In many cultures, tea is often had at high class social events, such as afternoon tea and the tea party.
There are four main types of teas.
Tea leaves all come from the same tea plant, the Camellia sinensis. The leaves become distinct from each other through the different methods of processing them. In high-quality teas, only the young leaves are plucked from the bushes, but this method requires about 2,000 to 3,000 leaves to produce 1 lb. of finished tea. When dried leaves are soaked in hot water, they infuse the water with their distinct flavor.
1.White
White tea leaves are the least processed of all types of tea. The leaves are plucked young, then steam dried or air dried. In contrast, other teas have four to five processing steps. Because the leaves are steamed immediately after picking, they retain their green color.
2.Green
Leaves intended for green tea are either steamed or pan-fired to stop any oxidation. Because they are heated immediately after being picked, they remain green in color. In China, green tea leaves are steamed, but in Japan they are fired. In both methods, the leaf becomes soft. The next step in the process is to roll the leaves. Tea makers roll leaves in different styles, including a long roll, a ball, twisting or even flat. Where the leaf is grown typically determines the rolling style. Heating or firing the rolled tea leaves dries them out so they are ready for use. The green color in the leaves gives green tea special health benefits through its antioxidants.
3.Oolong
Oolong teas are somewhere between green and black tea in regards to processing. The leaves are withered and partially oxidized after picking and before drying. The first step is withering. The leaves are left to wither for several hours, but less than a day. Once the leaves are wilted, they are shaken to cause small tears in the leaves so the oxidation process can begin. As the leaves are exposed to air, they become darker. The amount of time leaves are oxidized depends on the style of oolong. Some are only 10-percent oxidized, while others are up to 70-percent oxidized. The tea leaves are heated or fired to stop the oxidation and dry them out.
4.Black
Black teas contain the most processed leaves. First the leaves are laid out on racks and withered for 14 to 24 hours. Next, the leaves are rolled and twisted to release the natural enzymes and to prepare them for oxidation. They still retain a green color at this point. After rolling the leaves, they are ready for oxidation. They sit in a cool, humid area and begin to ferment as polyphenols and pectin combine with oxygen and enzymes. Oxidation gives black tea its color and flavor. The length of fermentation time depends on the style and maker of the tea. Finally, the leaves are dried or fired to stop oxidation and seal in the desired flavor.
Some uses of tea leaves:
Tea leaves contain naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that offer many health benefits to a person's body. Tea and tea leaves can be used to sooth puffiness under eyes, repel mosquitoes and in a relaxing foot bath. Mint tea leaves can be used as part of an all-natural mouthwash after being used in a cup of tea.
1.Burn Relief
The naturally soothing properties in tea leaves make used tea bags perfect for soothing painful burns. Place the tea bag in a hot cup of water for two minutes. Allow the tea bags to cool in the refrigerator. Once they are cold, remove the bags and apply them to the burn. This process will help relieve pain from sunburns, heat burns and steam burns. The tea leaves also help moisturize the area to help it heal faster.
2.Hair Conditioning
The moisturizing properties of tea make it perfect for conditioning your hair. Make a one-liter jug of fresh-brewed unsweetened tea. After shampooing and conditioning your hair in the shower, use the brewed tea as a final rinse to nourish and replenish your hair.
3.Relieve Nipple Pain
Breastfeeding can result in soreness around a woman's nipple. The tannic acid found in tea has the ability to soothe pain and moisturize the area. Place a tea bag on ice after using it to brew a hot cup of tea. Once the temperature of the tea bag has cooled, apply it to the nipple and cover with a nursing pad. Within a few minutes you will feel the pain relieved.
4.Treat Poison Ivy Rash
Poison ivy can be incredibly painful and itchy. A cup of strong, black tea that has been freshly brewed can be used to dry up the rash. Dip a cotton ball or swab into cooled tea and rub it over the infected area. This will help stop the spread of the rash. To soothe the itching and burning that comes with poison ivy, use a chilled tea bag and apply it to the infected area.
5.Foot Deodorizer
Foot odor can be very embarrassing for many people. To alleviate this problem, soak your feet in a cool tea bath each night. It is best to do this with at least one liter of freshly brewed tea. Tea contains tannic acid that absorbs the toxins that cause foot odor. You can also take tea leaves and mix them with baking soda and lemon juice in a homemade compound.
6.Eye De-puffer
Tea leaves have the ability to decrease puffiness under eyes with their natural vitamins. Take a used tea bag and wrap it around the back of a teaspoon. Place in the refrigerator until cool. Once cooled, hold the teabag and spoon on the swollen area. After about two minutes you will notice the puffiness and dark circles decrease.
Rewed tea has varying levels of caffeine depending on the type of tea. White tea has the least caffeine, green teas and black teas vary greatly, with black tea usually having the highest levels. Within each type, caffeine levels vary depending on the blend, size of the leaves, and brewing time. Bag teas usually have less caffeine than loose teas because of the size and quality of leaves.
Advantages of consuming tea:
-provides energy and vigor
-boosts the energy and reduces anxious feeling
-powerful anti-oxidant that inhibits cancer cells
-fights cholesterol levels
-inhibits the abnormal formation of blood clots
-slows down the process of aging
-has laxative effects
-improves metabolism
-increases good cholesterol
-reducing bad cholesterol levels
-has an anti-aging formula
-gives more endurance to work out longer
-controls blood sugar levels
-effective appetite suppressant
-acts as a natural diuretic which sheds water weight
Disadvantages if overconsumption:
-may cause kidney damage
-can irritate your stomach
-drinking eight or nine daily duplicates the symptoms of ulcer
-slows the digestion process
-creates gas
-causes diarrhea and constipation
-affects respiratory and heart function
-causes indigestion
-overexcites the nervous system and causes palpitations
No comments:
Post a Comment