Thursday, 29 June 2017

Best Matcha Tea Powder: Why Choose Organic?

 

On the lookout for the best matcha tea powder? Are you curious why many are into the “organic” route in choosing their matcha green tea? There are 3 types of matcha green tea– culinary grade, ceremony grade, and premium grade– and each delivers potent antioxidants known to help optimize health. While ceremony grade brands are known to be used to traditional tea making, some of them can also be used for cooking or baking. Most premium grade varieties are also subdivided further into either culinary or traditional ceremonial teas. In any of these tea types, the best matcha tea powder are known to be with ORGANIC quality. Why?

 

Source : teaenergy.com

 

Benefits Of Organic Matcha Tea

But what do we mean by “organic”? According to experts, quality matcha tea powder must be certified or approved by proper authorities as organic. This certification will help point out the level of “safety” of a particular matcha green tea. Organic tea products are known to use zero pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer or chemicals from cultivation to production. With some of these hazardous elements being water-soluble allowing them to permeate deep into the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, organic ones make sure that health is further optimized without any fear of side effects in the long run.

Organic match green tea powder are painstakingly cultivated by a large number of small local farms and farmers. This is one way of delivering excellent economic value to small-scale players in the market. Also, by not allowing spraying of insecticides or any other chemical-laden products to the plant, prolific matcha tea drinkers are delivering a healthier life for farmers on the forefront of tea cultivation.

Of course, buying organic is one way to preserve the environment. With less chemicals on the loose, you are actually helping in your own little way the environment.

Best Organic Matcha Tea Powder

When thinking of the best matcha tea powder,the following organic quality tea types come highly recommended:

1. Premium-Grade Ceremonial Matcha Tea Powder


When it comes to organic ceremonial grade matcha tea powder, Taste of Kyoto’s Reserve Matcha offers a luxurious goodness in every cup. Made of ultra premium organic matcha green tea powder, it is certified USDA organic. To consume, this is best served plain with no sweeteners or any additional ingredients whatsoever. Think of sweet, rich flavor and relaxing aroma.

To prepare, simply make a paste out of 1tsp Taste of Kyoto’s Reserve Matcha and 2 teaspoons water. Then, add 6oz of hot previously-boiled water and whisk thoroughly. Enjoy!

To buy, check for shipping perks and discounts from Amazon HERE.

2. Culinary Grade Matcha Tea Powder

When it comes to ceremonial grade matcha tea powder, premium quality organic from SerendipiTea is quite popular in the West. Cultivated and produced in Kagoshima, Japan, it goes through stringent farming and extraction process to ensure that green tea leaves are not only free from chemical hazards but also of pure quality. Once grounded to fine powder, it becomes a perfect ingredient for baking and other culinary recipes. For weight watchers, this tea also makes an awesome find for making smoothies and lattes.

To use, check out the included instruction on various food varieties where the SerendipiTea Matcha Culinary Grade Organic Green Tea will be used. Do take note that while this can be steeped and drink like a ceremonial grade matcha, it is more bitter and requires added ingredients to make the taste more friendly to the palate.

To check for price, discounts and other shipping perks, go to Amazon.

3. Premium Ready-To-Drink Matcha Tea

Not everyone loves the mix-in-your cup matcha tea varieties for their icky after-taste and more profound preparations. For premium organic ready-to-drink matcha tea bags, the 15-count Rishi Tea Organic Super Matcha Tea bags is packed in an economical 6-box per order from Amazon. This gives you more value for your money as well as easy-breezy enjoyment whenever you like it. Individually wrapped for freshness, each bag is also made from biodegradable material and bearing whole leaf tea to your satisfaction. Think smooth and deep umami sweetness with vivid green liquid on a cup.

To prepare, steep for approximately 2 minutes in 170-deg F hot water and enjoy. Check for discounts and shipping perks HERE.

The Verdict

The best matcha tea powder is always about personal preference. When purchasing excellent quality matcha green tea, it is imperative to do your research beforehand. The more reputable and knowledgeable you are about matcha tea, the more great-tasting moments will be enjoyed.



source https://www.organicteagarden.net/best-matcha-tea-powder-why-choose-organic

Sunday, 25 June 2017

Top 7 All Organic Herbal Tea Brands

 

There are many organic herbal tea brands nowadays and picking one can be quite a challenge. It is important, however, to take a good look for well-sourced varieties made from premium quality ingredients. To jumpstart your search, here are popular herbal tea types and where to get them.

 

Source : supplementplace.co.uk

 

1. Peppermint/Spearmint Tea

Peppermint and spearmint comes from the same mint family. While peppermint tea provide relief for abdominal gas and bloating, muscle spasm, nausea and to allow the body to sweat, its dear spearmint tea cousin aims for the big guns– migraine headaches, hormonal imbalance, hirsutism, chronic disorders like cancer, immune system boost, improved memory, and anti-fungal mechanism. Spearmint is also sweeter in taste than peppermint.

The 18-count Numi Organic Herbal Tea Pack comes handy. Organic, sugar-free, caffeine-free, fragrance-free, and sourced from Fair Trade Certified and Fair Labor-verified herb gardens, every tea bag is assured to come with high quality loose leaf. For a perfect cup, place a bag into a cup of freshly-boiled and slightly-cooled water then, steep for at least 4 minutes.

Numi Organic Tea Variety Pack (18-count tea bags)

 

2. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is another tisane known to possess potent vitamins C and minerals. Filled with antioxidants, it is known to help ward-off diseases, and various signs of aging particularly to the skin like eczema.

For a delicious cup, simply steep a bag of Harney&Sons Organic Rooibos Tea and steep for 5 minutes. All Harney&Sons tea varieties are certified caffeine-free and kosher, too.

 

Harney&Sons Organic Rooibos Tea (20-count tea bags)

 

3. Turmeric Tea

One of the most popular teas in the market today, turmeric tea comes bearing astounding benefits to the body and mind. From easing arthritis symptoms to boosting immune system, lowering of bad cholesterol, treating uveitis, Alzheimer’s and cancer prevention, and a lot more.

To enjoy a cup, simply boil 4 cups of water and add 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder. Simmer for 10 minutes then, strain into a container. Before drinking, squeeze a lemon or add some honey. For a more subtle and flavorful taste, a bag of Numi Organic Turmeric Tea steeped in previously boiled water for 4 to 5 minutes can deliver the enriched blend of turmeric, rooibos, vanilla and cinnamon. This brand is also gluten-free and certified non-GMO.

Numi Organic Turmeric Tea (12-count Tea bags)

 

4. Chamomile Tea

Some herbal teas are made from flowers. Take the chamomile tea, for instance. Gentle and calming, relaxing and warming, it is known to be cure insomnia, indigestion, coughs and colds, bronchitis, fever or oral inflammation like tonsillitis.

To enjoy, this non-GMO, certified organic and sourced from 100-percent Fair Trade herbal gardens, certified Kosher, and made with premium quality pharmacopial grade herbs, an 8-oz cup of water steeped with a bag of Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Tea for 10 minutes, covered tightly will definitely make your day!

Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Tea (16-count tea bags, pack of 6)

 

5. Rosehip Tea

Another awesome source of great-tasting and therapeutic teas are the fruits of the rose plant made into rosehip tea. Filled with vitamin C to the brim, it is known to provide therapeutic benefits to the immune system, adrenal system, skin and bodily tissues.

For an immediate health boost, steep 1 teaspoon of The Tao of Tea Rose Hips Certified Organic Herbal Tea into an 8-oz previously boiled water and steep for approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Enjoy!


The Tao of Tea Rose Hips Certified Organic Herbal Tea

6. Liver Detox Tea

If it is gentle yet effective liver cleansing you need, a cup of milk thistle and dandelion tea consumed every morning before taking anything is an excellent choice. This herbal tea helps to regenerate the liver and enhance its natural functions. Additionally, it also helps improve digestion, metabolism and assist in bile production.

If you want a liver detox tea that’s safe for long-term use, USDA-certified Teatox Life Milk Thistle, Dandelion and Burdock Root Liver Detox Tea is a great choice. Simply steep 2g into an 8-oz hot water then, steep for 5 minutes or longer. Strain then, add honey or squeeze a lemon.



Teatox Life Milk Thistle, Dandelion and Burdock Root Liver Detox Tea

 

7. Lemon Balm Tea

Last but not least, the energizing power of lemon balm tea also comes highly recommended. An excellent tea to boost focus, concentration and other brain functions, it is also safe for child consumption as it can be served cold flavored with honey or maple syrup. It is also known to prevent nightmares when consumed before bedtime.

To enjoy a cup of calming sensation, simply steep a teaspoon of Wild Foods Lemon Balm Organic Loose Leaf Herbal Tea #18 into 8 ounces of previously boiled water for around 5 minutes. Strain, put some ice cubes if you want it cold, and enjoy!

Wild Foods Lemon Balm Organic Loose Leaf Herbal Tea #18

Important Considerations

Any of these organic herbal tea brands mentioned above are great for long-term consumption. Aside from their astounding taste, it also provides a huge consolation that you are promoting good practices in cultivating and processing these herbal elements. To enjoy loose leaf variety, however, experts in tea-making and professional naturopath highly recommended steeping for 5 to 10 minutes with a covered lid to encapsulate all beneficial oils from the herb. And while all these certified-organic tisanes are free from any additives or harmful products, it is important to consult your doctor. When given the “go” signal, head off to Amazon.com and take your pick from the brands mentioned above. Enjoy!



source https://www.organicteagarden.net/top-7-all-organic-herbal-tea-brands

Monday, 19 June 2017

All You Need To Know About Oolong Tea

While green tea has always been associated with Japan’s tea artistry and black tea culture to the Brits, Oolong tea (also called “wu long”) is traditionally Chinese. It is usually served along with meals in Chinese restaurant making it virtually known in the modern tea culture as “the Chinese restaurant tea.” This Camellia Sinensis extract is actually a sister to both green and black tea, only that it is semi-fermented and oxidized halfway between the lightness of a green tea and the hardcore oxidative power of a black tea. The result– a stunning and distinctive taste that many enjoy to this day.

Source: doctoroz.com

Uses and Benefits

Oolong tea’s medium-level fermentation and oxidation provides moderate levels of catechins, a flavonoid found in tea as well as in fruit, wine and chocolates. With an oxidation rate ranging from 10 percent to 70 percent, there’s no doubt why it’s been considered the richest tea variety. Strong and refreshing, it is widely consumed for mental alertness and as an alternative to coffee.

But apart from kicking one’s performance level, it is also widely popular for promoting weight loss, tooth decay prevention, managing hypertension and reducing certain cancer risks. Mainly because Oolong tea possesses high concentration of polyphenols, a group of potent antioxidants. It is also suffused with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, potassium, calcium, fluorine, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium.In fact, studies revealed that women who drink Oolong tea have significantly lowered their risk to develop ovarian cancer. A good blood-sugar stabilizer, Oolong tea also helps prevent high blood pressure and other complications of diabetes. Some of the known health benefits of Oolong tea are:

  • Reduction of cholesterol levels
  • Lower risk of cardiovascular diseases
  • Anti-aging
  • Enhanced metabolism/fights obesity
  • Oral health improvement
  • Reduced risk to cancer
  • Prevents osteoporosis
  • Improve digestion
  • Lower risk of chronic diseases, e.g., diabetes
  • Stress-buster
  • Antibacterial effect
  • Various skin benefits,e.g., treatment for atopic dermatitis
  • Hair care

Preparation

This unique tea can be consumed in either hot or cold condition. Traditionally, the following steps are done to prepare great-tasting cups:

1. Boil mineral water in a kettle.

2.Preheat tea set including the teapot. For the Chinese, using a Yixing clay teapot. These teapots normally are made of clay from the said region in Jiangsu, China, which is known to trap heat, flavor and aroma of the tea being infused.

Steeping time and infusion also depends largely on the product being used. Thus, it is highly recommended that you read carefully the directions/instructions at the back of the package when preparing it.

3. Add Oolong leaves, approximately 3g or at least covering some 5 percent of space, to the teapot then pour water boiled at around 180 to 200-deg F. Here’s an excellent variety of Oolong loose leaves from Darjeeling, India. It is well-loved by people wanting to detoxify or slim down.

When using loose Oolong leaves, white bubbles may float on the top. Push them away and then, cover.

4. To some, using a tea bag may be more convenient. Here’s a perfect alternative to Oolong loose leaves:

5. Whether you use loose leaves or tea bags, don’t forget to follow steeping directions at the back of the package. Do remember that the longer the steeping time, the more powerful is the extraction process.

6. Once ready, pour unto tea cups and drink with gusto.

Note: For iced version of Oolong tea, simply steep, strain and transfer to a glass pitcher. Chill for 2 to 3 minutes or add ice cubes. Perfect for summer!

Precautions

Source: monicashealthmag.com

While Oolong tea is known for its wide-ranging benefits, a word of caution on its consumption though. It must be consumed in moderation as it contains significant amount of caffeine. Over-consumption can lead to nervousness, migraine headaches, irregular heartbeat, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn, and so on. People who inhibit negative reaction to caffeine, pregnant women, and young children should refrain from drinking Oolong tea. Overall, Oolong tea is a wonder-rific tea variety. So go ahead and take pleasure from your cup!

 



source https://www.organicteagarden.net/all-you-need-to-know-about-oolong-tea

Wednesday, 7 June 2017

7 Tried and Tested Tips For Brewing Tea Leaves

Planning a traditional tea party? There is nothing more refreshingly healthy than brewing tea out of fragrant and therapeutic tea leaves. Think about a string of health benefits ranging from fighting inflammation, releasing accumulated bodily toxins, lowering risks of heart diseases and stroke, boosting of brain power and, of course, anti-aging. Potent stuff, isn’t it? While there is no right or wrong way of brewing loose tea leaves, adequate care must be allotted to ensure getting the best taste as well as harnessing its potent compounds. Here are some tips for brewing tea leaves known to be tried and tested by tea-making gurus over the years.

Source: fortyredbangles.wordpress.com

1. Always choose organic tea leaves. This virtually means no herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, pesticides, sewage sludge, ionizing radiation, GMO or any chemical matter infused to the plant. Keep in mind that even when dried, those tea leaves will still be infused with such hazardous chemicals. So, always pick a USDA certified organic to ensure safety and risk-free drinking. For a green tea lover, here’s a great pick from Amazon: Heavenly Tea Leaves Tea Sampler containing organic Sencha, Chun Mee, China Green and Green Paradise flavors.

2. When you have already chosen your preferred tea leaves, it is also important to consider teapot’s material. Yixing clay pots are touted to be the best teapots in the world for black teas as they can retain heat over longer periods of time. Glass and porcelain, on the other hand, release heat thus, making them great for green or white tea leaves or any tea that doesn’t need heavy extraction. Today, modern teapots or mugs are equipped with tea infusers to help brew tea faster and within its appropriate temperature. Preheating the teapot, however, is still widely practiced in traditional tea-making. This means pouring some boiling water into the pot then, transferring them into the drinking cups to preheat or warm them.

3. Take note of proper water temperature when boiling tea leaves, too. Black or dark Oolong teas as well as Tisanes are best prepared with near-boiling water to ensure harnessing as much oxygen from the water. White, green and light Oolong teas, on one hand, must not be prepared with boiling water. When brewing green tea leaves, always keep in mind that the finer the tea leaves means the lower the temp. Ideally, allowing boiled water to sit for 2 to 3 minutes before pouring into a teapot is highly recommended for “lighter” teas.

4. Steep time must also be observed. Too short or too long can create drastic change to the tea leaves quality and taste. As a rule, the finer tea leaves often infuse faster than bigger ones. The key is to pay attention to the taste rather than to the color. Japanese green teas, for instance, need only to be brewed for 1 to 2 minutes while Chinese green teas require 2 to 3 minutes.  Light Oolong teas also take less time to steep than dark ones, and so on.

5. While taste is a personal preference, experts standby certain standards in measuring tea leaves to brew. Ideally, every 6 ounces of water will make do with 3g or one heaping teaspoon of dry tea leaves. However, some tea leaves are lighter in terms of weight than others. Other important aspects to consider during brewing includes infusion time, temperature and equipment used for the process. This chart below will make a good guide in brewing tea leaves:

Tea Type Amount
(in teaspoon)
Infusion Range Temperature Equipment Material for Brewing Steep Time
White 3 teaspoons 3mins 176 to 185-deg F Glass or porcelain 2 to 5 mins
Green 1 to 2 teaspoons 2-3mins 158 to 176-deg F Glass, porcelain or ceramic (Japanese): 1 to 2 mins

(Chinese): 2 to 3mins
Black 1 to 2 teaspoons 3 to 5 mins 203-deg F porcelain 3 to 5 mins
Oolong (dark) 3 teaspoons 3 mins 203-deg F Yixing clay pot or ceramic 3 to 5 mins
Oolong (light) 2 to 3 teaspoons 2 to 3 mins 185-deg F Porcelain or yixing 2 to 3 mins
Tisanes 1 to 2 teaspoons 3 mins 210-deg F Glass or porcelain 5 to 10 mins

6. The water you use also means a great deal to brewing tea leaves. Keep in mind that the best tea can only be as good as the type of water of which it is prepared with. Fresh, filtered or bottled spring water is highly recommended for their natural mineral content and higher oxygen level which enhance the tea leaves taste. Do not use distilled or tap water as this will only deliver blah-tasting tea.

7. Proper storage for your tea leaves is a must. Regardless of the price or quality of your tea leaves, its shelf life can only hold in accordance to how you store them. Keep your precious tea leaves away from light, air, and moisture as well as from penetrating odors from other food items. Store it in a cool dry place using an opaque container with airtight lid. Do not refrigerate teas. Do not keep them in glass or plastic jars. Ceramic storage with airtight lid makes a great choice.

Source: top5best.org

Bottom line is tea-making is both an art and a science. These tips for brewing tea leaves literally just touch up on the tip of the iceberg when it comes to making teas that do not only taste heavenly but also smells like paradise, too. Most quality tea leaves often have detailed instructions at the back of their packaging. So take note of them when you brew your tea leaves.

 



source http://organicteagarden.net/7-tried-and-tested-tips-for-brewing-tea-leaves

Thursday, 1 June 2017

7 Must Have Tea Party Food Ideas

Planning a simple yet elegant feast? A tea party, though very European, is putting America in a frenzy of late. Think about prim and proper ladies with their hair set in glamorous fascinators set in Alice-in-Wonderland-esque room where vintage items from tea cups to dishware abound. But do you know what’s best about organizing your own tea party? Sticking to your own budget plan and favorite finger foods, of course!

Source: countryliving.com

Whether celebrating Mother’s Day or simply organizing a get-together with friends or work colleagues, these tea party food ideas will definitely add some kick to the prepared feast.

Teacakes

Source: grandbaby-cakes.com

A tea party is not a tea party per se without teacakes. These round and flat bread-like cakes are staple on each and every tea party. Containing raisins or dried fruit, they are often toasted and smothered with butter. An apricot jam may also be glazed on it then, paired with soothing chamomile or green tea.

Classic Scones

Source: foodtolove.com.au

One of the most popular tea party food ideas are scones. Slightly drier than your usual biscuit, it is often clotted with butter, jam or cheese and consumed with hot tea. Scones are often made of barley or wheat. Today, oatmeal are also making a huge frenzy among fitness enthusiasts. Best eaten fresh, you may also whip a batch, freeze them and then, defrost in low-heat oven. Serve with a jam and hot organic extra-strong black tea.

Dunking Biscuits

Source: hdwallpaperbackgrounds.net

Add some fun to your tea party with some biscuits. If you are familiar with the Brits idiosyncratic way of eating biscuits with tea then, you should know by now that “dunking” biscuits is considered a mastered art in terms of culinary culture. Simply finger a ginger nut biscuit or a shortbread and take inspiration from your childhood days by dunking it into a simmering hot tea.

Mini-Sandwiches

Source: kraftcanada.com

For many cold tea lovers, bite-sized sandwiches are a must-have. From cucumber fillings to tomatoes, ham, smoked salmon, chicken curry, cheese, liver or fish paste, egg salad, fresh fruit jam, and so on, these tea sandwiches take minimal effort to prepare. Simply prepare preferred fillings and then, cut out wheat or white bread into different shapes to add sass to your tea party food presentation. Cover them in a sheet of wax paper then, top it off with a damp kitchen towel– and voila! No more soggy sandwiches.

Bite-Sized Pastries

Source: urbanpixxels.com

Infuse some Parisian glam to your tea party by adding bite-sized pastries. From mini eclairs to tartlets, millefeuilles, macaroons, choux buns, truffles, caramels, creme brulee, and so on, the list can easily titillate the senses to any tea party goer.

Petit Fours (Mini Cakes)

Another popular tea party food idea is petit fours or mini-cakes. Instead of making layer upon layer of one’s favorite cake, do so with individualized portions. You can have it glazed or salted or dried. Design with icing or smothered with fillings then, paired with hot or cold tea– all depending on the season or the weather of the day.

Mini-Muffins and Mini-Cupcakes

Source: bbcgoodfood.com

As there are mini-cakes, the era of mini-cupcakes and mini-muffins are also on the move. Cute and appetizing, these bite-sized sensations are so irresistible. Simply bake the base and top it off with your favorite icing then, pair with organic matcha green tea to celebrate the good life.

Anything You Can Think Of

Source: tombocafe.com

There is just no limit to tea party food ideas! While there are no rules set to preparing what foods to offer, it is a known standard to serve bite-sized items which guests can easily hold with their fingers. A tiered cake stand can hold petit fours, eclairs, mini-cupckaes, and other tasty desserts along with platters of biscuits, tiramisu, brownies, and fruit bars. Of course, you may also serve sushi and maki if you opt for a Japanese-themed tea party. The key takeaway however, rests on what tea you serve, it being the core item on the party menu. Cheers!

 



source https://organicteagarden.net/7-must-have-tea-party-food-ideas