As we wind up the month of January, do not forget to pay homage to one of the most amazing drinks ever created---hot tea. January is national hot tea month and it is a great time to learn more about tea, a drink that has been in existence for nearly 5,000 years. Tea even holds a unique place in American political history thanks to the infamous Boston Tea Party which produced the familiar phrase "taxation without representation."Societies around the globe have universally recognized the unique qualities a cup of hot tea can produce. Tea is known to encourage conversation and to have soothing properties that provide warmth and comfort. Tea is produced from the camellia sinensis plant, a hearty evergreen that tends to grow in warm climates. Teas varieties result from differences in the health of the leaves and a process we learned in science class, oxidation. Green tea and white tea is formed from tea that is not oxidized at all, instead the tea leaves are steamed, rolled and dried. Black tea is oxidized for at least two hours and up to four hours. Oolong teas are typically oxidized for two to three hours.
Popular herbal teas do not come from the camellia sinensis plant and instead are combinations of leaves, roots, bark, seeds and flowers from a variety of plants. Notably, herbal teas have not been linked to many of the popular research which suggests that tea provides health benefits.
According to the Tea Association of the U.S.A., tea has grown to a nearly $7 billion industry with almost $2 billion dollars worth of tea sold at retail supermarkets. Tea is produced in many foreign countries located in South America, Asia and Africa including Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Tea in its purest form contains no sodium, fat, carbonation or sugar and is either low-calorie or calorie-free. Teas are also renowned for their flavanoids which are compounds that are said to have antioxidant properties which according to scientists block and neutralize free radicals which can cause damage to the body.
Tea is extremely easy to prepare and there are many products on the market which seek to optimize your tea experience. Breville has a variable temperature kettle that will boil water at varying temperatures depending on the type of tea that is brewed.
Tea Forte has some of the most beautifully packaged teas in their signature prism tea bag with ribbon. A ribbon box is quite affordable and makes an ideal gift at US $18 - US $24. The company is running a special promotion valid until January 31st. By using the coupon code FREEDOLCE, one can receive a free box of tea from the Dolce Vita collection with the purchase of a Sontu teapot which compliments the Tea Forte line exquisitely.
If you are interested in a more formal tea presentation, the Damman Freres Loose Tea Coffret 1825 sold online at Sur La Table provides a set of 18 teas including Jardin Bleu, Quatre Fruits Rouge and Citrons.
While traveling in San Francisco, I came upon the Red Blossom Tea Company who through a minimalist facade presents an awesome array of fine teas housed in beautiful large silver tins. Removing the lids reveals the fragrance of the teas like a fine perfumery. The store also features wonderful accessories such as specialty ceramics including a kyusu pot and a Korean ripple tea set.
