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Speaking in a clinical way, tea comes from the plant Camellia Sinensis. From the leaves of this plant, in their various stages of life, healthful beverages can be brewed. There is enough evidence to convince the person that tea will always be more healthy than coffee, preferable to juice, and inferior to pure water.
Speaking in an extremely strict sense, any beverage that does not come from the Cemellia Sinensis plant is not a tea. It might be prudent to keep this in mind when visiting the Orient. However, plainly speaking, most Western commoners consider any brewing of herbs to be a kind of tea. This one has noticed that peasants tend to insert the word, "tea," for beverages that incorporate fruit as well.
Based on these observations, it is reasonable to conclude that man-kind holds an aesthetic sense for the style of ceremony that tea represents. To sit quietly, drink, and view a pleasant scene is a desirable activity for most persons that this one has been able to communicate with. Even if the beverage of choice is a milk or alcohol, the need for serenity within one's own mind can not be denied.
A helpful resource might be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea
This one realizes that he is not sophisticated or cultured enough to understand the intricacies of a traditional and formal tea ceremony. However, from what this one has heard, each person involved should consider themselves free of station, obligation, and crippling emotions. In such a situation, it would be polite conversation to remark about the tea, or the ceremony. Any subject regarding work, money, politics, vanity, or personal glory
( pride ) should be avoided. It is easy to see that these principles apply to more aspects of life, conversation, and social behavior than only to a formal setting of tea.
The barbarians have a saying: "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing." In their way of thinking it is an inspiration to search for happy thoughts. Even more, one tends to speak what is in their heart. This is an ultimately important reality and applies to all aspects of life.
Portions of this section are excerpts of others' thoughts.
Black:
The color refers to the leaves; the beverage is deep amber. Black tea varieties include Darjeeling and Earl Grey; flavors range from spicy to flowery.
Benefits: May lower risk of heart disease and colon cancer; inhibits bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath.
Green:
If you find the flavor not to your liking, it might be worth trying: jewel green matcha, or ( Japanese ) sencha.
Benefits: Has been shown in numerous studies to help prevent many kinds of cancer, lower cholesterol, and boost immunity.
Oolong:
Midway between green and black tea in color, flavor, and antioxidant action, oolong has a fresh floral or fruity aroma.
Benefits: Drinking 3 cups a day can help relieve itchy skin rashes.
Pu-Erh (poo-air):
This dark red tea has an earthy flavor that reminds me of coffee and tobacco. It's considered a delicacy in China, where its processing is a highly guarded secret. The most oxidized of teas, pu-erh is said to mellow and improve with age, like wine.
Benefits: May reduce cholesterol.
White:
Rare and expensive, this least processed tea has a subtle flavor.
Benefits: Contains more antioxidants than other teas. Test-tube studies show that it blocks DNA mutations (which trigger tumor formation); a study on rats discovered it prevented precancerous colon tumors.
Perfect Brewing:
Dark Teas: Heat water to a vigorous boil.
Light Teas: Heat water just to boiling.
Pour over leaves in a tea ball or strainer ( 1 teaspoon ( or tea bag ) per cup ). Steep just long enough to develop color and flavor, but not long enough to become bitter:
4 to 5 minutes for white;
2 to 5 minutes for pu-erh, black, and oolong;
1 to 3 minutes for green.
One pound of tea yields about one hundred eighty cups of beverage.
Black/Dark Cherry
Blackberry
English Breakfast
Green Tea
Green Tea with Sugar/Honey
Lemon Blossom
Peach
Peppermint
Raspberry with Honey
Spiced Cinnamon
Chai
(Rice Milk)
