The Tea Association of the USA names January “National Hot Tea” month, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect given the weather. January’s often the coldest time of the year and the deep freeze usually sets in mid-month. The problem with cold weather is that we avoid drinking water even when we’re thirsty, because it makes our bodies feel cold. Tea provides the perfect solution to keep hydrated, warm and in good health. So what teas offer the best taste and the greatest health benefits?
Earl Grey
The aromatic, caffeinated or decaffeinated tea, named for the 19th century British Prime Minister of the same name, is made by blending bergamot oil, orange peel and flowers with black or other herbal teas. Earl Grey tea tastes great mixed with cream and sugar or can be enjoyed straight. Culinary Teas Russian Earl Grey tea, a variety of traditional Earl Grey, offers even more citrus notes because of the extra citrus fruit peel and lemongrass added to the blend.
White
White tea earns its name from the flowers with which it is made. The mild caffeinated tea, the most delicate of all teas of the Camellia sinensis plant, comes from China, although some varieties are produced from the delicate flowers grown in the highlands of Kenya. You can drink white tea straight, but although it is warming, it tastes bland on its own. Lipton’s Island Mango and Peach White Tea, for example, includes herbs and fruits to boost the flavor. White tea is high in antioxidants and some tea fans drink several cups a day.
Herbal
The great thing about herbal tea is that you can get the warming benefits of consuming a hot beverage and a range of flavors without the caffeine. Tazo’s Passion Herbal Infusion has a strong acidic flavor and contains a combination of passion fruit, hibiscus flowers, papaya and cinnamon. Hibiscus flowers, said to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, has lots of vitamin C, which could help prevent colds and other mild winter ailments.
Indian Chai
Chai tea could be the only tea around that includes black peppercorns, the spice that adds heat to the already spicy beverage. Chai tea also contains ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and is best consumed hot, just after boiling. To make a hot cup of chai tea, boil one cup or mug of water in a small pan and add one black tea bag. Mix in one teaspoon of Khazana chai tea mix, a spice blend created by India’s most popular celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, and some milk and sugar.
Black
Black tea might seem like an uninteresting alternative, but the beverage works well for people who enjoy a plain cup of tea. You can get adventurous by trying the varieties of black tea from around the world sold at your local ethnic grocery store.
Sources: Healing Teas by Marie Natine Atol, Tea Association of the USA, January is National Hot Tea Month, The New Tea Companion: A Guide to Teas Throughout the World by Jane Pettigrew, Bruce Richardson