With the eye on Saturday’s Sprankeltee, you realise that tea is something that will likely be found in every household. There are so many different types of tea and so many different ways of having them. Some people like black tea where others prefer red tea. You even get those crazy enough to enjoy a daily cup of green tea. But how do you make the most out of your special cup of tea?
Here are some tips on how to enjoy your tea properly…
Black tea
Black tea can be recognised by its black or dark brown leaves. There are many different types of black tea but the most popular in South Africa are probably Earl Grey, English Breakfast and Irish Breakfast. According to the Rivertea blog, black tea is aromatic and flavoursome and a real energy booster, “just what one needs to boost his energy before starting a busy day”. Black tea is good for you because it reduces bad cholesterol.
How to prepare black tea:
Since it is a strong tea, black tea is best prepared with milk. You can also have it with a bit of honey to sweeten it up. Earl Grey is really good with some lemon or lime. Any black tea is good with some sugar and lemon, however.
Steps:
- Place 180 ml water in a tea kettle and heat it to boiling point.
- Place 1 rounded teaspoon of black tea leaves into a cup.
- Pour the boiling water over the leaves.
- Cover the cup with a small saucer to retain heat.
- Steep the tea for 3 – 5 minutes (depending on how strong you prefer your tea)
- As soon as the tea is strong enough, remove the leaves by pouring the tea through a strainer.
- Add milk, lemon or sweetener – avoid combining milk and lemon.
- Sit back and enjoy!
Green tea
“Green tea is green because it’s not oxidised and, therefore, manages to retain its colour.” This healthy tea originates from China and Japan and is one of the most recommended teas to have when detoxing. We are all aware that green tea burns fat because it increases your metabolism over a period of time. According to NDTV Food, it reduces bad cholesterol and protects the liver. A cup of green tea a day is, therefore, a very healthy tip.
How to prepare green tea:
Green tea is best prepared with lukewarm water, or so the Japanese say. It is also better without milk and sugar. I prefer my green tea with a teaspoon of honey and a dash of lemon juice.
Steps:
- Place 180 ml water in a tea kettle and heat it to boiling point. Leave it then to cool until it reaches a warm, but not boiling temperature.
- Place 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves into a cup.
- Pour the warm water over the leaves.
- Cover the cup with a small saucer to retain heat.
- Steep the tea for 1 – 3 minutes (depending on the particular variety of tea)
- As soon as the tea is to your liking, remove the leaves by pouring the tea through a strainer.
- Add a dash of lemon juice and some honey. Avoid using milk, Green tea tastes much better without it.
Rooibos tea
One of the most popular types of tea in South African households is rooibos tea. We get it at church, functions and grandma’s house. Everyone loves rooibos tea. Rooibos is grown in South Africa’s fynbos and is, therefore, a proudly South African treat.
How to prepare rooibos tea:
It is common for South Africans to prepare rooibos tea in the same manner as we prepare black tea – either with or without milk. Many people prefer rooibos with honey and lemon, and others prefer it with sugar and milk… I love my rooibos with condensed milk!
Steps:
- Place 180 ml water in a tea kettle and heat it to boiling point.
- Place 1 teaspoon of rooibos tea leaves into a cup.
- Pour the hot water over the leaves.
- Cover the cup with a small saucer to retain heat.
- Steep the tea for 3 – 5 minutes (depending on how strong you prefer your tea, rooibos tea normally tastes better the stronger you make it)
- As soon as the tea is to your liking, remove the leaves by pouring the tea through a strainer.
- Add a dash of lemon juice and some honey or add milk and sugar instead. You could, of course, just skip the milk and sugar and add 2 – 3 teaspoons of condensed milk.
- Enjoy your tea with some fresh homemade biscuits.
Sources:
https://www.rivertea.com/blog/5-most-popular-black-tea-blends/
https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-brew-black-tea-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-201670
https://www.enjoyingtea.com/teabrinforro.html
