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Tea

In season all year

Food Description:

Tea is the second most drunk beverage in the world - second
(thankfully) to water. Legend has it that it was discovered 2737 B.C. by a Chinese emperor when some fragrant leaves off the Camellia sinensis plant blew into his glass of hot water. The most popular types of tea in the world are black, green and herbal teas. Black tea is the most well known and the one the Brits love. (Especially in a crisis!). Black tea is made from the dried leaves of the Camellia sinensis, a white-flowering evergreen bush native to China and India. Flavoured tea is black tea with added natural flavours, eg Earl grey, Irish, English breakfast.
Black tea contains caffeine, as does green tea. Red tea (native to South Africa and known as rooibos) is naturally caffeine-free and the most similar herb tea to black - you can even take milk in it. Herb teas are made from leaves, flowers, roots, bark and seeds. There are an infinite number of herbal teas that are marketed to treat a range of health conditions. Herb teas contain no caffeine at all. Tea is a wonderful source of antioxidants - green tea and rooibos containing more than black tea.

There is a lovely Japanese proverb, "If man has no tea in him, he is incapable of understanding truth and beauty."

General Information:

Category: Drink
To Buy: Buy black tea and its derivatives from supermarkets or specialist tea stores. Tea can be bought loose or in tea bags.
To Store: Loose tea or tea bags should always be stored in airtight containers in a cool cupboard away from sunlight. Tea that isn't stored or packaged properly can absorb odours and moisture, and change the taste. Sunlight can dry the leaves out and degrade the flavour.
Tips and Tricks: Buy a lovely teapot or make tea in a coffee plunger using loose leaves. It's so much nicer than bags dropped into a cup of hot water.

Nutrition (100 Grams):

Antioxidants:
Salicylates: Naturally occurring plant chemicals found in several fruits, vegetables, nuts, herbs and spices, jams, honey, yeast extracts, tea and coffee, juices, beer and wines. Also present in flavourings, perfumes, scented toiletries and some medications. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Extremely High
Amines: Amines come the breakdown or fermentation of proteins. High amounts are found in cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and yeast extracts. Smaller amounts are present in some fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, avocados, bananas. For those with sensitivities, low foods are almost never a problem, moderate and high foods may cause reactions, depending on how sensitive you are and how much is eaten. Very high foods will most often cause unwanted symptoms in sensitive individuals. Moderate
Glutamates: Glutamate is found naturally in many foods, as part of protein. It enhances the flavour of food, which is why foods rich in natural glutamates such as tomatoes, mushrooms and cheeses are commonly used in meals. Pure monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used as an additive to artificially flavour many processed foods, and should be avoided, especially in sensitive individuals as it can cause serious adverse reactions. n/a

Cooking:

Cooking Tips: Make your own herbal tea by growing fresh lemongrass and mint in the garden. Trim the plants and hang the herbs to dry in a dry place. Once dry, chop the leaves. Add a small handful (about 2 tablespoons) to a 6 cup plunger and infuse in hot water for 5 minutes before pouring.

Benefits the Following Health Conditions:*

Blood Clots
Heart Disease
Menopause
Premature Aging
Circulatory Disorders
High Blood Cholesterol
Osteoporosis
Varicose Veins

* This information is sourced by a qualified naturopath. It is non prescriptive and not intended as a cure for the condition. Recommended intake is not provided. It is no substitute for the advice and treatment of a professional practitioner.



Disclaimer:
The Food Coach provides all content as is, without warranty. The Food Coach is not responsible for errors or omissions, or consequences of improper preparation, user allergies, or any other consequence of food preparation or consumption.

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