Learning About Rich Black Tea
February 16th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed
Black tea is one of the teas that is included in the four-group classification of basic teas: black (or red), green, white and oolong. It is a true tea, unlike the so-called teas such as herbal, in that the leaves are grown from the camellia sinensis, the one true tea tree. This article outlines the types of areas in which black tea is cultivated and manufactured and, as well, the methods by which people generally serve and enjoy black tea.
Growing Black Tea
The areas which typically manufacture black tea are those of harbor high altitude areas and some which have a tropical climate, and this could include many areas such as the rainforest areas in South America, for instance. But traditionally, Asian countries were the prime host to the growing of the tea trees and the manufacturing of the teas for consumerism.
While the Asian countries still do control a corner of this market, black tea is now spread further around the world and many countries now greatly participate in the growing and marketing of black tea and black tea products.
Serving and Enjoying Black Tea
Black tea can be served in many of a variety of different ways; it can be served hot, which is a very common method in Asian countries or in Asian influenced restaurants around the world, and when served hot, individuals may choose to prepare it with milk and/or with sugar or other condiments.
As well, some others prefer honey and some even prefer that of spices like cloves or cinnamon. When served cold or over ice, individuals usually try out similar additions to their black tea.
Another popular black tea based drink is that of Chai tea. While Chai tea can be made using any of the other variety of teas, the traditional method is to use black tea. Chai tea can be served either hot or cold, and cream and milk is typically incorporated into it to lighten it up. Additionally, some spices such as cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg are used to spice things up. Then honey, although sometimes sugar as well, is added to sweeten it to the drinker’s liking.
There are many ways to enjoy the tastiness of black tea. For the purist, they may simply choose to seep the tea bag for a few minutes and enjoy it straight up, while others may like theirs over ice for that hot summer night.
Still others may find that they want to go all out and create a tasty concoction like chai tea with the added sweeteners and the creaminess of milk and the kick of an extra spice. Whatever way the drinker chooses to enjoy their black tea is obviously dependant on their own personal preferences, but one thing is for sure and that is that they are sure to enjoy drinking this tasty beverage.
White Tea - Picking An Healthier Alternative
December 3rd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Similar to how black olives and green olives which are derived from a similar olive plant, also as black pepper and white pepper from a similar pepper plant as well, black tea and its corresponding white tea are derived from a similar tea plant too.
The name for the small plant is Camellia sinensis, which is commonly incorporated into the majority of hilly areas of plantation. In contrast to all the various kinds of teas, the most well-known is the black tea, which is followed by green tea, then white tea, etc..
White tea, although not so particularly famous, has been becoming more famous lately. All the teas, as we know, not only differ in colors but also in their chemical composition. Same goes to that of the white tea, which is different from the others and yet has similarities as well.
How is it Produced?
Compared to the other types of teas which are taken a few days after the tea leaves are ripe and so on, the white tea instead comes from the youngest and most tender tea leaves. The leaves, at this stage, are often covered in tiny white hairs, and the leaves are harvested when they are a light greenish-gray color and immediately after that they are dried briefly and heated quickly. Especially compared to that of all the others, all the processes are done very quickly so that the leaves do not oxidize.
After all these, then comes the nice smelling process of the delicate flavored white tea. This tea is handled very carefully and, according to tea experts, it should be steeped in water that is very hot, slightly below the boiling point.
What are the Benefits?
White tea is very good for your health, and in fact it has the highest percentage of healing power compared to all of the other teas due to its composition and the way it is made. As many of us are aware, green tea has in it what are known as antioxidants, which assist the human body and helping fight aging and to help prevent illnesses such as arthritis and cancer, and in terms of white tea, the amount of antioxidants is normally twice that of green tea.
In addition to that, the extract from white by its very nature has the capacity to kill viruses, bacteria, and fungi that are in the human body, and it also assists in lowering the level of LDL cholesterol, which Green tea does also but in a lesser capacity.
Additionally, compared to other kinds of teas, white tea contains the lowest amount of caffeine. Because of this it is a better choice for the majority of daily drinks. However one of the considerations that need to be taken into account is that it can be somewhat expensive depending on your budget.
