As November begins and officially marks the start of what I consider to be the winter season, I find myself yearning for a good cup of tea, especially now that it starts getting dark at 5 p.m.
To me, tea is literally everything good in this world wrapped up and placed in a mug between your hands. If you’re interested in joining the collective society that is tea drinkers, consider this your guide to a good cup of tea. I’ll cover the differences between types of tea, as well as different steeping methods, and my personal favorite combination.
TYPES OF TEA
When somebody asks, “Are you a coffee or tea person?” I always pause for a minute because that one question has so much to unpack. People often lump tea into one category, even though there are many different blends and types.
There are common base teas that are all derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant, including black, white, and green tea. These teas differ based on when they were picked and how long they were left to oxidize, which results in them becoming part of their respective category. Black tea is left to oxidize for the longest, and it has the highest caffeine content, while white tea is barely oxidized and contains low amounts of caffeine.
Any tea made from another plant or flower is classified as an herbal tea (think hibiscus or chamomile). Each individual tea is going to have a unique taste and flavor profile, but knowing the basics can help you narrow down what you may like.
STEEPING METHODS
Each tea has a particular steeping period, though most average around three to five minutes. Today, most teas are sold commercially in prepackaged tea bags.
My personal favorite way to make tea is to use loose-leaf tea and metal strainers. I’ve found that buying loose-leaf tea can be cost-effective in the long run and help reduce unnecessary waste in the environment. Also, metal strainers can be reused indefinitely! There are also teapots with built-in strainers.
MY FAVORITE DRINK
Nothing in this world compares to a London Fog. From the first time I had it, it changed my life. Traditionally, a London Fog consists of a base of Earl Grey tea with vanilla syrup and is topped off with steamed or frothed milk. It feels like a hug with every sip, and it pairs well with any type of pastry or cookie. My favorite way to tweak it is to mix vanilla and lavender syrup.
THE METHOD
This may be a little self-explanatory, but here is the method that I use for my go-to cup of tea. First, I heat the water by boiling a pot of water, using an electric kettle, or microwaving water. Then I pick the tea I’ll be steeping. At night, I usually make a chamomile or lemon-ginger tea. After heating the water, I’ll steep the tea for around three minutes. Once the tea has been steeped, I’ll take out the strainer or bag and add my sweetener of choice, like honey.
Now, time to sip away and enjoy! It’s a simple process, but it gives me a small comfort. It’s a time in my day when I slow down and do something intentionally. As the sun sets earlier, I make sure I have my cup of tea each evening to get me through the winter.
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