Green Tea Weight Loss: Hollywood's Favorite

There is no secret that people in Hollywood worry about being thin and some of the them will go to extreme measures to make sure that they stay that way. Weight loss is a big deal to a good many people in the world and that is not more evident than to the people in Hollywood.
There is a lot of research that supports this theory but just like everything else there is a lot that looks to shoot it down. This is due in part to the supposed medicinal properties that green tea holds and the many benefits of drinking it. This has become one of the most popular weight loss solutions in Hollywood and the other parts of the world. Of course there is always something new coming down the pike for this type of thing and that is evident with the green tea weight loss theory.
Green tea weight loss depends on the persons desire to drink green tea. The research shows that green tea weight loss works by the lowering or maintaining of blood sugar during the meal times. This means that the body is not creating the products that create fat as readily as it normally would when the green tea is being ingested. Of course this all means very little if you do not have a healthy diet to start with. You should take this to heart when trying this green tea weight loss plan as it works only with the proper food intake and that means a big life style change for many of the people involved.
The green tea is said to help ease the stomach problems that a lot of people have and that means that it is flying off the shelves every where you turn. It is also said to be great for a whole host of ailments that come down and that is all not quite proven as of yet. Many people are turning to green tea because it offers a much better and less bitter taste than its siblings. Green tea weight loss is catching on all over the world and mostly because of the popularity of the product itself.
Green tea weight loss depends on a good many things and you should ask your doctor before undertaking such a plan. There are a good many reasons to drink this substance but it is better to be safe than sorry.
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Tea Manufacturers India

Tea and Wine: Educating the palate
Why do connoisseurs pay more for a Chateau Neuf du Pape or a Merlot and insist on a particular year over the others? And how much did you pay for it? When was the last time you bought wine which said ‘French Table Wine, and poured out of a box?
On the other hand why do the same people feel content buying tea out of a box, which says Indian or Ceylon tea?
Tea, like wine, has qualities that depend on its geographical location. So just as a red wine from Chile will taste differently from a red wine from France, orthodox teas from India will be very different from orthodox teas from Ceylon or Kenya. Wines in France, too, will have regional differences with a Cotes du Rhone having a taste and bouquet unlike that of a Burgundy or Loire grape.
Then, of course there is the difference between vineyards within the region as it is with tea estates, which depend not only on the geographical location, but also on how the property is run and its quality controls. Similarly, among the teas in India, Terai teas will taste differently from Darjeeling, Assam or Nilgiris.
But once you master it, becoming a connoisseur of tea can be as much fun, as fascinating, if not healthier than being a wine connoisseur. All of this may be bewildering at first. And then there are the different qualities of wine of each vineyard as there are different grades of tea of each estate.
Normally, the so-called ‘estate-fresh' specialty teas that you buy in the supermarket gets there after passing through the hands of a number of middle-men, often sitting in warehouses of dusty ports for months before it reaches your cup. Unlike wines, though, tea does not do well with age.
Try a cup of tea, which has reached you directly within days of being plucked.
Most tea estates limit their expertise to the manufacture of one type of specialty tea. Nuxalbari Tea Estate India is probably one of the very few gardens that is proud to make all three different types of specialty Indian teas with equal finesse.
Upon espying a choice piece of virgin land, the young man would scoop a handful of earth, bury his nose in it, inhale deeply and pronounce, "good, plant," or "rubbish, move on." Family legend has it that he built his fortune led entirely by his nose. In 1899, my great-grandfather, the Nawab of Jalpaiguri, traveled on elephant back across the swampy jungles of northeast India, clearing great swathes of land and planting delicate tea saplings imported from China.
It was first established in 1884 by a British tea planter, and bought by the Nawab in 1910, who then doubled its production by planting areas thought to be unfit by the earlier owner. Nuxalbari, though, was one of the few tea plantations that he did not plant himself entirely. By the end of his life he owned 22 tea plantations from upper Assam to the Dooars.
His genes survive. The Nawab of Jalpaiguri, Musharraf Hussain was one of the first Indians to make tea planting his passion.

Tea and Time

Tea and time have something in common. They both begin with letter "T". There is a reason for that. Under that commonality also lies a lesson of life.
To enjoy tea, we need to take time.
Tea is no longer mere leaves but a form of art from beautiful hands. After the leaves are dried, they hand roll them to form a certain shape and sort them out at the end. Imagine how those beautiful girls and ladies pluck the leaves in a sunny spring morning. The majority of the workers in a tea garden are women.

The shapes are typically from the delicate hand rolling. Leaves from different types of tea come in different shapes, texture and colors. First of all, even before the steeping starts, we observe the tea leaves.
Second, you pour hot water into the cup. You don't just sit and wait (and getting bored and even impatient). Watch the leaves unfold and dance up and down slowly. This "agony of the leaves" is necessary for the flavors and nutrients to be released.
The timing depends on our individual preference in taste. Not too long, not too short. Steeping is also about timing.
Finally, we don't gulp a cup of tea as we do with a can of soda. We sip. Before we sip, we observe the color and the uprising mist of the liquid. We smell the aroma. These are all part of enjoyment of tea.
It all takes time. All the good things in life take time to brew and to enjoy.
Time is the most precious thing. It is also most constant thing as well. We can't get more of it by rushing it. We could potentially lose it if we rush - not only time but also all the great things in life that must be enjoyed with and over time.
A Chinese proverb says it all, "Hurry and impatience prevents the enjoyment of hot tofu."
You may ask, what about the need for speed and convenience?
The faster pace of living demands speed and convenience. Fast foods have become a part of our diet in the past decades as more and more families have two working parents and more and more families have two working parents and more and more families have two working parents and more and more people are into sports, travel and adventures. Mankind invented automobiles, aircrafts and spacecrafts to move from A to B faster. They are the propellers of civilization and evolution from nomadic to agriculture to industrial society.

Yes, they are some times our friends.
Our physical and psychological well being does not improve even though economically we are better off. More people and families are suffering from stresses of all kinds. Recent years have seen increased health problems such as obesity and cancer.

Overdose of speed and convenience can and have already hurt our quality of life. But there is a limit.
Tea can help in many ways with its powerful healing power and the lesson it teaches us about time and timing. It may be time to slow down a little bit and to get back to the basic of life.
Jay is the owner of TaimuTea.com - an online tea store that focuses on tea knowledge, news and education in addition to providing quality fresh teas from Taimu Mountain and its surrounding areas in Fujian province of China.

http://www.taimutea.com

Why and How You Should Drink Tea if You Get Headaches, Migraines, and Stress...

But when I see these ads, I think Why? Along with weight loss, cancer fighting, and other cellular benefits curing Headaches and Migraines while reducing stress is among the top advertised. Many people have heard and seen the many advertisements about tea and its various cures and benefits.
After drinking tea for a while, including Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Rooibos, Lemongrass, and a wide listing of organic herbal blends, I have found that I don't really know if I am fighting cancer inside my body. But I do know that tea can greatly help me to balance out a stressful time, and help get rid of and prevent headaches.
Simply drinking tea, especially some of the herbal blends specifically mixed for the occasion, can help with headaches, and you will receive all other benefits from the actual tea itself. But only drinking the tea in itself will not allow you to fully maximize all the potential, especially in regards to headaches and migraines. Because not always, but sometimes, drinking tea is about Drinking Tea.
That is when my tradition comes out. But when I have a headache (from stress, sinus headache, caffeine, or many other reasons), just drinking tea isn't always best. I just drink it.

Cup after cup (Thank you, Tea Stand) I drink with no sense of traditional practice, or religious afterthought. I drink tea all day long.
I don't use special pots, or time honored traditions. There is nothing wrong with them, but I rarely have time for that, and growing up in the United States, there are no time honored tea drinking traditions. I always used tea bags (low quality as they were my only option, and didn't know any better).So now, even though I am closer to tradition, I still do not have time for this. My Headache/Stress tea drinking practice takes less than five minutes. Usually, that is all the time I have (which is mostly why I have the headache in the first place).
I begin with the double chamber gourmet tea bag. High quality loose tea, easy to use tea bag, reusable; three of the reasons why. I rough it up a little to make the tea inside spread out, and then I put the bag into my mug. With the tea bag ready I pour steaming hot water over it. A little bit too hot to drink. When the cup is full, I bob the tea bag in and out of the water for a minute or so, and let it site for a minute (maybe, depending on how strong I want the tea, how many times have I used the tea bag already, etc.) When letting the tea bag sit, I wrap the string around the mug handle and anchoring it with the bead at the end. After the tea is ready, I take the tea bag out of the cup, and hang it on my tea stand. With green teas and Oolong teas, this is especially important. If you leave the tea bag in the cup too long it can get very bitter.
Now that my tea is ready ( a process which took maybe two minutes) I am ready to relieve myself from this nagging headache. With the cup still steaming, I cup my hands around the mug and slowly breath in the steam. Slow, deep breathes. I do this three to five times, or until the tea has cooled down a little so that I can begin drinking it. It is still hot, but I won't burn my tongue or lips if I drink it. Then I take small slurping sips. The hot water is important not only for the steam but also for these first few sips. The hot water slows down your drinking, and also helps to clear out your head. After a couple minutes of this I am generally feeling better.
I am sure that all in this hectic world can appreciate 5 minutes where life is slowed down and especially a tradition that is fast, easy, and that really helps to get alleviate life's little inconveniences; headaches, migraines, and stress. Maybe this 5 minute practice is loosely based on tradition, and doesn't sound too complicated, but it helps me.

Why Is Coffee Not My Cup Of Tea? Is It Stale?

Most everyone that I have talked to that does not like coffee said that it is the bitter taste they don't like. Fresh coffee is never bitter. In fact, fresh coffee is smooth and tasty even undoctored. So what is giving coffee such a bad rap? After some research it a cured to me that the problem is lack of freshness, and coffee that was brewed hours ago. Stale coffee itself is horrible to drink. Stale coffee can leave a bad taste in your mouth, but if you buy coffee that is guaranteed fresh when you brew it then it will taste smooth and refreshing. How does coffee get to the point of being stale? In many cases it is due to poor packaging, but in most cases it is due to over stocking.
Poor packaging is when the product is not properly sealed from the manufacture, or the seal is broken along the way. Most containers are plastic these days, but many still use the steel cans. The difference is the cost plastic is much cheaper to produce. Plastic is not as durable and sometimes is easily damaged. If the seal is broken then the coffee is exposed to the air, which dries out the coffee. This is the main reason coffee gets to the point of being stale. Another problem is over stocking.
What about coffee that was brewed 4 hours ago? If you were to brew a cup of coffee will be horrible. I have worked for a grocery store before and I have seen products stay on the shelves for months.

Do you see the problem now? It can vary, but the average length is about 6 months. How long can coffee remain fresh in a vacuum-sealed container? The problem is they can sit on that coffee for month, or even years until it is sold.

Many distributors of coffee buy by volume to get the coffee at a cheaper price. When a store over stocks there products the product sits longer on the shelf or in the back and over time the freshness fades away.
How fresh is your coffee? My wife hates coffee because of her first bad experience, and after I roasted her a fresh batch she admitted that it was really good and not bitter. If it is not fresh don't drink it.

The coffee can have a burnt taste that is also bitter. In many cases the coffee appears thicker because the water is vaporized over time.

Cold Sore Remedy - Mint Tea

A
cold sore remedy
proven very effective, as well as pleasant to use, is mint tea. Many times I've seen a cold sore completely healed in as little as 7 days using the mint tea cold sore remedy described in this article.
It's a cold sore remedy that has worked well for many others. It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy I write about, I'm offering this cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only.

It's a cold sore remedy I write about, I'm offering this cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only.

It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. It's a cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only. As with any cold sore remedy I write about, I'm offering this cold sore remedy to you for information purposes only.
In no way is this cold sore remedy presented as medical advice. Nothing takes the place of a one-on-one relationship with a health professional.
Keep in mind also - the best cold sore remedy is one that's applied topically. A cold sore is primarily an external problem and is easily treated this way. You may hear of a variety of vitamins or prescription medications that are useful as an internal cold sore remedy. These do sometimes help. But, the simple and direct approach will always give you the very best results.
This is true with a cold sore or any other problem in life.
Mint is a very powerful
cold sore remedy
Mint also has a very soothing effect, which has made it a favorite with many folks who've written me. because it has strong anti-viral properties.
But first, let's look at the "universal" cold sore remedy - ice.
Ice has been used as a cold sore remedy for centuries. Today ice is readily available anywhere at any time. Even a cold can of soda works as a cold sore remedy, when held to the sore.
The replication process of the herpes virus creates the cold sore. Ice, when applied to an emerging cold sore, discourages the herpes virus from replicating. The herpes virus hates cold. Applying ice or any cold object will stall the herpes virus from creating that hideous sore. And sometimes even send the herpes virus back into hibernation.
As a cold sore remedy, combining the ice method with mint is many times more effective.
Mint is very easy to find. The form we use is mint tea bags. These are available anywhere you find herbal teas. If the mint is combined with other herbs, that will work fine also. Just make sure the mint is primary. Mint can also be easily grown in a window pot if you want to try it fresh. I'll talk about a special cold sore remedy using fresh mint in just a moment.
This is how we turn mint tea into a very effective cold sore remedy.
Then freeze the wet tea bags. of water), we make a strong batch of mint tea. of bottled water and 5 tea bags (about one tea bag per 4 oz.

Taking 20 oz.
Using the frozen tea bags in place of ice, we hold the tea bag on the cold sore area for about 10 minutes at a time. About 3 times per hour works well.
With this frozen mint
cold sore remedy
, you get the comforting and healing effects of ice. Plus, as the bag melts, you are applying a very strong anti-viral medication. This will kill thousands of herpes viruses.
Additionally, you can supercharge this cold sore remedy by sipping the tea. Also, apply the mint tea liquid to the sore with a cotton ball or paper towel. Now you have an internal as well as an external cold sore remedy.
This is also a perfect cold sore remedy for those rare people who get a cold sore inside the mouth. It works well for canker sores too. As a cold sore remedy, or for canker sores, you can use the tea as mouthwash. Swish it around for a minute or so, then swallow it for the internal benefits.
A variation of this cold sore remedy, we've used successfully, is to freeze the tea liquid. This works best for us using an ice cube tray that makes smaller ice cubes. This is a little messier as the cube melts. If you use fresh grown or bulk mint, then you won't have the tea bags to freeze. In that case, this may be one way to use your mint as a cold sore remedy.
One final note on using mint as a cold sore remedy.
Using this
cold sore remedy
, you may not want to, or can't, sit and hold the ice or frozen tea bags to your lip. If you're on the go, here's a very convenient and powerful way to use mint as a cold sore remedy.
You can quickly make an excellent cold sore remedy by crushing fresh mint leaves into a paste. If you don't wish to grow your own, mint is often available fresh or dried at your local health food store. With dried mint, add some water to reconstitute it and it will make a fine paste too. As you make the paste, mix in a little baking soda. This raises the pH level, which the herpes virus also hates.
Now you have a cold sore remedy you can use when traveling or at work. And, if made with fresh mint, the mint will be even stronger than in the dried tea form because you aren't heating it.
I hope you, as so many others have, find this to be an excellent, cheap and powerful
cold sore remedy
.
Learn more about cold sores, and cold sore remedies, by going to his wildly popular cold sore site. Denny Bodoh is a 33-year newspaper veteran, and an alternative health and nutrition research writer.
http://www.be-cold-sore-free.com/

The Power of Green Tea Against AIDS Better Understood

This breakthrough adds an important piece of the puzzle of identifying exactly how one component of green tea already recognized as effective against AIDS can actually slow or thwart the destructive actions of this deadly immune disease; specifically, the ability of the virus to hijack and destroy immune system cells. Researchers from Houston and the United Kingdom report a significant breakthrough in understanding why green tea may be able to help fight AIDS.
This component of green tea Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCg is thought to be responsible for giving green tea its color and has demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is also considerable optimism that green tea or EGCg could be useful against HIV however it is not being formerly recommended yet for AIDS prevention or treatment. Clinical trials are already underway to evaluate EGCg based cancer drugs.
For at least 10 years, researchers have known that EGCg can inhibit the progression of AIDS in laboratory experiments, but the exact mechanism for this has been unknown.
Their report is available online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Research by Baylor College of Medicine and University of Sheffield, UK reveals how EGCg can bind to the exact spot HIV needs to invade or infect a healthy T-cell, a type of white blood cell needed by the body to fight off infections.
But not if access is blocked by the EGCg molecule, leaving HIV with no other way inside the cell. The HIV appears to seek out this T-cell to invade and use it as a spawning ground for launching the next wave of attacking viruses. Researchers described using a relatively new approach involving nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to actually "see" this binding action.
They noted also that because the EGCg molecule is so small, it appeared that it could occupy the slot on the T-cell without adversely affecting its needed actions in the body.
However they cautioned this should not be construed that consumption of large amounts of green tea can prevent HIV infection. Researchers noted they could inhibit the progression of HIV in the laboratory using an amount of EGCg found in just two cups of green tea.
An EGCg type drug if developed would probably be one of a cocktail of drugs, researchers predict. Current HIV treatments consist of multiple drugs or a "cocktail" designed to block or interrupt the life cycle of this virus at different points. More research is needed in order to advance these observations on to drug development.
Kratz is a contributing editor to J.
http://www.GreenTeaExtract.com
which aired in Oklahoma and Texas. He also served as an associate producer for call in radio talk shows "Doctortalk" and "Second Opinion, Please" featuring alternative practitioner Howard Hagglund M.D. He has studied and written about various medical philosophies and systems including osteopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine.

He has come to recognize the connection between emotional or spiritual well-being and good health. He has interests in nutrition and the use of plant based medicines in supporting the body's natural healing abilities.

Tea and Chocolates; Book Review

Molly's Reviews
Interesting read... Recommended... 4 stars
The Review:
Each child was shaped in part by her mother's words and feelings for the life she believed Emily to live grew until she was nearly overcome with it. Mrs Rooney only looked in envy at the big house where Emily lived as she imagined what Mrs Mc Namara might think and do. Emily's wealthy mother did not appear to see her child's loneliness.

The girls met first as children entering school for the first time. The lives of Emily McNamara and Gracie Rooney were to be intertwined despite Gracie's dogged attempts to see that they were not. In the other was a girl living in poverty. In the other was a girl living in luxury.

In one was a girl living in luxury. Two houses stood near one another on a Pittsburgh street. The year was 1914.
As the years passed and the girls became women Emily quietly went about doing what she thought was good for those around her while Gracie allowed herself to be used by a man bent upon artifice. Gracie was unaware that Emily was the one who provided the refuge Gracie needed when she was the most desperate. Gracie's marriage to a kindly doctor provided some of the style and money Gracie had long sought. However, her resentfulness toward Emily continued unabated. The Great Depression, widowhood and loss of much of what life has to offer are all part of this tale of two women who live lives close in proximity, distant in substance.
Jo Janoski has woven a powerful tale centered around the lives of two very different women. Writer Janoski is a talented poet, photographer and now an author of compelling novels. "Tea and Chocolates" is an absorbing tale featuring both a well written and an interesting premise. Reader attention is caught from the opening lines as we meet Emily who is preparing for school. Energy moves the narrative along at a fast pace. Conversation is used effectively to introduce the reader to the traits of each of the major players. Under the pen of this talented writer backgrounds are filled with enough detail to draw the reader into the setting.
Emily too knows suffering before the tale runs its course. Gracie sets out to better herself only to find that she has worsened her state even more. Gracie, who is depicted in the full ignominy of a woman consumed with wanting what she believes someone else has, is a melancholy, calamitous figure. Janoski has deftly snared the basic nature of variance inherent to us all and presents a full picture of human nature with wit and style in this easily read fast paced work.

The characters of Emily and Gracie are well fleshed, plausible and forceful.
Dialogue is masterfully directed as the various players interact with one another. Writer Janoski presents an excellent and highly entertaining work in "Tea and Chocolates".
"Tea and Chocolates" is a book to be enjoyed by high school age young women and by adults alike. This book is a good addition to the personal reading shelf, the high school library, and the home school reading list for high school age girls. Enjoyed the read, happy to recommend.
Author: Jo Janoski Genre: contemporary Line/Publisher Publish America PO Bx 151 Frederick MD 21705 ISBN: 1 4137 2593 7

Cooking With Tea Gives Holiday Recipes A Healthful Boost

What easier way to reap its benefits than by adding some to your cuisine, especially during the hectic holidays? It provides antioxidants [which prevent damage to cell tissues], has less caffeine than coffee, and calms the soul. It's no secret that tea is good for you.
The ones I like to use are Celestial Seasonings Blueberry Tea, or Lemon Ginger Green Tea," she says. "Infusing vegetables this way adds a delicate flavor to the food. The quickest way to get started is to grab a few teabags and throw them in the water when steaming vegetables, according to Ying Chang Compestine, author of *Cooking With Green Tea* (Avery/Penguin Putnam, 2000). Incorporating tea into your cooking is easy, and you don't have to know a lot to start experimenting.
It just depends on what I'm cooking," she adds. For chicken or fish I use green or white tea. "I have all kinds of tea next to my spice rack.

When using tea in this way, you add the dry tea leaves to the heated oil as you would any other spice or seasoning. "It's also very easy to use tea as a spice when stir frying," says Ying.
Just snip the teabag open and use the tea." "For most cooking, bag tea is much easier. "Don't worry about getting loose tea or knowing about loose teas," Ying advises. Most people have teabags in their cupboards, but may not have full leaf teas.
It's lovely." "One thing I love to do is to cook rice with jasmine green tea," says Donna Fellman, Director of the Tea Education Alliance and author of *Tea Here Now* (Inner Ocean Publishing, 2005) "For a heartier, savory meal use oolong [a tea that is considered in between green and black] to make your rice.
Turn down to a simmer and look forward to the delicate aroma that will soon fill your kitchen. Bring the brewed tea to a boil and add the rice. Remove the spent leaves and set aside to use again later.

Steep about three minutes. Heat the water to almost boiling and pour over the leaves. Put a teaspoon or two of leaves per cup of water in a teapot or other vessel. Donna recommends using loose tea leaves for this recipe.

To prepare rice this way, start by making the tea.
"When I cook with tea I make the brew stronger by adding more tea to it." "Any kind of tea is going to get bitter if you over brew it," says Lenny Martinelli, Owner and Executive Chef of the Boulder Dushanbe Tea House in Colorado. Making tea stronger is not a result of longer steeping. It's important not to over brew tea whether you intend to use it in a recipe or drink it.
Consider serving chai during holiday meals, which naturally lends itself to the season with its cinnamon and clove.
Just play with it." It's important to treat it like an ingredient. You're not trying to make a full tea flavor. "A nice holiday roasted chicken with dried fruit sauce, de-glazing the pan with orange juice and letting the tea and spices come out." He adds, "I think sometimes people expect too much from the tea leaf when they cook with tea.

"I put some green tea leaves in the filling, maybe with some spinach." For a tea-inspired holiday recipe, he creates a chicken rub with spiced black tea, cumin, coriander and cinnamon. The adventurous cook can experiment by combining tea leaves with other vegetables as Lenny does in his potstickers [a type of Chinese dumpling].
What about dessert?
How easy is that? Try Ying's quick green tea ice cream: Stir 1/2 teaspoon of matcha [Japanese powdered green tea] into 1 cup of softened vanilla ice cream and refreeze it. Teas flavored with jasmine, rose, lemon or fruit are used to make cookies, pudding, ice cream, cake, smoothies and shakes.
The tea will prepare you to cook in a mindful way and will infuse your food with that calmness, which gets passed along to your family and guests." "You will get more of tea's health giving and soul nurturing properties. "Make sure that while you're busy preparing delightful holiday food that you take time to sit and enjoy a cup of tea," says Donna. In the end there is nothing like taking time out for yourself so that you can enjoy the holidays.
Lenny Martinelli's cooking classes and other tea events are listed at www.boulderteahouse.com. Donna Fellman and Bodhidharma Tea Company can be reached at 303-402-9576. More information about her and her books is available at www.yingc.com. Ying Chang Compestine is spokesperson for Celestial Seasonings.

Black Tea

Black tea is stronger in taste and contains more caffeine as compared to other oxidized teas. Black tea is one of three varieties of commonly known teas that are black, green and oolong tea. Black tea is one of three varieties of commonly known teas that are black, green and oolong tea.

Black tea made from leaves more heavily oxidized than other varieties of tea. Black tea is also referred to as a cup of a tea without milk. Black tea is one of three varieties of commonly known teas that are black, green and oolong tea.
Black teas are available in bricks and tea bags. As a result, it has also been used as compressed bricks. Black tea is known for retaining its flavor for several years. Black teas are distinctive in flavors and can be sweet, spicy or with a hint of chocolate.
Black tea is also used in promoting the body's ability to natural heal itself. Black tea is full of various nutrients such as amino acid theanine, the minerals calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium, and the vitamins C and K. Black tea is full of various nutrients such as amino acid theanine, the minerals calcium, magnesium, manganese and potassium, and the vitamins C and K. Regular consumption of black tea reduces the risk of strokes.

Researches have shown that black tea is very beneficial for health. Both contribute to its distinctive flavor and dark color. Black tea contains the compounds theaflavins and thearubigens.
Different regions are known for producing teas with characteristic flavors. In America it is known as "Black tea," but in China it often referred as "Red Tea." Unblended Black teas are usually named by the country where they are produced. Black tea is famous in all parts of the world and has names in different regions.
Tea lovers can also get their favorite Black tea from all part of the worlds using these websites. The varieties of black teas are also imported to markets with the help of many dedicated tea websites. Consumers can find several choices of Black tea at most teashops or restaurants. Millions of people enjoy black tea as a dietary supplement.

Black teas are taste delicious and have lived up to the potential of being a healthy beverage.
Tea
Tea is affiliated with provides detailed information on Tea, Green Tea, Herbal Tea, White Tea and more.
Benefits of Green Tea
.

7 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Want to enhance your health in surprising ways? Drink green
tea.
We're not talking about a new health discovery here. This
beverage has been used for thousands of years by the
Chinese. It has proved itself for centuries as worthy of being
included in our diet for its health properties.
Not only has this drink been endorsed for ages, but modern
science also has discovered astonishing facts about what
it may be able to do for your health.
There are a lot more benefits to drinking green tea than are listed below, but here are seven:
Drink it to help shed extra pounds. 1.
It shows that this drink may enable people to burn more calories. A study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in November, 1999, is encouraging.
This ancient brew may help combat signs of aging. 2.
That's because it contains large amounts of vitamins E and
C which are antioxidants. Antioxidants have the reputation
of being able to combat free radicals that damage cells.
Cancer, heart attacks and diabetes can result from damaged
cell membranes.
In April, 1999, researchers at Case Western Reserve
University in Cleveland revealed that green tea may ease the
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
This drink may help asthma sufferers. 3.
Because it contains theophylline (a muscle relaxant), it can
help the muscles surrounding bronchial tubes to relax. This
helps asthma sufferers to breathe with less restriction.
Green tea may help lower blood pressure. 4.
This ancient brew may also keep blood clots from forming. High blood pressure makes you susceptible to heart attack and stroke.
5. Green tea has been reported to help in the fight against
cancer.
Doctors from the prestigious Mayo Clinic found that green
tea extract given to four leukemia patients seemed to help
three of them experience regression of the disease. And even
the fourth patient showed some improvement. The reason the
doctors tried green tea extract is that a 2004 test tube
study showed that leukemia cells were killed by the
extract.
By the way, in Japan there are fewer reported cancer deaths.
Could it be because the Japanese drink a lot of green tea?
Drinking this beverage my help lower cholesterol. 6.
Your ability to fight heart disease and ward off stroke is tied in with your cholesterol count. Lowering cholesterol with no side effects has been reported in studies using green tea.
7. This brew may help your body fight infections.
The New York Times reported in April of 2003 that the immune
system's ability to fight disease may be strengthened by
drinking green tea. Microbiologist Milton Schiffenbauer,
professor at Pace University (New York) stated, "Our
research shows tea extracts can destroy the organism that
causes disease. If we can stimulate the immune system and at
the same time we are destroying the organisms then it makes
sense to drink more tea."
Now that you've learned 7 ways green tea has been shown to
help your health, why not give it a place in your daily
diet? It's not a magic cure, but this proven ancient
beverage may just help you to be healthier.

Affiliate Programs for the Loose Tea Business

Affiliate Programs are an ideal way for a small or home business to enter the expanding world of loose tea. There are many elements to consider when becoming an affiliate relationship however.
Affiliate programs offer a high return on capital but many affiliate programs are over hyped and a waste of time and money.
One need only make a quick Google search to note the abundance of affiliate marketing programs on the internet. Most are worthless and, unless certain standards and criteria are met, represent a waste of affiliate energy and resources:
1.) A viable product with clear demand in the marketplace. Product pricing must allow for substantial commissions for the affiliate.
2.) A commission and feature rich e-commerce site that encourages easy and accurate ordering.
3.) Marketing support in the form of quality articles and banner advertising.
4.) Accurate and real time reporting of activity and accrual of commissions.
5.) Payment of commissions on time and as agreed.
Loose tea meets all of the product criteria:
• Loose Tea is a growing business with substantial and growing demand.
• Loose Tea is priced right in the market in order to generate substantial commissions.
• Repeat orders are the norm and repeat orders establish a steady flow of commissions.
• There are very few Tea companies with robust affiliate programs.
Affiliate programs are more than an agreement.
There are numerous examples of affiliate programs that fail because of lack of support, training and integrity in payment of commissions.
Align yourself with a tea company that is truly dedicated to an affiliate program as part of their core business. A successful core business affiliate program offers:
Leveraging of website traffic into real dollars.
Earning and receipt of monthly commissions with volume advantages.
Review sales reports 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Advanced reporting.
Monitoring of referred traffic versus actual sales.
Quick and easy enrollment.
If a small or home business wants to leverage its website traffic into revenue and commission dollars, it should align with a tea supplier that offers only quality, good margin products and treats affiliates as true partners.

Green Tea

Years of research reveal that green tea restrains the expansion of objectionable cell colonies, thus building it the healthiest tea obtainable. These antioxidants aid defend the body from accelerating aging and augmented danger of ailments. Fame of Green tea in the United States persists to develop, viewing that green tea is an innate foundation of antioxidants. Green Tea has long been esteemed in China for its involvement to good health.

However with the advancement of time, today people of west use green tea, realizing its several benefits. For many centuries people of China used green tea for treating various diseases.
Let us take a look at the benefits of green tea:
Green tea has many health benefits, and it can be used for avoidance of the diseases: Cancer, Rheumatoid Arthritis, High Cholesterol, Cardiovascular Disease, cataracts, Infection, and Impaired Immune Function.
The green tea leaves augments metabolism in the body there fore consumption green tea helps you burn more calories. Green tea helps in weight loss course.
Green tea can help in fight food poisoning. It also helps kill bacteria that cause plaque and succeeding tooth decay. This boosts your immune system thereby increasing the resistance power.

Green tea has the capability to fight bacteria and this can be counted as one of the chief benefits of green tea.
In addition, green tea can help lessening blood sugar level and cholesterol level in your blood.
Therefore a cup or two of green regularly can help in maintaining fresh breath. Some element is present in green tea that stunts the growth of bad odor causing bacteria. Also green tea helps in getting rid of bad breath.
If you are a chain smoker and also you consume around six cups of green tea a day then the propensity of risk caused due to the toxins emitted by cigarette smoke is reduced to a great extent.
It can be used to treat minor cuts, rashes and also can be treated to cure sunburn. The green tea also has benefits for antiseptic purposes. If you have freckles or blemishes on your face you can apply the green tea to get rid of the spots. With the help of green tea you can freshen up your face and apply around your tired eyes to get soothing feeling.

Green Tea also contributes to maintain your beauty.
Green Tea is organically grown and the customary drying method used with Green Tea prevents the tea from the harmful effects of fermentation.
Some supplements are comprised of low strengths of the active polyphones, whereas others go as far as using un-standardized green tea leaf powder. Products of green tea are available in different strength levels.
It acts as a influential antioxidant, which has been identified to assist prevent cancer, pull through from the harmful cholesterol, and guard against harm caused by free radicals. It has been confirmed that green tea is stuffed with health benefits.
Tea is one of the foremost selling fresh drinks, only after water. People who have depended on costly anti-oxidant products are finding that Green Tea is very cost-effective and organic. It has been reported by National Cancer Institute that Green Tea has Cancer avoiding aptitudes and components for fighting against insert fresh life to the market.
Put in green tea to a vigorous, balanced diet and exercise schedule for general fitness. However you manage to incorporate green tea in your diet, as well as it on a standard basis will help you receive utmost results.

Health Benefits of Wu Long Tea

Research studies on the health benefits of wu long tea (also referred to as oolong tea) reveal the brew's potential to reverse signs of aging, facilitate weight loss, and promote overall wellness.
While all teas possess similar properties including caffeine, catechin, polyphenals, and teaflavin tearubigin that provide benefits to the human body, the quantities and percentages differ depending on the extent of oxidation during production.
Therefore the health benefits of wu long tea, which is semi-fermented, vary from those offered by green tea with its limited processing and black tea with its extensive oxidation process.
Following are some research studies that point to the health benefits of wu long tea consumption.
WEIGHT LOSS:
Scientists from Japan's University of Tokushima School of Medicine found that people who regularly consumed oolong tea experienced more than twice the calorie-burning results compared to those who drank green tea.
A study published in the Journal of Medical Investigation found that women who consumed wu-long tea directly after a meal increased energy expenditure by 10%. This compared to an energy expenditure of 4% for green tea drinkers and 0 for water drinkers.
Researchers at the Suntory Research Center in Osaka, Japan found that drinking wu long tea 15 minutes before eating foods high in carbohydrates curbed rises in insulin, thus reducing some of the fattening effects of carbohydrate intake.
ENHANCED SKIN CONDITION:
Researchers from Japan's Shiga University of Medical Science found that drinking wu long each day helps to clear up skin problems within one month.
Kenichi Yanagimoto and colleagues from the University of California found that people who drank wu long tea on a daily basis experienced a fifty-percent reduction in free radicals within 15 days. Dr.
Free radicals are damaging substances in the body that contribute to signs of aging, including wrinkles and dark spots that are caused by ultra-violet rays, chemical food additives, pollution and stress.
HEALTHY TEETH:
A study by the Department of Dentistry at Japan's Osaka University showed that regular consumption of oolong tea strengthens teeth and helps prevent tooth decay by inhibiting the build-up of plaque.
STRONGER IMMUNE SYSTEM:
According to a study published in Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, test subjects who consumed wu long were found to have stronger immune systems and a reduced risk for infections.
While the results of these and other studies are promising, you should always talk with your doctor about the health benefits of wu long tea before adding the brew or other varieties to your daily diet for therapeutic purposes.
This article was written by Jules Sowder. Visit
Learn-About-Tea.com
for more information on tea, including varieties, health benefits, selection, accessories, gift-giving and entertaining.

Chinese Wedding Custom 3- Wedding Tea Ceremony

Wedding Tea Ceremony 敬茶
The tea ceremony is one of the most significant event in the modern chinese wedding ceremony, second only to fetching the bride. The bride and groom are formally introduced to each other's family through this ceremony.
Order of service
If some members are not available, supplementary sessions can be conducted at the wedding dinner or at other convenient times and locations. It will usually take place on the wedding day when most of the family members are present.
The order of service is usually
- parents, - grandparents, - grand-uncles and grand-aunties, - uncles and aunties, - elder brothers and sisters, - elder cousins.
Within each generation, dad's relatives are served before mum's relatives. Within each generation, dad's relatives are served before parents. Within each generation, dad's relatives are served before parents. For some family, grandparents are served before parents.
To kneel or not to kneel

In very traditional family, the young couple is required to serve tea whilst kneeling down. Most modern family only requires them to bow while serving tea.
Do you use a special tea set?
Popular designs include those with double joy, dragon and phoenix, or poeny flowers and gold trimmings. It usually comprises of four tea cups and a tea pot without any milk jar and sugar pot. A new tea set is included in the bride's dowry.
Otherwise, a new tea set can be used. On the bride's side, the parent's tea set from their own wedding will be used if it is still available. On the bride's side, the parent's tea set from their own wedding will be used for the groom's side tea ceremony.

On the bride's side, the parent's tea set from their own wedding will be used for the groom's side tea ceremony. On the bride's side, the parent's tea set from their own wedding will be used for the groom's side tea ceremony. This new tea set will be used for the groom's side tea ceremony.
What's in the tea?
The sweetness symbolises harmony and sweetness in the couple's union. Red dates 红枣 (hongzao), longan 龙眼 (longyan), and lotus seeds 莲子 (lianzi), represents the family's wish for the couple to have sons soon after the wedding 早生贵子(zaoshengguizi). Sweet tea boiled with dried longan, lotus seeds and red dates are used for the Tea ceremony.
Red packets money gifts or jewellery?
This is referred to as "adding to her dowry" 添嫁妆. Usually the relatives of the bride will present her with jewellery rather than red packets. The tea ceremony gifts such as red packets or jewellery are presented on the serving plate after drinking the tea.
When will you have the tea ceremony for the bride's side?
Sometimes the distance between the bride and groom's home is too far apart for the bride's side tea ceremony may be conducted when the groom arrives to fetch the bride. Sometimes the distance between the bride and groom's home is too far apart for the bride's home visit. The tea ceremony for the bride's home visit.
Jina Boo is the editor of
http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com
The website features: , a website dedicated to preserving chinese wedding customs and culture.
- significance of chinese wedding custom and traditions, - the items and persons needed to perform them, and - suggested timeframe for preparation of chinese wedding.
A guide for drafting your own chinese wedding invitation is also included.

Loose Tea in the American Marketplace

The American tea market
Traditionally, the marketplace for tea drinkers in the United States has been limited.
Although loose tea was extremely popular in colonial times, the consumption of loose tea gradually changed and recently the American market for tea has been generally confined to iced tea and tea in bags.
Loose tea was introduced to America at the same time of introduction to Europe. As early as 1650 Dutch traders were active in the tea trade and Peter Stuyvesant, as an early governor of the New York colony, brought the first tea to New York. Loose tea was so popular in colonial New York that at one time the small colony consumed more loose tea than all of England. This popularity was equally evident in the other colonies.
America made two unique contributions to the tea world in the form of bagged tea. Gradually however, the American tea market changed.
There is growing resurgence of demand for loose tea in the United States however, driven by a greater awareness of the health benefits and quality of the loose tea experience. As demand increases, new opportunities arise for the entrepreneur who wishes to market and sell loose tea.
How do loose tea and tea bags compare?
Most experts compare loose tea and tea in bags in four ways:
1. Most of the tea that goes into bags in not high quality. Tea bags usually contain broken grades so infusion takes place quickly
2. Whole leaf loose teas come in a larger number of varieties than bagged tea and some higher quality teas are only found in loose offerings
3. Bags are semi-nonbiodegradable additions to biodegradable tea leaves with implications for the environment
Generally speaking, tea bags have historically offered greater convenience although e-commerce now offers tea drinkers the convenience of on line ordering and home delivery 4.
Is loose tea more costly than tea bags?
Many advocates of bagged tea in believe that loose tea costs more than tea in bags. Actually, most good tea is not very expensive and can be very cost effective. When you buy tea in bags, most of what you pay for is the process of putting the teas in the bags, and the brand name advertising. Fancy tea is generally sold loose, and the price per cup is often lower than for commercial bagged tea.
High quality loose leaf tea is typically not available in supermarkets; but a good mail order web site will accept and process orders rapidly and offer the convenience of home delivery. When one considers that most loose teas support multiple infusions the prices drop dramatically. Some truly fine teas retail in the United States retail for less than US$20 per pound, which means less than 10 cents per cup.
E-commerce and affiliate programs
Opportunities for sale of loose tea are particularly attractive when combined with effective e-commerce through affiliate programs.
The affiliate arrangement is a way for a company to sell its products by signing up individuals or companies ("affiliates") who market the company's products for a commission.
Affiliate programs afford a small entrepreneur the ability to leverage the website of the tea manufacturer through their own affiliate site. Through this technique the affiliate can minimize their investment and maximize their return. An affiliate relationship is established by agreement between the affiliate and the manufacturer whereby each party benefits.
Most good affiliate programs share a number of characteristics: The affiliate must be provided with marketing support, account feedback and prompt payment of earned commissions. There is more to an affiliate relationship than a simple agreement however.
• Real-time reporting statistics
• Real-time email alerts upon each sale
• Payment on a consistent monthly basis for initial and repeat orders
• High price-point products that are easy to sell and allow for substantial affiliate commissions
• A comprehensive package of rich content articles and banner advertising that the affiliate can reprint and use for marketing
Of special note for marketing support is the availability of banner ads that are high quality and effective. These are particularly useful affiliate marketing tools.
The customer service issue:
Tea drinkers are very loyal but demand high quality products and premium customer service. As a result, customer service in the form of rapid and correct order processing and fulfillment, notification of orders and shipments, proper pricing and an emphasis on customer satisfaction is a necessary part of the affiliate relationship.
If customer service is inadequate then this will severely impact affiliate business and the affiliate reputation. Conversely, if customer satisfaction is high, a steady stream of repeat orders will be ensured and the affiliate will share in the additional revenue.
Choose a loose tea supplier that has a rich affiliate program, a reputation for consistent high quality products, an e-commerce site that is powerful and allows easy ordering and a company with a reputation for excellent customer service.

How To Make Perfect Tea

As a tea drinker of some 30 years experience here is my contribution as to what makes the perfect cup of tea. The best way to make tea has been a subject of great debate for centuries.
Good quality water is essential for the perfect cup of tea. If you use tap water then run the tap until the water is cold and fresh. Spring water is best due to its purity and lack of additives such as chlorine and fluoride which can affect the taste. Always use fresh water if possible.

1.
2. Preferably use a teapot made of china or earthenware.
Pots made of certain types of metal such as enamel silver
or copper can impart flavor to the water. Stainless steel
is okay.
Warm the pot beforehand with a little hot water. 3.
4. Add at least one level teaspoon for each cup of water
that you are going to add. Adding loose tea to the pot is
the best way for the tea to infuse properly but many people
prefer to use a tea strainer or infusing basket for
convenience sake.
Pour boiling water directly onto the leaves and then stir the water before placing lid back on the teapot. 5.
6. Let the tea steep for between four and five minutes. If
using green tea three minutes is best.
Remove or strain the leaves to avoid overbrewing. 7.
8. The cup that you drink out of can greatly affect the
taste of the tea so choose wisely. A good quality cup made
of china will definitely enhance the whole tea drinking
experience. Avoid wide shallow cups which cause the tea to
cool in next to no time.
9. Pour milk into the cup first. Ah, yes this is the step
that causes most controversy. Many an argument has been
had concerning whether or not it is best to add the milk to
the tea or vice versa. I have always preferred milk first
then tea but my husband argues that it is easier to
regulate the right amount of milk by adding milk
afterwards!
Now scientists have waded into the debate and the verdict
is clear. The UK Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)has warned
against the practice of adding milk to tea after it is
poured. It seems that dribbling a stream of milk into hot
water makes "denaturation of milk proteins" more likely.
And who would want that?! At high temperatures, milk
proteins - which are normally all curled up foetus-like,
begin to unfold and link together in clumps. This is what
happens in UHT [ultra heat-treated] milk, and is why it
doesn't taste as good a fresh milk," says Dr Andrew
Stapley, a chemical engineer at Loughborough University.
It is better to have the chilled milk massed at the bottom
of the cup, awaiting the stream of hot tea. This allows the
milk to cool the tea, rather than the tea ruinously raise
the temperature of the milk.
Umm, somehow I don't think so!! The milk or tea first debate is now over! So it is now settled.
10. Lastly, drink tea without any sugar. I must admit to
being a reformed sugary tea drinker and you know what that
means. Yes, I am now passionately against putting sugar in
tea. As one who has sat on both sides of the fence I can
say that tea is so much better without sweetening. Sugar
only serves to mask the taste of the tea. Not only that too
much sugar is not good for you and why spoil what is now
being recognized as one of the world's great health drinks
by adding sugar. When I stopped taking my two spoonfuls of
sugar in my tea it took me about three or four weeks to get
used to the new taste. However once I got used to it there
was no going back.
So there you have it - the perfect cup of tea!
Lorraine Bevere is the webmaster and operator of FOG
Tea
For questions or comments about this article, please visit: which is a premier source of information about tea.
http://fogtea.com

Bubble Tea - Is It A Drink Or A Dessert?

Perhaps you have heard of bubble tea but if not you will soon. It is growing in popularity as it is a tasty and refreshing combination of a tea drink and a delicious dessert. This beverage can be made in quite a variety of flavors, served either hot or cold. Some of these more popular flavors are peach, mango, passion fruit, chocolate milk, or familiar green. There are many more to choose from but these are the most popular ones.
This is the reason why you could ask the question 'Is this a drink or a dessert?'. You can use an extra sized straw to allow you to savor the tapioca as it melts into your mouth. These balls will sink to the bottom of the drink giving much of the sweet flavor.

These are big balls of chewy tapioca that are responsible for creating the bubbles. One of the things that makes bubble tea unique is that it contains tapioca balls.
If you want to enjoy bubble tea in your home you can purchase kits that include the dried tapioca pearls, various powdered flavors of your choosing, and the larger straws necessary to get the full effect of the pearls. Complete directions for steeping the tea and adding the pearls will be included to make your drink extra special and your tapioca chewy. When you are planning your next family gathering consider buying bubble tea party packs. You will receive enough materials to make around 25 deliciously bubbly beverages. Your family members will be asking you what this sweet drink is and where they can find it.
You can find many types of tea at your local grocery store or on the internet, and many times you can sample several flavors in 'sample packs' before you decide on a favorite. Recently these gourmet tea drinks have made their way into western countries and have taken the place of such drinks as coffee or soda. Specialty teas have historically been a big part of Asian culture and is believed to bring good health and longer lives. These teas originated in Asia and like most teas were brought here by enthusiasts who knew they would make a big splash.
If you enjoy drinking tea you should give bubble tea a try. However, it is not your traditionally flavored tea and may take some getting used to. It has a sweet creamy taste and can make a terrific dessert for your next formal meal. You can break out of the ordinary and make these teas for all your guests.
James McDonald writes for findteaonline.com where you can
find flavored tea products
Read our informative articles for information regarding many tea topics. You can browse samples of many different types of teas as well as tea pots and kettles. for all your needs.

Green Tea and Its Many Health Benefits

The Asian community has used different teas and herbal remedies since before the Great wall of China (over 3000 years ago) and green tea has stood out as one of its hallmark and most helpful constituents. Green tea has been used to treat everything from heart attacks, stroke to infections like sepsis (blood infection) and numerous other conditions and maladies. Many studies have been undertaken to research and extract the helpful and beneficial compounds in Green tea that exhibit these medicinal qualities.
Recent scientific studies listed in Chemical & Engineering News (produced by the American Chemical Society) show numerous benefits from the different compounds contained in green tea leaves (polyphenols like EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that inhibits the rapid growth of cancer cells without harming healthy cells).
Green tea has shown and evidenced antibacterial properties and more research in this area is needed. Studies done at Harvard and Cornell Universities on these polyphenols have shown a marked decline in carcinogen activity (up to 60% blocking reduction in oxidation capabilities) and even a biocide or antiseptic quality (hence the current research on green tea polyphenols and tooth and gum disease).
EGCG, due to its abilities to retard cancer with no known side effects is currently being researched to see if higher concentrations and / or more powerful synthetic derivatives could be used as a replacement for the current highly toxic chemotherapy. It is important to note, that although no cancer in these studies was completely cured, duration of survival and quality of life were increased in every circumstance. Green tea polyphenols inhibit and retard cancer growth in every study and form of cancer from liver cancer to uterine and breast cancer.
The polyphenols inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Many studies have linked green tea to lower risk for breast, pancreatic, colon, esophageal, and lung cancers. Other green tea findings included a study of smokers at the Arizona Cancer Center in Tucson showing that four cups of decaffeinated green tea every day for four months provided some protection against potentially carcinogenic damage to DNA, as measured by the amount of LDL cholesterol in the digestive tract, which actually helps lower the amount of an enzyme in the urine. Study after study shows a vast reduction in onset and risk of various cancers and disease.
Just 4 cups of green tea daily gives the optimal amount of polyphenols for the best results. Basically, to sum this up, green tea has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer and retard the growth of cancer cells in every case and for this reason alone should be incorporated into every diet.

May I Put My Hand In Your Tea-A Lesson In Wilful Ignorance

One day, in the distant future, someone with more money and time than I shall conduct an experiment on waitering staff across the planet.
From Rio de Janeiro, where waiters peer over one's shoulder studying the menu with morbid fascination; to London, where staff glare at you for rudely interrupting their analysis of who was sleeping with whom on Crossroads; to India, where wallahs bring you exactly what you didn't order, cold and an hour later when you have already succumbed to starvation; to Cape Town, where servers glide effortlessly past you as you wave your arms about like the nearly drowned attracting a life-guard. Each a microcosm of business disregard for their patrons.
"I wonder if it's on purpose?" I asked myself as I mopped up the water dammed behind piles of my clothes. The flooding was caused by a plumber who opened the main tap without first emptying the geyser. He built the dams to prevent the water escaping into the rest of my flat. Then he fled.
Their complaint is usually that they did not know. Certainly there are those who despise their clients but most are genuinely shocked when you have had an unpleasant experience. It can't be that every business owner embarks on a quest to make life unpleasant for their customers.
This is wilful ignorance on the part of business owners. They are fully aware that clients are getting a shoddy deal but - for as long as clients don't make a fuss - they are able to ignore the problem. People tend to avoid confrontation and business owners are happily capitalising on our fears.
The donors don't experience the service directly and have no idea what should be done either. Development organisations can get away with even lower standards of care since their clients, on the whole, are desperate and uneducated (otherwise they wouldn't be in need of charitable services) and hardly likely to complain. But businesses, at least, suffer the frequent indignity of having their crasser habits exposed in local newspapers or blogs.
In this organisations are doing themselves a disservice. It is not just that clients have no loyalty for their service providers. It is also that organisations are losing a wonderful opportunity for innovation and product development.
Clients do know what they like and don't like. When offered a reasonable choice they will switch to the service that offers them the most reward for their investment of time, energy and (occasionally) money. If the relationship has become confrontational - one of complaint and apology - then it is unpleasant for both sides. If clients are considered a component of business development and improvement then they become part of the overall strategy.
Yet the discussion over increasing obesity has gone on for over a decade. McDonalds was caught completely by surprise by the obesity movement and has had to launch a dramatic turn-around, introducing salads and low-fat alternatives. They prefer it slightly stronger, or weaker.

They change the amount of sugar they consume in coffee. The changes are subtle, but they are there. People change their preferences on a daily basis.
It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the economic landscape of winners. It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the development of their favourite products. It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the development of their favourite products.

It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the development of their favourite products. It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the development of their favourite products. It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the development of their favourite products. It is an opportunity for business owners to listen and remain a part of the development of their favourite products. It is the gentle murmur of consumers hungry to be part of the development of their favourite products.

The low grumble of clients is not a personal attack on the organisation.
And, when they do get round to testing those waiters, I hope it involves lots of electricity.
Whythawk also conducts research on behalf of donors to investigate regional development needs and assist in ongoing surveillance and vigilance of their interventions thereafter. Gavin Chait is a director of, South African-based, Whythawk Ratings, (white-hawk) who promote economic development by impartially measuring and rating the effectiveness of the health, welfare and poverty relief interventions of development organisations and charities.
http://www.whythawk.com

Compost Tea – Tea Time For Your Garden

But before you start floating a tin can in a some water, you need to create a powerful plant supplement known as compost tea. But before you start floating a tin can in a some water, you need to grow healthy, beautiful plants all summer long. That simple recipe is all you need to grow healthy, beautiful plants all summer long. If you would like a nice garden, you'll need a bucket of water and some garbage.
It can also be used as a fertilizer or a mulch and it enhances the soil's ability to absorb water. Compost improves soil structure and drainage. Compost in the garden will improve your soil which in turn will reward you with strong plants that are better able to fend off droughts and diseases.
Compost tea provides the same benefits to a plant as compost but it doesn't stop there. Not only can compost tea can applied to the soil around plants like regular compost, but it can also be sprayed on the leaves. When sprayed directly on the leaves, it increases the amount of nutrients available to the plant and helps fight foliar diseases. It will even increase the nutritional value and improve the taste of vegetables.
There are many different ways to make compost tea but most recipes can be summarized by saying, if you steep compost in water you get compost tea.
Using rain water is the best way to make compost tea but you can get by with tap water if rain is scarce. Tap water usually contains enough chlorine in it to kill off all of the beneficial bacteria so it's best to let it sit for a few hours before using it.
And actually the sock is optional if you have no plans on using a sprayer. The quickest and easiest way to make compost tea is with an old sock filled with compost and a bucket of water.
Attach some cheese cloth or a piece of panty hose to the sprayer's intake with some rubber bands and you should be fine. When applying compost tea with a sprayer you have to worry about clogs.
If you need more than a few buckets of tea, then an old fish tank or a plastic storage bin would make a great container for brewing compost tea.
After you've brewed a few batches and are happy with the results why not try aerated compost tea? You'll need to feed your mixture a constant supply of oxygen so a bubbler or air stones will be required. You need to keep it aerated so it doesn't grow any harmful pathogens. Some popular ingredients to add to bubbling compost tea are alfalfa, fish emulsion, powdered seaweed, corn meal, green sand and more. Don't use manure. Manure tea shouldn't be used as a foliar spray especially if you're growing vegetables and who wants manure floating around in their bucket anyway.
But ask a serious gardener about compost and they'll probably tell you that it's the most important ingredient there is when making compost tea. But ask a serious gardener about compost and chances are they'll tell you it's powerful stuff with a lot of uses. Ask a weekend gardener about compost and chances are they'll tell you it's powerful stuff with a lot of uses.

Extracting the Facts About Green Tea Extracts

So most of your experience with extracts is in baking …then you notice green tea extract as a liquid and wonder what it actually is, how it is made and how it compares to brewing a tea using a bag and hot water.
Green tea extract as a liquid is often produced as a result of an extraction process where by the fresh or dried tea leaves are immersed in an extraction fluid or what is technically called a menstruum and agitated daily for a 2 to 4 week period. The menstruum is a fluid that is designed to pull or draw out from the green tea leaves the active constituents leaving behind the cellulose and the fiber. A menstruum will more than likely have a solvent such as alcohol as part of the solution.
Solvents are selected for their ability to soften and break down the plant to facilitate optimal extraction of the active and beneficial constituents. Digestible solvents include water, alcohol, glycerine and vinegar. Non-digestible solvents can be very efficient but are hard to remove after extraction without damaging important and beneficial plant constituents. Still, traces of these non-digestive solvents are left behind regardless of efforts undertaken to remove them. Therefore, many consider them to be a poor choice for an herbal extraction.
The most popular and effective solvent is organically grown, distilled corn grain alcohol. A very popular menstruum is made by mixing this corn grain alcohol with filtered spring water. The raw herb material is often prepared in some way for immersion in the menstruum. The formal term for this preparation is the comminution of the herb material.
Comminution usually involves grinding the fresh undried tea leaves into a wet mush or the dried herb into a grind of course powder. Once the herb material is saturated in the menstruum it undergoes a process of maceration.
Maceration is from a Latin word which means to soften. This maceration process involves allowing the mixture of herb and menstruum to be agitated daily as mentioned before for a period of about 2 to 4 weeks. The final step is a process of separating the liquid from the spent herb material and an additional step of filtering out any small plant particles from the liquid extract.
This herb to menstruum ratio of 1:1 would result in a 1:1 herbal extract. Thus an extraction resulting from a process utilizing an herb to menstruum ratio determined the classification of the resulting herb extraction. For example: 1:1 means that there is equal part herb and equal part menstruum mixed together that makes up the resulting extraction.

Before the advent of new technological advances in extraction processes, it used to be that the herb to menstruum ratio is expressed as two numbers with a semicolon in the middle.
However, as mentioned there have been technological advances in the processes used to produce herbal extractions. At this point different makers of herb extractions may add additional processes in their production that remove alcohol or water with low heat or hydraulic machinery which can further concentrate the resulting liquid extraction. How the resulting herbal extraction is then classified can depend on the original herb to menstruum ratio or how concentrated it has become as a result of post extraction processes.
Herbal Solutions for Healthy Living offers the following guide for classifying the resulting liquid extraction according to the Herb Strength Ratio. The example that is offered is as follows: An herb strength ratio of 1:1 would mean that 1000 grams of raw herb produced 1 liter of liquid herb extraction. An herb strength ratio of 1:5 would mean that 1000 grams of raw herbal material produced 5 liters of a liquid extraction.
This reference then offers the following as a guide for classifying the liquid herbal extractions according to their degree of concentration or herb to strength ratios.
A tincture is classified as having an herb strength ratio of 1:5, a saturated tincture has a ratio of (1:3), fluid extract (1:1), and a solid extract (2:1) or greater. Some say a solid extract should have an herb strength ratio of 4:1 or greater.
The process of removing the alcohol and water or the components of the menstruum to concentrate the resulting liquid extraction is also used to make the alcohol free extracts.
Some makers claim they can remove virtually all the alcohol (which for many herbs acts as a superior solvent or extractor) and replace it with vegetable glycerine which can then serve to stabilize and preserve the resulting liquid extraction.
So alcohol is initially used in the menstruum to facilitate the extraction and then is removed, according to some manufacturers, and is replaced with slightly sweet tasting glycerine which then serves as a preservative to stabilize the liquid extraction. This is a common way alcohol-free herbal extractions are produced, especially ones marketed as suitable for children.
Let's walk through the extraction process with a specific brand of green tea extract to understand in more detail what one is getting when purchasing a liquid extraction product. According to a company spokesperson, Green Tea Extract from Gaia Herbs is made using 8 pounds of dried herb and one gallon of menstruum, which also happens to weigh 8 pounds.
As a result the herb to menstruum ratio is 1:1. The product comes in a 1 fluid ounce bottle. There are 900 drops in each bottle. The percentage of alcohol in the menstruum is 35 to 45 percent. Thus, in a 30 drop serving 3 to 4 are alcohol. Because 8 pounds of dried herb were used at an herb to menstruum ratio of 1:1 to make the extract, there is about 1000 mg per serving.
of the ground green tea leaves. A serving of 30 drops is pretty close to a single brewed cup (about 8 oz.) made from a tea bag containing about a 1000 mg. Almost all of those polyphenols (80%) are the Epigallocatechin gallates or OGCg's which researchers are focusing on as being responsible for much of the benefits green tea consumption can offer.

of polyphenols in each 30 drop serving. There is 70 mg. of caffeine in each serving. Also, there is 20 to 25 mg.
In order for the liquid extraction of green tea to be placed in a capsule, an effort must be undertaken to remove the alcohol. This process usually results in a higher concentrated form enclosed in each capsule as the weight to volume or herb strength ratio will be 1:1 or even higher, perhaps 2:1 or more. The amount of extraction liquid in a single gel cap serving will be closer to 15 drops or about a ½ a milliliter given that it has undergone a process to remove the alcohol.
Once again because of the higher concentration of the green tea liquid, there will be about 150 mg of polyphenols in a 15 drop gel cap. There will be a slight bit more than 20-25 mg. of caffeine because the liquid in the gel capsule has a higher concentration.
Nothing in this article should be misconstrued as medical advice. Should you have questions, we urge you to contact the manufacturer of the herbal product and/or a qualified medical professional to discuss your own unique circumstances. It has been our experience that most reputable companies are very willing to answer questions about how their herbal products have been made and details of their contents.

The processes and constituent values will vary from product to product. Of course these are approximate values, to be used as a general rule of thumb for comparing different products.
And now a final word about possible pesticides, fluoride and metals in herbal products. The manufacturers that we have contacted for this article have concerns about unwanted elements such as these in herbal products. Often, herbal manufacturers will establish a relationship with an organic grower and after initial testing, conclude that the grower can be relied upon as a quality organic source of raw herb product and may or may not conduct additional testing going forward. Others may screen for some but not all of the three, pesticides, metals and fluoride.
Other herbal product makers will screen the raw herbs used to make their products and also claim in their advertising that certain processes are then undertaken to remove these three unwanted elements and others. Certain herbal product makers will even claim on their product labels and product literature that they are pesticide, metal and/or fluoride free.
Again, if you are concerned and or unsure about the contents of the herbal products that you are or are considering taking, we urge you to contact the manufacturer. Most have toll free numbers to call or provide a way to contact them through their website.
Also, we urge that you to talk to your physician or other medical practitioner regarding the health risks of pesticides, metals, fluorides, and other unwanted elements versus the benefit(s) of taking an herb product.
Finally, some medical practitioners say the minute amounts of these unwanted elements.
J. Kratz is a contributing editor to
http://www.GreenTeaExtract.com
He has interests in nutrition and the use of plant based medicines in supporting the body's natural healing abilities. He has come to recognize the connection between emotional or spiritual well-being and good health. He has studied and written about various medical philosophies and systems including osteopathy, ayurveda, naturopathy, and traditional Chinese medicine. He also served as an associate producer for call in radio talk shows "Doctortalk" and "Second Opinion, Please" featuring alternative practitioner Howard Hagglund M.D. which aired in Oklahoma and Texas.

Green Tea, or not to Green Tea?

Let me start again, I think it's great that Oprah is the communicator to the masses that she is, without her or her influence, we would surely be less informed and less enlightened than we currently are, I can admit this, but there are certain things that exist that should not necessarily require the direction of Oprah or her throng of guests to bring to light there-well there mere existence… Is it just me or… Wait! Wow!
Perricone and agree with most of the good doctors ‘discoveries'. By the way I do like and enjoy both Oprah and Dr. Perricone did not invent green tea either, but you'd never know it by the response evidenced by his appearance on the Oprah show. And I know that Dr.

How many centuries has this natural substance existed? Green Tea is one such discovery…now there I go; it is not a discovery, although it seems like the entire US population has just been introduced to the latest and the greatest discovery since the last big thing, exercise for weight management?
Well, anyway… Hmmm, there's still Martha Stewart, hey Martha have you tried green tea? And the truth be known, I have known about green tea for decades and have enjoyed its many benefits for as long, boy do I need Oprah to discover me… I wonder if Bob Green would mind.
But if I may chime in, regimented exercise and proper supportive nutrition, as well as adequate hydration should precede any and all wonder discoveries for health, wellbeing, vitality and lifestyle, then again…what do I know. So, overall, 10 pounds in six weeks should be the result. When you switch over to green tea, you will get your much needed caffeine, in addition to lowering insulin levels and, here is the doosey…body fat will diminish somewhat rapidly. Perricone explains, "Coffee has organic acids that raise your blood sugar, which affects insulin levels and insulin puts a lock on body fat.

As it turns out, coffee just, well what do I know and who the heck am I anyway, here's what the expert has to say… Dr.
All jokes aside, I am elated to see that Oprah has jumped on the bandwagon and is exposing the numerous health benefits associated with green tea, like; its ability to enhance immune system function, build stronger bones, and decrease the risk of cancer…just to name a few. Conversely, the biggest buzz is about green tea's ability to contribute to winning the battle of the bulge, pretty cool eh?
Incidentally, by increasing activity, decreasing your caloric intake and managing your hydration, with the addition of green tea…weight loss becomes a natural process. Not to mention, green tea also assists appetite suppression, helps to burn more daily calories and works to increase your body's energy production. Sure enough, studies on green tea continue to reach the same conclusions.
Stewart!!! Martha, Martha… Ms. Personally, I don't know of anyone who has the time to prepare and drink 10-15 cups of green tea each day, nor based on my less than ‘official' expert opinion should you really have to, but I am not an official expert, just a lifelong practitioner of balance and moderation in exercise and eating right… How do you become an expert anyway?

The only drawback with these studies experts say is…that a person would have to drink a couple of quarts of green tea daily to obtain these benefits, which would be next to impossible.
-To Your Absolute Health, Kurt Lee Hurley

Don't Throw Your Tea Bags Away! Learn The Healing Benefits Of Tea Bags

Best of all, if taken in tranquility or in good company, tea can even ease your troubled soul. And the healing effect of drinking herbal teas is sometimes even more potent than taking herbs in pill form. Although hundreds, maybe even thousands, of plants show medicinal properties, only a handful are tasty enough to be brewed to make tea. Studies have proven the healing powers of plants.
Besides enjoying the healing benefits of tea beverage, here are other creative ways to use your tea bags:
Burns can also be washed with cooled aloe tea used in a mist-maker. Soak in the bath to allow healing and prevent moisture loss from the skin. Just brew two to four bags of aloe tea and pour it into cool bath. • Soothe a sunburn or radiation treatment with aloe tea applied topically on the affected area for faster healing and more comfort while sleeping.
• For a quick cold and flu fix, spice up your bath with ginger. Just brew two bags of ginger tea in a pot of hot water, let it steep then add it to a prepared bath. The warm and stimulating effect of ginger is perfect for those who normally experience cold hands and feet, or for those who are recovering from a chill after suffering from a cold, flu or other illness.
• For instant relaxation and skin rejuvenation, make your own handy facial mist by letting two bags of lavender or chamomile tea steep until cool, then pour in a spray-mist bottle.
If you are planning to sell your house, this could be just the trick you need to inspire that prospective buyer. Add a slice of orange, a cinnamon stick, or a few slices of apple for a more potent aroma. • Stir up some potpourri and soothe your senses at home with two tea bags (jasmine, orange or ginger works well) allowed to slightly simmer in a pan of water.
Visit the following website for more info about health and cooking recipes. The author is a big fan of cooking recipes.

Decorative Tea-light Candleholders - Kids Make

24f4
Quick and simple to make and very attractive. Anyone who enjoys candlelight will love these little tea-light candleholders.
To make a tea-light candleholder you will need...
Make sure your jars are clean and dry. Knorr - 'Stir it up' cooking sauce jars are ideal for this. Shallow jars.
Metallic spray paint.
No nails glue.
Glass Stones.
When using spray paint it is important to make sure that you use it in a well-ventilated room and that you are not near any naked flames. Make sure that you read the back of the paint can before you begin. Spray paint your jars with a thin layer of metallic paint.
You may wish to apply two coats of paint for good coverage. Paint the outside and the inside of the jars and then leave them somewhere to dry.
No nails glue dries white. Be careful not to use too much glue because if it does splurge out onto the jar it will spoil the candle holders appearance. Use ‘No Nails' glue to stick on glass stones evenly around the outside of the jar.
Once the glue dries your ready to put the tea-light candle inside.
Never allow anything to cross the top of the jar because this would be a fire hazard. Do make sure that any decoration that you apply is on the lower part of the jar. Try substituting glass stones for seashells, sequins or buttons.

Glue on pasta shells or string before spray painting. You could use other things to decorate your candleholder.
Let your imagination go wild and create some beautiful tea-light candleholders for your friends and family this Christmas.
For more fun makes please visit Roberts has lots of Christmas craft ideas. S.
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Can't Stop Smoking, Start Drinking Tea!

Let me start off by saying, that this is not an article about how to stop smoking. In a way, it is quite the opposite. Whether it is a pipe, cigar, or cigarettes, some of us have found that we are smokers. Maybe you have attempted to quit, and maybe you haven't cared enough to try. Either way, the truth remains, "I am a smoker." If this sounds familiar, then you I write this for you.
It came to me one afternoon, when I was trying to fight off a sore throat, and I held my pipe in my left hand, and searched for my lighter with my right…I shouldn't be doing this. I have had this sore throat for a week, and I can't stop smoking.
And more importantly, was now able to balance the scales. Though this moment was quick, it was important, as it was then that I accepted my fait. Well, the truth was the truth, and I really didn't have intentions of stopping…Slowing down, yes; stopping, no.
Smoking makes you look old, smoking causes cancer, smoking smells, smoking makes your teeth yellow, and a million other STOP SMOKING ads rushed through my head…
I accepted them all…
Ok, now what…Well, I began to think. With a sore throat nagging me at the moment, I decided to attack this enemy first. Mouth wash, medicine, vitamins; I found these were all good ideas. But although I was helping the issue, my throat still hurt, and I was beginning to cough.
Perhaps the coughing was a blessing in disguise as I reached for cup of tea to help stop a fit of coughs. The steam helped me breathe, and the hot water cleared my throat. If nothing else, this experience got me thinking.
I looked further into the matter, as I of course stepped up my tea intake.
I found out that drinking tea, Rooibos Tea and Jasmine Green Tea in particular, will help me to relax (calming down my nerves), contain large amounts of anti oxidants to fight against the increased level of free radicals in my body from smoking (the cause aging skin and of course, Cancer), clean my body of toxins, help me breathe, and help my previously mentioned sore throat. I looked at this list, and the STOP SMOKING ads returned…
And as I end this article with no promises, I will restate a simply written statement that proves itself time and time again, "Drinking tea is a good idea…" And NO, I do not think drinking tea will protect me from all ailments, or that I will never get sick again, or I will avoid any other ill drawn fait that may await me, but with certain facts that I had to accept, I can only do my best to minimize the damage. From personal experience, I have found that tea helps. Could it be that a pot of tea was a helpful accessory walking down this smokey path??

Come to Tea: An Elegant Garden Gathering

Outdoor spaces of all kinds, including balconies, can be successfully adapted to a tea party. It's a charming reminder of bygone days and childhood make-believe. Perhaps nothing says "garden party" like having afternoon tea outdoors.
Tea parties span generations and will be enjoyed by your most sophisticated women friends or all the giggling little girls of your acquaintance.
What makes an elegant tea party? Look at these factors.
Flowers
Plan to hold your tea party when your garden is in its fullest bloom -- perhaps it's lilac time, June roses, or peony season. Be sure to cut some of the blooms for the tea table vases. If you don't have a garden, buy an armful of flowers at a farmers' market or stop by a country ditch and pick bunches of wild daisies and Queen Anne's lace.
Invitations
Include an invitation for the little ones to bring along a doll or teddy friend. -- perfect for day-blooming flowers. Typically, tea is held around 4 p.m. Your guests will recognize your party as an elegant affair and dress accordingly!

Send handwritten notes by snail mail.
Table Setting
If it's a little girls' party, you might want to invest in two or three miniature tea sets. Instead, use a crisp linen tablecloth, pressed cloth napkins and your best bone china cups and saucers. Stash the paper table covering and the plastic glasses just for today. The more elegant, the better.
They can add an elegant touch, whether left unadorned or covered with flowered chintz. Consider setting your straight-back indoor dining chairs outdoors. Try to have adequate seating for everyone.
Hats
Tea time is a fun way to introduce young ones to "elegant party" manners. Include "grown-up" shoes and old jewellery -- anything that will make the little ones feel elegant. You can also include a box of flowery cast-offs for dressing up. Make decorating the hats a fun activity at the party.

If the party is for little girls, collect old hats, scarves and silk flowers at a thrift shop, yard sale or discount store. Encourage all of your guests to wear hats -- big-brimmed, floppy and flowered.
Food
You can substitute mini-cupcakes or tiny tarts. Sugar cookies and petit fours are traditional sweets. Try sandwiches of watercress, cucumber, or egg with the crusts removed and cut in quarters. All sandwiches and sweets should be dainty finger-food.

Other than teaspoons, no cutlery should be required at tea.
Tea
One of the first things that I learned in seventh grade home economics class was how to brew a proper pot of hot tea, but that was many years ago. I suspect that tea-making is becoming a lost art.
Tea is actually the common name of one plant: Camillia sinesis. The three basic types of tea -- black, green and oolong -- are distinguished by the amount of oxidization that the tea leaves have undergone. The more than 3,000 varieties of tea in the world are all derived from those three basic types.
Herbal teas -- more properly, tisane or infusion -- are made from a wide variety of flowers, herbs, barks, berries, fruits and spices.
Have milk (not cream!), sugar and fresh lemon wedges available. At a minimum, offer your guests a traditional tea and a caffeine-free herbal choice.
So, dust off your teacups and your manners and sit down with your girlfriends for a proper tea party. It's a lovely summer interlude!
About The Author
Visit her at Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them.
www.paradiseporch.com
Mail to and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space".
debbie@paradiseporch.com
.

An Organic Herbal Tea Blend

Though sales have been mainly rooted in the standard teas stemming from the Camelia sinensis plant (Green tea, Oolong tea, and Black tea), a vast increase in herbal and natural medicines in the western world has brought upon a virtual explosion of Organic Herbal Tea Blend, releasing any confinements there may have previously been. Tea bags, loose teas, tea shops, and gourmet teas are only a few examples of the outlets for this ever increasing number. With US$5 billion market in the United States alone in 2003, a 500% increase in 10 years, tea is a well established industry that is quickly growing.
Now it is not only Big Business that is apart of this industry as the infinite number of herbal tea blends are combing with the free commerce of the internet. This conception is creating new life in an industry that had been patiently waiting. New companies are forming, new mixtures are being created, and now even new tea bags are being designed.
The machine manufactured tea bags are still standard in market where cost is being put before quality. A metal staple is used to close a bag filled with low quality tea dust, which is known to have very low health benefits and give a more bitter taste than its whole leaf loose tea counterpart. Due to the manufacturing techniques used by these production factories, tea dust is the only filler able to be injected with the machines used to mass produce these bags. As the general size of each organic herbal tea blend is larger, they are unable to be used with these processed bags.
Also, most bags are filled with green and oolong loose teas, as opposed to organic herbal tea. Though higher in quality than the stapled standard, problems of this style include a large shape and size that makes bulk packaging difficult. A more spacious bag allows for a free floating of the loose tea that is inside. Second in popularity is a relatively new pyramid shaped tea bag.
Fortunately as the number of companies is increasing, and more money is entering into the market, handmade gourmet tea bags are being created, better matching the ingenuity behind each organic herbal tea blend could be your gateway to differentiation in a busy tea industry. With the combined short falls of these two bags, the ever increasing number of organic herbal tea blends and home based companies are in desperate need for a tea bag to match their unique nature.

Organic Tea -- Is It Worth It?

But how can you be sure the "organic tea" you buy is really organic? Organic beverages such as tea and coffee are also available and they are very popular. We can buy organic vegetables, fruits, and even "organically raised" meat. Organic produce is everywhere.
What's to stop an unscrupulous tea vendor from falsely labeling his tea "organic" simply to get a better price? Organic produce, tea included, is usually more expensive than non-organic brands.
What is Organic Tea?
Organic tea is grown without the use of chemical pesticides or fertilizers. The soil is enriched with natural compost and a layer of mulch retains the moisture while providing extra nutrients as it breaks down.
These competitions are held "blind" so that the judges can only use taste, aroma and color as the judging criteria. Tea competitions in China, Japan, and Taiwan have consistently chosen organic teas as the best teas of their class. This growing method is more labor-intensive but produces superior quality tea.
Scientific studies have shown that these compounds are found in higher concentrations in good quality tea. These are the antioxidants that provide many of the health benefits that tea is famous for. In addition to the improved flavor, organic tea is also higher in health promoting polyphenols and catechins.
This means that the farmer has less expense in replacing tea plants. Tea plants can live more than 100 years, and organic farming methods allow the tea plants to remain healthy for the duration of their lifespan. Organic tea is also better for the tea farmer.
Is it Really Organic?
Organizations like the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) have certification programs that examine the growing practices of a particular tea plantation and issue certificates to those that meet their requirements. For one thing, there are several governmental and non-government agencies that certify products as being organic. When you pick up a package of tea that is labeled "organic" how can you be sure it's the real McCoy?
Packaged organic tea is required to meet the standards of the certifying agency, so look for tea which has the label of a recognized agency.
You are paying a premium for organic tea, so accept nothing short of the best. If it is not superb, it is probably not organic. Organic tea should titillate the taste buds with complex flavors and subtle delights. Above all, however, you should rely on your taste buds to tell you whether a tea is really organic.
Paul Dickson is a contributing writer to
Tea Genius.com
Information about the types of tea, tea production, tea growing, the health benefits of tea, and making and serving tea can be found at Tea Genius is a complete knowledge base of tea. .
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