In Praise of Tea
Posted by Gail | Filed under Gail Pleasures
I’m a huge tea fan. It’s one of the things I’m most likely to buy, along with books and plants. Keep your shoes. You can have the big clothes closet. Me, I’m a tea girl.
David’s Teas sends me a new catalogue and I salivate, literally. Last summer I discovered Blueberry Pie tea. OMG! Joy and happiness in a cup. I prolly drink 3-5 cups of tea a day, starting with caffeinated, heading to green and ending with decadence.
If I’m working my touchie off and I need a break, I brew a cuppa. Then I sit and sip. In the good weather, I sit on my front porch where I can watch the activity in my new front garden and sip. In cold weather, I’ll cuddle up on my couch with my ipod in my ears and sip. Sometimes I just need the steaming stimulation of a cuppa green tea to get right back to work.
Did you know that team of Chinese researchers have successfully shown that an organic chemical in green tea aids in the generation of brain cells, and benefits memory and spatial learning? The chemical is called EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3 gallate. It seems this chemical easily passes the blood-brain barrier to reach the functional parts of the brain. EGCG is an antioxidant, but the team believes it could also have a beneficial effect against age-related degenerative diseases.
In science-speak researchers said, “Human epidemiological data show that green tea consumption is inversely correlated with the incidence of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.”
Translation: drink some green tea and you’re less likely to lose your mind.
Tea is also said to reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke because it may help to keep your arteries clog-free. In a five-year study from the Netherlands, there was a 70% reduced risk of fatal heart attack in people who drank at least two to three cups of black tea a day, compared to non-tea drinkers.
Tea also protects your bones (not from the milk you put in, thank heavens, since I drink mine “black”), bolsters your immune system, and helps keep you hydrated (never mind that old nonsense about caffeine being a diuretic, since that only counts if you drink more than 5 cups at one time!)
All the medical benefits aside, tea is one of my greatest indulgences. People come to my home and are offered tins from which to sniff and choose the tea that most appeals to them, from pomegranate green to strawberry ginger, walnut or northern lights organic (a personal favourite of mine.) And then there’s Blueberry Pie. Pure indulgence that’s actually good for me. I think I’ll go make a cup right now!
January 23, 2013 at 7:54 am
I love tea, I found a cute liitle shop in Stratford called “Distinctly Tea” and that’s where I get most of my tea from. I have coffee in the mornings, then in the afternoon I drink tea. Earl Gray is one of my favourite standbys, Some of my other favourites are Strawberry Shortcake (black tea), Cherry Blossom Green Tea and Chocolate Mint that I grow myself. I find tea is a great gift too. My grandparents are starting to downsize in preparation for the move to retirement living in a few years so the last thing they want is more stuff, so every Christmas I make them up a tea gift basket and they love it!
January 23, 2013 at 7:58 am
I love David’s teas and infusions. Coco chai rooibos and forever nuts are really good. Teaopia also has great teas. I often just have green tea or Harney & Sons Paris tea. Tea is often all I need when I think I’m hungry. Much better than searching for something to eat. Since I drink all tea clear I’m not adding calories with milk and sugar.
January 23, 2013 at 8:15 am
I’m also a big tea lover. Actually, during my last trip to Japan, i found a little shop called “Ippodo”. They have an online shop on their website. So i can order some tea from them, and the shipping cost is not that much. But their teas are marvelous. i can see the difference between David’s tea and this.
January 23, 2013 at 9:21 am
I could drink tea all day because I immediately feel less stress when I take a moment to sit down and enjoy a fresh cup of tea. I first fell in love with variety tea when I was in Paris years ago. I was introduced to a place called Mariage Freres – Maison de The and from there I was hooked. David’s Tea also has interesting selections!
January 23, 2013 at 9:47 am
I love tea too! We were in turkey last year and they serve tea everywhere! It is a black tea steamed more then brewed and tastes fablous. We sit and night and drink it and feel like were are back in turkey! Tea is a comfort drink for sure!
January 23, 2013 at 9:55 am
Another tea addict here, it comprised most of my Christmas list this year!
If there are any London, ON readers – check out the Tea Haus in the Covent Garden Market. Their tea is in some cases less than half the cost of David’s Tea and they have very similar flavours. I feel less guilty about buying a can of Forever Nuts when it’s under $10!
January 23, 2013 at 9:56 am
I too love drinking tea! Grew up drinking it and still love drinking it. The discovery of David’s Tea and all the wonderful combinations was such a highlight for me a few years back. I have since introduced many friends/family to the wonders of tea through David’s tea simply because it seems they have a flavour for everyone nearly!
January 23, 2013 at 10:18 am
My new favourite is Cinnamon Chai. I could just breath in the aroma all day long!
January 23, 2013 at 10:20 am
Hi Gail,
I was introduced to Good Earth teas by a friend in Oregon. The Sweet and Spicy one is naturally sweet.
I’ve heard that green tea if women drink it too much will give women facial hair. Not sure if this rumor is true or not.
January 23, 2013 at 10:20 am
Chai tea is so comforting. But what I love about tea, is that it teaches me patience. This isn’t a brew and drink right away kinda thing (like our office coffee maker). But a waiting game for the steep (I like my tea strong) and then a slow sip because of the heat. It forces me to breathe when I take a tea break.
January 23, 2013 at 10:39 am
I love tea too and I just got the most awful news from my doctor yesterday … no more tea! I’ve been having an issue (don’t want to gross anyone out) and the doctor told me: “no achohol, coffee, tea, or chocolate” and I said: “how am I supposed to live?” But I’m giving it a try to see if it helps, but man it hurts! I’m also a 3-4 cups per day person and to have none, its like torture! Although I may have to look into some decaffinated options but I just bought 5 tins of tetley tea (chai and earl grey vanilla) that may go to waste because I can’t drink it
January 23, 2013 at 10:48 am
I have never heard of David’s teas before, I had to look it up and they do sound amazing! I prefer Zhena’s gypsy teas and Stash teas because frankly, it is just way too convenient to use bagged tea, especially when you’re on the go.
January 23, 2013 at 11:15 am
I am so glad that many other people are tea lovers.
My family has always been tea lovers, but I think I might be addicted.
I have between 4-8 cups of tea a day (different kinds).
My favourite is a caramel oolong by Steeped and Infused. It is like drinking caramel sauce (but almost calories free)
I live in Hamilton, ON and a few tea shops have just opened up. I am excited to try the new ones. There is a little tea shop in Dundas, ON that also sells Reid’s chocolate. That is my favourite place to go on a Saturday morning.
I like to drink the green tea with the roasted rice in it. I find it more smooth. Bagged green tea is not the greatest because they do not use the best leaves to make it.
When I make soups or sauces or pasta, I always throw in a green tea bag into the water. I never taste it in the cooking, but I hope I get some of the benefits from it.
January 23, 2013 at 11:36 am
Gail – Next time you’re at David’s Tea, order a Chocolate Chili Chai Latte with a bit of agave. It rivals ANYTHING at Starbucks. It’s DELISH!
January 23, 2013 at 12:14 pm
I’m with you on the tea. I spent years being a coffee snob. Would drink only coffee and only fresh coffee. Now I still start my day with a cup of coffee, but then I switch to tea and drink it all day long. My bf has converted me from coffee snob to tea snob. I buy the regular green tea bag tea, the herbal flavored tea bag tea, and my indulgences – loose leaf tea. It is oh-my-good. Brew up a pot of loose leaf tea and sip it all morning long while I work. The older I get the more I realize the pleasure that comes from a good cup of tea and a fresh baked cinnamon roll is greater than the pleasure that comes from a new pair of shoes or a drink in a bar.
January 23, 2013 at 12:52 pm
I love tea as well. I just started drinking Steeped Tea. Great Canadian company. I love the tea so much I became a Tea Consultant part time for extra income. Tea is so relaxing and there are so many different kinds. Check out Toffee Crunch, Earl Grey de la Creme, any many others.
January 23, 2013 at 1:01 pm
Is it the caffeine you can’t have Jamie? There are so many herbal teas that you can still enjoy. And I think if you’re avoiding caffeine you can also drink Rooibis tea (sp?). Check it out.
January 23, 2013 at 1:02 pm
I never thought of it like that, but you’re right.
January 23, 2013 at 1:38 pm
I’m relatively new to tea in this decade, being a dedicated coffee drinker. BUT I love the hydration and warm hug that comes with tea. I love Tazo’s Passion Tea (red and delicious!), Refresh (pepperminty) and Wild Sweet Orange (orange and refreshing).
I do not like black teas, so these herbal “tisanes” are right up my alley.
January 23, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I am a life-time tea drinker! I’m 29 and have been drinking it since my Grandma introduced me as a little girl. I have 3-4 big cups a day, usually red rose but I do love all kinds. It is the first thing I drink every morning. I find it can settle my stomach, get rid of a headache, give me energy, etc. etc… I just feel better after I’ve had my tea! <3
Dayle
January 23, 2013 at 2:06 pm
When I was 14 I started drinking tea and my some of my favourite memories are sharing a cup with my dad first thing in the morning before I would head off to school. He had his with milk and sugar so I did too and still do.
I can’t get into all of these new fancy flavours – I just want my orange pekoe with milk and sugar (or sweetner these days), one cup to start the day and another to finish it.
January 23, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Another tea lover here. I start out the day with Twinings Earl Grey, then switch to non caffeine types for afternoon and evening.
My mother gave me a fantastic boxed collection from David’s Tea a couple years ago. It had 12 or 16 different types, so you could figure out which ones you really liked.
January 23, 2013 at 3:17 pm
I’m having David’s Tea in “cookie dough” as we speak! Yum =)
January 23, 2013 at 6:20 pm
I recently discovered David’s Tea too. A friend sent me a package of their Organic Mothers Little Helper tea, which has done WONDERS for me. Now I’m also addicted to the Organic Hot Lips tea, the Simply the Zest and Kapha Ayurvedic …. I could blow my whole month’s “mad money” just on David’s Tea…
January 23, 2013 at 7:46 pm
I’m with Michelle on this one….I love tea and started when I was pretty young back home in Scotland. When I came over here, it was hard to get used to orange pekoe so I would ask my granny to send me my fix!! I drink Red Rose’s Canadian Breakfat Tea when I have to – when I’ve run out of my stash from home – and enjoy any regular black tea but nothing beats the stuff that reminds me of home!! Can’t get into herbal or flavoured teas that much but I’m probably just too stubborn for that. I start my work day with a cup of tea on the go, then drink coffee when I get home…love my Keurig!!
January 23, 2013 at 11:07 pm
I won a bunch of packets from “T By Daniel” a while ago (local Brampton company, but they ship! Daniel is pretty cool) – I have BLAZED through them and am going to need to order more soon… I love their Cottage Night blend… mmm…
January 24, 2013 at 12:38 am
I’m speaking up for the coffee-addicts!!! Yah! That being said, some of my favorite memories of my paternal grandmother involve her teaching me the proper way a society girl drinks her tea. Mind you, I never had thoughts toward the “society girl”; I just enjoyed her precise and time-honored preparation.
I DO prefer a mint tea when I’m not feeling very well, like others have mentioned: the soothing warmth as I swallow, the relief on my sore throat, and the aroma all add to the experience. Though I don’t know a lot about tea, I DO know that Stash makes the best tea around here where I live. I absolutely must give a shout-out to Sleepytime Herb Tea, which my daughter (who is now 31) drank as a wee one with her dad. Happy memories again!
But my favorite liquid fuel is, and always will be, a great cup of coffee. Having lived in Colombia for years, I grew to appreciate the process from little plant to bean, the mind-numbing but oh-so-careful-loving harvesting, through roasting and how to grind, that produces my drug of choice. Were my doc to ever tell me I’d have to cut it out, I don’t honestly know how I’d survive!!!
January 24, 2013 at 11:02 am
I love love love my teas! It’s Oolong in the morning to wake me up, Green in the afternoon for another quick pick-me-up, and then a lovely flavoured Herbal in the evening. Sooo nice to wind down with
January 24, 2013 at 11:14 am
I love tea! I started when I was about 8, at family parties: to be like the grown-ups, I would be served tea in a little Mickey Mouse porcelain cup with lots of milk and sugar. I really looked forward to these family gatherings! I still have the cups to this day!
One of the things I love about drinking tea is the process. Boil the water, prepare the cup, pour the water, wait a few minutes, etc. When I have my cup of tea at work, I can really take a break, not like my colleagues who mecanically put their cup under the machine and drink…
The second thing I love now, a small passion that emerge a few months ago, is the tea cup. Bone china, fine bone china, I’m trying to learn more. It started when my husband was given 16 beautiful cups last fall. Added to those I had, I’m up to 22. For my birthday in a few months, I asked for a tea party!
January 24, 2013 at 11:58 pm
I drink a lot of tea also. With lymphedema I have to drink 100 ozs of water each day. The herbal tea is counted as water. I like it iced and hot. My fav is Peach by Celestial Seasons. It refreshing and lol I get my exercize returning what I drink to John
And I use my coupons so I get a box for $2. Its cheaper than soda!
January 28, 2013 at 1:28 am
I have fond memories surrounding tea, am more of a green tea drinker but I like the variety of flavours that black tea comes in. Just smelling green tea makes my headaches go away. My mum and I used to drink tea and eat biscuits (cookies in North America) whenever it rained. I grew up in a tropical country and when it rained, it poured. So I have memories of sitting in the verandah ( Balcony ) with my mum watching the light show ( lightening & thunder) , dark clouds and random people caught in the rain running for shelter while sipping on some black tea with milk.
January 28, 2013 at 4:14 am
Hi Gail,
I was born in Jamaica and you don’t leave the house without a cup of tea. I love tea, as it makes me feel so calm and I love the way it’s warm feeling makes me feel deep down in the depths of my stomach. I come from a family of 8 and we use to sit in the living room with my mom watching Disney Sunday Movie and sip our tea together. Whenever we get together as a family we always finish off the night with a cup of tea. I love to make my own tea, with Ginger root, its great for the tummy and I love the aroma. I have discovered Chai and Winter Spice which are also very lovely flavors. Like you Gail, I have a cupboard just for my teas.
January 28, 2013 at 12:26 pm
Your article made me salavate. I am so sensitive to caffeine that I can have a cup of decaf tea in the morning and have trouble sleeping at night. I love the taste of tea, I read in “The flavor bible” that tea is a unique flavor unto itself, a good form of bitter. Someone said the other day that green tea has no caffeine, and I know this has to be too good to be true.
February 3, 2013 at 5:20 pm
I also love coffee but I do enjoy a good cup of tea. There are many great teas, depending on what you prefer. A good cup of Taylors of Harrogate Scottish Breakfast in the morning to start the day. Their Yorkshire Gold in the afternoon and a steaming cup of Earl Grey in the evening after walking the dog. I like flavored teas as a treat and a change but I love a full bodied black tea. I recently got into drinking tea lattes and just love them. Different use for the espresso machine. Either tea or coffee it really doesn’t matter. A good cup of something shared with friends makes it memorable.