Different Types of Tea - A cup of Happiness

"The whistle of the teapot announces that a moment of reflection and relaxation is just around the corner. The gentle clatter of your favorite teacup settling onto its saucer invites a measure of anticipation. As the amber liquid makes its way into the cup, a soft wisp of steam wafts through the air and signals that a sweet period of respite and solitude and solitude is about to envelop you. Curl up with your favorite book, throw an afghan over your lap, and treasure these precious minutes as you take a little time for tea." -Kathy Hatch, Take a Little Time for Tea

I actually really don't know how many cups of tea I drink each day. I started  drinking tea from a really young age, my Ouma was pretty much a tea'aholic and her cup was hardly cold when she made another one. I think in this way it makes me feel close to her as she lives quiet far and always don't see her as often. Anyway, it’s such a part of my life now that I couldn’t bear to be without it. I must have my cup of tea first thing in the morning or else I will be grumpy all day. It’s like an addiction, but not for the caffeine, rather for that happy, nostalgic feeling and the hope of ‘life as it will be, after this cuppa has solved all my problems‘ ;)

One of my favourite sayings is: "Never ever underestimate the POWER of really good cuppa tea!"

Its true what they say:

"The tea party is a spa for the soul. You leave your cares and work behind. Busy people forget their business. Your stress melts away, your senses awaken." ~Alexandra Stoddard

I think there will be alot of people who will agree with the above as tea is one of the most popular after drinks in the world, but yet very few people are aware that there are four inherently different flavours and types of tea one can find in every supermarket. Each tea is made out of different ingredients and each tea has its advantages and disadvantages. Which I thought I would like to share.

Belive it or not but there are only four types of tea, despite so many different flavours and varieties. These will form the basis of your tea:

1) Black tea

2) Green tea

3) White tea

4) Oolong tea

All these are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis, also known as the tea plant. Other herbal infusions such as chamomile tea, ginger tea or rooibos (red bush tea) are disqualified as types of tea since the tea plant is not involved in their making. The difference between the four tea variations lies in the process of making them. In addition, each type of tea has another flavor and various health benefits.

1) Black Tea

The strong flavored burnt Sienna coloured tea is the most popular type of tea in the West. Either served with a slice of lemon or added milk and a cube or two of sugar, the cup of black tea is part of daily tea ceremonies that take place worldwide. Black tea is made of heavily oxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. When served plain, it contains no calories, carbohydrates, or fats. A cup of black tea contains more caffeine than any other types of tea but less than in any cup of coffee.

"There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea." Bernard-Paul Heroux

2) Green Tea

The lightly oxidized tea has been popular in China, Japan and Korea for centuries. Recently, rumors on its health benefits increased its popularity in the West as well. It has been proven that drinking green tea can lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, increase metabolic rates and be helpful in variety of other conditions and illnesses. The green tea is lightly oxidized, dried, but not fermented. It is usually served plain, without sugar or milk. Since some of the green tea variants taste a bit bitter, it should be brewed in lower temperature than the boiling point.

"If you are cold, tea will warm you. If you are too heated, it will cool you. If you are depressed, it will cheer you. If you are excited, it will calm you." Gladstone

3) White Tea:

White tea is rarer and more expensive than the other types of teas mentioned above. Originated in the Fujian province of china, the white tea is made of young Camellia sinensis leaves, which go through a long process of steaming or frying, inactivate fermenting and drying. Since the leaves are harvested while the buds are still covered by white hair, it is called white tea. White tea has the most delicate, sweet taste than the other types of tea. Moreover, it contains the smallest amount of caffeine and the largest amount of antioxidant that help prevent cancer.

"Bread and water can so easily be toast and tea." Anon

4) Oolong Tea:

The traditional Chinese tea is the common companion of Chinese foods such as dim sum and chop suey in American Chinese restaurants. The oolong tea, black dragon in Chinese, got its name after its long, dark distinguished leaves that look like wild black dragons when brewed. The unique taste of the oolong tea is achieved by a long process that includes sun drying of the Camellia sinensis leaves, light oxidization, cooling and drying processes. The result is a lighter flavor than the popular black tea and stronger than the delicate green tea.



My Tea Stash... :)



"Enjoy life sip by sip, not gulp by gulp."

All these little quotations are exactly how a cup of tea makes me feel and I agree so much with them!

Some of my favourite teas are - even they are not classified as Tea I still call it Tea.

***Chamomile***

***Earl Grey***

***Earl Grey and Lavender***

***Darjeeling - The Champagne of Tea***

***Chia Tea or aka My Happy Tea!!***

***Assum***

For me I find the best way to enjoy a nice cuppa tea, is poured from a tea pot, milk first and in a nice thin cup and saucer.

How do you enjoy drinking your tea and what is some of your favourites?