The perfect cup of tea
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me”
C.S. Lewis, British Scholar, Novelist
I live for that perfect moment: quiet afternoon, maybe rainy… good book… my dogs curled up on me and beside me… and a perfect cup of tea. Ahhh, I find myself relaxing as I type the words. My favorite tea is a malty coppery Assam. Picking a fine tea can be just as interesting as selecting a fine wine. But do you know the proper method for preparing the perfect cup of tea? Trust me, it’s not microwaving a cup of water and dumping a stale tea bag into it. You can’t rush perfection. Much of the comfort comes from the relaxing nature of the ritual itself.
The custom of “taking” tea was championed by the English in the time of the “merry monarch”, Charles II. But it was Queen Victoria who popularized the custom of taking afternoon tea served with assorted cakes, sweets, and savories. 
Victorians throughout the realm knew that to steep the beverage properly you “bring the teapot to the kettle, not the kettle to the pot.” During the sixty years of her reign, afternoon tea had become a national pastime.
The benefits of tea drinking are quite remarkable. This is the short list, there are more benefits attributed to specific types of tea:
1. Cost effective – A pound of fine tea makes approximately 200 cups.
2. Antioxidant properties of tea have an effect against cancer
3. Immunity – Polyphenols have been shown to help increase the white blood cell count which is responsible for fighting infection.
4. Cardiovascular research suggests that a diet rich in the antioxidants found in tea, is able to prevent heart disease and stroke.
5. Aids digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices
6. Body Weight – There are indications that certain teas such as Pu-Erh can assist in reducing weight by having an effect on the fats in the blood stream and in the tissues.7. Dentists recommend drinking tea because it is rich in fluorides
8. Germicide & Antibacterial – Some studies indicate that tea acts as a mild germicide.
9. Mental Activity - Tests have shown that tea drinking improves concentration, alertness and problem-solving ability.
10. Longevity - The sum of the curative and preventive health benefits of tea tends to indicate a healthier and longer life.
Preparing the perfect cup:
Fill a kettle with fresh, cold water, and bring to a rolling boil (Take it off the stove as soon as the boil begins. Over-boiling removes the oxygen from the water and gives the tea a flat, sometimes metallic taste). Meanwhile, fill a teapot with hot water to warm it. This encourages the leaves to open properly. Place 1 teaspoon (per 6 ounce cup) of your favorite loose tea into an infuser or allow I tea bag per cup. When making six or more cups, add one extra teaspoon (or tea bag) for the pot. Empty the pre-warmed teapot, add tea, and pour in the boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for 3-5 minutes for black tea and 5-10 minutes for green and herbal teas.
All you need now is a pretty china cup, a great book, and some time for yourself. Go get your moment.
You can find more information on the benefits, preparation and types of tea at www.SpecialTeas.com
Posted by:Linda Hawkinson
