A quick internet search reveals that there are over 3,000 types of teas in the world. These thousands of varieties fall into one of five basic categories: White, Green, Oolong, Black, and PU-ERH. These are a spectrum of teas that range from un-oxidized (light and refreshing) white through to oxidized (dark and intense) PU-ERH.
Most people don’t think of these categories though. They likely think of tea as falling into one of these categories:
Narrowing down the history of tea is complicated. Many regions claim to be the originators of tea. Asia has a strong claim to early tea consumption, but England has a strong claim to the production of tea and helping expand the use of tea into India. No matter the origins and credit for it’s discovery, it’s safe to say tea has been consumed for thousands of years. In modern times, any type of tea can be enjoyed in any region.
Tea is similar to beverages like coffee and wine. The tea leaves are impacted by their region and the climate the year they were grown. In essence, no two seasons are alike. The nuances from year-to-year and from grower to grower are like that of great winemakers.
Tea has always been popular, but in recent times, infusions of teas are becoming more popular. Tea used to be served in restaurants and home settings, but more than ever is widely available in coffee houses and retail markets. No matter your education level or pallet, there is likely a tea that is perfect for your needs or preference.
Here are some types of tea or tea drinks that you can find in today’s market:
- Boba Teas aka Bubble Tea (my mom’s favorite tea)
- Fruit-infused tea
- Tea lattes
- Sweetened and unsweetened varieties
- TeaJava (kind of Black Tea)
- And more!
The key to a great tea experience and exploring the vast variety of teas is curiosity. Being curious about what is available where you are – whether you are traveling, eating in a new restaurant, exploring a tea house, or the tea aisle of your grocer. Ask people what their favorite tea drinks are and be willing to try new types. Use a social media resource like YouTube or Pinterest to discover new teas and preparations. Soon you will be an expert in tea varieties and concepts.
Experiencing and enjoying tea is a fun pastime and beautiful way to express yourself. Whether tea is a staple preference over coffee or one of the many beverages you enjoy, experiment with its many varieties, and open up a world of possibility.
One way I am going to enjoy tea this year is from my own herbal tea garden. I told you last year I was going to plant a tea garden in 2021 and this month I have been planning what I want in my garden. I have enjoyed tea my entire life, I live in the South and that is all we drink.
Here are a couple of tea recipes for you to try this month. I hope you enjoy them.
Boba Tea Recipe
You can buy the tapioca pearls, or you can make your own. For this blog, I will give you a recipe with purchased tapioca pearls.
Ingredients:
2 c water
1 tsp organic sugar
1/3 c tapioca pearls
1 c Black Tea, brewed
2 tbsp milk of your choice
Sweetener to taste
Directions:
- Prepare tapioca pearls by bringing 2 c of water and 1 tsp of sugar to boil. Pour in the 1/3 c of tapioca pearls. Let them simmer for about 20 minutes on low to medium heat.
- Once the tapioca pearls have simmers, drain the water, rinse the tapioca pearls off, and let them chill in the refrigerator.
- Make your favorite Black Tea
- In a shaker, pour the brewed Black Tea, 2 tbsp on milk, and sweeten it to your taste in the shaker. Shake to combine.
- In your favorite glass, add ice cubes, pour the tea mixture in the glass, then add the tapioca pearls.
Enjoy your Boba Tea!!
Winter Tea Recipe
Not all teas have tea leaves in them. This Winter Tea Blend is a mixture of different herbs.
Ingredients:
6 tbsp dried Peppermint
1 tbsp dried Rosemary
1 tbsp dried Thyme
1 tbsp dried Sage
1 c – 1 ½ c hot water, heated to ~ 205°
Sweetener to taste
Directions:
- Mix all the herbs together inside a tea strainer. Place tea strainer inside your favorite teacup or tea mug.
- Pour hot water into the teacup or tea mug, allowing the water to go over the tea strainer.
- Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the tea strainer, sweeten to taste.
- Enjoy your warm Winter Tea.
I’m an Affiliate with links to Buddha Teas, an online retailer. When people read what I’ve written about a particular product and then click on those links and buy something from the retailer, I earn a commission from the retailer, Buddha Teas.