Tea Facts

Tea steeping and other helpful hints:

  • The proper amount of tea to one 6- 8 oz cup of water is a teaspoon or half of one of our tea balls.
  • Never heat your water to boiling(This will burn your tea leaves.)  Your water should be steaming, but not boiling.
  • Green tea should only steep 1-3 minutes to avoid bitterness.
  • Black tea should be steeped for at least 3-5 minutes.  These are often stronger more full bodied teas.
  • Red/Herbal tea needs to be steeped for 5-7 minutes(The leaves do not have bitter tannins).  In the case of an herbal tea it is best to steep to taste.
  • Oolong is much like a black tea and should steep 5-7 minutes.

Did You Know?

  • Drinking at least one cup of tea a day could cut the risk of heart attack by 44 percent, according to new research.
  • Flavonoids, found in tea, also are one of the most powerful antioxidants, or substances that offset the damaging effects of oxygen in the body.
  • Easily 80% of caffeine can be removed from regular tea by pouring hot water over the leaves.
  • Water quality effects how a tea will taste. Spring water is recommended because of the Mineral content and lack of additives like chlorine and fluoride, which harm tea taste.
  • Studies have shown that the consumption of tea may prevent disease and prolong life.
  • Recent studies also show that a synergistic blend of Green Tea Extract (GTE) reduces breast tumor volume 10 fold and overall tumor inhibition by 80-90%. Other studies are showing that Green Tea (tee) Extract can prevent, and possibly treat, numerous diseases including, arthritis, stroke and cardiovascular disease.
  • Tea tasting, much like wine tasting, uses similar steps; visual, smell, taste and touch. You can tell a lot about a tea by examining the dry leaves. Gently press some dry leaves in the hand. Most new teas are a little springier and less likely to crumble than an older teas. Look for fibers, dust or stalks and note the leaf size.
  • After steeping, take in the aroma of the tea and examine the infused leaves for color and evenness. Color does not necessarily indicate the strength or body of the liquor.
  • One of the best things about tea is the fact that it is an entirely natural drink. There is no technological manufacturing process, no additives, no artificial colouring or preservatives.
  • Royale Tea was a social tea time that was proceeded by a glass of Champagne or followed by a glass of Sherry.
  • Chai is another word for tea in Hindi, the word “chai” translated from Hebrew to English means “life.”
  • Chai traditionally is brewed of 60 minutes as a concentrate and then water or milk is added for taste.
  • Turmeric has many health benefits. The active ingredients in Turmeric tea are able to stimulate the liver and detoxify the body.
  • Marigold makes a wonderful addition to any tea.  This lovely flower has been used to treat cramps and coughs.