, and Ton-ting-bilei-chun, clear glass cups are appropriate to use.

However, when drinking green tea or any tea that has fine leaves, choose a Chinese tea set that has small tea cups, as they are best to use than the large ones. Well, the main reason for this is that when these teas are poured into large cup, there would be too much water. High levels of water is said to brew fine leaves too fast, resulting in discolored tea leaves, and influencing the fragrance as well as taste of the tea. Some people also use a thermos to keep the green tea warm, which affects the color and flavor of the tea. It’s no wonder then that today, most of the Chinese tea sets include thermos on it.

Along with those mentioned items included in a Chinese tea set, there are also some tea plates, tea set cover cloths, tea spoons, tea trays, and tea brewing containers to complete the set.

About the Author:
Need to flush your system fast? Quick Detox can rid your body of all traces of toxins in as little as two hours! Active hyperlink must remain with this article.

Giving The Gift Of Tea With A Tea Gift Basket

Giving The Gift Of Tea With A Tea Gift Basket
By: Michelle Bery

Nothing says I love you like a gift basket – a collection of favorite things assembled in a beautiful package. And for the tea lover, a tea gift basket can be the most wonderful of gifts; a compilation of treasures to encourage relaxation and reflection as you gather around cups of tea.

The tea gift basket can be assembled in a number of ways. First, there are many gift basket companies – both large and small – that will put together your tea gift basket and ship it directly to the person of your choice. In many cases you will be able to choose exactly what you would like included in the basket to make it a unique and personal gift.

Some companies have a standard tea gift basket you can purchase and send. Most include teacups, tea itself, and tea accoutrements such as sugar spoons, loose tea balls, strainers, and sometimes even baked goods.

In many cases, these companies will also allow you to pick the actual basket you would like to be used for your tea gift basket. You can have them include a personal note and your gift is complete.

The Internet is a fantastic resource for finding gift basket companies that will put together your tea gift basket. With the advent and subsequent growth of online commerce, more and more companies of this nature are offering their services through cyberspace. A few clicks of the mouse and you’ve assembled a beautiful gift for the tea lovers among us.

If you really want to personalize your tea gift basket, and you have your share of creativity, go ahead and make your own tea gift basket. With a little bit of ingenuity, you’ll create a one-of-a-kind gift that will be most appreciated.

Assemble some favorite teas – some of your favorites and some favorites of the person to whom you are giving the tea gift basket. Include one or two pieces of some beautiful, reasonably priced china; perhaps you can find one or two antique teacups at a local antique store. Then round out the tea gift basket with personal touches; don’t be afraid to get creative! Throw in some delicate linen napkins, an interesting container for loose tea, and some chocolates. Whatever you think will make the tea gift basket unique is exactly what you should include.

Have fun with your tea gift basket. And anyone who receives it will feel the joy

About the Author:
For easy to understand, in depth information about tea visit our ezGuide 2 Tea