Tea is the second-most consumed beverage on the planet, right after water. Every culture has its own unique customs involved with tea. The Japanese, for instance, hold tea in extremely high regard and developed the Japanese Tea Ceremony, or Chanoyu, as a ritualistic celebration of the drink. Many Americans drink iced tea, and Southerners are well-known for downing endless amounts of sweet tea. “Tea time” or “afternoon tea” is an indispensable part of English society, and numerous novels and films have immortalized the act as a distinctly British tradition.
Although it’s largely a social drink, scholars have recognized tea as a medicinal substance for thousands of years. Recent research appears to confirm these claims, suggesting that tea carries several health benefits. Apart from providing you a pleasing sense of calm, drinking tea may also play a part in reducing the risk of cancer or heart disease.
INGREDIENTS:
1 c. water per person
1 tsp. of loose black tea for each person and 1 for the pot (or 1 tea bag for each person and 1 for the pot)*
METHOD:
1. Fill a kettle with cold water. Bring water to boil.
2. Meanwhile, warm the teapot by filling it with hot tap water.
3. When water in the kettle boils, empty the tap water from the teapot. Put in tea by teaspoonful or bag.
4. Fill the teapot with boiling water from the kettle. Be careful not to splash yourself!
5. Allow tea to steep for about 3 minutes. Stir and serve. If using loose tea, pour through a strainer into cups.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Makes 1 cup per person
*Young tea drinkers may prefer tea weakened with extra milk. Hot cocoa, hot apple cider, or warm milk with honey and vanilla are good teatime beverages as well.
