Green tea has a high amount of antioxidants and may help to prevent certain types of cancer. It also is said to help burn fat, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce the effects of stress on the body. Black tea, depending on the quality, may help relieve stress, lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, etc. White tea, depending on its quality, is high in antioxidants. Fruit teas offer a huge variety and are a good alternative to soda.
Many tea brands will list the caffeine amount on their product or website.
Use a cinnamon stick to stir your tea to add a spicy kick Milk or cream is a popular additive to tea. This quickly cools off the tea as well as adds a creamy feel to your cup. Dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or coconut milk work great too. Milk may curdle if added to teas such as Earl Grey that contain citrus oils. Lemon is a great addition to any type of black tea. Sweeten bitter green teas with a small amount of maple syrup, raw sugar, or honey for a yummy treat.
Black tea can steep in water that is at the boiling point 200-212º F. Green and white teas are more delicate and will burn if steeped in water that’s too hot. For these teas, take the water off the heat just before the point of boiling, or before steeping, let the water sit for some time to cool down after boiling. Green tea should be steeped in water between 160º-180ºF. White Tea requires cooler water at 175º F. A meat or cooking thermometer can help you determine the temperature of the water.
Some materials like iron keep the heat longer and are great for teas that need higher heat, and some materials like porcelain lose heat quicker and are better for the more delicate teas. Adding boiling water to a cold container will lower the temperature of the water. Make sure your water is at the proper temperature in your teapot. Use caution when adding boiling water to glass or porcelain as the sudden temperature change may crack the glass. If you are brewing a single cup of tea, you can add the hot water directly to the mug you plan to drink the tea from.
White tea should steep 1 to 3 minutes. Green tea should steep 3 minutes. Oolong and black tea should steep 3-5 minutes. Many tea manufactures put the suggested steep time on the product’s packaging or their website so check to find out your specific tea’s steep time before making the tea.
