Which tea has the most healthful benefits? The white tea has the highest level of antioxidants due to its very minimal exposure to oxidation, and its’ limited harvesting time. The leaves are picked during the Spring only just prior to the new buds opening. All tea originates from the same plant, camellia sinensis, but drying and processing times vary and these are factors that contribute to the tea leaf’s level of antioxidants, characteristic flavor and color. All tea has some level of antioxidants and benefits to one’s health. Rooibos means “red bush” in Afrikaans, and is also considered very high in antioxidants. It is from a plant, aspalathus linoaris, native to South Africa exclusively. Studies have shown this “tea” is comparable to green tea in the amount of polyphenols it contains. It has properties known to be used as an anti-carcinogenic, anti-mutagenic, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. Rooibos helps to relieve heartburn, constipation and stomach ulcers. It aids in digestion, and is found to help with insomnia due to its’ relaxing effect on the central nervous system. It can be added to expressed mother’s milk or formula and given to infants with colic, or stomach cramps. It contains fluoride, calcium and manganese contributing to stronger bones and teeth. The alpha-hydroxy acid, and zinc contained in the Rooibos leaves can be applied directly on the skin to aid in skin irritations, diaper rash and acne. Rooibos also contains magnesium, potassium and copper minerals and is often prescribed for nervous tension and mild depression. It contains no oxalic acid; therefore, can be enjoyed by persons who suffer with kidney stones. Rooibos is considered a miracle beverage. It is delicious served hot and makes a great sports drink served cold due to its abundant minerals. Truly a versatile drink that can be consumed with or without milk, used in stews or soups and it tastes great alone or mixed with other flavors. Why buy loose leaf tea vs. tea bags? Tea bags most typically do not offer the freshness and quality of a premium loose leaf tea due to their extended time in storage before they reach the grocery shelf, and their grade (cutting and size or broken pieces of the leaf of tea). Quality is affected by plant variety, climate, soil conditions, and elevation of tea growing regions (higher elevation is better), transportation, blending and packing. Tea Side Trader accounts for these factors in our tea selection. While some tea plantations use machines to assist in manufacturing, the best quality tea stems from hand picking the top 4-5 tea leaves on the plant, as it was done a thousand years ago. The younger the leaves, the fresher and more nutrient rich they are when brewed. Tea bags rarely offer this kind of quality and freshness. Loose leaf teas from Tea Side Trader never sit on the storage shelves waiting to be packed. They are often blended when ordered and stock teas are ordered on a rotating schedule preserving flavor and freshness. I am new at buying tea, what do you suggest? It is difficult not to suggest all of our teas! For this reason we offer descriptions of flavor and ingredients to help you decide. The following are recommendations from what has been some of our customers favorites: African Outback (organic) (Lemon Myrtle)It is our wish this gives you a starting guide and that you will try some of our hand-selected blends. Please feel free to contact us with any questions regarding flavor or ingredients to assist in choosing a tea you will enjoy. Email us at custsvc@teasidetrader.com with any questions. What differentiates “100% organic” and “organic”? Labeling a product “organic” requires that 95% of all ingredients be certified organic by an approved certification board such as USDA, or Quality Assurance International. A product labeled 100% organic contains 100% organically grown and processed ingredients, also certified by an approved certification board. In order for a farm to be certified organic, it must be chemical and pesticide free for at least 3 years prior to receiving an organic certification. What is 1st flush, for example, Assam Rani Estate, 1st flush? Tea plants grow for approximately 3-5 years, and at about two years growth when they reach 5-6 feet in height, they are pruned to encourage continued growth. They are left un-pruned and un-plucked to grow a remaining 3-5 years. In some parts of the world, the plants grow the entire year, depending on temperature, while in others, there is a dormant period. After the dormant period, when new growth resumes, the leaves (new shoots) from the new growth, are called – flush, hence, the 1st flush which is very desirable, and the 2nd flush (new shoots) are even more desirable as they are believed to produce the finest teas. For the best quality, the pickers remove two leaves and a bud from each new shoot. Often the 1st and 2nd flushes are combined producing a distinct and desirable flavor such as the Premium Darjeeling. |
