It’s Teatime - How to Pick the Best Teas
To the layman, it seems that all teas are alike and that one is no better than another. However, picking a quality tea ensures a better flavor as well as added health benefits such as a higher vitamin C and antioxidant concentration. If you are new to the beautiful, wonderful world of tea, use this guide to pick quality teas for your next tea party!
Look for large leaves
Good quality tea may have entire leaves or large pieces of leaves. When the leaves are cut too fine, they no longer have the flavor and nutrition originally contained within it. The tea leaves, when pinched between two fingers, will break but not completely disintegrate into a fine powder. If the tea breaks up into a fine powder it means the leaves have dried out tooo much and the tea residue may get into your drink.
Another way to tell if the leaves are too old is that when you brew the tea, the drink is cloudy. This cloudiness is due to the aforementioned breakdown of the tea leaves themselves into the drink. Cloudy teas tend to be more bitter and unsightly.
Buy aromatic teas
When you are purchasing some tea, lightly blow onto the tea leaves. We know this sounds weird. However, your breath will warm the tea ever-so-slightly and quality teas should let off an aroma. The failure to do so means that the tea leaves themselves have been depleted of nutrients and flavor over time.
Listen to your body
The best way to tell if a tea is high quality is tasting it and paying attention to its effects. Because tea is filled with micronutrients and essential oils, the tea will have an effect on you on a cellular and spiritual level. Pay attention not only to the tastes but to your emotional states. Quality tea should replenish your cells and rejuvenate your entire body. Below are our favorite teas!
Black Tea
Black tea contains a hefty dose of caffeine and a robust flavor that makes with a healthy alternative to morning coffee.
Oolong Tea
Oolong Tea is native to China, promotes weight loss, and prevents heart disease.
White Tea
White tea is delicate in flavor and has less processing than many other types of tea making it rich in bacteria-fighting agents that will improve your dental health.
Green Tea
Green tea has an acidic flavor and is naturally high in antioxidants.
