Fall: Raising our mugs to tea!
This history of tea is long, like thousands of years long, and many countries claim the invention of steeping plants for medicinal and social purposes. The Tea Republic’s “History of Tea” timeline states the origin of this beverage back to “2737 BC, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was sitting beneath a tree while his servant boiled drinking water, when some leaves from the tree blew into the water.” Since then this fragrant and time honored beverage has spread the globe providing countless blends and variations to enjoy.
According to TeaSource.com there are “6 types of tea which includes black tea, green tea, wulong (oolong) tea, white tea, puer (pu-erh) tea, and dark tea.” All of these varieties can be purchased in the a loose leaf and bagged form and each requires it’s own temperature to brew the perfect cup.
Tea temperature breakdown
Black tea: 212 degrees
Green tea: 175 to 180 degrees
White tea: 175 to 180 degrees
Oolong tea: 195 degrees
Pu-erh tea: 212 degrees
Purple tea: 175 to 180 degrees
Herbal tea: 212 degrees
Rooibos tea: 212 degrees
So why fuss over tea? Studies have found that some teas may help with cancer, heart disease, and diabetes; encourage weight loss; lower cholesterol; and bring about mental alertness. Tea also appears to have antimicrobial qualities. Not to mention endless ways to prepare it and always leads to great conversations when served to friends.
Next time you are at your local coffee shop or grocer consider trying a new tea or tea beverage. We love - chais that feature a great sweet and spice balance and the classic London Fog.