Cool pockets of calm are quietly making themselves heard throughout the bustling streets of Los Angeles. From the cinderblock towers of downtown to the iconic beach community of Venice and the refined elegance of Pasadena, tea gardens have become places of sanctuary and inspiration for many Los Angelenos.

TEA GARDEN AND HERBAL EMPORIUM
In West Hollywood, tucked away in a beautiful cottage on Melrose Avenue also known as the Avenue of Design, due to the number of high end furniture and art galleries that line its sidewalks, is Mark Ukra\’s newest venture, Tea Garden and Herbal Emporium, formerly Elixir. Ukra, whose nickname Dr. Tea was given to him by an eight year old who thought he looked like a doctor, is a leading authority on tea and his book, The Ultimate Tea Diet, was published by Harper Collins in December 2007.

From the moment you walk in the front door of the Tea Garden, you are presented with a design aesthetic that is as comforting as a favored blanket from childhood and refreshing as a cool slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. Ukra who wears a bright orange lab coat that is as much a fashion statement as it is branding for the company, makes sure everyone is personally greeted with a healthy welcome. With over 110 teas to choose from, all neatly displayed on long shelves and housed in stainless and orange canisters, it was hard to decide which one to try since everything sounded so interesting. In the end, I chose the easy way out and let Dr. Tea choose for me. And I wasn\’t disappointed. After six different teas, some hot and others cold, I was a convert to his thoughtfully prepared drinks.

Ukra and his wife, Julie, travel the world to find ingredients that make their tonics and elixirs so out of the ordinary. Every single offering is considered for it healthful components as well as for taste, color and quality. I had an iced capaTEAno to start off, yes you read that right. There are also TEAna Coladas and Banana DaiqurTEAs, but I am saving those for another visit. The capaTEAno involves Oolong tea, in which the oolong is roasted under the same conditions as coffee beans, Hojicha a la crème (dried Tahitian vanilla and vanilla blossoms), some agave and a touch of dark chocolate and hazelnut torani. It truly tasted like an ice blended coffee drink, but without the side effects. Next I tried a Chinese Pu-Erh tea, that is hand harvested from wild ancient tea trees. The black label Pu-Erh at first smelled like wonderful wet bamboo and tasted like mushrooms. The second and third cups were more subtle and more delicious than the first. I also tried tea combinations like licorice Oolong, Green Tea Pineapple and Queen Elizabeth\’s black label, a tea made for the Queen herself. With each cup, Dr. Tea explained that he wanted to create a sanctuary where people can come in an relax, catch up with friends, read a book or meditate. His motto is “If I say I can, I will. If I say I can\’t I won\’t.” It is his goal that everyone\’s experience in the Tea Garden is a positive and healthful one.

In addition to the trademark premium teas, the Tea Garden also offers a Chinese herb bar and a well thought out gifts and accessories selection. There are also classes on tai-chi, yoga and meditation. Outdoors and just feet away from the store is an airy veranda, a large bamboo garden with meandering pathways and comfortable seating areas that take advantage of a large and centrally placed water feature. The Tea Garden\’s online offerings is extensive as is the in house food menu that is serviced by M Café de Chaya, an off shoot of the very popular Chaya family of restaurants.

JIN PATISSERIE
Like Mark Ukra, Christy Choo is passionate about her little slice of paradise, Jin Patisserie, which she opened in 2003. Her tea garden and gourmet pastry shop, for which she is executive chef, is located in the Abbot Kinney district of Venice, an area along Abbot Kinney Blvd., which has become a hotspot for the world tastemakers and trendsetters alike.

Choo, who co-owns the patisserie with her husband, Kim Oh, has an impressive culinary background. Having studied at the San Francisco Culinary academy, learning the art of pastry making from one of Singapore\’s noted pastry chef\’s Kenny Kong, she was named the official chocolatier for Singapore\’s national team during the prestigious Food and Hotel 2002 Asia competition at which she won first place in the competitive petite four division. In 2004, Jin Patisserie was named a “Best of” winner by Los Angeles Magazine and it is easy to see why.

Your senses are immediately stimulated as you pass through the over sized gate that separates the rest of humanity from trickling water, a pebble walkway, bamboo and grasses. While not a large garden, tables and chairs are carefully laid out take full advantage of the space and allow people a little bit of solitude. Ms. Choo came up with the concept for the patisserie after realizing that, “I wanted to give my customers a complete experience; a peaceful garden, an aesthetically designed store and flavors that would cause the taste buds to go wild.”

The small patisserie that is located in the front of what was once a bungalow, thoughtfully shows off Ms. Choo\’s creations, which are truly works of art. All of choo\’s chocolates are hand dipped and nothing is machine made. Says Choo, “I use only the highest quality of chocolate from around the world, infusing them with teas, spices and interesting herbs.”

Keeping with her high aesthetic, Choo\’s Jin Patisserie packaging that she designed for to go and online orders, are just as imaginative. The menu boasts a number of cookies with innovative combinations such as lavender almond, peanut butter sesame and of course tea infusions as well as cakes and chocolates so beautiful that you might not want to eat them… too quickly. Choo\’s loose leaf teas such as Ikebana and Sam Bodhi are a perfect compliment to the food that she serves, allowing subtle flavors to rise to the top and really giving your taste buds a treat. Taking a stroll down Abbot Kinney Blvd. has never been so fulfilling.

The Tea Garden and Herbal Emporium is located at 8612 Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. A second Tea Garden and Herbal Emporium is located at 9001 Beverly Blvd., also in West Hollywood. www.teagarden.com

Jin Patisserie is located at 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice. www.jinpatisserie.com

Fun Fact:
According to the Tea Association of America, in 2006 Americans consumed well over 50 billion servings of tea, or over 2.25 billion gallons. About 83 percent of all tea consumed was Black Tea, 16 percent was Green Tea, and a small remaining amount was Oolong Tea. On any given day, about one half of the American population drinks tea. Approximately 85 percent of tea consumed in America is iced.

Steve Miller is a published author as well as a marketing and public relation\’s consultant in the entertainment and arts communities. His freelance writing covers issues concerning travel, design and lifestyle. Steve is currently the editor of http://www.thinkdesigntips.com and http://www.thinktraveltips.com

Black tea is certainly one of the most intriguing beverages on the market today. It comes in a variety of forms and flavors, making it popular among a diverse cross-section of people. In addition, researchers now believe that black tea may have medicinal qualities—a finding which has increased its stature among health-conscious consumers.

It’s important to note that the taste and consistency of black tea can vary greatly from country to country and from region to region. You may have heard, for instance, about both Indian and Ceylon black tea varieties. As a result, you may be wondering about the differences between the two—and about which one is right for you.

Fast Facts About India Black Tea

If you pick up a box of black tea from India, chances are that it was derived from the Assam Province. That’s because about half of all the tea in India is grown in this area. For the most part, it comes from the Brahmaputra Valley, which is known for both its hills and its rain. The province is in the northeastern part of the nation and borders on Bangladesh, Burma, and China. The province is peopled by immigrants from Nepal and Bangladesh, for the most part. Black tea grown in this area tends to have a malt-like flavor and is best served with milk.

You can also find tea in Darjeeling, which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas in the northern part of the country. In fact, the Indian tea business actually started here in the middle of the 19th century. The Darjeeling Puttabong version of the tea is considered to be light, with a slightly flowery taste.

Fast Facts About Ceylon Black Tea

Celyon is definitely considered to be one of the most popular teas around the globe. The black pekoe version has its leaves fermented prior to drying. Thanks to the unique drying process involved, essential oils are preserved which provide the tea with its unforgettable taste. Although the tea originated in Ceylon, it is now grown in India and China.

The aroma of the tea is similar to that of citrus, although its taste may vary from region to region. Popularized by James Taylor, Ceylon tea rose to 22,900 tons by 1890, from a mere 23 pounds between the years 1873 and 1880.

It should be pointed out that there are half a dozen tea production areas in Sri Lanka. There’s Dimbulla, which is west of the central mountains; Galle in the southern part of the nation; Kandy, which is located near the ancient royal capital; Nuwara Eliya, which is the highest altitude area; Ratnapurea, located east of the Colombo capital; and Uva, which is east of Dimbulla.

Numerous Varieties to Choose From

You should be aware that there are numerous varieties of Ceylon black tea from which to choose. For instance, there’s Dimbulla and Dickoya tea, which is cultivated at a level of 3,500 feet or higher; the Kandy variety, which is a district tea grown at a level of 2,500 feet or more; the Morawak Korale tea, a district tea grown at 2,500 feet; Nuwara Eliya, which is grown at an extremely high altitude of 6,000 feet or more; and Uva, a district tea which is cultivated at 2,800 feet or more.

Things to Know About Black Tea

What you may not realize is that black tea is derived from an evergreen perennial shrub known as Camellia sinensis. In fact, black tea is actually derived from the same plant as green tea and oolong tea are. It apparently originated in China about 5,000 years ago.

Because of its presence of caffeine, black tea can stimulate the central nervous system and the heart, while increasing the output of urine from the kidneys because of its diuretic nature.

A typical cup of black tea possesses 50 milligrams of caffeine. Other components of black tea include polyphenols, tannin, trace elements, and vitamins.

The tea plant can grow as high as 40 feet, but it is typically maintained at two to three feet. The various varieties of black tea are determined by the region or district in which they’re grown, the form, and the processing method. It was introduced to the West in the 6th century. The fad caught on and by the 18th century, tea was a beverage of choice in England. In fact, each day at 5 p.m., chances are you’ll find legions of Britons sipping a spot of tea.

Summing it All Up

Whether from India or Ceylon, black tea can be a powerful antidote to what ails you. Medical research suggests that the beverage contains significant medicinal properties. Therefore, not only is black tea quite tasty, it can also be considered a beverage which can enhance your health.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to goldenmoontea.com

Black tea has helped to revolutionize the beverage market. Over the years, the exotic drink had become the world’s most popular tea. In fact, 80 percent of the tea consumed in the U.S. is actually of the black tea variety.

Perhaps black tea is so popular because of its boldness—it is darker and stronger than green tea is.

The Preparation Process

After plucking, black tea leaves are spread out so that they can dry. Then, the leaves are rolled and fermented. As little as two hours later, the leaves are heated so that the moisture can be removed. The quality of black tea varies according to a number of different factors.

These include the origin of the black tea, the conditions in which it’s grown, and the competence of the manager of the tea estate. Therefore, a quality black tea garden is dependent as much on the skill of the grower as the soil conditions of the actual plot of land.

In general, black tea grows best in areas that are warm and are of altitudes of anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Because teas at high altitudes tend to grow more slowly, they produce a tea of greater flavor. The tea gardens of India’s Darjeeling region and Sri Lanka’s Uva district are greater than 6,000 feet high. Although tea grows best in a dry season, rain is necessary for the tea leaves to survive.

Taking a Closer Look at Tea Varieties

Fortunately, there are a number of tantalizing tea varieties you can try that are as rich in quality as they are in flavor. For instance, you might consider Honey Pear, a version of black tea which combines the fruity taste of the pear tree with the sweet taste of honey. Served hot or iced, Honey Pear is reminiscent of an exotic dessert.

An intriguing alternative would be Nepalese Afternoon Tea, a tea which is derived from the base of Mount Everest in Nepal. This loose-leaf tea combines lotus, honey, and sandalwood to form a delicious, memorable blend.

Yet another possibility is Pu-erh, a loose-leaf tea which is among the most popular tea blends in Asia. Pu-erh is known for its sweet, earthy scent and its multitude of health benefits.

Exceptional Flavor

One of the key points to keep in mind about black tea is its distinctive flavor. Because of the manner in which it has been processed, it can easily be differentiated from other forms of tea. Once you’ve sampled black tea, chances are you will never be nostalgic for other types of tea. While black tea may be an acquired taste, once you’ve become accustomed to it, you’ll probably want to make black tea-drinking a lifelong habit.

Health Benefits

Research indicates there are many health benefits associated with black tea. For instance, since caffeine can improve airflow to the lungs, drinking black tea may be beneficial to individuals with asthma. Some research also indicates that the polyphenols in black tea have antioxidant qualities which may make them helpful in the fight against cancer.

In addition, researchers believe that black tea may be helpful in preventing cavities and heart attacks. There are some indications that the beverage may enhance memory, improve mental performance, and enhance alertness. Interestingly enough, drinking black tea may also help to prevent osteoporosis by improving bone density in older women.

The Safety of Black Tea

It should be pointed out that the Food and Drug Administration does not monitor the safety of herbs and supplements. As a result, it is important that you check with your doctor before radically changing your daily diet to include copious amounts of black tea.

In general, people who have an allergy to caffeine or tannin should not drink black tea, since such consumption may lead to a skin rash or hives. The caffeine in black tea may also increase urine output, decrease blood sodium/potassium levels, and can worsen incontinence.

In addition, caffeine can increase the amount of acid in the stomach, leading to ulcers and can increase blood sugar levels. As a result, black tea may not be appropriate for people who suffer from complications from diabetes. Individuals who have serious liver disease may also be impacted negatively by the caffeine in black tea.

Some Final Thoughts

Finding a high-quality black tea is really not that difficult, considering all the various varieties that are available today. Once you begin drinking black tea, you may find that you are hooked for life. The more you drink this unusual beverage, the more you’ll come to appreciate its many attributes.

Even the most finicky tea connoisseurs tend to have high praise for black tea. While it may not be called the beverage of champions, it certainly is a stellar brew that can appeal not only to your taste buds, but to your desire for good health as well.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to goldenmoontea.com

If you’re a fan of black tea, you might have become accustomed to purchasing your favorite blends at a local specialty store, supermarket, or gourmet outlet. However, thanks to the evolution of the Internet, you can now browse for black tea in the privacy of your own home. Ordering black tea online is safe, convenient, and can also be quite cost-effective.

Main Advantages to Online Shopping

There are certainly numerous advantages to ordering black tea online. For instance, chances are you’ll find a great deal more variety than you would at the corner market. You can also do a great deal of comparison shopping on the Internet—as a result, you may be able to save quite a bit of money. Online shopping can also be quicker than driving across town to the Indian market.

You may also find that it is easier to buy in large quantities on the World Wide Web. Because the Internet is a visual medium, you’ll also be able to see an image of the product you’re buying, which can help you to avoid costly mistakes.

And, of course, most purchases are not subject to state sales tax so you save 5-7% on each purchase.

As Easy as Buying a DVD

If you’ve become accustomed to purchasing clothes, household goods, and DVDs online, it only makes sense that you would also buy your beverages online. Buying black tea via the Internet can be particularly helpful when you have a dinner party planned and you’d like to impress your guests with a wide variety of teas. Once you begin purchasing black tea online, chances are you will make it a habit.

You’ll come to appreciate the convenience—and buying via the Internet can also be more entertaining than waiting in a long line at the grocery store. It is certainly not an exaggeration to say that buying tea products online appears to be the wave of the future.

The Chance to Browse

The Internet allows you the golden opportunity to browse through the wide varieties of black teas that are now available. In fact, you might be quite surprised at the array of tea blends that you can purchase. For instance, for a truly exotic blend, consider Darjeeling tea. This loose-leaf tea combines hints of fruit, nuts, and flowers. You can purchase it in a three-ounce tin or in a one-pound bulk order. Considered one of the world’s finest teas, Darjeeling is well worth the investment.

As an alternative, you might consider French Breakfast tea, which is derived from the mountainous Ceylon region. This smooth tea boasts a honey-like taste, which makes it appropriate for breakfast or any time when you’re in the mood for a subtle black tea.

If you’re interested in a smoky, large-leaf tea, why not try Lapsang Souchong? Smoked over pine embers in Eastern China, this tea is rich in taste and aromatic in scent. It’s the type of exotic tea that you can savor when relaxing at home or when entertaining friends.

Web-Based Specialties

When ordering black tea online, you can also take advantage of numerous Web-based specials. These are the types of deals you are not likely to find at your local grocery store or specialty shop. As a result of these specials, you may be able to purchase an especially exotic tea at a fraction of the cost you’d pay otherwise.

What to Look For

If you choose to order black tea over the Internet, there are a few important things you should keep in mind. To begin with, you should look for tea that is derived from hand-plucked leaves, indicating that it is of the finesse quality. You’ll want tea that is of superior quality, the result of orthodox manufacturing processes.

You’ll also want to look for tea varieties that offer a fine aroma, breathtaking color, enhanced clarity, a bold body, and enticing flavor. You’ll want tea that is derived from the Camellia sinensis bush—tea that offers great quality in every cup.

Take Your Time

If you’d like to order black tea online, you should consider taking your time rather than rushing through the process. You’ll want to allow yourself the opportunity to browse through various products in a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere. You’ll want to take the time necessary to survey the various varieties that are available so that you can make an intelligent choice.

You also need to realize that tea-shopping is an acquired art. Chances are you’ll need to sample a number of different teas before you can find the one that appeals most to your taste buds. However, it’s also likely that you’ll derive a great deal of enjoyment out of sampling various tea blends.

The more you experiment, the more you’ll come to appreciate the many fine qualities of black tea. It’s the type of beverage that’s not only soothing—it’s also a healthy alternative to other drinks.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to goldenmoontea.com

Black tea has become a favorite beverage of people around the globe—therefore, it’s hardly surprising that a number of people are searching for the best black tea blend they can find. Thankfully, because of the wide variety of black tea options on the market, there are plenty of blends from which to choose.

From the outset, you need to understand that the best tea blends are derived from leaves that have been harvested by hand. Pickers choose the most tender, youngest buds in order to ensure the highest quality tea.

The typical tea is processed through something called the crush, tea, curl method. The small fragments that result are then utilized in tea bags or in iced tea concentrates. However, a small fraction of the world’s tea is hand-processed in the orthodox manufacture style.

A high-quality tea blend offers subtle flavor, an enticing aroma, vibrant color, and a full body. In other words, it’s a blend that is truly memorable. Once you have tried such a blend, you’ll never want to sample an inferior blend again.

An Exotic Array of Flavors

If you have a flair for the dramatic, you might want to consider sampling some Kashmiri Chai. This spiced, loose-leaf tea is derived from the Northern India Himalayas. The tea is usually served with cream and honey to produce an incredibly rich flavor. You can purchase a four ounce tin, which provides 50 servings, or a one-pound bulk order offering 200 servings. When you buy in bulk, you can purchase a fine blend of tea for literally pennies per cup.

Another blend you might want to try is Nepalese Afternoon Tea. This tea is found at the base of Mount Everest in the Himalayan country of Nepal. If you like the idea of a tea that blends hints of lotus, honey, and sandalwood, chances are you’ll enjoy Nepalese Afternoon Tea.

For a subtle alternative, consider Rose Tea. Known for being exceedingly rich, Rose Tea is a loose-leaf black tea that has been sprinkled with rose petals. As a result, it’s a tea that is known for its light, floral taste and exquisite floral scent. It’s also the type of tea that can be easily served hot or iced.

The Rich and the Classic

If you’re intrigued by the idea of a particularly rich tea, consider Sinharaja, a tea derived from dark, loose leaves grown in the Ceylon hill country. Distinguished by its caramelized finish, Sinharaja is known for its molasses-like consistency. Best served with sugar and cream, Sinharaja can keep you warm and toasty on a cold winter’s night.

For a classic, smooth taste, you might want to try a blend of Earl Grey. The blend is named for the 19th century British Prime Minister, Earl Grey, who had dealings with a Chinese tea trader. Known for calming the worried soul, Earl Grey offers tea drinkers a subtle mix of bergamot and lavender. You’ll want to try a high-quality loose leaf version that boasts a number of buds or tips for maximum quality.

A Range of Teas for a Range of Emotions

It may just be that you’ll find that which type of tea blend you like depends upon what kind of mood you are. That’s the marvelous thing about black tea—it comes in a dizzying array of varieties. Once you have begun the black tea habit, chances are that your cupboard will quickly become filled with different blends of tea.

In order to find teas that really suit you, you might have to sample a large number of teas. It is through such taste-testing that you will discover the amazing range of black teas that are currently on the market. And it’s likely that you will come to appreciate the many different facets of this impressive beverage.

In the end, the best black tea blends are those that suit you best. Even novice tea connoisseurs quickly learn what they do and don’t like in a brew. However, the more tea blends you try, the more

Some Final Thoughts

As you can see, black tea comes in a wondrous variety of blends. Whether you’re in the market for a strong tea or a lighter one…a tea that is particularly aromatic or one that is mild, chances are you can find a blend that will satisfy. Shopping for black tea has also become quite convenient, thanks to the development of the Internet. With a click of your computer mouse, you can literally search the globe in order to find the black tea that is appropriate in your particular case. And chances are you’ll have a glorious time sampling the many black tea blends that you find during your Internet browsing.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to goldenmoontea.com

Tea, the wonderful beverage we indulge in when we want to relax, wake up, cure a tummy ache, soothe an upset child and infuse our systems with anti oxidants has enjoyed a rich, colorful and diverse history - a very, very long history that began more than 5,000 years ago in China. Legend has that an early emperor, Shen Nung was also a highly skilled ruler and a rather creative scientist. He was far ahead of his time in many respects, including insisting that all drinking water be boiled for hygienic purposes. The legend goes that he was traveling to far away region one summer day and he and his court stopped rest. The obedient servants began to boil the water, per the emperor’s ruling. As they boiled the water, however, some dried leaves from a bush that was nearby fell into the water. As the water boiled with the leaves, a brown liquid began to infuse the water. The Emperor, ever the scientist, was intrigued with the new, brown liquid and drank some. He found the new drink to be quite refreshing, thus tea was born. It should be noted that though this is largely regarded as a myth, many mythologists find that the story is so practical that it likely is very closely related to actual events.

The Asian Inspiration
Tea was a very popular beverage throughout China and every single aspect of their society embraced it and drew it into their culture. The first book written on tea, the Ch’a Ching, was written by Lu Yu in 800 A.D. His work on tea and how it is used in various cultures propelled him to a state that was almost a sainthood in his own lifetime. In fact, the form of tea service that he portrayed in his book, that showed strong ties in Zen Buddhism, is what the Zen Buddhist missionaries later introduced to Japan.

Buddhist priest, Yeisei, brought the very first tea seeds to Japan. He had witnessed the valuable role that the tea in China had played in enhancing religious mediation. Yeisei is know as the “Father of Tea” in Japan because of his introduction of tea to the Japanese culture which quickly elevated tea to an art form. The Japanese Tea Ceremony, a complex yet beautiful art that requires years of training and practice. From there, tea houses were created and tea gained in popularity as the original Zen roots were eventually lost.

Europe Finds Tea
When tea was all the rage in Japan and China, news of this new sensation began to trickle back to Europe. Traders and caravan leaders mentioned it, but no one seemed to know how to serve it or even what it looked like. A Portuguese Jesuit Father Jasper de Cruz was the first European to experience tea personally and write about it in 1560. As Portugal had begun trading with China, they began shipping tea to Lisbon where Dutch ships would transport the tea to France, Holland and the Baltic countries.

Tea soon became high fashion in Hague, the Dutch capital. This was mainly due to the exorbitant price of more than $100 per pound. This meant the wealthy could enjoy it - and the poor could not. Eventually, as the amount of tea that was imported increased, the price began to drop, making it more available to a wider variety of people, including apothecaries. It wasn’t until 1680 that there is any mention of adding milk to tea. Tea was popular in France for about fifty years, until wine, chocolate and exotic coffees captured the French imagination and preference.

Tea Arrives in America
As the Dutch actively traded throughout the Western world, 1650 saw Peter Stuyvesant bring the first tea to colonists in the Dutch settlement called New Amsterdam which later became known as New York. Tea had found its way to America and America was hooked. In fact, when the English acquired the colony they found that that one small settlement was consuming more tea at the time that the entire country of England.

England gets a Taste
Great Britain was the first to venture into the Chinese trade and it was due to this that tea finally reached England sometime between 1652 and 1654. Its popularity skyrocketed. Nobility nodded in approval as they consumed the beverage and the future of tea in England was secured. As tea mania swept over England, all classes enjoyed its refreshment. Soon, the English Afternoon Tea was born.

By 1670 English colonists residing in Boston became aware of tea. By 1720 tea was a trade staple between the Colony and the Mother country. The colonial particularly enjoyed tea. Tea trade became centered in Boston, New York and Philadelphia, which, incidentally, were the future centers of the American rebellion. Tea was very heavily taxed, so smugglers would get contraband tea to the colonies from other ports. The John Company who held the monopoly on tea distribution in the area was quite disgruntled as they saw their profits plummeting. They put pressure on Parliament to take action and put an end to the activities. Then it happened.

The American Revolution and Tea
England had recently completed the French and Indian War and, in England’s viewpoint, it was meant to free the colony from French influence and give trade more stabilization. Parliament decided, then, that the brunt of the cost should go to the colony since it was for them. Suddenly, there were taxes for everything from newspapers to tavern licenses, marriage licenses and docking papers. When the colonists rebelled, Parliament levied even more, heavier taxes, including the 1767 tea tax. The colonists rebelled and purchases imported tea openly and freely. The John Company was still slipping in profits.

When things finally came to a head, the famous Boston Tea Party was born. The men of Boston dressed as Indians and threw hundreds of pounds of tea into the harbor. The Port of Boston retaliated by closing and royal troops moved in to occupy the city. The colonial leaders met and declared revolution. Thus, a free nation was born.

Tea a Timeless Tradition
Today tea is even more popular than ever. Americans enjoy their tea iced, hot, in leaves, in bags, there are a wide variety of types and flavors available and one can access all they want by simply walking into the local market and picking out what they want. Additionally, tea has recently been proven to have health benefits as well as stress relieving properties. So, the beverage that has its origins in ancient China, moved around the world, started a revolution and freed a nation is one of the most popular drinks worldwide today.

Nicholas Hurd is the developer of The Tea Information Source. You’ll find anything you want to know about tea at this site.
copyright 2007 Nicholas Hurd all rights reserved

Green tea’s anti-cancer properties make it one of the most valuable foods and many scientific studies point to its preventive effects against cancer of the breast, prostate, lung, colon, bladder and others.

One of the most important reasons that green tea exhibits such good health promoting properties is that it is endowed with a large number of antioxidant compounds. Of these, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most important and is unique to green tea.

However these compounds have beneficial effects in addition to those provided by their antioxidant properties. Other non-antioxidant compounds in green tea make a significant contribution to its cancer preventing properties through anti-inflammatory and other properties.

One of the few placebo controlled clinical studies to look at the effects of green tea on cancer was carried out on men who had early cancer of the prostate gland. After one year, only 3% of those taking green tea extract showed evidence of disease progression while 30% of those in the placebo-taking control group had developed signs of more advanced disease.

A couple of other very recent studies have thrown up some interesting results that show why green tea helps prevent cancer in some people and not in others.

EGCG and other catechin flavonoids, although abundant in green tea, are vulnerable to metabolic breakdown once they have entered the blood stream. The enzyme responsible for the metabolism of green tea is more active in some people than in others. The difference in enzyme activity is governed by an individual’s genetic make up.

Individuals whose genes code for high enzyme activity metabolize EGCG and other compounds in green tea more rapidly than those with genes that code for low enzyme activity. A consequence of the greater enzymatic activity of those in the first group is a reduced bioavailability of EGCG compared to those in the second group.

A survey of green tea drinkers found that women who are in the second, low-enzyme activity group derived considerable protection against breast cancer. While those women who fell into the high enzyme activity group failed to derive any protective benefits against breast cancer as their bodies destroyed the EGCG before it could do any good.

The increased activity of a well known peptide in the body, angiotensin II has been implicated in the production of free radicals that, in turn, aggravate the formation of breast cancer.

Angiotensin II is converted from its precursor by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). Women who have a genome that codes for high ACE activity produce more angiotensin II than those whose genotypes code for low ACE activity. The raised levels of angiotensin II that are associated with higher than normal levels of ACE, are responsible for the production of cancer-causing free radicals.

A recent survey found that those women who have the high activity ACE genotype derive substantial protection against breast cancer if they drink green tea regularly.

The reason is that EGCG and other antioxidant compounds in green tea neutralize the increased numbers of free radicals produced by those women who, because of their genetic make up, have higher than normal levels of ACE and therfore higher than normal levels of free radical-producing angiotensin II.

Drinking four to six cups of tea day is unlikely to cause any adverse effects and provides adequate quantities of EGCG and other polyphenols. However caffeine-free green tea is obtainable for those who avoid drinking beverages containing caffeine. To optimize the beneficial effects of green tea it should be taken between meals. The reason being that EGCG has a higher bioavailability when green tea is taken on an empty stomach.

As with many other valuable plant species, green tea has shown that its principal value to human health is as a preventive rather than a curative agent.

The research into this important beverage has also demonstrated how phytochemicals in our diets can compensate for deficiencies in our genetic make up. Scientific research into other important plant foods indicates that many phytonutrients can even protect those individuals who have genes that make them susceptible to certain cancers.

Some of the evidence presented here shows that green tea does not necessarily help to prevent cancer in everyone who drinks it. It does not mean, however, that compounds in other plants will not do so. As our genomes differ from one person to another, so do our individual responses to disease, food and drugs. In order to maximize the health benefits that plant compounds can provide, we need to drink green tea and other beneficial beverages and eat a wide range of phytonutrient-rich plant foods.

Dr Keith Scott is a medical doctor with a special interest in nutrition. He has written several books including the ground breaking, “Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power of Spices” and “Natural Home Pharmacy”.
Download a free pdf copy of “Medicinal Seasonings” and find out more about green tea and other cancer preventing foods at:
http://www.medspice.com

For the unattached, upwardly mobile urbanite, the maxim that “Anytime is tea time” may sound like the quaint relic of a by-gone era – a time when there were fulltime home makers for whom tea time was the only social activity and tea making an art in which they reveled. That was before modernity came,complete with new vocabulary to describe the new realities: working mothers, fixed incomes, market economies and monthly budgets. And now we are in the twenty-first century, the age of multi-tasking on several levels at the speed of light. Of what use is tea, and who has the time anyway?

For a while, in the blissful ignorance of youth and inexperience, I truly believed that tea as a beverage was on its way out. There were simply too many cons against it. It is, after all, a time-consuming chore. What’s more, unless you are well-versed in the culinary arts, the effort will need to be duplicated several times before you serve a perfect cup of Fahari Ya Kenya Tea. And the steaming brew cannot be downed in a single gulp, nor slipped into a back pack to be sipped at leisure. It is this logic which leaves packets of tea leaves covered in dust on the supermarket shelves as pop and juice are zapped up and sipped.

All that changed for me the day I moved out of town to rent accommodation in a commercial centre near our rural home. On market days, all members of the clan would descend from the various ridges, and my house became the ritual stop where clan members caught up on local gossip on their way to and from the market, with the tea flowing liberally at my expense. It mattered little to these relatives that I was absent, or that I lived by a monthly budget on a fixed income. For some, it was the only cup of tea they would get all week, and our tea time became a luxury not to be missed, whether they had business at the market or not.

Lofty ideals and city conventions aside, I was suddenly very grateful for the liberalization of the tea sector and the local availability of good Fahari ya Kenya tea which made it possible for me to provide a steady stream of freshly brewed tea cups without going bankrupt. By the time I resurfaced in suburbia, I was attached and shorn of both innocence and upward mobility. With both feet firmly on the ground, I came face to face, day in day out, with the disproportionate percentage of Kenyans who live below the poverty line, where cup of tea is the unifying factor, in joy and in sorrow.

If you have attended a home-based fundraising lately, or been to a matanga, or found yourself trapped in marriage negotiations, you will know exactly what I mean. You will also know why I can say with great confidence, for both rural and urban folks, that tea taking will remain with us for a long time yet, and any time is indeed, tea time.

Maria Mbura comes from Kenya a country which famous for its tea and whose people always have time for a cup of tea.To enjoy our delightful and famous Fahari Ya Kenya Tea visit our website http://kenyamarketplace.com

Switching from coffee to green tea is not an easy task. I can’t even wake up in the morning without a cup of coffee. Well, I can, technically, but I am more like a zombie than a living, breathing person if I don’t have my coffee in the morning. I am also a raging bitch. Lately however, I have been experiencing a plethora of health conditions from anxiety attacks to heart palpitations, which my doctor attributed to my more than casual consumption of coffee. As I heard these words of “medical advice” my doctor suddenly turned into The Devil and I made my index fingers into a cross sign and began to back out of her office. Just before reaching the door, I heard Satan mumble something about green tea. Realising she’d hit a nerve, she made me a cup of tea to try. My mother raised me right, so I didn’t spit the rancid brew all over the evil doctor’s office, but I couldn’t help making a face. “I know it’s a bit bitter, but you get used to it”, she said, “and besides it’s so good for you!” I lied and said it was good. When I left her office, I went across the street to Java Jungle, and got a triple espresso grandé with light soymilk and three sugars.

The three days following my visit to the doctor were dreadful. I cut back on my usual six cups a day but my symptoms worsened. When she called to see how I was doing, she asked if I had tried the green tea. I lied (again) and said yes but it wasn’t helping. She told me to do some research on the health benefits and I would be surprised.

Amazingly, I was surprised. Who knew The Devil would offer such good advice? Green tea, is known as one of the healthiest foods in the world. Some of its benefits include preventing/ treating cancer, treating arthritis, and treating multiple sclerosis. (Wikipedia, 2006). Both coffee and green tea help to increase metabolism (weight loss, yay!) and improve cognition, however, green tea has
only half the amount of caffeine as coffee. Caffeine, the supposed culprit of my afflictions, is not all bad. I also discovered that the caffeine in green tea and coffee help reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes (RealAge, 2006). One of the biggest positives I found is a correlation between green tea and the slowing down of the aging process due to the high anti-oxidant content. The question was could I get past the disgusting taste if it meant looking younger and possibly thinner?

I decided to go to a new trendy café, which boasted the most premium of coffees and teas. They had a tasting room and actually gave little lessons on the types and grades of these prized beverages. Although comparing the tastes of coffee and green tea is like comparing apples and oranges, I can say that they both offer a large range of flavours. Green tea, mostly from China or Japan, can range from slightly sweet to horribly bitter (the latter being what I now like to call Satan’s brew). Coffee beans can come from all over the world, the most common place being Columbia. Similar to green tea, coffee flavour ranges from full bodied to highly acidic to mildly bitter. Both coffee and green tea can be infused with other flavours such as vanilla, butterscotch and raspberry. Most importantly, they are both best when consumed piping hot!

I love everything about a hot cup of coffee: the smell, the sound of the coffee maker or espresso machine, the taste, the temperature, the colour. After acquiring some knowledge and an appreciation for green tea, I found that its drinkability and pleasure to the senses was almost equal to a good cup of coffee. The temperature of the water and steeping time makes a huge difference in the flavour and strength of the tea, just as the amount of coffee grounds per cup of water make a difference to the flavour and strength of coffee. I hate to admit it, but I think I’ve turned into a green tea connoisseur! The question now was could I actually give up coffee for good?

Almost every morning, for the past fourteen and a half years, my husband Phillip has woken me up by bringing me a cup of coffee in a heart-shaped mug. It is something that I cherish and have never taken for granted. There have been rare times when I have woken up first and when I do, I make the coffee and he gets the heart mug, but I think I can count those times on one hand. Phillip doesn’t mind that he’s usually the one to wake first and make the coffee, he knows how useless I am before my first cup (raging bitch). After all my research, I have decided to keep the coffee…and the green tea. I’ll enjoy my heart-shaped mug, filled with coffee goodness in the morning and for the rest of the day I’ll sip on green tea. Occasionally I’ll splurge and indulge in a luscious cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee in the afternoon, but it’s sayonara to those triple espresso grandés!

References

“Green tea - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 2006. 16 May 2006 .

“That Morning Caffeine Fix? Consider It Health Care - RealAge Tip of the Day.” RealAge, Inc, 2006. 16 May 2006 .

Shauna Ratapu is a writer, actress, director, meditator and independent representative for The One Group: Certified Organic Nourishment for the Skin, Hair and Body.
http://www.sacredsun.mionegroup.com

Shauna, an American, lives and works in New Zealand with her Kiwi husband and their three children. For more information on Eco-travel in New Zealand, Meditation or Organics visit Shauna’s homepage:http://www.soulfoodcafe.co.nz

Super Teas Part 3: Kombucha

Some say kombucha originated in Russia, others in ancient Manurchia. Wherever it’s from, its contents are yeast, bacteria, and enzymes. While bottled Kombucha tea is available, it can cost upwards of five dollars a bottle. The cost is why many people decide to brew their own. If you decide to do this you will need your own starter culture, various bottles, and cloths.

Kombucha tea is made by combining the culture with green, black, or oolong tea with sugar. The culture sits on top of the tea for a approximately a week and the yeast cultures consume the sugar to make more organic goodness.

Kombucha tastes a little like tart apple vinegar, and the fermenting process adds a little carbonation to the beverage. Finessing the fermentation time and the amount of sugar in the mixture will allow you to make it suit your own taste.

Breakdown

Herbalists familiar with kombucha say it works to bring the body back into balance. Some of the claims made about kombucha are that it fights cancer, supports good digestion, metabolism, appetite control, weight control, liver function, detoxification, body alkalinity, anti-aging, cell integrity, healthy skin & hair, and strengthens the immune system.

Pause for breath.

The final beverage contains B vitamins, enzymes, probiotics, and acids found to move toxins out of the body. Most people experience a feeling of well being immediately upon drinking it. Kombucha is said to aid better digestion, clearer skin, and reduction in joint and body pain.

People report a wide range of health benefits from drinking kombucha including conditions such as cancer, hypertension, and arthritis.

There are many more teas that have a host of healthy benefits to drinking them. The three discussed in this series are only the tip of the iceberg. Visit Mind-Mart.com for more information about great teas.

Note: Some statements in this article may not be approved by the FDA. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice.

© 2007, Clara Myers. Visit the tea category at
Mind-Mart.com for a variety of herbal tea and accessories.