Monday, 13 September 2010

Tea - China's Ambassador to the World

Tea grown and processed in China was a rarity in the rest of the world for the majority of history. The distances traveled by land were no further than they are today, but without massive amounts of preparation and funding, caravans were likely to fall prey to local bandits, climate that they had to adapt to, or even just getting lost in the vast deserts between China's western borders and the western world. A journey by land could last as long as a year or more if one started on the western coast of Turkey.

But this travel was done as early as the the year 200 BCE, thanks to the efforts of the Han emperor, Wu-Ti. His decrees that the empire's western borders be free from threat opened a route as far as present day Iraq and Northern India. India and China had a long history of trade, with Buddhism making its way east and Chinese silks and tea making their way west. Within the next two hundred years, Rome began to rise to power in Europe and spread its influence east to the deserts. It was inevitable that the two empires meet, even if only through trade.

Sadly, the trade ended with the fall of Rome in the 5th century. It was not restored in any meaningful way until the late 14th century expeditions of the famous Polo brothers from Venice. Even after their contact with the court of the Mongol rulers at the time, China's tea remained a rare trade good with the occasional nomadic tribe across the intervening countries. The west was tea-less.

With the age of exploration and colonization of distant parts of the world by European concerns, Chinese tea was introduced in the 1600's to Europe by Portuguese and Dutch traders looking for rare items to sell to the markets at home. The major factor in the willingness to trade in tea was the preparation by the Chinese. The hard dry blocks of black tea stood up very well to long travel, and the simple fact that tea was something new were enough to turn it into a luxury item to have if you were noble or had aspirations of moving up the social ladder.

Tea became a staple of life after the restoration of Charles II to the throne of England in1658. He took a Portuguese wife, Catarina de Bragança, who had made drinking tea into a daily event amongst her inner circle. Thanks to their influence, the practice spread quickly in through the aristocracy of England, and their Dutch trading partners. From there it was inevitable that the growing middle class copied the habit until tea had reached a greater popularity than coffee or the rare chocolate drinks being introduced to the Spanish courts of the time.

Tea did have a powerful effect in England. There was a strong movement amongst religious leaders to reduce the spread of coffee as powerful stimulant, and beer was seen as low and destructive. Tea gave a refreshing feeling and slight stimulation that was not overpowering. As tea edged out coffee houses and started to outsell beer and ale, taxes were raised to the point where the cost of a cup of tea was more than doubled by the tariffs and taxes. But the insertion of tea into English culture was complete and there was nothing that would remove it, even taxes beyond reason.

Sunday, 12 September 2010

The Boston Tea Party - England Brings Tea to India

The Boston Tea Party in December 1773 was a pivotal moment in history. It showed that not only was the need for equity between the government and the governed, but the power a simple item could exert over human affairs. The moment remains a strong memory that inspires thoughts of true independence individually and as a Nation.

The Tea Act, having been passed by British Parliament in 1773, was met with resistance. Colonists felt it denied their right only to be taxed by elected representatives. The then Royal Governor of Boston, Thomas Hutchinson took the protest to new heights by holding the tea hostage, not realizing that restless protestors would use this opportunity to destroy the whole lot.

The result of the tea party was felt as far as England, where King George III signed the Boston Port Act. This essentially shut down all commerce in Boston until the money lost in taxes to the crown, as well as the money lost by the East India Company that owned the tea, was repaid. This further unified the colonies to act in defense of each other. It seems that tea became a rallying cry, and one of the major factors in the American Revolution.

To recover from the loss of tea tax revenues, the English colonies in India experimented with cultivating Chinese tea plants. This was successful and India today remains the source of Darjeeling black teas, which are among the most popular in the world. This lead to tea's growing involvement in daily life as English land owners began to control more of the country than India's own people.

The main thrust of colonization was mainly commercial in interest. The East India Company was England's answer to the Dutch East India Company, which was the primary source of much of the trade between Europe and the countries of India, China and Japan during the 15th through 18th centuries. Increases in opportunity created the exchange of legends and lore, as well as the cultivation of multiple types of tea, though almost all of them were descended from plants originating in China.

Tea trade in India did have numerous added benefits for the country. Having a plethora of plantations throughout the sub continent meant that transportation to port had to be both reliable and fast. British engineers created new roads and built bridges over rivers and valleys that had previously been obstacles to travel in the country. In the 1850's the British railways were built. The money for the rail came from taxes paid for by a combination of tea and cotton grown in India and sold abroad. This rail system enabled travel in days as compared to previously it took weeks to cover the same distance.

Tea stayed after India's independence in 1947, where it still produces more than 30% of the world's tea. It also enables more than 10 million people to work directly either as production, preparation or transportation to market. Half of the people employed in this vital industry are women, making tea not only a part of India's history, but a source of income and independence for a large part of the country.

In a very strong way, tea became the catalyst for change in two countries. Both America and India owe quite a bit of their history, commerce and interactions to this simple beverage.

Saturday, 11 September 2010

Which Teapot Style Fits You the Best?

Teapots have a long history of being used all over the world. The very first one was designed by the Chinese around a thousand years ago. Originally, leaves would be used in the making tea. The tea leaves would be put in the pot itself and then hot water would be added to the leaves. After a little while the water would mix with the leaves creating warm tea. The first pots did not arrive in Europe until the late 1700's when the trade routes with Asia were established.

In later years the tea pot got its trademark shape that is still used today. Over the years they have changed design. From Victorian teapots to the post modern teapots. Designers are always looking to try new designs out. Yet the basic design idea is still the same it has a handle, a sprout and a lit. Pots now a day come in all shapes and sizes from small to big squares. It would be hard to go into any housing shop and not find at least a dozen different styles to choose from.

In the late 1900's English designers came up with a companion to the tea pot. It is called the tea cozy. The tea cozy fits the tea pot like a glove. This glove keeps the heat in the pot better.

Tea pots these days are used mainly as decorative pieces that look good on a small table or in the kitchen. But in some families they have made a new recurrence after not being used for years. It is amazing in the year of 2010 that the tea pots of the past are making a come back and even the younger generations are starting to take pride in a well made cut of tea.

Thursday, 9 September 2010

Blended Teas Create a Unique Flavor Profile All Their Own

So Who is Earl Grey, Anyway?

Earl Grey is one of the most recognizable and popular blended teas, but there are many others that fill the need for those tea drinkers who wish to have the very same flavor profile with each and every cup.

They want to know that each time they purchase an Earl Grey or English or Irish Breakfast, it will always be the same strength and flavor. And to satisfy the needs of their customers tea blenders work studiously to recreate that same flavor profile over and over again.

It's not an easy task to replicate the exact same flavor profile repeatedly. Tea blenders must taste hundreds of samples of different teas to come up with the perfect combination, sometimes mixing over thirty different teas to arrive at just the right blend.

It's a complicated process, with teas from different regions, tea estates, and seasons, being tested to come up with the right recipe.

Tea tasters work within a rigid set of standards, with samples of dry leaf set out, each in their own containers in a long row on a testing bench. The tea is then carefully measured to a specific weight (usually 5.2 - 5.6 grams/ 0.18 - 0.2 ounces), and placed in a special lidded brewing mug. Boiling water is added to black teas and slightly cooler water added to the more delicate green or white teas. A timer is then set for five to six minutes (or less for certain green teas). When the tea is finished steeping the lidded mug is tipped on its side in a tasting bowl where a serration in the lip of the mug allows the brewed tea to run into the bowl.

In a process much like wine tasting, the wet tea leaves are poured onto the upturned mug lid and placed beside the tasting bowl. The tea taster then uses a rounded spoon, quickly slurping the tea so it hits his taste buds, then rolling it around in his mouth to determine the full flavor of the tea before spitting it out into a portable spittoon that moves along the work bench.

The tea taster evaluates not only the quality and value of the tea, but also the appearance of the dry and wet leaf, and the taste and aroma of the liquor.

Once he arrives at just the right recipe, the combination of teas is loaded into a large cone shaped hopper, with a blending drum that thoroughly mixes the teas together. The tea is then packaged and sent to the customer.

The Classic Blends

Over many centuries certain teas have developed according to specific likes of individual nationalities. For example, the British like a strong, robust tea to get them going in the morning. It's a totally different story in Russia where they have developed a taste for a dark, smoky flavored tea. For nearly every taste and desire, there is likely a tea to satisfy the demand.

Some popular blended teas include:

Earl Grey - this is probably one of the most popular and recognizable blended teas in the world. Using a traditional blend of China and Indian teas, Earl Grey is flavored with bergamot, an essential oil from the citrus like bergamot fruit, which resembles an orange in taste.

Depending on the amount of bergamot oil used, Earl Grey can taste wonderful, or absolutely awful. If too much oil is used the tea can taste like dish soap. But if too little bergamot oil is used, you may as well be drinking plain tea. When done right, though, you have a wonderfully refreshing cup of tea with a hint of citrus.

Many different tales exist on how Earl Grey got its name. One tells of a British diplomat on a mission to China, who saved the life of a Mandarin. Deeply grateful the Mandarin gifted the recipe for the flavored tea to the diplomat and also to the then Prime Minister, Earl Grey, who served from 1830 - 1834.

Another version tells of how it was the Earl himself who saved the Mandarin's life, and was then given the recipe as thanks. Yet another story tells of how the recipe was a gift to the Prime Minister at the end of a successful diplomatic mission.

It's not likely any of the stories are true, but no matter the circumstances surrounding it, Earl Grey still remains today, one of the most popular blended teas ever marketed.

Today you can find many different versions of Earl Grey, using China tea, Darjeeling, Ceylon, Silver Tip, smoked tea (Lapsang Souchong), and even green tea, oolong, and decaffeinated teas.

Breakfast blends - these blends are designed to go with heavy, fatty foods such as bacon, sausage, fish, smoked meats, and fried eggs. Some of the more popular breakfast blends are:

English Breakfast - this is usually blended with teas from Assam for their malty, smooth flavor, and Sri Lanka and Kenya for their strong deep flavors. Also some American companies use blends of China Keemun teas exclusively as a base for their English Breakfast teas.

Irish Breakfast - this tea is usually strong and dark, made with a blend of Kenya and Indonesian black teas.

Indian Breakfast - is usually a blend of Darjeeling and Assam, or Assam and Nilgiri, or sometimes a mix of all three. Indian Breakfast is generally a lighter, more fruity blend with slightly astringent Darjeelings.

Afternoon blends - these include the "O-Clock" tea blends (Four-O-Clock, Five-O-Clock teas), which usually include a blend of India and Sri Lanka black teas, sometimes with a hint of jasmine or bergamot oil.

Some companies prefer to keep their afternoon blends lighter, using a base of Darjeeling or China and Taiwanese teas.

Russian Caravan - this blended tea uses a combination of black China teas that have a slightly smoky flavor, trying to recreate the original teas that were transported by horseback to Moscow from China.

During the seventeenth century when Chinese tea producers first began making black teas for export to far off lands like Russia, the manufacturing process employed drying tea in large ovens using local pine wood, giving the teas a slightly smoky flavor.

The teas may have had an added exposure to smoke from the caravan's many camp fires along the trade route on the journey back to Saint Petersburg. The smoky flavor is an acquired one, but today many consumers worldwide, swear by it. A small amount of Lapsang Souchong is usually added to the blend to give it the slightly smoky flavor.

Today you can find just about any flavor combination to suit your taste. And if you can't find just that right blended tea that is to your liking, you can easily make up your own blend of teas. Just get some fillable tea sacs or bags and choose your favorite loose leaf teas and you're ready to go and experiment to your heart's desire.

Just remember to take lots of notes along the way, so you can always recreate your perfect blended tea.

Wednesday, 8 September 2010

Potential Risks Involved In Drinking Weight Loss Tea

The road to weight loss is not always paved very smoothly, which often forces some people to take a shortcut. Among the most popular methods of losing weight is taking weight loss tea. This form of tea is widely advertised as being both effective and safe, but what most tea drinkers do not know is that there are actually numerous potential health risks posed by this habit. This is why it is necessary for you to consider taking a longer look at your slimming tea before you actually begin drinking it on a regular basis, as there are a number side effects that you are going to want to take into account.

Many of the side effects of drinking this sort of tea stem from the fact that it tends to contain a somewhat high level of caffeine. Some people believe that because they are not drinking coffee, they are not consuming any caffeine, but this is not true. Drinking weight loss teas on a daily basis can cause any or all of these problems:

Tremors - Overdosing in caffeine can cause involuntary muscular tremors. The most obvious manifestation is trembling hands which can range from intermittent to constant.

Upset Stomach - Drinking Chinese weight loss tea can also cause an upset stomach not only because of the excessive intake of caffeine but also due to other ingredients that act as laxative.

Loss of Appetite - Among the reasons why drinking tea in order to lose weight seems very effective is that it curbs your appetite to the point that you would not feel hungry or even thirsty for days at a time. This is not healthy at all seeing as the body needs nourishment in order to function normally.

Irritability and Loss of Sleep - When you pump your system full of caffeine, it is only a matter of time before you experience insomnia and irritability. You can expect to toss and turn all night, creating a disturbance in your entire system.

Severe Dehydration - This is among the most dangerous side effects of drinking tea. Since you will likely move bowels more often than necessary, you are at a high risk of becoming dehydrated and undernourished as well.

Wednesday, 1 September 2010

Why You Need Tea Cups and Saucers

Comments (0)

Here's a question. Can you name somebody who needs a nice tea set? Somebody for whom the right collection of tea cups and saucers would help them feel a bit more peaceful and serene?

Maybe a better question is who doesn't need that kind of help.

It's become a fact of life these days that our lives are too fast and too busy. We spend each day bouncing like a pinball from this point to that point with nary a pause to draw a breath. We are hooked to our cell phones and Blackberries and a host of other technologies that keep us plugged in but never quite seem to satisfy us.

In that world - and it's a familiar world to almost all of us - isn't there something to be said for sitting down to a slow and tasty cup of tea?

Tea parties themselves might have fallen out of favor, but the principles behind them remain essential. Who does not want to gather with friends or family members and enjoy some simple but delicious foods and a beverage over the kind of slow pace conversation that we all long for?

Sounds like a little slice of heaven, doesn't it?

The right tea set can be like a gateway to that world.

So what do you need to look for when you are on the search for the perfect tea set? Well, it helps to remember that the tea cups and saucers have to look right. They need to be aesthetically pleasing. Keep in mind that tea is simply content - really important content and you don't want to skimp on it - but it's not what your guests are looking at.

Tea cups and tea saucers are containers. If they don't look and feel like something attractive - if they don't contribute to the sense of pace and pleasure that you want your body to encourage, then they won't work.

Remember, you could dump the tea in any old mug and it will taste just fine. But the effect would be quite different. Don't forget that.

Tea sets have four elements that you can't miss out on. There is the tea pot, the tea cup, the saucer and the milk pitcher. You need a good teapot and pitcher, sure, but the cup and saucer are where the buck stops. Because that's where your guest is going to experience her tea. She won't just be focused on flavor and texture - she'll be focused on the material the cup is made from, how the handle fits her fingers, and what type of design appears on the cup's side.

The tea cup and the saucer, in other words, are what sets a regular tea party apart from one that is truly special.

Got a thing for the perfect tea set? Check out Tea Cups And Saucers, a one-stop online resource for all tea lovers.


Tuesday, 31 August 2010

Buying a Teapot

Tea can easily be termed as the most consumed beverage in the world, and people usually like to begin their day with a warm cup of tea. Tea drinking is a pleasurable experience for many and this experience can be enhanced even more by incorporating a great looking teapot into your tea drinking session.

The market is flooded with teapots and one can choose from a variety of designs and colours available. Although, teapots were originally available only in ceramic material they can now be chosen from a variety of materials including metal and glass teapot. The teapot's main function is to keep the tea hot but it also helps in creating a lasting impression on your guests and visitors.

Teapots can also be brought according to the theme of the tea party. If you are hosting a children's tea party you can buy a teapot with animated and colourful graphics. A high tea party certainly demands for an expensive teapot. A lot of people like to collect antique teapots, and these teapots can be relatively more expensive and are available in antique gold and silver metals. Glass teapots have become quite a rage and since they are less expensive they can be used on a regular basis. These cheap glass teapots are durable in nature and are built with borosilicate glass.

Teapots need to be cleaned with extra caution and care because of their fragile nature. Although, they can be washed in a dishwasher it is always better to check with the salesman before settling in on the preferred teapot.

A lot of countries prefer different kinds of teapots. Japanese use Kyusu, which is a Japanese teapot and comes with a handle on one side. Chinese use clay teapots to serve their tea. You can opt for one of these teapots and make your tea drinking session even more interesting.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Monday, 30 August 2010

Green Tea - Secret of Weight Loss Capability of Green Tea

Comments (0)

While we are aware of the medicinal properties of green tea, very few of us know why it works wonders for weight loss. Though every brand of organic tea will not have the same effect, we find various brands on the market today that have been optimized for its fat burning capabilities.

The secret of any weight loss program is its ability to burn calories or to reduce your caloric intake. This can be achieved my various methods. You can either start working out rigorously or you can simply cut down on your caloric intakes. What happens in your body when you go for either of the above mentioned weight loss approach? Essentially your basal metabolic rate is increased which results in fat loss.

In case of Green tea, the same effect is achieved by using caffeine in a perfect combination. It is a well known fact the caffeine assists in increasing metabolism. However it must be consumed in moderate quantity. Excess consumptions of caffeine may lead to various other complications instead of doing any good.

The secret behind Green tea's ability to burn fat naturally is the perfect combination of caffeine with some other herbs and organic products. In fact you get various brands that not only contain caffeine but also various other types of teas for faster effect.

How to buy the best organic tea for weight loss

If your sole purpose of using organic tea is to lose weight then you must spend some time researching about different organic weight loss teas available on the market. You might get some trial offers but make sure that you do not get scammed by free trial offers. It is better to compare a few different brands instead of spending money on something you are not very sure of.

Tava Tea is one such brand that does not give you a free trial offer but every penny you spend on it is worth it. Just have a look at a comparison chart of some of the popular Green Tea brands and decide for yourself if it is really costly. Get the discount offer of the Best Green Tea now.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Sunday, 29 August 2010

How to Make the Perfect Cuppa in the Office

Comments (0)

Everyone knows that the most popular member of an office team is the one who volunteers to makes the most cups of tea.

Tea is associated with break-time and relaxation but it's also drunk regularly by staff at office workstations and desks during their working hours. It's pleasant to clutch on to a warming brew whilst you get to grips with your next assignment or finish a spreadsheet, especially during the dreary autumn and winter months.

So what's the best way to make a cup of tea in the office?

Firstly try to remember how everybody likes their tea - stirring too much sugar into the beverage of feisty team member could result in an unwanted enemy.

Fill up the kettle with fresh water. The oxygen particles in water make tea taste good - re-using water that has been boiled before won't lead to the best results so it's always a great idea to pour away old water and fill up the kettle from the tap. Better yet, fill the kettle up with the exact amount of water you need each time so you don't have to throw out the contents when you turn up to make another brew. This will conserve water and help the environment.

At home feel free to pour hot water into the teapot to warm it up and produce a better cup of tea. However, pouring the boiling water into mugs is more than sufficient within your place of work.

Allow the tea to infuse for a couple of minutes to produce a full bodied tea and add a splash of milk and stir in sugar to taste. There are others who believe pouring the milk into the cup before adding the brewed tea is the correct method but without a teapot it's difficult to brew the tea first.

Offices up and down the country including London office space to Leeds office space are probably slurping a poorly made cup of tea right now. Be sure to follow these points to make sure it never happens again!

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Saturday, 28 August 2010

English Breakfast Tea - What is it and How to Serve It

Comments (0)

English Breakfast Tea is a rich, black tea that is specially blended for mixing with sugar and milk in the tradition of hearty and full breakfasts in England. There is a long tradition of drinking black teas with breakfast in England, but the "English breakfast tea" moniker seems to have originated in Colonial America. It is the largest selling type of tea in the United Kingdom, and has been marketed as "Breakfast Tea" in the UK for more than a century.

There are a number of black teas typically included in the blends called English Breakfast Tea: Assam, Kenyan, and Ceylon teas normally, and Keemun in pricier blends. Some blends contain black teas produced in China and Malawi as well. It seems to have been invented by a Scottish tea master named Drysdale, and proved remarkably popular with the English people of the 19th century. The English of that time were enamored of anything that came from China or other parts of the Orient.

Breakfast tea became named as a way to differentiate it from the afternoon tea break that served as a light lunch for Englanders of the late 1800's. Traditionally, in those times, the English ate two large and hearty meals: breakfast and dinner. Afternoon tea and finger foods were served at five o'clock as a late day pick me up. Thus, when this tea arrived from Scotland, it became the morning staple.

English Breakfast Tea is full-bodied, has floral or coppery undertones that blend beautifully with milk, and produces an aroma like toast and honey, contributing to its comfort qualities. These qualities are what make it such a great choice to accompany breakfast. Consider a trial and change your breakfast beverage to English Breakfast Tea once or twice a week. This would give you a chance to taste and notice the difference in your food depending on what you have to drink with them. This breakfast blend is strong and caffeinated enough to give you the same sort of daily kick-start as coffee, and with an even yummier aroma and taste.

Tea Guidelines - Learn about the different types of tea, their health benefits and how to choose which tea you should try. Plus tips on what to look for when buying tea online and a few must visit tea shops! Carey Publishing http://www.buyteaonlinenow.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Friday, 27 August 2010

Drinking Revolution

Comments (0)

Milk for tea, creamer for coffee?

As a daily ritual, most Britons will certainly arise from bed and start their day by brewing a nice serving of tea in their ideal mug. In my opinion, at any rate, the tea set must actually be somewhat big or wide enough to keep a variety of cookies and must also feature a sizable handle guaranteeing a good grip. These are generally necessary attributes.

Almost everyone is familiar about the British populace being tea lovers and about Americans being coffee aficionados. Precisely how this had happened basically extends a hundreds of years before, and it has led to 165 million cups of tea being consumed per day in Britain, while in the United states, about 336 million mugs of coffee are drunk on a daily basis.

How did this occur?

Because of their widening outlets in the 15th century, the British came to China. The British then became aware that hygiene was regarded quite importantly by the China men. It is required in a Chinese home to remove any footwear before entering the house. Further adding, they washed themselves daily and drank tea in exquisitely ornamented China porcelain.

Heating the water was for eliminating microbes and microorganisms causing illnesses, such as typhoid, that was very widespread in unclean European metropolitan areas that include London. As a result, British very quickly became attached to tea, and China became a vital dealing companion along with the British.

Gradually, the British Colony extended to North America and for a while, tea was in fact fashionable with the colonial populace. The sad thing is, the British desired to monopolize the industry and benefit from its immense popularity.

This produced the Boston Tea Party of 1773. Local vendors, who marketed tea and were doomed to misplace their venture with new fees imposed, attacked British ships to haul tea and drop as much as they could on the side of the Boston Harbour. Their action ultimately created the America we now know.

Turning phase

Once the British made tea not an expensive product for the People in America, coffee got its luck and it duly delivered. The American colonists accepted the beverage and considered it their own.

The British enthrallment with tea additionally had a significant impact on some other sectors. As an illustration, tea in China was drunk out of a cup without a handle. When tea grew to be popular in Britain there would be a desperate desire for excellent mugs with handles to accommodate British culture. The cup shortly turned into mugs!

As a result, pottery and porcelain market skyrocketed, along with the prosperity of corporations like Wedgewood, which additionally had a tremendous influence on areas such as Stoke-on-Trent offering work for thousands.

But as they say, nothing in this world is permanent. When will the tea-loving British and coffee-drinking Americans ever change their fascination?

Until there's still tea and coffee, that is.

The author has experiences in home decor and interior designing and assures that, whether it's china pottery or English pottery, what you put in your table will certainly add weight to the overall style of your home.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Organic White Tea - Low in Caffeine With a Softer and Smoother Taste

Comments (0)

Traditionally, organic white tea comes from Fujian, a province in China, from young and untreated leaves from the shrub Camellia sinensis, and various other tea bushes that are native to the area. These include Chaicha, Narcissus, Da Bai, and Xiao Bai.

Often, organic white tea has buds along with the leaves. White tea buds are delicate and have less caffeine in them than most fermented teas, or those that are older. The buds are what gives the tea its flavor and character. This tea is harvested for just two to three days per year, which means supplies are extremely limited.

Silver Needle tea is one of the most common organic white teas. Handpicked from the first flower buds before they have a chance to open, they are dried immediately with minimal processing. This type of tea has a mild and sweet floral flavor, both delicate and refreshing, but very distinct and lingering.

Never steep this type of tea long, as people are prone to do because of the mild flavor. It is meant to be soft and smooth, and not a bold or overpowering blend. Though the usual growing areas in Fujian, China have been the place for "original", there are now merchants producing white teas in India and having them certified organic for sales in the United States. Processing of organic white teas in the Sri Lanka area seems to be catching on with several of the large estates as well.

Tea merchants typically offer a pure selection of unblended and organic white tea made from the Chinese tea plants. However, some also have embraced the newly hybridized versions which are growing in other areas close to the region with similar climate.

To get the highest quality white tea, only the new buds are harvested, and only before they sprout. Processing means allowing them to wither naturally, pan bake them or dry them in the sun. Each of the buds is covered with silvery down, some long and some short depending on the exact varietal where they grew. Organic white tea is not chemically processed in any way, and is the most natural of all teas. It is very low in caffeine, and provides lots of anti oxidants to help drinkers live a healthier lifestyle.

Tea Guide - Your place for information on tea types, tips on how to buy tea online and some must visit tea shops. Carey Publishing http://www.buyteaonlinenow.com/

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Thursday, 26 August 2010

How to Dry Mint Leaves For Tea

Ben Sanami
Level: Basic

A Japanese translator and independent film maker as well as second generation expert in pottery and Japanese tea ceremony tea bowls. A self published author ... Article Word Count: 301

View the Original article

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Experience the Green Tea Diet

Comments (0)

What is this natural diet beneficial for?

Green tea dietary habit is one of the best ways for attaining healthy state of body and mind. It is associated with numerous health benefits and it prevents numbers of health problems associated with age and sex. The lime tea natural diet helps to remain healthy and fit without consuming the habit of having tablet or steroid. Look at the below points for the knowing the importance of this great diet:



View the Original article

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Comments (0)

Q. Are you aware about the fact of green tea weight loss?

Science and research supports the weight loss squabble of green tea. Research proves that this extract leaves reduces the total level of cholesterol from the human body by leveling up good nature HDL cholesterol. People consuming this beverage will surely have less cholesterol level than those not having green diet. It is considered as one of the natural methods for reducing mass and body weight. It's really not simple to lose weight even after practicing exercise, late gym hours and body mass reducing pills. With this tea, body mass is easily reduced.

This Chinese beverage reduces both body mass and weight. With its daily consumption, it's really easy to stay fit and fine. It is a natural product and hence there are no fears on the part of side effects, etc. Moreover it is really a healthy beverage for your body mass loss solutions. Green tea weight loss discussions and researches are therefore going famous in the world!

The most effective way to experience slim and tone figure:

This hot beverage containing Chinese leaves is really a natural way to reduce body mass and it needs moderate diet to accompany its result. It's always good to have balanced diet or moderate diet than having heavy food at lunch or dinner time. Scheduling exercise and balanced diet with this diet habit is really an effective and easiest way for achieving weight loss. Green tea weight loss can be experienced quickly in a week time by following the above tips.

It even burns fat:

There are lots of myths associated with the usage of green beverage, which should be cleared as soon as possible. Firstly, having it doesn't really mean burning your muscles or health. It absolutely means burning your extra fats and cholesterol. Secondly, these leaves convert cholesterol into HDL by gifting numerous health benefits and hence it should be taken into consideration. Lastly, it helps in nourishing your body metabolism power for attaining long term objectives.

Further readings and tips:

Green tea weight loss is quite demanding topic these days and hence you are easily going to find various books and sites elaborating about its characteristics and benefits. For best results, use this beverage with daily exercise habits and moderate diet. With its usage, it's really easy and safe to reduce excess weight and body mass.

For more information about Green tea visit Tava Tea at http://tavaslimmingtea.co.uk

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Monday, 23 August 2010

Cho Yung Tea - The Benefits

Comments (0)

Cho yung tea is a slimming tea that stimulates weight loss. It is not recommended for people who are not serious about losing weight, because it itself is the serious weight loss program. This tea is 100% natural and high in antioxidants. It does not require individuals to exercise extremely. Since green tea is most beneficial to your overall health, there are many benefits to using this particular product, because it promotes weight loss, as well as good health. Its antioxidants protect cells from the actions of free radicals. Some of these actions include an irregular metabolism and aging.

Rather than blocking its absorption, cho yung tea oxidizes quickly. Also, since it is a green tea, it has positive effects on weight management and increases energy expenditure. It is a natural and safe way to improve your lifestyle and your health. Since this product is natural, it may be safer for your digestive system and overall long-term health. The tea leaves used in this tea undergoes a special fermentation process, and is then blended with other plans and herbs that help to support the essential organs and purify the body's cells.

Cho yung tea is not a medicinal drug. However, there are a few things to be aware of before trying this product. Initially, some cho yung customers have loose bowl movements due to the body's interaction with the natural ingredients that are in the tea. These complex ingredients break down solid fat and excrete it. The expulsion will diminish and reduce within a short period. If this is experienced for more than three days, seek medical advice. It is recommended that you do not use this slimming tea to lose more than two pounds per week.

Individuals who drink cho yung tea also receive benefits for being members. One benefit is featured member rewards. They will also receive discounts to purchase this slimming tea. Members get access to gifts, diet plans and free advice. They receive helpful articles and news stories, as well as a newsletter that have the latest success stories and offers. Members receive access to a progress chart to monitor their weight loss. Live support is provided at all times on the site. They provide customers with advice and information, and are available 7 days a week. They pride themselves on holding themselves to a higher standard, providing excellent assistance and customer service.

Article by Faraj Balousha, the founder of many websites at http://www.FarajBalousha.com, he enjoys giving tips on many topics; he found http://ChoYungTeaExposed.com to be a great source of information on this topic.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

What Are the Green Tea Benefits?

Comments (0)

Top ten green tea benefits:

Though there are number of health benefits associated with its consumption, we are going to reveal the top ten health benefits that are significant and vibrant than all.

1.It helps in curing different kinds of encephalomyelitis disseminata.

2.It is considered best supplement for increasing and improving your resistance power. It helps in preventing and avoiding flu and viruses.

3.Diseases like Alzheimer are treated well by drinking this green leaves beverage.

4.It helps in converting the excess level of cholesterol into HDL cholesterol by reducing the risks of heart diseases. It helps in leveling your heart beats and pressure against various cardiac risks.

5.Green tea benefits by preventing and curing major diseases like cancer.

6.It helps in improving and increasing your metabolism power by burning excess amount of fats. It aids your body with improved metabolism power for attaining long term goals.

7.This tea with weight loss is the said to be the best combination. Yes, green tea is the best option for reducing weight and preventing obesity. Excess amount of fats and body mass are reduced by drinking this hot beverage. This hot beverage can also be consumed in the form of pills, if you are not comfortable with its taste.

8.This amazing natural leaves benefit both the humans and animals. It is said to be a universal supplement for different creations of God.

9.There are many kinds of researches done on dental plaque that claims that it even helps in preventing tooth decay.

10.Including the Chinese tea diet in your daily schedule can help you to maintain good state of body and mind. It gives numerous reasons to stay fit and healthy without any side effects.

The above benefits are all based upon green tea consumption. Drinking this tea or having its pills really aids in maintaining good state of body and mind. It is a wonderful way of getting sure about your fitness and strength because health is wealth.
Further readings and tips:

Green tea benefits in various ways without giving any kinds of side effects. Apart from all, it is the best way to remain healthy without consuming any pills. For further reading and tips, you can visit different sites online that helps in revealing more about its consumption ways and advantages.

For more information about Green tea visit Tava Tea at http://tavaslimmingtea.co.uk

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Sunday, 22 August 2010

Information on Green Tea - Weigh Out Your Pros and Cons

Comments (0)

Information on green tea is easily accessible. All you need to do is turn on your television to see the tea's advertisements or surf the internet for green tea details. Since I drink this tea as well, I researched all about its pros and cons to make myself knowledgeable of what I consume almost daily. To my disbelief, I found out that this tea also had its share of cons. Before we get to the cons and other information on green tea, let us first discuss the pros.

The first and the most known pro of the said tea is its ability to lower cholesterol rate. In conducted studies, it is said that it contains properties that can help reduce high cholesterol levels. According to the study, people who drink this tea show lower cholesterol rates than those who don't.

Second pro is the tea's possibility of curing cancer. Green tea contains polyphenols which eliminate cancer cells and impede their development. Types of cancer that can be cured by drinking the tea are bladder, breast, ovarian, colon cancer, etc. For bladder cancer, a study shows that bladder cancer patients who drink green tea have better chances of surviving than those who do not. This is also effective in avoiding getting bladder cancer. Having known this gave me such relief as cancer runs in my family. In a separate study, it was also reported that women who consumed this tea in their premenopausal stage reduced the spreading of breast cancer cells in their bodies. In addition, women (who are in their early breast cancer stage) who consumed five or more cups of green tea daily fought off and eliminated cancer in their system. This very same concept applies to ovarian cancer. Those who consumed at least a cup of the tea had better survival rate. Colon cancer in women is driven away with drinking green tea too. This doesn't work for men, unfortunately.

Third pro is the cure for IBD or the inflammatory bowel disease. Types of IBD that can be cured are the ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. IBD can eventually lead to colon cancer if left untreated so it is wise to consume the tea to lessen swelling.

Fourth is the aid in healthy weight loss. The tea has antioxidants and powerful properties that help burn fat the safe and effective way. The tea's extract also boosts metabolism by burning fats and turning them into energy that one can use.

Fifth is its help in reducing arthritic pain by reducing swelling and reduces speed of cartilage breakdown. Apart from those, the tea also prevents tooth cavities, flu and colds.

Cons, on the other hand, of green tea include caffeine which may cause lightheadedness, insomnia, and petulance. Those with heart diseases, ulcer, and kidney disorders should moderate their tea consumption. Pregnant women should avoid this too as it can cause abortion and growth retardation for the baby inside the womb. Lactating mothers should do the same too.

Before taking in any medication, one should first weigh out the pros and cons of a product. Only consume green tea when your pros outweigh the cons. I hope this information on green tea helped you in weighing out yours.

Mick J Jones is always looking for alternatives to treating medical maladies. You can find more information when you go to Information On Green Tea.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

White Tea Vs Green Tea - Which is Better?

Comments (0)

In the search for better health or a new tea to experiment, a lot of people are currently discovering the marvels of Green Tea. At the same time, White tea seems to go unrecognized for its medicinal potential by the majority. But which is better? Find out as we try to settle the White tea vs. Green tea debate!

Both teas come from the plant Camellia Sinensis and share many powerful health benefits.

The main difference between these teas is in the harvesting and processing methods. Generally, while white tea is made from the young buds and leaves, which are simply steamed, green tea is made from mature leaves, which are withered in hot air and quickly steamed or pan-fried.

Now let's continue to compare these two teas and discover everything they can offer you.

Common Benefits
The health benefits of these medicinal teas are endless. Have a look at some of them and prepare to enter a world of pleasure and health.

Stronger Heart: worried about your heart? Their powerful antioxidants lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Boost the Immune System: a few cups everyday will bring you all the nutrients and antioxidants you need to protect you from viruses and bacteria! Cancer Fighter: Those same antioxidants also fight free radicals, thus reducing the risk of cancer and strengthening your immune system. Lose Body Fat: both are great weight loss teas as they accelerate your metabolism, making you burn fat much faster. So next time you plan to work out, have a cup to help you lose those extra pounds!

Which is better for you?
Green tea health benefits are known around the world, mainly because it is a great source of antioxidants. However, as white tea leaves undergo less processing, this tea has three times more antioxidants, thus being more effective when fighting and preventing diseases.

Both teas have low caffeine content, but white blends are the winners again if you are looking to cut down. Caffeine in white tea is only 15mg per teacup (250ml) on average, while caffeine in green tea is 20-25mg per teacup.

Prepare a cup and start enjoying the benefits of tea!

Price Levels and Availability
When it comes down to your pocketbook or even finding tea in your local store, in general, Green tea is certainly the one taking the lead.

This is due to the fact that white tea, being plucked just once a year, and for a short period of time, is much more expensive and rare than green tea. Not all stores will have good loose leaf white tea and you may need to check out tea shops and gourmet shops to have a selection to pick from.

White tea vs. Green tea - Choosing the right tea
When it comes down to actually choosing which is best for you, the decision is invariably yours. Weigh the pros and cons of both and then factor in your own taste.

Both teas have the power to heal and protect you with their benefits. Try their immense varieties and share it with your friends and family and decide which one is the right tea for you in this white tea vs. green tea debate.

Explore more about the unknown health benefits of white tea. Whether you choose green or white tea, tips, how to make your tea, side effects and much more can be found at TheRightTea.com.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Saturday, 21 August 2010

Green Tea Metabolism Benefit

Comments (0)

Green metabolism effect:

There are basically two ways for experiencing weight loss. The first way is to eat less and the second way is to improve metabolism. Metabolism power with improved feature is said to be a wonderful way for going healthy and thin. Metabolism power helps in energy expenditure which ultimately results in healthy body by burning excess fats and calories. Good metabolism is recognized when you eat more but still manage to control your weight gain. Thus, it is famous for its natural extracts in improving metabolism power.

How much energy expenditure is increased with improved metabolism?

This is a very nice question and I would love to reply it here. As said earlier, this tea extracts help in improving metabolism that clearly states that the body energy expenditure level is increased by consuming green tea in any form. Various researches have been conducted for replying this particular question and it came to conclusion that some around 3.5-4% of energy expenditure is increased in overall day energy by consuming this hot beverage. The highest energy outflow is noticed during the daytime with .

Green tea and metabolism effect protects body from diseases:

Various researches have concluded that with increased metabolism, it's really easy to prevent major diseases like heart attack, obesity, etc. With increased energy outflow, the cholesterol level of the body goes down by controlling your heart rate and beats. Thus, it proves as number one reason for preventing major heart or cardiac diseases. Green tea metabolism effect is highly beneficial in avoiding diseases like obesity too. With increased expenditure of energy, it's difficult to gain weight and thus obesity can be prevented from a very long way. Thus, with its daily consumption or habit none has to worry about overweight or obsessed problems for lifetime.

Further readings and tips:

This tea extracts are also powerful for giving improved metabolism effect but still drinking it is believed to be the best option. This beverage can be consumed by both men and women and hence there are no restrictions related with age or sex. Green tea metabolism effect and benefit is quite vital, so it should be taken into practice for attaining healthy state of body and mind. Moreover, people consuming this hot beverage are healthier than those who are not habitual with it.

For more information about Green tea visit Tava Tea at http://tavaslimmingtea.co.uk.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Guide On Green Tea Extracts

Comments (0)

What does these natural leaves extract perform?

Green tea extracts are having powerful chemicals that carry remedial value. These extracts are best for curing, preventing and treating different kinds of health diseases in human being. Moreover, it is treated as the best natural supplement for achieving weight loss and metabolism. This hot beverage has got different features that help in proving its value with scientific approach. From years the leaves of this tea are mixed with the chemicals for producing different medicines. Thus, these leaves have always been a part of medicines as it aids in increasing immunity and metabolism.
Some major benefits:

This hot Chinese beverage helps in preventing diseases like cancer, Alzheimer and Parkinson. It has got different extracts that aids in maintaining healthy state of both body and mind by preventing virus and flu. Some common viruses that cause flu, cold and fever are easily treated and cured with the help of this beverage. It is even considered as a remarkable ingredient for treating special kinds of cancer. Green tea extracts burn extra weight from the body by preventing obesity and other major diseases.

Some other benefits of green tea extract are: It helps in preventing tooth decay, it increases metabolism power of human body for longer period of time, it may treat uterine fibroids (new research of 2010) and it also helps in lowering the cholesterol level.

This tea is a wonderful natural ingredient originated from China with infinite health benefits and advantages. Green tea extracts are also available in different forms like supplements and pills. Some people directly consume it while some consume it in a form of a pill/tablet because of its taste. Well, there are no problems in consuming these leaves with any way, as all are safe and away from side effects. Thus, it is one of the best natural ingredients for curing harmful and major diseases.
Quality of this extract:

This tea and its extract quality differ from brand to brand and hence it is must for you to have complete knowledge before buying any kind of product from the market. Science proves that green tea leaves can be best taken with combination of vitamins and minerals and therefore it is must to give a thought on this topic before buying a readymade product. Above all, green tea extracts are consumed for attaining better health conditions and hence there should be no compromise with it.

For more information about Green tea visit Tava Tea at http://tavaslimmingtea.co.uk

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert

View the Original article

Green Tea - Side Effects of Green Tea - When and Who Should Avoid It

Comments (0)

A lot has been said about the health benefits of green tea therefore we tend to forget some of the common side effects of green tea. In general tea is considered to be good for health and energy. However it can also be harmful for certain people. It is all the more true when we talk about green or organic teas which are often meant for curing certain health conditions.

One such type of organic tea has recently become highly popular. It is known as weight loss tea.If you have been struggling to lose weight for some time; chances are that you are considering green tea as your next wonder formula for getting back in shape.

While it is true that green or organic teas are good for weight loss, you must be very careful about the quality of the product you are using. You may end up losing money without losing any weight if you go for a poor quality product. It is therefore better to research about different brands of weight loss teas before buying one for you.

Moreover you must avoid drinking herbal teas under following circumstances. You can easily avoid the side effects if you keep the following points in mind.



View the Original article

Friday, 20 August 2010

Green Tea - How to Brew Green Tea For That Perfect Taste and Health Benefits

Comments (0)

Green tea is known for various health benefits. Apart from serving the basic purpose of a refreshing beverage, green tea helps you get rid of various ailments. It helps your regulate your metabolism and strengthens your immune system. Because of its rich anti oxidant contents various cosmetics and skin care products also contain natural tea extracts. It is good for acne treatment as well.

However I must say that you can get the health benefits of organic, oolong or herbal tea only if you know how to brew it correctly. Of course you must buy a good quality of green tea first. If you just pick up any brand of tea, you may not get the desired health benefits.

Following are some tips that must be kept in mind while brewing green tea.



View the Original article