Blue Monkey Tea
5872 Forbes Ave. (Squirrel Hill) Pittsburgh, PA 15217 (412) 422-1606
& 1451 Collier Ave. Carnegie, PA 15106 (412) 276-1906
TEA FUNDAMENTALS – outline
1. What is tea and where is it grown.
Most teas: green, black, oolongs & white come from an evergreen shrub called Camellia Sinensis. The majority of tea is grown and harvested in: India, China, Sri Lanka & Kenya.
2. Four main types of tea.
2.1 Green Tea (non-fermented) Heat is applied to fresh tea leaves to stop the oxidation process: steaming, pan-firing or roasting. Then the leaves are dried.
2.2 Black Tea (fermented): First the tea is dried, usually withered in the sun. Then the leaves are rolled and twisted to accelerate oxidation (fermentation) process.
2.3 Oolong Tea: (partially fermented)
2.4 White Tea: Least processed tea. Consists of only buds and young leaves (some not open yet).
3. Rooibos (Red Tea).
Comes from a South African plant called Aspalathus Litzearis, and also called Red Bush. It is naturally caffeine free.
4. Decaffeinated and Herbal Teas.
Decaffeinated teas are green or black teas that have been decaffeinated through a special process. Herbal teas, such as flowers, leaves, fruits, roots etc. are naturally 100% caffeine free. Examples of such "Teas" are: Peppermint & Chamomile.
5. Steeping Techniques.
Use good quality water: filtered or good tap water. Avoid distilled, fluoridated, or highly chlorinated water. Use 1 teaspoon of tea for each 6-7oz water.
6. Steeping times:
Green & White tea steep 1-2 min with cooler water: 180-185 degrees,
Oolong steep 2-3 min,
Black tea steep 3-5 min,
Rooibos & Herbal tea steep 5-7 min.
6. Tea Storage.
Store your tea in a dark, cool, and dry area. Do not store in the refrigerator or freezer!
7. Health Benefits.
- Great beverage: no sodium, no fat, no carbonation, no sugar.
-Contains antioxidants, which are helpful in preventing cancers and chronic diseases.
-According to research tea may reduce "bad" cholesterol.
-Recent studies found that tea drinking may increase bone density in women.
-Tea is helpful in fighting plaque and dental caries.
The Japanese and Chinese have believed for centuries that drinking tea promoted health and longevity. Scientists all over the world have confirmed the actual health benefits of tea’s contents.
Let's not forget that just making tea, inhaling its aroma, sitting down to drink it, relaxing and taking a break from everyday's stress is beneficial to our health as well!