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

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.

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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

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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Top 5 Types Of Healthy Organic Teas And Their Benefits

There is nothing more refreshing than chatting with family or friends over tea and scones. Whether hot or iced ones, different types of healthy organic teas bring not just pure enjoyment but also a bevy of benefits to the body and mind. But while most Westerners refer to black tea as just tea while Eastern folks go by their green varieties, the astounding benefits they bring comes incomparable. If you’re confused on what’s the best type for you, here’s a quick guide to ensure more informed decision when you buy.

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Herbal Tea

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Herbal tea, or “tisanes” are one of the most common types of healthy organic teas in the market. These are made from infusing pure herbs, spices, fruits or combination of various plant materials. Though often served hot, some herbal teas can also be drank cold or with ice depending on your preference. Some even choose to grow a herbal tea garden to try out different combinations. The idea is to simply pick your choice of herbs in the garden, steep them directly or dry them out. When brewing, keep teapots covered to lock in both steam and oils.

Types: chamomile, dandelion, ginger, hibiscus, peppermint, lagundi, red clover, lemon balm, milk thistle, rosehip, lemongrass, valerian, sage, anise-hyssop, mint, bergamot and rooibos.

Flavor: Depending on the type of herb or herbs used

Benefits: Herbal teas offer a plethora of benefits to the drinker. This, however, largely depends on the type of herbs you use. Anise-hyssop herbal tea, for instance, can aid in digestion and help relieve whooping cough. Chamonile can calm the nerves and cure insomnia.

WARNING: Do remember that some herbs, spices and other plant material can be dangerous to pregnant women or may badly react with other synthetic medication, or may cause allergies. Always consult a doctor before drinking.

Black Tea

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Ancient tea culture has always referred to black tea. Having originated from China, it grow to be a favorite in the Europe particularly in the UK where it became part and parcel of British royalty. Black tea is processed from the Camellia Sinensis plant via full oxidation procedure or Crush-Tear-Curl. This process alters the tea’s flavor profile wherein manufacturers can add fruity, malty or smoky notes.

Types: (according to geographic origin and plant cultivars) Assam and Darjeeling (India); Ceylon (Sri Lanka), Tetulia (Bangladesh) and Kenyan (African black tea).

Taste: deep malty, nutty

Benefits: Curative and for good health; treats coronary artery dysfunction, diarrhea, asthma, digestion issues, cholesterol problems, breast cancer, and other hormonal problems.

WARNING: Can cause stomach acidity when consumed without food. Drinking AFTER lunch or dinner can also cause indigestion.

Green Tea

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Of all the types of healthy organic teas, the green tea variety is considered one of the most popular these days as they are favored by celebrities and known personalities across the globe. Like black tea, however, green tea originates from the camellia sinensis plant. Their only difference– processing. Green tea is minimally oxidized and unfermented as they are immediately heated and dried after harvest.

Types: sencha, fukumushi sencha, gyokuro, matcha, tencha, kabusecha, genmaicha, hojicha, shincha, ichibancha, nibancha, sabancha, and so on.

Taste: vegan-like, grassy, or seaweed notes

Benefits: powerful antioxidant, improve brain function, weight loss (fat burning), improve performance, reduce risks to certain types of cancer, lower risks to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, lowers risk to infection, improve oral health, lower risk to type II diabetes and complications, reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases, and lower risk of obesity

WARNING: constipation, upset stomach, liver problems; unsafe when taken in high doses

Oolong Tea

Source: doctoroz.com

Like both black and green types of healthy organic teas, Oolong tea also comes from the camellia sinensis plant– only it is partially fermented. Sometimes called “Black Dragon Tea”, it is intricately prepared with some basic tea-manufacturing steps repeated over and over again to get the leave’s (buds or stems) desired bruising and browning. Timing in rolling, withering, and shaping as well as firing and temperature are also greatly taken notice of. Unlike other types of healthy organic teas, the oolong tea has to go through baking or roasting.

Types: Ti Kuan Yin, Dan Cong, Da Hong Pao, Jin Xuan, Echo Cha Jin Xuan, Formosa Bai Hao, Si Ji Chun, Ali Shan, etc.

Taste: sweet and fruity, woody and thick, or green and fresh

Benefits: sharpen the mind, cancer prevention, oral health, treat osteoporosis, reduce risk of heart diseases, treat obesity and diabetes, treat atherosclerosis, beat high cholesterol, boost immunity, stress management, and treat skin allergies.

WARNING: high in caffeine and may react negatively with other medications; risky for pregnant women

Matcha Green Tea

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One of the most popular among the green tea variety, matcha green tea is a well-loved organic tea offering from Japan. Used first by the country’s Buddhist monk as a “health elixer,” it has grown to be a sensation in the West as it finds its way to various products not just drinking beverages. Prepared from tencha leaves, this shade-grown plant is hidden from direct exposure to the sun. This growth process allows reduction of photosynthetic thus, lending the dark green shade of the leaves. Unlike the usual green tea varieties, matcha green tea is handpicked and briefly steamed to preserve not just flavor but also nutritional content.

Types: koicha (thick); usucha (thin)

Grades: ceremonial, premium, and ingredient- grade

Taste: vegetal, semi-sweet

Benefits: boost immunity, antioxidant, reduce bad cholesterol, treat type-II diabetes, improve cardiovasculat health, enhance energy, detoxifies blood, manage stress and insomnia, calms and keep the mind sharp, prevent infections, protect against HIV, improve GI health, prevents cancer; can be used for cooking

WARNING: not advisable for people with known sensitivity to caffeine, allergies, and pregnant women

Source: aarp.org

Without a doubt, these different types of healthy organic teas are known for their astounding taste and health benefits. They do not only promise to boost the body’s fighting capabilities against diseases but also keeps the mind energized, calm and focused. The key is to drink quality organic teas from tried-and-tested manufacturers. Be reminded that with their popularity, many unscrupulous individuals are marketing tea products which don’t deliver the same benefits as the organic ones. So, keep yourself informed before steeping a cup.

 

source https://organicteagarden.net/top-5-types-of-healthy-organic-teas-and-their-benefits

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If You Want to Have More Energy, Less Stress, Better Sleep add a Nettle Tea to Your Daily Routine

Organic Tea Garden
If You Want to Have More Energy, Less Stress, Better Sleep add a Nettle Tea to Your Daily Routine

Or Why is Nettle Better than You Think. Ѕіmрlу рut, nеttlе tеа, оr stіngіng nеttlе tеа, іs а tіsаnе mаdе frоm thе рlаnt Urtіса dіоіса. Drіnkіng іt саn hеlр аіd wіth mаnу dіffеrеnt аіlmеnts аnd іs full оf nutrіеnts аs wеll. Іt’s usе dаtеs bасk аs fаr аs thе рrеhіstоrіс аgеs, thоugh іt wаs not …

If You Want to Have More Energy, Less Stress, Better Sleep add a Nettle Tea to Your Daily Routine
adam

source https://organicteagarden.net/nettle-tea/

Why Is Ginger Tea Hot Right Now and What Does it Do For You?

Organic Tea Garden
Why Is Ginger Tea Hot Right Now and What Does it Do For You?

Gіngеr hаs а lоng hіstоrу оf usе, bоth аs fооd аnd mеdісіnе. Dіоsсоrіdеs, whеn wrіtіng hіs mеdісаl bооk іn 77 А.D. sаіd оf gіngеr thаt іt “wаrms аnd sоftеns thе stоmасh.” Тhе Rоmаns fіrst іntrоduсеd іt tо Вrіtаіn, but whеn thеу lеft, іt fеll іntо dіsusе. Іt mаdе іts wау bасk durіng thе Rеnаіssаnсе, whеn …

Why Is Ginger Tea Hot Right Now and What Does it Do For You?
adam

source https://organicteagarden.net/g%d1%96ng%d0%b5r-t%d0%b5%d0%b0/