Loose Leaf Tea – What You Should Know
Are you a regular tea drinker? Perhaps you’ve never tried tea before. Tea consumption, particularly that which is brewed from loose leaf tea can be very beneficial to a healthy lifestyle. Tea is rich in antioxidants which is helpful to preventing cancer.
Loose leaf tea is hand picked and from the highest quality tea leaves. When preparing loose leaf tea as opposed to bagged tea, this allows you to control the quantity and blend for the perfect brew. If you are thinking of trying tea for the first time it is recommended that you try a loose blend first. At this point you may be wondering how to make tea from tea leaves. Suggestions for the perfect brew are to use one teaspoon of loose tea per cup and an additional teaspoon full for the pot. Based on the type of tea, whether it is Green, White or Black, you will need the proper water temperature as to not create a bitter taste. Also, make sure the tea does not steep for too long as this can also cause a bitter taste.
Loose leaf tea can be prepared by either putting the leaves directly in the cup or pot and straining or using a tea ball or tea infuser. Some teas which are blended with flowers have the effects of aromatherapy as they are steeping. A pleasant scent can make the tea drinking experience more enjoyable.
Tea is affordable and readily available. I like to experiment with different flavors, so I prefer to purchase loose leaf tea in a bulk section from places such as a grocery or health food store. Specialty tea stores such as Teavana allow you to sample before purchasing. Most vendors also sell their products online which is convenient, especially if you already know you like a particular blend.
If purchasing loose leaf tea in bulk, make sure you have a nice air tight container, such as a tea tin, to store it in. This will help ensure freshness and not allow the flavor to dull or other flavors to take over. Typically purchasing loose tea online or in a specialty store, this will already come packaged in a tin. However, make sure the container seals tight once opened. A good tea tin will help control the temperature of the leaves as well as prevent moisture and air from entering. You can expect loose leaf tea to stay fresh for upwards of a year in a good tin.
I started drinking tea because of the protective flavonoid antioxidants. These antioxidants can help fight off certain diseases and cancers. To maintain my healthy lifestyle, I choose organic and natural teas which provide the freshest flavor.
Once you have settled on your perfect blend, sit back and relax with a book, a movie or even enjoy a cup with an acquaintance.
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