National Tea Day: Types, 3 ways to brew and quotes to celebrate the occasion
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: April 21 is celebrated as National Tea Day. This brewed beverage is one of the most beloved and iconic drinks in the world. Tea has become a staple in the lives of millions of people. This day is to appreciate the diverse flavors, health benefits and rich history of this beverage.
Just spend a few minutes to gain knowledge about the types, and the quotes about this wonder drink. And also, get some ideas on how to celebrate this refreshing occasion.
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Types of Tea
Chamomile Tea
It has zero calories. This type of tea has several benefits. We've listed some of them right here.
1. It helps you to relax your mind and makes your skin glow.
2. It cures the gastrointestinal discomfort
3. It is good medicine for cold
4. It also maintains the blood sugar level.
Matcha Tea
Matcha is a finely crushed powder made from specially processed green tea leaves. It has high antioxidant content, which may benefit heart and brain health. It also helps you to reduce weight!
Chai Tea
Chai tea is made of antioxidants such as catechins and theaflavins. It plays a major role in preventing cancer and oxidative stress.
Oolong Tea
This tea is partially oxidized. It gives you the flavor that falls between black and green tea. So, the flavor varies, depending on where the tea leaves are grown and how the tea is made.
3 Ways to Brew
1. Gongfu Cha
The gongfu tea ceremony is Chinese in origin. The term 'gongfu cha' literally means "making tea with skill". The approach often involves using smaller brewing vessels and a higher leaf-to-water ratio using finer grade tea leaves of Chinese origins. Three things are important to the process besides the tea leaves of course — method, water chemistry and temperature. While bottled spring water is the best to use, the amount of time to steep and temperature of the water varies depending on the tea used.
2. Western Style
This is the easiest method of preparing tea. All you need is one big teapot and a strainer for the leaves once the tea is done. Milk or cream is optional as is sugar. If you are sampling a particularly fine blend, forgo the milk and sugar and steep the leaves in water just below boiling temperature to get the best flavors.
3. Cold Brew Tea
If you like your tea less caffeinated and cold, this one is for you. Cold-brewing means steeping the leaves in cold water for hours in the fridge to let the flavors out without any heat to aid the action. Yup, this means you have to plan ahead and prepare in advance if you plan on serving any to guests. But patience is a virtue and cold-brewed tea is really worth it when the temperature starts rising.
3 Ways to Celebrate the Occasion
Organize a Tea Party
Invite your family and friends over for a tea party who share your thirst for tea. Serve them a variety of teas with snacks and treats. Share your funny and happy memories about tea to cherish for a lifetime. Like that hot cuppa on a magical winter's morning.
Cup for Charity
Organize a tea-themed event in your neighborhood to support local residents who are challenged or are facing a downturn in their lives and need a helping hand. This would be a noble way to honor the day, mixing in charity with all the fun.
Explore the day in various tea stalls
By visiting various tea stalls you will taste the different essence of tea. Who knows? You may find a special taste which can become unbelievable that sticks in your tongue!
Quotes
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.”
– Henry James
“Tea, though ridiculed by those who are naturally coarse in their nervous sensibilities, will always be the favorite beverage of the intellectual.”
– Thomas de Quincey
“Each cup of tea represents an imaginary voyage.”
– Catherine Douzel
Quotes: Courtesy (The Tea Club)