ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and even black pepper. These have health benefits
of their own. Another famous type of black tea is Earl Grey, flavored
with the oil from the citrus fruit bergamot. On its own, bergamot is also
known to have uplifting effects.
According to Pole, “Black tea is rich and malty bringing strength and
support. Its brimming with a different range of antioxidants than green
tea, such as the theaflavins and thearubigens, that interact together to
bring vitality and health protection. Black tea is helpful for enhancing
concentration as well as strengthening the elasticity of the blood vessels.”
Steep 3-5 minutes in boiling water (200-212 F).
Pu-erh
Pu-erh is still a type of tea, yet the process is a bit different from all of
the other varieties. Erin O’Hara, Senior Manager of Innovation at Numi
Organic Tea says that Pu-erh has the following attributes:
Pu-erh is an ancient tea originating from Yunnan, China. It is different
from other teas as it undergoes a unique fermentation process, resulting
in a rich earthy flavor with hints of malt plus many health benefits that
have been touted for hundreds of years.
By tradition, pu-erh is found in brick-like formation, in which a piece
can be broken off before steeping it in hot water. However, there are
teabags of pu-erh also available for convenient steeping and to meet the
demand of its more recent popularity.
Tea enthusiasts drink pu-erh for its smooth taste and how it makes
them feel. In China, pu-erh is often called “the skinny girl tea” and
consumed with dim sum. Pu-erh has been traditionally known to im-
prove digestion and metabolism, help weight management, and provide
a natural boost of sustained energy.
Steep 2-3 minutes in boiling water (200-212 F).Let’s Talk about Matcha
Matcha is a type of green tea, but not just any green tea. According to
John Boyd, CEO and Founder of Buddha Teas, “To make Matcha cor-
rectly, the farm must shade the plants four weeks before harvesting the
leaves. The lack of sunlight increases the absorption of nutrients from
the fertilized earth. Good matcha is buttery, smooth, and never bitter.”
After the matcha is harvested and processed, the whole leaf is pow-
dered. When you drink matcha, you are ingesting the whole plant. Boyd
says, “In my opinion, Matcha is the healthiest thing you can drink aside
from water. It contains 100x the antioxidants of regular green tea be-
cause you’re consuming the whole leaf.” Matcha is commonly used in
Japanese tea ceremonies as well as in recipes in the Japanese culinary
traditions.
There are so many ways to enjoy tea, whether you are serving it at a
gathering or savoring for a solo ritual. When you steep the brew and sip,
make sure to appreciate the aromas, flavors, and health benefits of this
floral and uplifting drink.Thanks to Numi Organic Tea for brewing instructions (numitea.com).
Photos courtesy of DAVIDsTEA (davidstea.com).
Kayla Rose Freudenberg is a yoga teacher and plant-based Chef based in Orange
County who believes that optimal health is an achievable goal for everyone. Kayla
combines the principles of yoga, mindfulness, and nourishing food to guide and
maintain the well-being of her students and clients: KaylaRoseCuisineAndYoga.com