T is for teatime!

Having a cup of tea is a pleasant way to slow down, relax, and enjoy life. Tea is a very versatile beverage, and there are many ways to enjoy it. There are five major groups of tea. They are black, white, oolong, green and puer. I like herbal tea but, technically, it is not tea because it does not come from the Camellia Sinensis. All tea comes from that plant. According to the Tea Source website, the Camellia Sinensis is native to Asia but it now grows throughout the world, in tropical and subtropical climates.

I have had black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and herbal tea. Oolong tea is the kind of tea that you get in Chinese restaurants. Of all of the teas, black tea is the highest in caffeine, but it still doesn't have as much caffeine as coffee.

I haven't tried white tea yet. Until today, I'd never heard of puer. At that same website that I mentioned and provided a link for above (the Tea Source website), puer tea is native to China and it was illegal to import it to the United States until 1995. Well, didn't that get me curious! I now want a cup of puer. Here is a description: "it is an aged black tea from China known for its medicinal properties and earthy flavor."

The tea is described as being very strong, with a deep and rich flavor and no bitterness. Hmmm, sounds good, and I am highly curious. It is produced in China and no where else because the recipe is a secret.

How to drink tea... There are many ways to enjoy tea. You could drink your tea with milk and sugar. You could drink your tea plain. Another method is with honey and lemon. You can drink your tea out of a mug or out of a bone china teacup. Depending on my mood, I choose my teacup. 

During the summer, I enjoy drinking sun tea. To make it, you get a big clear jug and fill it with water. Add a few teabags and let it sit on the porch all day. The water will slowly get darker. Once your tea is ready, you can pour it into a tall glass and add sugar and fresh lemon juice. It is very tasty and a nice treat for summertime.