Gourmets are sure that natural quality tea is good in itself. This is a self-contained product that does not require any flavoring. But why then do many prefer flavored tea?
Let's look at what this category of teas is.
What are the flavors?
To give spice to ordinary tea, a new taste and aroma, manufacturers use various aromatic additives.
They are divided into two types:
- synthetic, which are chemical preservatives. It is not even worth saying that this is the cheapest way to transform tea. Moreover, as a basis (tea itself), as a rule, a rather low-grade initial product is used.
- natural, which include essential oils, spices, herbs, pieces of fruit and flowers.
Aromatization Methods
Tea is an excellent sorbent because it absorbs extraneous odors very quickly and retains them for quite some time. Three features of aromatization are based on this feature of it.
- The so-called contact aromatization. This is the most time-consuming, expensive, but also the most sophisticated way. Spices and herbs are added to the tea flavored during the drying phase. After the end of this process, the additives are separated from the tea leaves, which subsequently preserves the natural aroma and taste of the tea, giving it only a delicate smell. Tea absorbs as much as it can absorb, without being overloaded with extraneous aroma.
- Tea processing with essential oils and extracts. This method is a bit simpler and does not differ in such sophistication as the previous one, but it also has its advantages. With the correct proportions in the ratio of tea-extract, it takes with its rich variety of assortment.
- Natural supplements. Slices of fruit and flowers are combined with tea at the time of packaging. The result is a very beautiful-looking mixture. But when brewing, flavored tea with such ingredients almost loses its true taste and smell, yielding these qualities to flavorings. In addition, to prevent additives from being spoiled, preservatives are used in these teas.
Special Flavored Teas
Even those who are skeptical of such teas cannot but admit that among them there are very famous and revered all over the world.
This is Earl Gray flavored black tea, where bergamot essential oil is added , and the blend consists of Chinese black, Indian long leaf and Ceylon large-leaf tea. This noble drink soothes nerves, relieves fatigue and tension, as it has a pleasant relaxing effect.
Flavored green teas also boast their world leader. This is jasmine tea, occupying a special place among them. It is kept together with jasmine flowers for up to four months, after which the latter are manually removed from tea. It acts peacefully, is useful for neurosis and insomnia, and also stimulates brain activity.
How to choose the right tea?
You should know that any flavor carries some information. By what aroma you are leaning towards, you can determine not only what your body needs at the moment, but also improve your health.
Choosing flavored tea, listen to yourself, trust your body - it is he who will indicate what you need.
If you want to try tea with the scent of vanilla or cinnamon, then most likely your body needs a rest.
If you have low blood pressure and a lack of positive, then you will be attracted by the smell of bergamot, lemon or mint.
Strawberry or chocolate flavors are usually chosen by those who lack endorphins (joy hormones).
Also remember that tea with ginger will help get rid of a cold and warm well, and tea with rose petals will strengthen your memory and raise your tone.
Try experimenting with different flavors. You will receive not only great pleasure from tea, but also benefit your body.
How to make tea with flavors?
To get a delicious flavored tea, it must be brewed in a special bowl.
Keep in mind that a clay teapot is not suitable for this, as it absorbs and stores odors very well. That is why, when brewing tea with a new additive, you risk that it will give the previous composition.
Metal dishes will spoil the tea with a specific aftertaste.
Flavored tea is best brewed in a porcelain teapot. First, it is scalded with boiling water, and then wiped with a towel. After which tea is poured into it and poured with water. For green tea with flavorings, its temperature should be about + 85 ° and the brewing time is 4 minutes, and for black tea it should be about + 95 ° . He must insist 5‒7 minutes.
When foam forms on the surface of the drink, this means that the tea has been brewed correctly and is ready to drink.
We hope that our recommendations will be useful to you and help you learn how to choose flavored teas. Enjoy your tea party!