Tea Time

During the cold winter months, what better way to warm up than sipping on a hot cup of tea?

Tea currently ranks as the most popular drink in more countries than any other beverage. In America, tea's popularity is continuing to grow more than ever before. Most contribute this to current research that suggests drinking tea possibly may prevent some types of cancer.

Legend has it the first time tea was first drunk was in 2737 b.c. Tea did not make its way to America until 1670 and even then it was not available for public sale until 1690. But, by 1720 tea had become an accepted staple of trade between the Colony and England.

There are three main types of tea: Black, Green and Oolong. Each tea differs in the method used to process the leaves before they are sold and shipped.

Black tea, which is the most popular type of tea is fully fermented or oxidized. To make Black tea, factory or tea estate employees spread the leaves out on shelves to be air blown and remove excess moisture. The leaves are then crushed between rollers to release their natural juices. Next, the leaves are taken to the fermenting room where they will be chemically changed by controlled humidity and temperature. Lastly, the leaves will be dried in ovens and become brownish black. Black teas come from all over the world. They produce a robust flavor with a mild aroma. Most of the time black teas are consumed with added milk, sugar, lemon or other sweeteners.

Green tea, which only makes up 10 percent of the world's produced tea skips the oxidizing step. It is brownish green in color and is believed to very beneficial to one's health, (although this has yet to be fully scientifically proven). These leaves, which are smaller than most varieties, are steamed in a large vat that prevents them from changing color. The leaves are then crushed in a machine and placed in an oven to dry. The leaves are dried until only 3 percent of their original moisture remains. Each type of green tea can taste and smell quite different than the next. This tea is best drunk without any additions.

Oolong tea is a mix between black and green tea in both its taste and appearance. This tea is sometimes referred to as the "champagne of teas" because of its subtle and delicate taste. It is fermented to produce a light and fruity taste. The outside of the Oolong leaf is what gives this tea its unique flavor. Some high grade Oolong leaves can be brewed as much as up to 10 times. You won't need to ask for a side of lemons or limes with this tea, it tastes delicious without any extra help.

Going beyond the basic three types of tea, there is also White tea, scented and flavored tea and of course Herbal tea.

White tea, requires limited processing. The leaves of this tea are allowed time to wilt and are heat dried before packaging. In some types of white tea, the leaves are steamed to release natural flavors. White tea, when brewed correctly has the lowest amount of caffeine than any other type of tea. It is very light yellow in color and has a unique texture and flavor. These teas are regarded as high quality and may be hard to find.

Scented and flavored teas most of the time will use your basic black tea as a base. According to your individual taste and liking all types things may be added thereafter. Many people enjoy adding fruits, spices or flowers to their tea. Scented and flavored tea has limitless options and the end blend is completely up to you.

Herbal teas interestingly are not really teas at all. They contain no actual tea. Instead, they are more of an infusion of an international collection of herbs. These "teas" are most often consumed for their believed healing capabilities. This type of tea also has little caffeine. An assortment of ingredients can be used when creating herbal tea. Some of these include, flowers, leaves, bark, roots, nuts and fruit.