This information about tea was gleaned by my sister S. at a workshop and tea tasting that she attended at the Wisdom Tea Shop in London, Ontario. This shop purchases their tea from the Metropolitan Tea Company (Toronto), which in turn, purchases tea directly from the farmers. The above photo shows the tea that was made for me; it contains lavender. I can either drink it or use it to scent my underwear drawer.Tea facts:
All tea comes from the same plant, it is the processing that makes it black tea, green tea, oolong or white tea.
Premium tea goes only to loose tea.Tea bag tea is leaves and stems, and poorer quality. Ice tea mixes and bottled ice tea use the lowest quality.
Black tea leaves are oxidized (bruised and tumbled to fermentation). Oolong tea leaves are partially oxidized (semi-fermented). Green Tea leaves are withered (no oxidation). White Tea leaves are steamed. White tea is known to be hydrating.
Black teas are graded and the grades are given based on the time of year the leaves are picked. Factors that affect tea are growing altitude, soil, and temperature. Orange Pekoe tea is a grade of black tea from India. Darjeeling also produces black and white teas.
Black tea benefits the heart, helps lower cholesterol, helps keep the elasticity of arteries and helps regulate blood sugar levels. All tea speeds your metabolism and all tea has caffeine; black tea has the highest level of caffeine. Some teas are roasted, and roasted teas have less caffeine.
Japan is known for its green tea, and the people of Japan appreciate the best of the best in teas. The tea ceremony is very much a part of their culture. There are probably more varieties of green tea than there are varieties of any other manufactured product. China, India and Kenya are known for black teas. Sri Lanka does most flavoured black teas. Oolong tea comes from Taiwan and is recommended for weight reduction, thought to help break down fat in food.
Rooibos, known as red tea, is from South Africa and is not from the tea plant but from the Rooibos, a full bodied herb and high in antioxidants. Mate teas are used for weight loss, and act as an appetite suppressor and natural stimulant. Herb and fruit teas have no caffeine and no tannins, therefore, they can be steeped longer to increase the flavour.
Making Tea:
Water for black tea should be just at the boil, 212 F. and should be steeped for 3 minutes, to a maximum of 4 minutes. If left longer, tannins are released and the tea may be bitter. Water for green tea should only reach 180 F.
Subsequent correspondence from the Wisdom Tea Shop owners.....
Note to the owners from my sister, sent : Thursday, January 14, 2010, 2:48 PM
Wisdom Tea Shop was featured yesterday on my sister's food blog, using my notes from the tea tasting I attended, so hope they’re accurate!!!!
Reply Sent: January-22-10 5:21 PM
Hi S. What a great blog!!. How are you? I haven't read many blogs but this looks really good to me. The tea information was great; The only thing I notice is that China is mentioned only for black tea but they are also well known for green tea. Tell your sister we really loved it and sorry it took me so long to reply back. Vicky
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