True 'tea' comes from one family of plants, the Camillia sinensis which grows over most of the world. It is classified as oolong, white, green, or black. However, many of us use the term for the herbal blends loose leaf tea we drink. The infusion of plant material - leaves, roots, berries, flowers, bark - in hot water has infinite flavors, aromas, and health benefits. You can buy these beverage starters in the grocery store or make your own from the healthy plants in your garden.
Herbs are often chosen for a brewed beverage to get away from the caffeine in true teas. Only fermented black teas contains the stimulating component prized by so many in their morning coffee. At night, instead of decaffeinated coffee, you could have a warm cup of chamomile or the stronger-smelling valerian. Many familiar bedtime products contain several calming, sedating herbs.
Herbal 'teas' are also called 'tisanes'. As with the Camillia teas, the leaves of herbs are steeped in hot water to extract their valuable properties. In addition, roots and blossoms of beneficial, flavorful, and aromatic plants are used in various combinations. For example, ginger or licorice root may be combined with spices, mint, or fruit to create unique brews.
'True' teas can be combined with herbs, spices, or fruit, if you want the stimulating effect of black or the slimming and cancer-fighting benefits of green. In the morning, black tea with cinnamon and orange is a favorite. Gotu kola is a stimulating herb, rich in caffeine, which can be used for an afternoon pick-me-up.
At night, when many need to avoid caffeine, a combination of soothing herbs can be just the thing. Passion flower, lemon balm, chamomile, hops, and kava kava are all calming. You could add ginger, which enhances digestion and is especially valuable after dinner. Ginger is also warming on a cold winter night.
Teabags are convenient but true gourmets think using bags lessens the enjoyment. Commercial bags may contain tiny pieces of leaves and even leaf dust from the manufacturing process. The larger pieces in loose teas retain more of the health-boosting properties, as well as more of the essential oils which give flavor and aroma. Loose teas are often hand-crafted instead of machine-made and are considered to be much fresher.
There are cost savings, too. Compare the weight on a box of teabags with the amount listed on a container of loose-leaf and you will see that the latter is a much better value. Online posts also say that if you make a cup of loose-leaf tea and drain the dregs thoroughly, you can re-use them, maybe more than once, for more enjoyment. Teabags, which experts say confine the leaves too much and impede the flow of hot water to the contents, will not be as reusable.
There is a whole science of teas. Go online to learn the mystique which has developed over centuries. Virtually every culture and society has brewed teas for pleasure and for health. There are many companies with teamasters working hard to create blends that you will love. You will also find a wealth of information on the health benefits of herbs.
Herbs are often chosen for a brewed beverage to get away from the caffeine in true teas. Only fermented black teas contains the stimulating component prized by so many in their morning coffee. At night, instead of decaffeinated coffee, you could have a warm cup of chamomile or the stronger-smelling valerian. Many familiar bedtime products contain several calming, sedating herbs.
Herbal 'teas' are also called 'tisanes'. As with the Camillia teas, the leaves of herbs are steeped in hot water to extract their valuable properties. In addition, roots and blossoms of beneficial, flavorful, and aromatic plants are used in various combinations. For example, ginger or licorice root may be combined with spices, mint, or fruit to create unique brews.
'True' teas can be combined with herbs, spices, or fruit, if you want the stimulating effect of black or the slimming and cancer-fighting benefits of green. In the morning, black tea with cinnamon and orange is a favorite. Gotu kola is a stimulating herb, rich in caffeine, which can be used for an afternoon pick-me-up.
At night, when many need to avoid caffeine, a combination of soothing herbs can be just the thing. Passion flower, lemon balm, chamomile, hops, and kava kava are all calming. You could add ginger, which enhances digestion and is especially valuable after dinner. Ginger is also warming on a cold winter night.
Teabags are convenient but true gourmets think using bags lessens the enjoyment. Commercial bags may contain tiny pieces of leaves and even leaf dust from the manufacturing process. The larger pieces in loose teas retain more of the health-boosting properties, as well as more of the essential oils which give flavor and aroma. Loose teas are often hand-crafted instead of machine-made and are considered to be much fresher.
There are cost savings, too. Compare the weight on a box of teabags with the amount listed on a container of loose-leaf and you will see that the latter is a much better value. Online posts also say that if you make a cup of loose-leaf tea and drain the dregs thoroughly, you can re-use them, maybe more than once, for more enjoyment. Teabags, which experts say confine the leaves too much and impede the flow of hot water to the contents, will not be as reusable.
There is a whole science of teas. Go online to learn the mystique which has developed over centuries. Virtually every culture and society has brewed teas for pleasure and for health. There are many companies with teamasters working hard to create blends that you will love. You will also find a wealth of information on the health benefits of herbs.
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