"If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; if you are depressed, it will cheer you; if you are excited, it will calm you." William Gladstone.
The first time tea leaves met boiling water was nearly 5,000 years ago in China. Since then, tea has become the most popular beverage around the world, next to water, and can be separated into three basic types: black, green and oolong. Most tea drinkers consume some variety of black tea. And, although herbal teas are quite popular, these "teas" contain no true tea leaves, but rather a blend of other plant leaves, seeds, berries, and roots.
Tea Varieties: When serving tea to a group, the most important thing is to offer a variety. Choose two or three of the following:
Black Tea: English Breakfast is a favorite, along with Keenum and Ceylon tea, such as Orange Pekoe.
Blended Tea: Earl Grey, perhaps one of the most recognizable names in tea, is smoky with a hint of sweetness, blended with black tea and bergamot oil. Darjeeling, also popular, is a blend of Himalayan teas.
Chai: This Indian-style tea is made of Assam tea, honey, cardamom and other spices. It's usually blended with equal parts of milk and served hot or iced.
Scented or Flavored Tea: Most of the herbal varieties available, such as Passion Fruit, Orange Chamomile and Peppermint teas are not true teas, but are still soothing and are wonderful served as iced tea. Some flavored varieties have hints of brandy or rum, and are also very tasty.
Green Tea: Originally introduced in Japan, it's touted for its health benefits. It’s made of the same leaves as black tea, but they are not fermented and they contain less caffeine. Try a Sen-cha, Japanese Oolong or Gyokuro.
Oolong: This is a cross between black and green tea in color and taste, and is popular in China. Some say it’s the Queen of Teas for its relaxing qualities.
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