Tea . . . A Beverage For all Phases

I recently had an opportunity to sit and contemplate my cuppa tea. You ask, why in the world would you do that? Well, that is an easy question to answer -- the tea leaves were aromatic prior to steeping and when once steeped the aroma was amazing -- sweet, spring-like (even with all the snow and cold surrounding me), and a sweet fruity citrus taste that had a very slight hint of apricot. Wow! now, can you beat that? 

All this stimulation started me thinking about all the times my beverage of choice is tea, whether it be served hot, cold, iced, or at room temperature. Taking a deeper look into my thought process . . . when surrounded by happiness and joy my tea selection is normally a fruity iced tea. This brings my inner self a pick-me-up without added sugar -- the fruit or fruit flavoring does job.

Should I feel a little overwhelmed with life's challenges, I find that a very bold Chinese Yunnan or Indian Assam hits the spot. A bold black tea always provides me a cuppa of calm comfort. I often turn to a bold black tea or the earthyness of a Pu'erh when deep in reading a novel too. 

Now, should I be reading an intense Tea book to enhance my tea knowledge I will choose a Japanese green tea -- either a sencha or a Matcha -- to stimulate the brain to retain all the detailed facts being presented. For me green tea increases my ability to concentrate and retain. BTW, I make it a norm to start each day with a cuppa Matcha. I find the wellness properties and theanine are a needed daily ingredient for me.

While doing a very stressful (at least to me) task like blogging, I often find myself selecting a Chinese green tea with perhaps an addition of the appropriate herb for the situation. A future blog will address the potential of herbs to choose as an additive to a cuppa. 

When I just want to relax, enjoy my surroundings, and find my inner peace the tea of choice is a Taiwan Oolong -- Ruby 18 if possible. To me an highly oxidized Oolong immediately relaxes my senses, brings a feeling of calm throughout, and says, "Relax, enjoy, and laugh." 

Here's to you Tea of Choice -- May you always have Inner Peace and Joy,

The Tea And Hat Lady

Matcha Tea Connection

For all those wonderful ladies I met last Saturday (February 23, 2013) at the First United Methodist Church, Mechanicsburg, PA, with an interest on the wonders of Matcha Tea. I am so very happy to share my Matcha connection with you --- http://www.aiya-america.com . These tea people are very knowledgeable and open to working with anyone with a genuine interest in their teas. 

These Methodist Women spent many hours planning, baking, gathering precious china and teacups to honor those among our community who are 24/7 caregivers to a family member. They gathered local professionals to offer these caregivers a day of hair styling, make-up, nail care, eyebrow waxing, hand waxing, massage therapy, reflexology, relaxation techniques, and wellness workshops. I was thrilled to be part of their Tea Room by offering a tasting of three different specialty teas -- a familiar Earl Gray, a white tea blend, and a white/green tea blend. 

Let me extend my special thank you to all those responsible for organizing an outstanding event for the betterment of our small community. 

Think about the many ways you might add to your community through tea,

The Tea and Hat Lady

Tea -- Make a Wellness Choice -- Make Tea Your Beverage!

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” – Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD. Tufts University

After attending the Fifth International Scientific Symposium on Tea & Human Health in Washington DC last week, I am confident that the “good tea” word I am teaching is a benefit for all who make tea a part of their  “life-style wellness program.” You respond OK, how do I do that? – well, it is very simple, drink 3-4 cups (8 oz. each) of green or black tea daily*. [Loose tea has been found to provide more health benefits, steeped and enjoyed without adding milk or sugar.] Just like this little lady to the right, no one will ever know the amount of the "healthiness" you are receiving from your cuppa tea! *I mention green or black tea because that is the tea used most in the reserach studies reported at the Symposium.

Were you aware that Tea is . . .

• Is not only one of the most ancient beverages, it is also one of the most researched.
• Black tea is the most consumed tea in the United States.
• The benefits of tea are often attributed to the phenolic compounds (flavonoids) (some of which are antioxidants). [Tea provides benefits beyond the content of antioxidants.
• Research suggests that tea can help reduce the risk of the most common chronic diseases associated with aging including heart disease, cancer, obesity, neurological decline, cognition, and osteoporosis.
• To receive the most oral benefit from tea it should not be consumed while very hot. Excessive heat is not beneficial for the mouth, throat, or esophagus. 

The results of the research reported at the Symposium generally confirmed – while definitely more human specific research is necessary – that tea may be an aid to weight loss and maintenance as well as lessen the degree of heart, cancer, and osteoporosis diseases in humans. Specifically in the case of osteoporosis studies have shown that the polyphenols in green tea appear to provide bone-building benefits including improving bone formation and decreasing bone degradation.

 While research on the effects of flavonoids on humans continues, it is known that tea is the greatest contributor of flavonoids in the American diet. “Scientific interest in flavonoids stems from the possibility that one or more flavonoids classes or compounds has beneficial effects in decreasing risks of chronic degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, as well as for improving bone health, cognitive function and weight management.” [Flavonoids: Where We Are and Where We Need to Go – Foods, Databases and Labels, Johanna Dwyer DSc, RD.

All in all the day was an extremely valuable tool that provided me and many others more facts on the “What, Where, and How’s” of tea. In conclusion I am more certain than ever that tea should be your wellness beverage of choice. Tea is definitely good for you, especially when enjoyed without additives.

Here's to your next cuppa of wellness,

The Tea And Hat Lady

Let's Talk Tea Specifics . . .

Wow, now there is an opening statement. There is so much to say/write about tea and there are many doing just that. Unfortunately, not all of what is being written or said is truly complimentary or factual about tea. I am sure that many of the comments do have a little substance but one has to look or read way beyond the initial statement to discover the fact. 

All of a sudden tea has become a "quick fix diet," "cure-all" beverage, or a solution to all life has passed your way. Do not get me wrong, I absolutely feel that Tea is the crucial part of a wellness program, a healthy ingredient or flavoring to foods, and an anti-aging additive that tops all others. My concern is that many think of tea as a quick and easy solution. As is true of all good things, they normally take time, study, and specifically continued use.

Green tea and now Pu'erh tea seem to be leading the parade of "must have" teas. Yes, they are both teas that can be part of a wellness program and I am sure if consumed consistently over a period time would definitely achieve favorable improvements in ones life.  I am concerned that our "instant" life-style does not lend itself to long-term practices to achieve results.

I would be move comfortable if people were drinking green and Pu'erh teas because they enjoyed the taste and aromatic stimulation more than "looking for a quick" remedy.  These teas are excellent teas and deserve to be enjoyed and appreciated for what they bring to the cuppa. 

Take time for a cuppa Green Tea or Pu'erh tea to enjoy the tea!

The Tea And Hat Lady

East Meets West for Tea

At our recent meeting, the  Mid Atlantic Tea Business Association (MATBA) members enjoyed learning about  spirituality and tradition of the utensils used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony. MATBA member and practitioner of the Urasenke Tradition of the Japanese Tea Ceremony Drew Sodo Hanson shared his enthusiasm and knowledge of the Japanese Way of Tea.

Kogo -- Incense Container. This one is designed in celebration of the Year of the Dragon Benibachiburo -- Heat source for kettle. The picture is of a black ceramic electrically heated source.

Natsume -- A collection of Tea Containers. Where green tea is stored for the ceremony

A Kashizara with sweets to be eaten before drinking the green tea during a Japanese Tea Ceremony

A summer ChawanThe above utensils represent a sampling of what are used during preparation and drinking of the tea during a Japanese Tea Ceremony. The reverence of the ceremony brings a peace and calm to all participants that is greater than the pleasure and enjoyment one normally receives during an afternoon tea. I have found that perhaps the greatest pleasure of having a cuppa is the inner quiet one experiences when reflecting on and enjoying your tea.

From this peaceful experience we moved on to an English-style tea at Gypsy's Tearoom located in the oldest home in Westminster, Maryland. The home was built by the town's founder, William Winchester. The setting, decor and delicious food added to the enchantment of the "tea-riffic" day. Even Mother Nature could not dampen the day when she blessed us with a return of Winter.

Tea and scone with cream and jam.

Afternoon tea treats at Gypsy's Tearoom.

Until we share another cuppa, I remain . . . 

The Tea And Hat Lady