Black tea is one of the most common types of tea available on the market, but that simply does not take away from its healthful qualities. Black loose tea can be used to reduce the risk of stroke, decrease coronary heart disease risks and even helps the digestive tract when drank due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

Not only does this help with upset stomach, but it helps to keep concentration high and sharpens mental acuity and focus. Even with all these health related facts, the one fact that remains the number one reason for tea drinkers choosing this tea is the taste. There are many varieties of black loose tea such as Summer Kiss, Ambrosia, Black Currant Organic and Black Night among many others.

Black loose tea can be brewed as easily as bagged tea, and normally has more flavor than bagged teas. Brewing loose teas can be as fun as tasting the many varieties of sensual and colorful teas.

Summer Kiss black loose tea is an organic tea that blends flowery accents with organically grown black tea. A very unique taste that is a mix of sweet and tart, this blend offers red rosebud, purple mountain rose hips and hibiscus for flavor.

Ambrosia includes safflower, a flowery orange pekoe, berry plants and red safflower petals to this summer-time tea. The safflower is a great source of oils that have been medicinally used for centuries to help women keep a regular period as well as keep the skin healthy and vibrant. Sweet marjoram and hibiscus round out this all over exhilarating tea flavor.

Black Currant tea offers orange pekoe black tea with black currants and leaves for an iron packed healthy drink including potassium. Natural sweetness from the currants gives an unforgettable fruity taste to this exotic dark tea.

Black night tea is very robust, with a hint of a sweet taste. There is a strong aroma and flavor associated with this tea that helps it to be recognized when among many other teas. Black loose tea incorporated with high levels of anti-oxidants and caffeine, this tea will hold its strong flavor for years due to the oxidization of the leaves. This is a great tea to start your Monday morning when you really need a jolt to get going.

Darjeeling tea is another variety of black loose tea. This tea offers a light apricot color when brewed, and has a smooth and subtle floral flavor with the spiciness that Darjeeling is known for. This is considered the ‘champagne’ of teas and is widely used for afternoon drinking, as an accent for many meat containing meals.

Earl Grey is another black loose tea that is very popular. Made of full dark leaves of the orange pekoe, this tea offers a touch of indigo coloring from cornflower petals. Earl Grey offers a bergamot fruity and slightly sweet flavor, and is considered a breakfast classic.

Passion Fruit Gold is a black loose tea that offers a warm touch to all black tea blends. The dark tea offers a very full flavor that is unmatched in any other variety. The natural sweetness of black tea with calendula blossoms offers this tea the unmistakable taste that is perfect for any time of year.

Black loose teas are known worldwide for being the most popular teas. Once the health benefits are seen and the taste is experienced, it is no wonder that black loose teas are as widely consumed as they are.

To Buy or Try a Sample Please Go To - http://www.redleaftea.com/
 
Written by Sam Leo 
Article Source: Articlesbase.com
Green tea is a domain, under which you get a number of sub groups. The variants of green tea have different names and the usage and properties also differ from each other, though fundamentally they are the same. Apart from Chinese tea, there are other countries which produce green tea. Japan is the second biggest producer of green tea in the world. Japanese green tea also comes in many varieties, which are unique in taste and means, by which they are produced.

The gradation of tea is done based on the quality and the different parts of the plant that are used to make the tea. The prices vary due to these simple reasons of packaging and cutting. The finer leaves will force you to cough up more bucks for your tea, compared to the coarser ones.

   1. The Yame region of Japan produces the finest quality of green tea, which is available in the market. It is expensive and finer than the rest of the variants.

   2. Bancha or the common tea is the most widely cultivated variant of green tea. It is harvested from the summer to the autumn months. The entire leaf is not used, but only a few unnecessary twigs are used to make the tea.

   3. Genmaicha or brown rice tea is another variant of green tea. It is a mixture of brown rice and tea, along with artificial coloration. With the use of certain herbs, the overall appearance of the tea leaves is improved.

   4. Gyokuro is the finest quality of green tea and the finesse is achieved due to the manner of cultivation. The color is ale green and the caffeine content is also pretty high in this variant of green tea.

   5. Roasted tea is made by roasting the leaves over a charcoal oven. This process imparts a special taste to the tea once the infusion is prepared from it.

   6. Covered tea is cultivated in the shade and contact with direct sunlight is prevented in order to protect the leaves. They are generally delicate in nature and cannot withstand climatic extremes.

   7. Japanese tea is characteristically bitter in taste and most of the variants of Japanese green tea are bitter to taste. There are exceptions to this too like the pan fired tea which is not bitter due to the brewing process.

Apart from these there is the rubbed green tea and the roasted barley tea which are unique in its own way.

Written by Mandy Malone
Article source: Articlesbase.com
All teas contain a high level of antioxidants; however white tea antioxidants are higher than in other types of teas. The high antioxidant level in the tea is caused by sunlight. Green plants get energy to grow from sunlight and chlorophyll, but sunlight can also be damaging to them. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be especially harmful to plants and antioxidants basically help protect plants from this possible damage.

Where do antioxidants come from? Living cells of plants can be destroyed as the plants are trying to protect themselves from the harmful sunlight rays. Free radicals are created in leaf cells by the UV radiation in direct sunlight. Animals are born with advanced immune systems that protect them from these free radicals, but plants are not. Plants instead produce chemicals (called phytonutrients) to protect themselves, antioxidants being the most important ones.

There is more to the process of antioxidant activity, such as searching for free radicals (chemicals created by sunlight hitting the plant leaves). The antioxidants attack the free radical cells and may kill them, causing the plants to age and sometimes catch diseases. Free radical activity is limited by the antioxidants. Since antioxidants are present in high amounts in white tea plants, it takes a lot of balance to keep the plants alive as this battle is ongoing.

There are many antioxidants contain in this tea, most from the catechin family, including epicatechin, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin. EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is the most prominent antioxidant. Nearly half of the antioxidant is comprised of EGCG and it is a very potent ingredient. Laboratory tests have determined that EGCG is able to be 100 times more active than vitamins A & C. A cup of white tea is believed to have more antioxidants in it than a serving of broccoli, spinach, strawberries and other healthy vegetables and fruits. This is a perfect example of white tea antioxidants at work.

White tea antioxidants are mostly present in strong quantities because of the EGCG contained in it. EGCG has been proven to reduce several health ailments and diseases such as skin, lung and breast cancers. It also reduces the risk of serious conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes. EGCG can also slow the aging process, prolonging youthfulness and health in the consumer.

White tea is the least processed of all teas so during the harvesting process the healthy antioxidants remain in stronger quantities than in other types of teas. The leaves are comprised of more than 30 percent of healthy antioxidants.
 
The antioxidants present in white tea help fight off many diseases and conditions, making it one of the healthiest teas to consume. Its preventative qualities are just an added benefit to this delicious choice of beverage. White tea antioxidants are important to maintain good health and reducing health risks.

For more information on white tea or for other information on tea tips, please go to Tea Gift Baskets website.

Written by David Sutikno
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Red Leaf teas are known to significantly slow the aging process as well as treat allergies. This great tea is known to help those prone to kidney stones, and is completely caffeine free. Named Rooibos, red leaf teas are called such for the red tinge to the leaves. Many varieties include Chocolate Chai, Peach Rooibos, Rooibos Bourbon and Green Rooibos.

Chocolate Chai is a red leaf tea that offers a tangy ginger flavor with cardamom citrus added in. A mild sweetness and spicy warmth that is associated with all chai teas, as well as the dark chocolate chips added into the tea makes this blend unforgettable. This dessert tea is great for after dinner or in the morning to start your day, and the antioxidants that chocolate adds to the natural health benefits of red leaf tea makes this an immune system booster.

Peach Rooibos red leaf tea offers red tea leaves and bits of peach with other fruit
bits to enhance the health boosting properties of red tea. Growth of this tea is restricted to a small area inside the Cederberg area of Western Cape, and is never fermented or oxidized so all the health benefits are contained for your pleasure.

Rooibos Bourbon red leaf teas appear much the same as Peach Rooibos, but gets the name from the Bourbon Islands in the Indian Ocean. The smooth red rooibos tea with a hint of vanilla makes this tea an ideal breakfast beverage. With bits of vanilla bean and a ruby colored brew, this tea is a drink you will love to share.

Green Rooibos red leaf tea is considered such even though the fermentation ends after the cutting of the leaf. An earthy flavor and being caffeine free makes this drink great any time of day. Not only does the rooibos offer a full body and great aroma, but this variation is considered quite enjoyable hot or cold.

Red leaf tea or rooibos teas are normally drank with no additives in most of the world; it is combined with milk and sugar in South Africa. With a sweet flavor and slight nutty undertones, the flavor alone is unforgettable. The red-brown color that gives this tea its name is granted from the preparation of the tea. The longer the red leaf tea is brewed, the better the taste.

Health conscious drinkers enjoy the high antioxidant levels that red leaf teas contain, as well as the lack of caffeine. When first mentioned in 1772 by Carl Thunberg, the Khosian people had already been using this for its medicinal properties.

The cultivation of the red leaf tea seeds was perfected by Dr. Peter Nortier, a Rhodes scholar. Since the seeds were originally hard to find and grow, Dr. Nortier paid local farmers for their seeds and encouraged these farmers to begin cultivating the plant as a cash crop for the Klein Kliphuis farm. The most expensive seed in the world market was then born, and is enjoyed today around the world for an average cost.

To Buy or Try a Sample Please Go To - http://www.redleaftea.com/

Written by Sam Leo 
Article Source: Articlesbase.com
Rooibos tea is a tea made from the leaves of the rooibos bush, a plant that can only be found in a small region of South Africa. It is referred to by several different names including bush tea, red bush tea, red tea or South African red tea. The tea has long been favored by South Africans for its health benefits, but is becoming increasingly popular with health-conscious consumers throughout the world.

The health benefits of drinking rooibos tea is primarily due to its high level of antioxidants including aspalathin. Vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, and calcium are some of the other beneficial nutrients found in rooibos. Here are some of the conditions that rooibos has been shown to alleviate or assist with.

Digestive Problems
South Africans have long used rooibos tea to provide relief from and assist with the treatment of various digestive problems. Some of these problems that rooibos tea has been commonly used to treat include heartburn, nausea, indigestion, and stomach ulcers.

Cancer Prevention
Many health experts agree that rooibos does act as an anticarcinogen to a number of different types of cancer cells. Studies have shown that the flavonoids contained in rooibos have chemopreventive and antimutagenic properties which have been shown to significantly reduce the potential onset of cancer.

Anti-Aging
It is fairly well-known that antioxidants play a significant role in protecting the body from the damage free radicals can cause. Since rooibos is so rich in antioxidants, it naturally helps to reduce the damaging effect aging has on the cells in our bodies. As a result, rooibos has the ability to help slow the aging process down.

Skin Conditions
Because of the alpha-hydroxy acid found in rooibos, it can be used externally to promote healthy skin and alleviate skin problems. It has been found effective in treating and providing relief from eczema, sunburn, rashes, and itches. Drinking the tea has also been shown to alleviate allergies and asthma.

These are just a few of the conditions rooibos tea has been used to treat. Stress, heart disease, headaches, and insomnia are a few more. Rooibos tea can be served as an iced tea or a hot beverage. While sugar and milk are commonly added, many people will find the tea to be naturally smooth and lacking the bitterness that many black and green teas have. Either way, rooibos tea is a great choice for any health-conscious tea lover.

Kelly is a serious tea fanatic and has a new website on the benefits of using a stainless steel electric kettle. For the latest reviews, tips, and deals on all types of stainless steel tea kettles, visit her site today.

Written by Kelly Ralston
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
History of Mint

Mint is an ancient herb and the use of mint tea dates back to medieval Europe. Mint's distinct smell has made it one of the more popular herbs throughout history. From Europe to India to the Middle East, it has been used to clear the air. In ancient Greece, mint leaves were rubbed on dining tables to welcome guests, while in the Middle East, the host still traditionally offers mint tea to guests upon their arrival.

What is Mint?

There are about 25 different species of mints and peppermint is actually a natural hybrid cross between Mentha aquatica (water mint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint).

Peppermint: Peppermint has greenish-purple lance-shaped leaves and has tastes of a cross between pepper and green chlorophyll. Where chamomile tea can be calming and soothing, peppermint tea is very refreshing and relaxing.

Spearmint: Spearmint has crinkled leaves and pointed leaf tips shaped like spears and is more of a grayish green color than peppermint leaves and has a little more subtle and cool taste than peppermint.

Other plants in mint family include:
  • apple mint
  • orange mint
  • water mint
  • curly mint
  • Corsican mint

Health Benefits of Mint

Mint has significant health benefits mainly focussed around the digestive system.

It has an anti-spasmodic action which helps with:

    * stomach cramps
    * wind
    * dyspepsia
    * diarrhoea
    * Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
    * heartburn
    * indigestion
    * morning sickness
    * nausea

It is also excellent for:

    * clearing a head when suffering from a cold or headaches
    * sweetens breath
    * baby colic
    * manage stress
    * asthma

Mint has an amazing power to cure cancer. Mint contains a phytonutrient called perillyl alcohol. This phytonutrient prevents the occurrence of colon, skin and lung cancer. Mint works by attacking the tumour's blood vessels, starving cancer to death.

With Spearmint teas, recent studies have found that drinking two cups a day can help with Hirsutism – this condition in women, where hair grows in areas such as the face, stomach and chest is thought to be caused by too many androgens (male hormones such as freely circulating testosterone).

Recipe

Chocolate Mint Tea

Chocolate goes well with tea, not just coffee. You can brew up this recipe is a jiffy, using instant hot chocolate powder and bags of mint tea.

Ingredients: 6 mint tea bags / 6 cups milk / 6 tablespoons hot chocolate mix

Preparation: In a saucepan, heat milk with tea bags until almost boiling. Steep for a couple of minutes and strain out tea bags. Pour our 6 mugs of milk, and then stir in a tablespoon of chocolate powder in each mug.

Visit http://www.teaworld.co.uk/search.php?start=0&end=9&query=Mint to see the full range of Mint teas at teaworld.co.uk

Written by Uma Mays
Article source: Articlesbase.com
A main green tea benefit is that it contains powerful antioxidants that favor bacteria beneficial to the human body while killing those that are harmful. Organic green teas have a high rate of antioxidants which are really important to protect the cells from a natural process that prevents toxins that build up from unnecessary oxygen.

Organic tea is the more natural form of modern tea plants that are sprayed with pesticides and other artificial methods of growth. Many tea plantations are now converting to organic due to the harming effects of chemical fertilizers- this organic tea provides a fuller taste that heightens the green tea benefits. The process of green tea formation includes only the leaf bud and top two leaves of the tea plant. The leaves do not become oxidized as they are not fermented like black tea. This process helps to preserve the leaves without destroying the beneficial compounds in the plant. Organic tea benefits also include various nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium and the vitamins A, C, E and K.

Consumption of organic tea help prevent diseases such as arthritis, improve bone density, reduce the risk of heart disease, and helps fight cataracts. Green organic tea is beneficial for almost every organ in the body as it helps prevent cancer by blocking compounds with poly phenols. Organic green tea helps control blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart attacks. Its daily consumption has shown results in preventing viral infections. It is a very soothing drink that can help you control stress and slow down the aging process. Many people have used green tea for aid in weight loss as well as it works wonders for your metabolism. Tea is also a wonderful alternative to coffee, with many varieties having just half of the caffeine.

I suggest that everyone should experience the flavors and benefits of tea in its organic form. For more information on organic teas and their benefits, visit Tea Noosh.

Written by Rizanne Khan
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
So you are also one of those who wake up to the call of that perfect morning cup of tea! It is quite surprising to know how a simple cup of tea can affect your entire day. A nicely brewed fresh cup of tea in the morning helps you to get going for the rest of the day, and therefore it is quite likely that you surely wouldn't like to compromise when it comes to the quality of your favorite beverage.

If you are an avid tea lover then you sure have tried several kinds of tea that are available on the market, out of which, some you might have liked and some you didn't. However, if taste, quality and color are what you are looking for, then gourmet tea is worth a try. Here in this article we will discuss a few important aspects of gourmet tea that makes it all the more preferable to people.

What makes tea 'Gourmet'?

The term 'gourmet' stands for class, sophistication, and high quality, so when we say 'Gourmet Tea' it means a genre of tea that is of high quality and fine taste. Therefore, the name itself is quite explanatory of what this particular type of tea is all about.

How to distinguish gourmet tea from others of its kind?

In order to classify tea as gourmet, it is very important for it to fulfill certain criteria. They are as follow:

Loose tea is gourmet:

For a type of tea to be classified as gourmet, it is very important for it to be loose and should not come in any tea bag. The teas that come in tea bags do not qualify as gourmet tea.

Tea quality:

The quality of the tea also plays an important role in making it gourmet. The quality has to be excellent. Poor quality or graded tea can never reach the status of gourmet. Some of these teas are of such fine quality that they charge hundreds of dollars for a pound.

Tea blend:

The blend of the tea also defines the category it falls under. So, like quality, the blend of the tea also has to be simply excellent to be able to qualify as gourmet tea.

Why go for gourmet tea?

If you have gone through this article carefully, then you are sure to have an idea by now why one should opt for gourmet tea. However, below are a few reasons to support the same:

• It has many health benefits.
• It offers you excellent taste.
• It offers you different flavors and styles of tea.
• Beautiful aroma.

Where do I find gourmet tea?

There are two ways to go about it; either you go to a tea store in person or simply use the internet to shop for gourmet tea. However, there are pros and cons both like, if you go to a store, then your options will be limited but you can personally examine the product before buying and in case you plan to buy online, then of course you will be exposed to a wide range of products, the only drawback is with shopping for tea online is that you can't analyze the tea before making your purchase. Having said this, good companies usually guarantee the quality of tea they deliver. After all, their credibility is directly related to the quality of tea they provide!

Article written by madhavi. Click here to view the original post.
Due to the abundance of advertisements and commercials, green tea is slowly gaining up on the popularity of the black tea. However, without fervent reminders from various businesses, black tea remains the most popular tea in the United States of America. One of the main reasons for this is because black tea is essentially stronger in taste and aroma compared to other tea variants.

Black tea can be divided into two popular kinds, the Assam and the Darjeeling. Both teas are named after the region in India where it is originally grown. Darjeeling teas are known to have small leaves while that of Assam teas have large leaves. The naming process is patterned after the wine industry where the name of the wine is coined after the region where it comes from.

When it comes to black tea, Darjeeling and Assam are at the forefront of the pack, and for good reasons. Both tea variants are known for having numerous health benefits. It contains more caffeine than your regular cup of tea that is why it has longer shelf life also.

In todays world, the call of going green or being environment-friendly is being responded by a lot of businesses, and that includes the tea industry. Growing edible plants became popular for both the consumers and producers. As a result of this, organic teas such as organic white tea and organic black tea came into existence.

The next time you go to tea stores or even just your local grocery, notice the tags on the tea products today. It is quite common to see the organic label in every tea package because there is a high demand for it. Organic black tea is on the rise, no matter whether it is Assam or Darjeeling.

There are vast tracks of land that are being sprayed with harmful chemicals just to produce tea and that concern has already reached the public. If you are carving for a cup of tea, instead of Big Red Robe, go for the organic ones. It will not only be beneficial to your health but you are supporting a greener environment as well.
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