CELEBRATE TEA TIME

With so much variety in the available tea blends, it should come as no surprise that there are countless thoughts and ideas on brewing the best cup of tea. There are four basic types of tea: black, green, oolong and white tea; there are over 2,000 different blends of tea. Each type of tea is better when brewed using methods for that specific tea. The most frequently purchased tea in America is black tea and this is one method that works for black tea:

1) Start with cold filtered water and bring to a boil

2) While the water is heating, preheat the teapot. Fill the teapot with hot tap water,
wait a few minutes and drain

3) Measure 1 tsp of loose tea for each cup of tea into the teapot

4) Pour a small amount of hot water over tea leaves, allow leaves to open up and drain immediately

5) Fill teapot with boiling water, cover and brew 4 to 5 minutes

6) Pour tea, serve and relax

If you need to keep the tea warm, transfer the tea to an insulated pot. If you are using good quality tea, it can be infused three to five times. Simply add boiling water and let it steep; with each use, shorten the time it steeps.

Researchers have conducted numerous studies to evaluate the health benefits of tea. Many of these studies have proven that the antioxidant polyphenols of tea may significantly reduce the risk of ovarian cancer as well as gastric, esophageal and skin cancers. Other research has determined that polyphenols help in the prevention of blood clots and may help lower cholesterol levels. All teas contain polyphenols and actually rank as high as or higher than many fruits and vegetables. It has also been determined that brewing the tea for three to five minutes brings out the beneficial polyphenols. When considering the health benefits of tea, it is important to note that there has been no scientific evidence that bottled green tea drinks help with weight loss.

But, one thing we know for sure: we can celebrate the proven health benefits of tea. We can relax and enjoy the aroma and taste of our favorite hot tea. How about planning a High Tea for the tea drinkers' ultimate pleasure?