If you are looking for a new tea-drinking experience, you might want to try creating your own mixed tea to get the perfect flavor profile that you crave. Just purchase a few basic flavors and create a custom blend that is all your own, that just might surprise you with health benefits.
There is some scientific evidence that shows green tea, in particular, may help improve cardiac health. Some herbal teas have properties that can help relieve stress or calm you down naturally, while others are refreshing without caffeine.
The Basics of Tea
True Tea
There are five basic types of true tea that all come from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis: black, green, white, oolong, and pu’erh. What differentiates these types of tea are the ways in which it is processed. Some teas do not go through all of the processing steps, while others may repeat a step multiple times.
Black tea is the most commonly consumed tea in the United States and has the most oxidation, which may take away from some of its health benefits. Black tea also contains caffeine, but you will get far less of it from a cup of tea than you do from an equally sized cup of coffee.
Green and white teas go through no oxidation and stay truer to their natural form. Of the two, white tea is the less processed choice, but both teas have wonderful antioxidant properties and gentler flavors.
Oolong tea is much less oxidized and has a fruity less astringent taste, making it a great choice for individuals who may just be trying tea for the first time.
Pu’erh tea is a bit different– it is fermented, although not to the point that it produces alcohol. Traditionally produced in China, it is aged, similar to wine, for months or even years. Its appearance can be dark and the taste is mildly sweet with deep, rich aromas.
Herbal Tea
Many people may not be aware that herbal tea usually does not contain any traditional tea leaves. It is a blend of different fruits, roots, bark, seeds, and flowers from edible plants. While there are some traditional choices, such as peppermint, chamomile, or lemon, you are limited only to your imagination.
Making Your Own Tea Blends
Getting Started
The first thing you must consider when making your own tea blend is to determine if you want to use a traditional tea bag or purchase a tea infuser and loose tea. Infusers can be found in all shapes and sizes, and are inexpensive, so you can purchase one to fit any mood.
Teabags can be the more convenient choice; however, loose tea is generally considered to be of higher quality (less broken leaves and pieces) and produces a deeper, richer flavor. Regardless of which route you choose, a tea kettle is recommended for brewing up your perfect cup of tea.
Putting Flavors Together
There are many flavor profiles you can choose from based on your own preferences. For example, choosing a mild white tea will pair nicely with a rich fruity flavored herbal tea, such as peach or orange pekoe.
Green teas are commonly paired with chamomile, which has relaxing properties and a very mild, soothing flavor. Green tea also matches well with the flavor of lemongrass.
Herbal citrus teas can be mixed with almost any tea to make an exotic tea flavor, especially blended with a nutty, woodsy rooibos. Citrus, especially orange, grapefruit, and lemon can be revitalizing and help give you an energy boost during the day. The same effect can be found in mint teas, which have symbolism in some cultures. In Morocco, for example, guests are traditionally welcomed into homes with a hot cup of mint herbal tea.
The flavor combinations are limitless– and go beyond your local grocery store. There are many specialty shops both online and in local markets that offer unique blends.
However you choose to enjoy your tea, have fun with it! Creating and playing with new flavors is an exciting part of tea drinking for many individuals across the globe. Try adding in fun additives like a teaspoon of your favorite jam in place of sugar, or loading it up with milk to make it decadent. Regardless of what you choose, enjoy your tea!