Tips on Making English-Style Tea
Introduction
Tea drinking started from China during the 16th century. This was passed on to Britain who enjoyed sipping during the 17th century. They introduced Tea to India.
Tea comes from the leaves of the small tree Camellia Sinensis. There are many types of tea namely Black, Green, White, and oolong. However, Black tea is more oxidized than any other tea leaves and is stronger in flavor and has a longer shelf life as compared to other tea leaves.
Today India, China and Sri Lanka grow Black tea in abundance. Their leaves are spread out to dry and then placed in a humid environment to promote fermentation, which turns the leaves dark and helps develop black tea strong flavor. The dried leaves are then shipped in boxes all over the world.
Black Tea brewing
A teaspoon of black tea for every 6-ounce cup is recommended where the leaves are boiled/steeped in boiled water for approximately 3-5 minutes.
If steeped for a longer time, the tea becomes bitter. The loose tea leaves should be strained prior to serving.
Black Tea Storage
Store your loose tea leaves in an airtight container. This will help retain the aroma of the tea leaves.
Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea has many benefits:
o Good for the Heart—Black tea has been researched to be abundant in antioxidants such as flavonoids which helps to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol and to lower the risk of heart disease. Polyphenols are found in black tea, which are strong antioxidants. Manganese in black tea leaves helps cardiac muscles function.
o Prevents, Cancer—Polyphenols. found in black tea help in the prevention of potential carcinogens in the body. This helps in prevention of many cancers.
o Healthy Digestive Tract—Tannins are found in black tea, which make it a powerful digestive aid helping in the prevention of gastric and intestinal illnesses.
o Healthy Immune System—Tannins are substances found in Black tea, which have the ability to fight viruses. It is also known to help suppress tumors, and the alkylamine antigens present in black tea helps boost immune response.
o Increased Energy—The caffeine present in black tea targets the brain and the muscles thus helping to stimulate metabolism and increase brain function. Thus, helping to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
o Good for the Brain and Nervous System—Moderate caffeine in black tea gives the memory a boost by promoting blood flow to the brain. Black tea has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone and also help protect against Parkinson’s disease.
How to make a cup of English Tea
1. Boil 1 cup of Water
2. Pour it in a cup
3. Add the Tea Bag
4. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes
5. Add Milk and Sugar to your taste
6. Stir and Enjoy
Tips to make English Tea on Cold Winter Day
1. Boil 1 cup of Water
2. Add grated Ginger
3. Allow it to boil until water is slightly yellow
4. Add Milk and Sugar according to your taste
5. Add loose black tea or a tea bag to the boiling mixture
6. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes by simmering the gas stove
7. Turn off the gas.
8. Pour the tea in a cup using a strainer.
Tips to make English Tea on Hot Summer Day
1. Boil 1 cup of Water
2. Add 2 Green cardamoms by crushing the seeds and boiling them in water to release the oils.
3. Allow it to boil for some time.
4. Add Milk and Sugar to your taste
5. Add loose black tea or a tea bag to the boiling mixture
6. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes by simmering the gas stove.
7. Turn off the gas.
8. Pour the tea in a cup using a strainer
Enjoy your tea with your favorite cookies.
Conclusion
Black Tea has many benefits, and it is no more restricted to China or India or Britain. Every country is importing these tea leaves and enjoying the many benefits of tea drinking.
Enjoy!
