Heaven of Tea

Ever had a question about tea? I thought so. This was a series of questions asked by a reporter along with the answers. I thought it was pretty interesting, so it made for a good initial post on our blog:

Tea questions:

1. What are the differences between the different types of teas: black, green, white and do they come from different tea plants or the same tea plant?

All tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant. The different types of tea you can find in our stores or anywhere in the world are all based from this plant but the differences come into play with where the plant was cultivated, the climate, the rainfall, the soil, what time of year it was picked and especially what kind of the processing after the leaves have been plucked.

White tea is the least processed where it is simply plucked, steamed and dried.

Green tea is the second least processed with the steaming (in Japan) or pan firing (in China) then rolling (Chinese tea) and drying the leaves.

Oolong tea is withered and shaken (to bruise the leaves) then partially fermented, pan fired or dried.

Black tea is withered, rolled, fully fermented (oxidized), and fired to dry it quickly.

1. What makes tea healthy?

Tea contains high levels of antioxidants, some of which are called polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins, and all of which take on the free radicals in the body and prevent them from harming your healthy cells.

In other words, sending in antioxidants is disease prevention in its finest form. Antioxidants are ready and waiting not only in teas but also in several fruits (Pomegranates, Blueberries, Strawberries, Acai berries) vegetables (Kale, Spinach, Broccoli, Beets), nuts (walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, cashews), and red wine.

1. Are certain teas healthier than others are? Which ones?

All teas have wonderful health benefits just in varying concentrations. The less processed the tea the more antioxidant properties contained within them. Some people confuse the term “Herbal Tea” to mean they are receiving the wonderful health benefits from that tisane when herbal teas do not contain any tea from the camellia sinensis plant, therefore you would not be getting the antioxidant properties from an herb or a floral blend “tea”.

1. What are the healing properties of teas? (Cancer prevention, sustained life, helps with a cold…)

Studies show (and there are reports in the news almost everyday) that certain teas (White and green tea are especially heralded) will inhibit the growth of certain forms of cancer. Tea is also said to detoxify the body, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and many teas contain a high vitamin and mineral content.

Rooibos tea (Red tea or red bush tea) is the new miracle tea with very high vitamins, minerals, higher antioxidant properties than green tea, aids in digestion, relieves allergies, is free of oxalic acid (good for people prone to kidney stones), and is caffeine free.

1. When you ice tea, does it change the healing properties?

Any way you consume the real tea leaf you will receive a plethora of health benefits.

1. Are there teas that have no health benefits at all?

You would receive very limited health benefits by drinking stale (old) tea, adding tons of sugar to your beverage, adding cream or milk, or drinking the powdered “ready to drink” teas that usually aren’t made of tea, but contains tea flavor.

1. What is the difference between loose-leaf tea and tea in a tea bag?

Quality loose leaf tea is usually handpicked, and consists of the first (and sometimes second leaf) and the tea bud from the tea plant. The loose-leaf tea is then sifted and graded, the lowest level is called “tea dust” or “tea fannings” and really all you can do with that is put it in a tea bag. The tea fannings do provide a quick dark brew in your cup, but that would not provide you with all the health benefits you will experience from a cup of loose-leaf tea.

1. What is the best way to sweeten tea? -honey, sugar, brown sugar, German rock crystal?

Tea can be consumed how ever the consumer would like to drink it, although at Teavana we recommend that if you would like it sweetened that you use our German rock cane sugar. This unrefined cane sugar is very mild, and will enhance the flavor of your tea, without covering up the complexity in your cup.

Some people swear by honey in their tea, while others like it with artificial sweeteners, or plain, but no matter how you take it, you are healthier just by consuming it.

1. How caffeinated are caffeinated teas in comparison to coffee?

The amount of caffeine yielded in each cup depends on the type of tea. Black tea will contain the most amount of caffeine in the tea world, yet compared to a cup of coffee that still is only about 20%.

Maté (an herbal tea from Argentina) contains a xanthine (stimulant) which is similar to caffeine, but because of the other xanthenes present within this tea the body reacts differently to caffeine with the theophylline and theobromine present, resulting in extended energy, but none of the negative effects associated with caffeine in its natural state. Maté is said to have 100% of the caffeine of coffee (without the anxiousness and jitteriness).

1. Are there teas that taste sweet without added sweetener?

Teas that taste sweet without added sweetener would come from natural fruit sugars present in the ingredients in the tea (dried strawberries) or added flavors like jasmine blossoms.

1. How many cups of tea per day are recommended?

Researchers say drinking 3 or 4 cups of tea a day (along with plenty of water) will benefit your health greatly.

1. What makes Teavana teas so unique?

Teavana is trying to bring about a new way of thinking about tea. Our stores provide a blending of part tea bar, and part tea emporium where we can introduce our guests to the aromas, textures, and health benefits of loose leaf tea. Our staff is eager to enlighten our guests to the history and variety of tea available. We promote a healthy alternative lifestyle choice that is still in its infancy in the western world.

1. What are the top 10 most popular teas that people get a Teavana?

1. Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearls (green tea)

2. MatéVana (herbal energy tea)

3. Queen of Babylon (white tea)

4. Rooibos Tropica (Rooibos tea)

5. Silver Needle (this tea is only picked 2 days a year) (white tea)

6. Monkey Picked Oolong (oolong tea)

7. Gyokuro Imperial (green tea)

8. Lavender Dreams (white tea)

9. Jasmine Oolong (oolong tea)

10. Apple Lemon Pomegranate (Rooibos tea)

1. Is there anything else you think people should know about tea?

1. • People often are confused about tea thinking that tea dehydrates you, which turns out is false based on recent studies.
   • Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, just behind water.

1. • Studies show tea taken with milk actually decreases its health benefits.

1. • Emperor Shennong discovered tea in 2737 B.C. He first tasted tea when the tealeaves on branches used to boil water on an open fire were carried up from the fire by the hot air, and landed in his cauldron of boiling water. Shennong is venerated as the Father of Chinese medicine, and he is believed to have introduced the technique of acupuncture.

Answered by Cassandra in Atlanta