5 Things to Consider when Purchasing Tea + Delicious Recipes!

By InnerOrigin • 5 years ago

Sep
2018

5 Things to Consider when Purchasing Tea

By Lisa Guy, naturopath and founder of Bodhi Organic Tea.

(1) Always buy organic tea:

Choosing organic tea is much better for your health and for that of the environment. The tea plant absorbs pesticides readily, so choosing to buy organic means no hidden nasties in your healthy cuppa. When purchasing organic tea look for certified organic bud logo to ensure the organic integrity of your tea. If more people choose to buy organic tea more farmers will be encouraged to grow it, which means less toxic chemicals on and in our tea and less harm to the earth.

(2) Beware of Tea Bags (bleach and silk)

Unfortunately the majority of tea bags and silk pyramid infusers are made from materials such as bleached paper (containing dioxin), petrochemical based nylon, PVC, rayon, polypropolene and thermoplastic, which when immersed in boiling water may release potentially harmful chemicals into your healthful brew.

A lot of people are now becoming aware of the dangers of plastic chemicals leaching out of plastic water bottles, but don’t stop to think that their favourite herbal infusion might contain some unexpected nasties.

Then you have either a staple or some type of chemical adhesive holding your teabag together, which you also don’t want polluting your healthy tea. This is a real concern for daily tea drinkers using traditional tea bags, who think they are doing something good for their health. This is one fantastic reason to switch to loose leaf teas.

Traditional tea bags, due to their limited space, also usually contain lower grade, broken down tea ‘dust’. When you brew whole leaves and herbs so you get a richer, more full-bodied flavour.

(4) Store It Correctly:

Tea and herbal teas have a shelf life of around 2 years if you store it correctly, in a cool, dry place, in an airtight container such as glass, away from direct sunlight.

(5) How Often Should You Consume Tea for It’s health benefits?

Tea, especially white and green tea, has many wonderful health benefits. They contain potent antioxidant compounds called polyphenols which neutralize free radicals in the body that are associated with the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. Green tea can also help support liver health and can give your metabolism a boost. It is recommended to have at least 3 cups of tea daily to reap its fabulous health benefits.

(6) Are you sensitive to caffeine?

For some people caffeine can be too stimulating and can affect their sleep and can make them feel edgy. If you are sensitive to caffeine go for caffeine-free herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, chamomile, licorice, or rose hip. Black tea contains the highest amount of caffeine (around 45mg/cup), compared to green (around 20mg/cup), and white (around 15 mg/cup). Another thing you can do is steep your tea twice. A majority of the caffeine from your tea can be removed by pouring hot water over the leaves, and then leaving it for 30 seconds. Caffeine in tea is released during the first 30 seconds of steeping. Pour out the tea and then re-steep your tea with more hot water using the same leaves.

Chai Latte Recipe

This delicious creamy Chai Latte Recipe can be made with the milk of your choice, however it is absolutely beautiful made with fresh homemade macadamia milk, which is so quick and easy to make and is full of nutritional goodness. Using a milk that contains healthy fats helps bring out the lovely flavours from your aromatic chai spices. Macadamia nuts are jam packed with important nutrients needed for good health. Masala chai is made with black tea and lovely warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. These spices are beneficial for stimulating circulation, reducing inflammation in the body and for aiding digestion.

TIP: This gorgeous drink is delicious served hot or iced. For an iced chai pour cooled chai macadamia nut milk over ice then enjoy.

Ingredients

2 heap Tbsp Bodhi Organic Masala Chai
2 cup macadamia nut milk
1-2 tsp raw honey, coconut sugar or 1 medjool date
OPTIONAL: For a delicious chocolate drink add 2 tsp raw cacao powder.

Method

Place macadamia nut milk and chai (and optional cacao powder) in a small saucepan and heat on a high temperature until it nearly starts to boil, then bring the heat down it down to simmer for 5 minutes.
Strain and then add some honey or coconut sugar. If you would like to sweeten your chai with a medjool date add into in the saucepan with the nut milk and chai.

Blueberry & Lemon Coconut Cake

This delightful gluten-free ‘Blueberry & Lemon Coconut Cake’ is light and fresh, and makes the perfect accompaniment with a cup of tea. Our Bodhi Organic ZesTEA goes perfectly with this blueberry and lemon coconut cake.

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut flour
2 ½ tsp gluten free baking powder
Pinch sea salt
6 organic eggs
¼ cup raw honey
1/3 cup cold pressed coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
Juice 2 tbsp and zest ½ lemon
½ cup blueberries, extra for decoration

Method:

Preheat oven to 160*C. Lightly grease a 20cm round baking tin with coconut oil and line bottom with baking paper.
Place all ingredients in your food processor (except blueberries) and blend until well combined. Stir through blueberries.
Pour mixture into tin and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer comes out cleanly.
Allow to cool and then top with blueberries and lemon zest. Delicious spread with coconut yoghurt too.

Warm Apple Cider Vinegar Green Tea

This delicious warm apple cider vinegar green tea is a fantastic way to stay warm this winter while supporting good health. Raw apple cider (ACV) vinegar is a prebiotic food that can help support the growth of healthy microflora in the gut. ACV can also help improve digestion when taken before meals. Green tea is loaded with potent antioxidants that helps with protection from chronic disease, and supports heart health.