Healthy Food Database
Tea
Tea is the second most drunk beverage in the world - second
(thankfully) to water. Legend has it that it was discovered 2737 B.C. by a Chinese emperor when some fragrant leaves off the Camellia sinensis plant blew into his glass of hot water. The most popular types of tea in the world are black, green and herbal teas. Black tea is the most well known and the one the Brits love. (Especially in a crisis!). Black tea is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis, a white-flowering evergreen bush native to China and India. Flavoured tea is black tea with added natural flavours, eg Earl grey, Irish, English breakfast.
Black tea contains caffeine, as does green tea. Red tea (native to South Africa and known as rooibos) is naturally caffeine-free and the most similar herb tea to black - you can even take milk in it. Herb teas are made from leaves, flowers, roots, bark and seeds. There are an infinite number of herbal teas that are marketed to treat a range of health conditions. Herb teas contain no caffeine at all. Tea is a wonderful source of antioxidants - green tea and rooibos containing more than black tea.
There is a lovely Japanese proverb, "If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty."
Category: Drink
In Season:
all year
To Buy:
Buy black tea and its derivatives from supermarkets or specialist tea stores.
Tea can be bought loose or in tea bags.
To Store:
Loose tea or tea bags should always be stored in airtight containers in a cool cupboard away from sunlight. Tea that isn't stored or packaged properly can absorb odours and moisture, and change the taste. Sunlight can dry the leaves out and degrade the flavour.
Tips & Tricks:
Buy a lovely teapot or make tea in a coffee plunger using loose leaves. It's so much nicer than bags dropped into a cup of hot water.
Cooking Tips:
Make your own herbal tea by growing fresh lemongrass and mint in the garden. Trim the plants and hang the herbs to dry in a dry place. Once dry, chop the leaves. Add a small handful (about 2 tablespoons) to a 6 cup plunger and infuse in hot water for 5 minutes before pouring.
Nutrition per 100 Grams:
Salicylates:
Extremely High
Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*
Blood Clots
High Blood Cholesterol
Premature Aging
Circulatory Disorders
Menopause
Varicose Veins
Heart Disease
Osteoporosis
* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.
Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.
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