View Full Version : The All About Tea Thread
chanzep
01-05-2017, 05:23 PM
Just picked up a box of lipton Orange,Passonfruit and Jasmine Green tea. its really good I had it before and loved it.
QueerCrip
01-05-2017, 10:52 PM
My first job ever was working at a tea store. Here's an overview of what I learned for those who are confused by the world of teas.
White vs green vs oolong vs black
These all come from the same tea plant. The color refers to the oxidation level of the leaves. White tea comes from the youngest, least oxidized leaves on the top of the plant. Subsequently, as you move onto green tea, then oolong tea, then black tea, the leaves become older, towards the bottom of the plant and more oxidized.
Higher anti-oxidants, less caffeine, lighter taste <--white--green--oolong--black--> less anti-oxidants, more caffeine, stronger taste
Other teas
Herbal - obviously a wide array of them, so their benefits and tastes widely differ. Generally caffeine free
Rooibos - comes from an African plant and is caffeine-free. Great calming, sleepy time tea. It is very fine, so make sure you have a fine mesh filter when steeping unless you want parts to slip through into your drink.
Yerba Mate - a South American plant that is much more energizing than all the above teas, yet much healthier than coffee. In its plain form it tastes sort of earthy, but you can get it flavored or roasted for those more akin to drinking coffee. This is traditionally drank in gourds with metal straws with filters on the end. It is often steeped for a really long time or steeped multiple times
Matcha - green tea that's been ground up into a powder. As you're ingesting the whole tea leaf you end up getting several times the nutrients (and caffeine) than plain green tea. It can taste kind of grassy on it's own but mixes well into lattes and smoothies. *my personal alternative to coffee as I hate coffee*
Steeping Tips
You will of course need some form of infuser or empty tea bags if you are using loose leaf tea. Be sure to never pour boiling water on white or green tea as it will burn it and make it taste bitter. Let the water cool for five minutes after it has come to a boil. White and green teas also only need a couple minutes to steep whereas darker teas can steep longer.
Something often overlooked is resteeping. Save your leaves and resteep them for up to a day after (no longer or they will go bad and moldy). This saves you money, but there are also different benefits depending on the steep. The first steep gets out most of the caffeine whereas the subsequent steeps get more of the antioxidants.
Iced Tea
This is great for the summer. If you've never had real iced tea, please don't think of Nestea Iced Tea as your reference point. Do not steep your iced tea in cold water, but in the regular hot water you'd use as per above with a much smaller portion of water. After it has finished steeping then top it up with ice. This works great in bulk pitchers in the fridge. It is also important to sweeten it before you add the ice as the sugar or honey will not dissolve and sink to the bottom in globs.
QueerCrip
01-05-2017, 10:54 PM
And because I'm always asked any coconut flavoured green tea is my personal fav. Now I'm craving buying all the teas after this post. I'm on a renewed tea kick because I'm sick rn.
charlie61
01-07-2017, 08:20 AM
^Isn't white tea the *least* oxidized? I'm pretty sure you switched the descriptions.
Aurora_Sunset
01-07-2017, 08:49 AM
I found this store when I was on the east coast, and now order tea from them all the time:
http://www.spiceandtea.com/
They have stores in a lot of locations, but also deliver pretty much anywhere in the US.
My favorite is their Mystic Dragon. It's a green tea. The bags come in reasonable sizes and prices if you're trying something for the first time and you can order bigger if you decide you really like something. They also have instructions on each one for how much and how long to steep. They're loose-leaf, so I recommend getting a super cute tea infuser: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-tea-infusers/ Makes tea time way more fun!
QueerCrip
01-07-2017, 03:51 PM
^Isn't white tea the *least* oxidized? I'm pretty sure you switched the descriptions.
*shame face* You're right, I totally mixed them up. Edited to fix.
charlie61
01-07-2017, 07:00 PM
*shame face* You're right, I totally mixed them up. Edited to fix.
You're so cute! Haha. :hug:
We had a rabbit like you
01-08-2017, 12:43 PM
Also I read matcha is grown in the shade, forcing the leaves to produce more chlorophyll and antioxidants??
QueerCrip
01-08-2017, 12:50 PM
Also I read matcha is grown in the shade, forcing the leaves to produce more chlorophyll and antioxidants??
:O I'd never heard this before, but that's very possible. I think there are a range of quality of matchas out there too.
QueerCrip
01-08-2017, 12:53 PM
^ That emoticon didn't quite come out the way I expected it.
QueerCrip
01-08-2017, 12:59 PM
I had a flashback to people always asking for local tea and us telling people Canada doesn't have the climate to grow tea (minus some herbals of course) but as I go to look this up I find some interesting articles that might indicate otherwise. IDK
charlie61
01-08-2017, 02:02 PM
Also I read matcha is grown in the shade, forcing the leaves to produce more chlorophyll and antioxidants??
Yeah, matcha is intense. I have no patience for mixing matcha with water using a whisk, so i use a fine-mesh infuser instead. Pour the water over it into a mug (use very little matcha - too much will make the taste overpowering), let it sit for an instant, then take the infuser out of the mug and set it on a plate. You can make quite a few cups using this method, as the matcha will continue coming out of the infuser gradually. The longer it sits, the more it will oxidize, so aim to use only a tiny bit of matcha at a time. It'll start out a brilliant green color and gradually get browner with each steeping.
Something similar to this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000I68NCS/
chanzep
01-08-2017, 02:32 PM
I love Matcha mixed with fruity teas taste soo good. At the Tea shop I used to work they would use the whisk too.
We had a rabbit like you
01-08-2017, 05:51 PM
Oh wow, tea is an art form m starting to see!! So many cool tricks and tips I never knew
chanzep
01-28-2017, 09:43 PM
I got a peach Mangosteen tea, it is good.
Vyanka
01-28-2017, 11:53 PM
When I need a good night sleep, I drink this chamomile/lavendar fusion mix. Instant knock out.
The brand is called "Chai Diaries". Comes in a black tin can. Good stuff!
ScarletKitten
01-29-2017, 02:56 AM
omg I love this thread. MY favorite teas are Trader Joe's mango black tea, pomegrante black tea, and Lady Grey.
Kava tea is good for relaxing, reducing anxiety, and for insomnia. It kinda makes you feel a little drunk/high too, haha. I would recommend sweetening it with honey or agave nectar because it tastes really strong and slightly bitter.
Ginger & chamomile tea is great for stomach problems and nausea. I love herbal teas with a hint of apple in them too.
I'm going to try some suggestions in this thread. Buying herbal teas in bulk and using a tea infuser sounds really fancy and decadent.
Loreen
01-31-2017, 07:48 AM
When I try to drink less coffee I go for teeccino, really tasty / no caffeine :)
https://pageshot.net/images/0a6a3af5-561c-4e69-8564-2c1c7240f07d.png
chanzep
01-31-2017, 10:27 PM
I need a good decaf, will try, today I got some loose leaf teas and a infuser cup on sale from work, I will try out teas tomorrow.
LoveyDovey
02-02-2017, 09:18 PM
My beloved gave me a gift of Matcha tea, complete with tea bowls, wisk, the whole shebang. He gave me two bowls so that when he comes over, he can drink Matcha with me. It's our new healthy habit. We're trying to be as healthy as we can so we can enjoy as much life as we can together. I just love him.
chanzep
02-03-2017, 09:16 PM
I did not like one of the teas I tried a Rum biscotti flavor was yuck, I also have spiced ginger plum which is nice, today at Walmart I got a Jasmine tea and a Green one. I want to order some Matcha from Teavana I love it, I ant to try Davids losse tea too.
ScarletKitten
02-08-2017, 06:31 PM
I had pomegranate black tea with honey, brown sugar, and coconut milk. Heaven!
SnuffleUffleGrass
02-08-2017, 09:29 PM
Shameful confession- Arizona Ice Teas were my Go-To drink when I drove a delivery truck. Not super healthy but better than being cracked out on black coffee too early in the morning.
Great Tea confession- I hate to admit it but Wal Mart store brand teas are excellent. (FWIW Wal mart probably offers a better price to tea & coffee vendors than other large stores. My guess.) Their Green Tea brews really dark & rich.
miss.a.p1600
02-08-2017, 10:17 PM
Lipton tea is the shit. Its the only boxed tea that Im aware of that has natural healing herbs like licorice root. But for a splurge --- Teavana is where its at.
I prefer green tea over black.
And scarlett kitten Ive always wondered about kava. I was looking into legal herbal "remedies" to help with seasonal affective disorder so maybe Ill give it a try.
SnuffleUffleGrass
02-09-2017, 07:43 AM
Funny confession- as a teen I tried the "hippie health food store" style of brewing tea (loose tea, using tools to steep, waiting for hours) to be honest buying boxed tea is usually cheaper and less mess for most people. Loose tea is for retired people lol
I also used tea as medicine when I did not have medical insurance & was really sick (I had female problems so I drank chickweed tea, raspberry tea and dandelion tea.) It worked!
ScarletKitten
02-09-2017, 10:17 PM
Loose tea is for retired people lol
I beg to differ! Loose tea is for people with class! :tophat:
miss.a.p1600
02-09-2017, 10:28 PM
If you do prefer loose leaf tea, I got this cool contraption from Teavana that you put the tea leaves + hot water into, let it steep for a few minutes, then place the contraption directly on top of your mug and voila - out comes the brewed tea.
I'm such a dork I get geeked over the simplest sh*t
JessaJade
02-12-2017, 06:34 PM
I love Matcha mixed with fruity teas taste soo good. At the Tea shop I used to work they would use the whisk too.
So is the fruit tea made into fine powder and mixed with the matcha powder? I've only seen green teabags with fruit flavours mixed in.
chanzep
02-12-2017, 09:28 PM
No they are separate
chanzep
02-12-2017, 09:29 PM
If you do prefer loose leaf tea, I got this cool contraption from Teavana that you put the tea leaves + hot water into, let it steep for a few minutes, then place the contraption directly on top of your mug and voila - out comes the brewed tea.
I'm such a dork I get geeked over the simplest sh*t
The perfect tea maker is awesome.
charlie61
02-14-2017, 11:01 AM
The first thing i bought for my new place (moving on the 19th) was an electric kettle. Priorities, you know!!
SophieEmerson
02-14-2017, 12:53 PM
we have a roommate at my place who got approved by the house instantly by virtue of working for Teavana and coming with a literal shelving unit just for tea.
Teavana staples: Comfort, Recover, Weight to Go, Citrus Lavendar Sage, Wild Orange Oolong and Strawberry Slender.
Oh I love tea :)
My favorite so far : Jardin Bleu (Blue Garden in french) is a black tea with rhubarb and strawberry aroma, mixed with scatterred petals of helianthus and cornflower.
I never ever put milk in my tea... to me it's a crime ^^
Vyanka
02-15-2017, 12:43 PM
I think I may buy this for loose leaf tea on the go.....
https://www.amazon.com/UEndure-Tea-Infuser-Tumbler-Strainer/dp/B00TNDCK80
Anyone has this?
Vyanka
02-15-2017, 12:45 PM
Tea when you're on your period. This is good, bc it has the ingredients to calm down the cramps....
http://www.ladiesbalance.com/shop/product/femininitea-time-of-the-month-tea/
On my shopping list.
Vyanka
02-16-2017, 11:55 AM
Just bought those last 2 products. Can't wait! Will post a review once I get them.
That ladiesbalance website has some interesting teas. For hair, skin, and menstruation. Check it out. Just went crazy on there.
Ninelives
02-16-2017, 04:28 PM
Always, always drink Organic tea, anything else is like drinking a chemical stew
chanzep
04-12-2017, 05:43 PM
I got Taylors of London Lemon green tea it is good, only 2.99 from TJ Maxx.
msjoiparker
04-29-2017, 10:47 AM
lemon grass, bay rum, mint, good ole black lipton
athenalovelace
05-08-2017, 03:49 PM
I found this store when I was on the east coast, and now order tea from them all the time:
http://www.spiceandtea.com/
They have stores in a lot of locations, but also deliver pretty much anywhere in the US.
My favorite is their Mystic Dragon. It's a green tea. The bags come in reasonable sizes and prices if you're trying something for the first time and you can order bigger if you decide you really like something. They also have instructions on each one for how much and how long to steep. They're loose-leaf, so I recommend getting a super cute tea infuser: http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/creative-tea-infusers/ Makes tea time way more fun!
I was going to post about that tea before I saw this comment! I got Mystic Dragon last time I was in Florida and I'm stocking up next time. The Ruby Oolong is also fantastic. I love oolong and was so heartbroken when Teavana stopped carrying Four Seasons.
chanzep
05-11-2017, 07:31 PM
I just got Pomegranate, rooibos with acai by the English Tea shop. Delious got at at TJ Maxx. I also ordered from a company I found on here in a old thread called Adagio Teas. I ordered a bunch of samples will report back.
miss.a.p1600
05-11-2017, 07:37 PM
Just found some Liptons English Breakfast Tea on clearance at Walgreens. Can't wait to taste it.
chanzep
05-16-2017, 08:14 PM
So my teas arrived today, they gave me a free tea too but its Chai which I don't care for. I tried Citrus green tea today very nice.
SnuffleUffleGrass
05-19-2017, 01:49 PM
I just got Pomegranate, rooibos with acai by the English Tea shop. Delious got at at TJ Maxx. I also ordered from a company I found on here in a old thread called Adagio Teas. I ordered a bunch of samples will report back.
Yup cool teas pop up at Big Lots!, TJ Maxx, and Ross Outlet. Always worth a look.
kendallkushxo
06-12-2017, 11:29 PM
I really like matcha tea.
My dad was sent some matcha green tea from Japan from a friend and it's some of the best I ever had. It makes me feel super energetic.
I'm getting ready to make green tea for the second time ever. The first time a Kurig made it but maybe it was too green or something but the smell wasn't advertising. I'm going to try tea bags tonight.
So this Celestial Organics Pure Green is good! And it's not green in color lol weird. Anyway next I'm trying Celestial Organics Ginger and Turmeric
chanzep
06-14-2017, 04:39 PM
Adagio teas are good , my fave is the calypso green teas so good.
WendiStarr
06-30-2017, 10:22 AM
Ginger lemon tea has become my favorite lately.
JessaJade
07-01-2017, 10:37 AM
I'm enjoying nice strong English Breakfast tea again lately, with a dash of almond milk.