What is tea?

Tea is made from the processed leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis.Tea breaks down into three basic types: black, green and oolong. Black tea, is one which has been allowed to be fully oxidized or fermented before firing (drying).Green tea skips the oxidation / fermentation step during processing. Oolong tea, is only partialy oxidized / fermented during processing. Herbal teas do not contain leaves of the tea plant. Herbal teas are made from a mixture of flowers, fruits, leaves , bark, roots etc of many different plants.

When was tea discovered?

Tea is nearly 5,000 years old and was discovered, as legend has it, in 2737 b.c. by a Chinese emperor when some tea leaves accidentally blew into a pot of water which was being bolied for the Emperor.

How do I brew a perfect cup of tea?

Good quality water and proper brewing time are essential for a good cup of tea. Start with a preheated pot or cup (simply fill your teapot or cup with very hot water and let it stand for a moment befor rinsing it). Boil fresh cold water. In areas with poor tap water, use bottled or filtered water. Never use water from the hot water tap. Bring water to a rolling boil. Don't let it boil too long, as it will boil away the flavor releasing oxygen and result in a flat tasting cup of tea. Pour boiling water on tea leaves or a tea bag. Brew for 3 to 5 minutes. Add sweetner and milk to taste and serve.

Are there really any health benefits gained from drinking tea?

Tea has a high content of vitamins and minerals. It contains ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in amounts comparable to a lemon. Tea also contains several B vitamins which are water soluble and quickly released into a cup of tea. Five cups of tea a day will provide 5-10% of the daily requirement of riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. It will also provide approximately 5% of the daily requirement of magnesium, 25% of potassium, and 45% of the requirement for manganese. Researchhas shown that tea may help reduce the risk of strokes, heart disease, and also prevent some cancers.

How much caffeine does tea contain?

Tea contains anywhere from 5 mg to 100 mg of caffeine per 200ml cup.