Facts on what and what not to believe about tea myths
I bet you have heard so many “do’s and don’t’s” on the right way to make tea throughout the years that you may wonder if you are making it the proper way? There are so many tea myths from ancient times, cultures, and misinformation. Let’s see just how much or how little you know about tea.
#1 Myth- Are Black Tea and Orange Pekoe the same?
Absolutely not! That is such a misconception, in all actuality, black tea is oxidized by using a heat process. This impressive process removes excess moisture. Orange Pekoe is the name for the grading of tea leaves. OP is an acronym for the quality of tea. Flowery Orange Pekoe is (FOP), Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe is (FGOP) and Finest Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe (FTGFOP), each acronym decides how superior the tea is.
#2 Myth – All Tea is Steeped in Boiling Water?
YIKES, that would be real damage to such lovely and delicate tea leaves. Due to the fact that tea is grown in different regions and produces a wide range of tea, green tea is best to boil the water and then let cool down for 2 -4 minutes. That procedure won’t “shock” the leaves, and offer a pungent taste.
When making a pot of black tea, it is best to bring the water to a rolling boil, and let the water “sit” for 4 minutes. Pour the water over the tea leaves and steep for 4 minutes. You will see the color get darker and darker.
A true “teaist” would NEVER use tap water to create a wonderful pot of tea. There are far too many chemicals added to what is called: faucet water, running water, or municipal water. The water is processed through a treatment plant that uses algicide, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, muriatic acid, and sodium bicarbonate. You simply cannot make a “virgin” cuppa with all of those substances. The best water to use when making a perfect cuppa is filtered or spring water. You are using the natural process which refines a much better taste.
#3 Myth – Are Herbal and Tisane Tea The Same?
The world tea was derived from Emperor Shen Nung in 2732 B.C. when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. He was immediately interested in the pleasant scent of the resulting brew and drank some. The word “tea” was officially used for this marvelous drink, and today, we have a wide selection of different teas. Tisane or herbal tea is much different. The truth on tea myths is that herbal or tisane tea contains caffeine, they do not. Tisane or herbal tea is caffeine-free and it is great for women who are pregnant, have sleeping issues, on medication, are anti-inflammatory, and needs to reduce anxiety.
#4 Myth -Tea Never Expires
One of the big tea myths is that it never expires, wrong! Tea needs to be consumed before it expires. It cannot be kept in the cupboard for years, it becomes bland in flavor and loses its character. The leaves dry out quickly, along with being brittle. It also absorbs other aromas that are in the cupboard like garlic, spices, and strong fragrant items. Tea leaves are very delicate and in order to have the freshest taste possible, it needs to be consumed within 6 months of purchase. Tea is very fragile and should be handled carefully.
#5 Myth -The Best Way To Drink Tea Is With Milk and Sugar?
A great-tasting cup of tea should be done “neet“. Condiments will alter the true taste of tea, and what tea should actually taste like. Sugar, milk, cream, and lemon will over-power the natural, earthy notes and disguise the regular flavor. To truly enjoy the “Umami”, a Japanese term which means “delicious flavor” tea should be made by proper steeping method and drinking it hot, not cool.
Tea is the second most popular beverage in the world. We hope that you will truly enjoy a perfect cup of tea now since you know the right way to make a hot cuppa and eliminate the tea myths you were told.
About the Author:
Nancy Prokosh I’m the owner and president of Tealicious Tea Company, and I have been in his industry for 20 years and consider myself to be a tea expert. I am close to many tea growers worldwide and LOVE keeping up with tea farming, and changes to the industry. I practice Tai Chi, am an avid skier, continue in the education field and make some pretty good meals. I love sharing my business information and tips with others.
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