FOOD / HEALTH SPECIAL...................... Healthy to the tea

Healthy to the tea 
 

Tea historian Bryan Mulvihill talks about various teas and their health benefits

    Tea works as an ice breaker and immediately puts you at ease in a gathering where you might not know anybody,” says Bryan Mulvihill, an artist, calligrapher and tea historian. Here, he tells us about the benefits of various kinds of teas that baffle you at the supermarket.

Green tea is said to be extremely high in antibacterial agents. It is good for clearing your skin, relieving sore throat and soothing the voice. Green tea is especially rich in vitamin C, chlorophyll and trace elements.

How to make it: Green tea should be brewed with lower temperature water, anywhere from 70-85 degrees Celsius. The higher the tea quality, the lower the temperature. The water can be poured over the leaves many times, at first for only 20-30 seconds then completely poured off; each time leave the warm water on a little longer until no colour comes off the brew.

Oolong or semi-fermented tea
is very good for throat problems. It has mild stimulating qualities and keeps one refreshed in warm climates. Semi-fermented teas are also known to improve the complexion and are a good tonic for the skin.

How to make it: Oolong should be brewed at 80-85 degrees Celsius and the water can be poured over the leaves numerous times.

Pu’er, brick or cake tea is the only tea that greatly improves with age (like wine). It is one of the earliest forms of Chinese teas, and is particularly good for digestion, when it comes to oily or greasy foods. It is the perfect after-dinner tea. This tea is internally fermented as the brick of tea dries naturally without external heat. Store it in a well-ventilated dark, dry area away from other spices and foods with strong scents

How to make it: These teas can be brewed anywhere from 20-50 times. Put a generous amount of tea in a small tea pot and pour water that’s just below the boiling temperature, over the leaves. Again brew for shorter times at the beginning, and then longer as the number of brews increases.

Black or Orange Pekoe tea is brewed with medium boiling water. It is best not to leave hot water sitting on the leaves.

 How to make it: Brew for 4-5 minutes and then pour all the water, otherwise the brew can go bitter. The tea has cooling qualities and is best for hot weather.

White tea is the least processed form of tea. It has the highest antioxidant levels. It helps lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol

How to make it: The water used in brewing white tea is incredibly important. Water at room temperature or lukewarm water can be used. Denser than other teas, white tea needs more leaves

to Supriya SharmaTL131215