The Perfect Cup of Tea

Yes, it is true. Green tea is not only a very refreshing beverage but is also quite the health giving drink. Not only will you enjoy drinking it but also the numerous health benefits it can offer. Not convinced? Let me give you some of the known health benefits that you will surely achieve wants you start to take that first sip:

• Anti-Aging and wrinkling
• Cancer preventing
• Stimulant - it keeps you energized, stress free and anxious
• Betters the immune system function therefore making you less susceptible to infections and other diseases
• Good for the heart: prevents cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, atherosclerosis
• Treats minor wounds, cuts and abrasions
• Prevents tooth decay and bad breath
• Helps in fighting high blood pressure and diabetes
• Improves bone density and prevents osteoporosis

If come to think of it, it is the perfect drink. It is for anyone who wants to enjoy and live and healthful life.

So that is that. All you have to do is go to the nearest supermarket and buy and enjoy green tea (but we strongly recommend that you check Tava Tea). Make it a daily habit. And if you are thinking how complex and difficult to achieve the perfect blend and flavor, don't fret. I have developed an overview of the preparation of green teas and easy tips that surely you too can follow.

AMAZING! Wuyi Cliff Oolong Tea can be used for treatment of digestive disorders... Ever heard about Tava Tea Wellness Blend? It contains Oolong... ;-)

What you will need:

Tea utensils

In Japan, tea utensils are known as Chaki. There are many choices of tea utensils used and to choose from. It really depends on what the occasion is, the type of drink to be consumed, the region as well as individual preferences. And it is also a fact that formal tea utensils used for their tea ceremonies are more sophisticated and different from that used for ordinary days. And since not all of us are going to tea ceremonies, here are some of the common types of tea utensils used for tea preparation.

• Teapot - This is Kyusu in Japanese. This is the main and probably the most important tea utensil used when preparing green teas. It is very significant for it may enhance the tea’s aroma and flavor. As a general rule, regardless of the type of tea being prepared, the teapot should be preheated with hot water and after, discarded to ensure the teapot is clean and free of other substances that could affect the taste of the tea. For premium teas (such as gyokuro), as well as high grade ones (like Japan’s sencha green tea), a small teapot is used and preferable. But for everyday use teapots, brown earthenware colored teapots are used. It should be with a handle on the side so that the tea can be poured in one hand and with the other hand making sure the lid is in place using the thumb. Most teapots also come with a strainer. There are usually located at the base of the spout. Hojicha and genmaicha often use larger teapots. If you do not have any of these in particular, any will do. As long as the teapot is clean, you are good to go.

• Tea cups - Also known as Chawan. Just like the teapot, it is also important in green tea making. For here can enhance the enjoyment of drinking green teas. And usually, different type of tea use different types of cups. For example, small cups are used for highest grades of tea such as gyokuro. For sencha green teas, typically small and shallow cups are used. As for hojicha anf genmaicha, taller cups are usually used. As a rule of thumb, however, good teas are best served and drank from cups that are white in color, especially on the inside so as drinkers may have the luxury of seeing the natural color of the tea. This adds to the aesthetic beauty of drinking teas.

• Tea caddy - or Chazutsu. We should keep in mind that tea leaves should be kept out of contact with oxygen or with moisture as much as possible. The reason for this is to avoid any unwanted changes on the integrity of the green tea.This is where tea caddy comes in. They are used for storage of teas. Japanese tea caddies are known to have both an outer lid as well as an inner lid. This is to ensure air-tightness is maintained. But for home and everyday usage, tea caddies are mostly made of metal, like tinplated steel for instance.

• Tea scoop - Chasaji to the Japanese. Tea scoops are for the purpose of measuring the quantity of tea leaves to be used when they will be transferred from the tea caddy to the teapot. They vary from the materials which they are made. Japanese tea scoops are usually made from bamboo, wood or metal. It does not matter what they are made of actually. Wjhat is important is that they allow the user to accurately and easily measure the right amount of tea leaves. One teaspoon or one scoop should be about 3 grams of tea.

• Tea cup saucers - also known as Chataku. Since teas are warm, saucers should be used when placing them somewhere. This is to be able to lay tea cups in tables or other surfaces without staining or damaging it. This is placed under tea cups when to be served to house guests. Wooden lacquered saucers are usually utilized.

Important tips and principles in green tea making:

1. When tea leaves are transferred to the teapot, hot water is poured and left for a certain period of time. This is to allow infusion to take place. Of course, the preparation will differ for different factors such as: personal preference, occasion, time of the day or the season. But the average time you should steep it for 1 to 2 minutes only.

2. Use the right kind of water. For teas, this is generally soft water. By soft water we mean water low in calcium and other known minerals but slightly acidic>If tap water will be used, boil it first to eliminate the chlorine smell. If mineral water is used, hard water, which is high in calcium or magnesium, should not be used.

3. Do not place boiling water immediately. Wait for 30 and 60 seconds to allow the boiling to cool to this temperature. The reason for this is water at its boiling point will "cook" the tea leaves and therefore will destroy the tea and ruin its flavor. This will create a bitter tasting tea. At about 160 degrees is the perfect water temperature for green teas.

4. Be mindful of the amount of tea you will use per cup. Use approximately of only 2 grams of tea per cup to create a perfect tasting tea . 1 teaspoon is equivalent for 6 to 8 oz of cup already.

5. It is not wrong to use the leaves more than once. This is a common practice all around the world.

With all these things in mind, there is nothing left but to start and finally enjoying drinking green tea. Happy tea drinking!

INTERESTING! Wuyi Cliff Oolong Tea can help prevent heart ailments... and 100% organic Oolong tea is one of three main components of Tava Tea... ;-)