There are a few common themes that resonate with the tea drinker today. It’s a way to bring people to together. A shared experience and a chance to connect with other people. It is also valued as a health booster - a hand-me-down remedy for a range of ailments that has only

added to the rich history of tea. All in all tea signals a time to slow down. Whether you drink your cup in the serenity of nature, a bustling cafe, or a friends living room, drinking tea is a chance to take a break, enjoy your surroundings and your company, and reconnect with the

important things in life.

One of the great things about the world of tea is its variety. There are many types of tea, and they fall into two categories: pure tea and herbal tea. The main difference is that pure tea contains caffeine, while herbal tea does not. Choosing the best-quality tea is simple with these tips:

1. Always choose organic to limit chemical exposure. Tea leaves are heavily sprayed with pesticides, which end up in your cup.

2. Ideally, choose loose leaf. Loose tea may contain more antioxidants than tea in teabags because the leaves are less processed. (The actual antioxidant content of tea varies by crop and brand)

3. Choose herbal tea to avoid caffeine (optional). To limit caffeine intake, reach for herbal varieties, such as peppermint or chamomile, instead of pure teas.

4. Boost the antioxidants in your tea by steeping it longer. The longer you steep, the more antioxidants and disease-fighting flavonoids your brew will have. Aim for five to ten minutes to steep.

Pure tea - including black, green, white, matcha, Earl Grey, English breakfast, and oolong - all come from the same plant, Camelia sinesis, and contain caffeine. What differentiates them is the age of the leaf, how it was grown, and how it was processed. All pure tea contains caffeine. 

It’s no secret that one of my FAVORITE pure tea’s is Matcha. It contains trace minerals and vitamins, what’s most important about matcha is its high EGCG content, about two to three times more than regular green tea, which may offer protection against many kinds of cancer, help prevent cardiovascular disease, slow the aging process, help the body deal better with stress. EGCG may also reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood, stabilize blood sugar levels, help lower high blood pressure, and enhance the body’s resistance to many toxins. If you needed a reason to drink matcha these will help you make up your mind to incorporating one of the healthiest drinks in the world into your diet.

*Always get a high quality, ceremonial grade, triple screened for toxins matcha for the best flavor profile and nutrition. My favorite brand is Pique Tea enter code Colleen5 for 5% off your order.

Herbal teas are made from flower, roots, barks, fruits, or seeds and are naturally caffeine free. Examples include peppermint and chamomile tea. There are many interesting blends on the market that do everything from soothe a sore throat to prevent gas to speed up elimination. OF course, you can also find blends that just taste good too. There are hundreds of herbal teas. Some of my favorites include:

Peppermint Tea: This supports healthy digestion and soothes an upset stomach. I like to drink this after dinner each night

Ginger Tea: The tea also soothes and upset stomach and supports digestion

Chamomile Tea: This is a great option before bed to soothe nerves, release anxiety, and encourage better sleep.

Echinacea Tea: It supports your immune system, its wonderful in the winter months when trying to ward off colds and flu.

I enjoy drinking a nice cup of peppermint tea to top off my evening. I of course like to do everything with a little bit of style. Here is a link to the most adorable individual teapot that will get you drinking tea in no time.

 One of my favorite local spots to shop for my tea is, Spicer’s Naturals in Ridgewood, NJ. Meltem is the owner of this adorable tea shop in which she puts her heart and soul into. She can help guide you with any tea question you have and offer the perfect solution. You can sign up for a private tea sampling hour session or make it a social event as she offers a group tea sampling option as well on her website. Not to mention she has homemade, clean, sweet treats to enjoy while you sip on your tea as well. If you are looking to expand your journey into the tea world I would make a trip to see Meltem. 

Whether you prefer your tea leaves in hot water or as iced tea, take a second to slow down and savor every sip! After all it is a valued chance to reconnect and recharge with yourself or company.