Without doubt, drinking delicate white tea is a hot trend but while it might be deemed “new tea” in westernized countries, it has actually been around since the beginning of the Tang Dynasty in China, 618 AD.  From there, white tea continued to be a favorite choice into the Song Dynasty.

When looking for green tea and Chinese black tea, you would have no trouble locating quality but when it comes to shopping for Chinese white tea, things become challenging.  In addition to being rare, loose white tea is also more expensive.  The reason is that this type of tea is harvested just once a year and it requires special handling and processing.

Comparing Tea

When comparing white tea with black or green tea, you would find two primary differences.  First, white tea must be harvested under perfect conditions and only during the spring.  Additionally, the processing method used is what determines the level of quality.

Tea gardens that grow this type of exotic tea have highly skilled tea artisans that understand the importance of proper handling and processing to retain quality.

Harvesting of White Tea

While loose black tea, loose green tea, and loose oolong tea are harvested late in springtime, white tea must be harvested much earlier, just before the leaves open all the way.  At that time, buds on the plant are still covered with a fine white hair, which is why this particular type of healthy tea is known as “white tea”.  The best quality tea would be made from leaves unopened and buds in perfect condition.  In fact, the finest quality uses only the first two leaves.

Another important aspect of harvesting white tea is the weather.  During late March and early Spring, the best leaves and buds can be plucked from the Camellia sinensis plant.  These two months are the only time in the entire year when white tea can be harvested, making it extremely rare.

This type of tea can only be harvested on dry days, meaning dew from the previous night and that morning must be completely dry.  Even if the buds have a slight purple hue, they would not be qualified.

Processing White Tea

Once the leaves and buds have been plucked, the tea is processed but unlike other types of tea, white tea goes through a very uncomplicated processing method, which must be done exact.

The many varieties of green, oolong, and black tea are created by the way, in which the leaves are fermented.  These leaves have veins with very small enzymes so if the leaves are bent, broken, bruised, or damaged at all then they become oxidized by being exposed to air.

However, the amount of oxidation leaves experience depends on the time they were exposed.  The oxidation process is what ferments the tea.  For this reason, tea gardeners will let tea leaves oxidize for different periods to create a wide range of varieties.

With white tea, the leaves are not fermented but to ensure this, the leaves must be in pristine condition.  Obviously, to harvest white tea, it requires a highly skilled worker, someone that can pluck the leaves and buds but without causing any damage.  As long as this is done, the quality would be exceptional.

After a successful harvest, white tealeaves are placed in the sun so they can dry and wither.  Once that part of the process is complete, the leaves are pan fried or steamed, which stops the oxidation process.  Depending on the worker in the tea garden, this last step might be done right out in the open field.

As long as harvesting and processing of white tea are done right, the young leaves produce tea that is delicate with a hint of sweetness.

Special Growing

Tea gardens that use skilled workers know that every detail required to grow high quality white tea would be paid attention to so the flavor is light and delicious.  For this to happen, every single bud on the Camellia sinensis plant must be closely examined prior to being plucked.  Additionally, workers will use only the top two leaves to ensure the best quality.

When additional leaves are used to make white tea, the outcome would be a delicious tea but tea of lower quality.  With a lower quality, the price of the white tea would be more affordable.  The primary reason is that lower quality white tea is much heavier and while it is still wonderful to drink, it does not compare to higher quality tea using only the two top leaves and undamaged buds.

As you can see, to produce the finest white tea available, it requires attention to detail.  This means paying attention to weather conditions so it is dry and that the buds and leaves are harvested at the right time.  Otherwise, quality of the tea would be compromised.

White Tea Flavors by Region

In addition to white tea being grown in China, it is also harvested in Japan, Sri Lanka, and India although China is the largest producer.  While white tea has a similar flavor from one region to another, because of differences in altitude, climate, and soil, slight variances are common.

Look at white tea grown in the Darjeeling region of India, which is known as Darjeeling tea.  This white tea has a light muscatel flavor, which many people love.  Even so, with white tea harvested and processed much the same way in India as it is in China, you would still find the flavor to be delicate and slightly sweet.

The appearance of high quality white tea is actually silver and the leaves have a somewhat bulky feel.  However, while black tea is very compact, white tea is not so to brew a single cup of white tea, you would need more leaves.

The problem with inferior white tea is that the delicate aroma and flavor that makes this tea so special is lost.  Typically, poor quality tea is the result of the leaves and buds being harvested during the wrong time of year or leaves other than the top two being used.

For this reason, if you want to experience the most amazing tea in the world, one that is delicious but also loaded with health benefits, it would be worth the time and effort to find tea companies online that sell only the best quality.

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Once the leaves are plucked, they must be kept in a cool place until nighttime.  At that point, the full flavor and fragrance are released.  Next, petals of the Jasmine plant are added to the dry tealeaves.  As the leaves dry, they begin to absorb the fragrance of the Jasmine petals.  Typically, Jasmine tea is scented this way up to three times and for higher grades, scented even more.  Today, this process is often done automatically with machinery whereas in the old days, it was all done by hand.

Quality Jasmine Tea

In the Fujian Province of China, the highest quality Jasmine tea is grown.  The leaves in this location are extremely large and they are the most heavily scented.  In fact, because the leaves are so loose, whether loose green tea, loose black tea, loose oolong tea, or loose white tea, they have the ability to absorb the fragrance of the Jasmine petals than tea grown anywhere else in the world.

To make this type of flowering tea, the leaves must be hand plucked in the springtime, which is when the leaves are the tenderest.  In fact, for this type of exotic tea, the key to quality is for it to be produced from the first plucking, which means the first leaves that grow.  Often, you will hear of Jasmine tea made this way as “Spring Breeze”.

Differences with Jasmine Tea

While Jasmine tea has been popular throughout Asia, it is particularly popular in the northern region of China.  However, over the past five to ten years, people all over the world are now enjoying this kind of healthy tea.  As you will discover, Jasmine tea is unique in a number of ways.

Many Asians believed that Jasmine tea held some kind of spiritual power.  For this reason, its popularity increased dramatically, especially for use in formal tea ceremonies.

The base tea to make Jasmine tea can be green tea, Chinese black tea, or oolong tea.  Because of this, you would still get the same floral flavor but based on the choice of base tea, the flavor of Jasmine tea would vary.

If you think that you might want to try Jasmine tea, the next step is trying to decide the variety to choose.

Every person has a different taste preference so you would likely choose the base tea you like most.  Of course, you can always step outside the box to try a number of varieties just to experience the difference.  Most people will find varieties of Jasmine tea they like and do not like so consider the characteristics of the base tea varieties to help you decide.

Jasmine Green Tea

Of all Jasmine flower tea, this is by far the most popular.  For one thing, green tea is extremely healthy and it has a nice, relaxing flavor that is light and natural.  You could drink this type of Jasmine tea plain or add cream.  Remember that green tea is loaded with antioxidants so it offers all types of medical properties.  Additionally, green tea is not fermented so it has virtually no caffeine.

Antioxidants have been carefully studies and experts know that they prevent and fight serious illnesses.  Additionally, antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which develop in the digestive process.  The damage caused is to the cellular level, as well as DNA.  Therefore, choosing foods and drinking tea high in antioxidants helps keep free radicals in check.

Oolong Jasmine Tea

Another popular type of Jasmine tea is made with oolong tea.  In this case, oolong is only slightly fermented so it has caffeine but not much.  The fermentation process is shorter than the time it requires for black tea to ferment.  In this case, the fermentation process is halted once the leaves are 70% green and 30% red.

However, it takes a skilled worker to stop the fermentation process at the exact time, which is what produces the wonderful and unique flavor of oolong tea.  You would find the flavor of Jasmine oolong tea to be mild but with a slightly fruity and sweet taste and with wonderful fragrance.

White Jasmine Tea

Another popular type of Jasmine tea uses white tea as the base, giving the tea a light and delicate flavor and soothing aroma.  Interestingly, because white tea is only produced once a year and there are few growers, it is considered rare.  Therefore, quality white tea is a little more challenging to find and it is the most expensive tea sold.

For over 700 years, white tea was consumed only in Asian countries and for special occasions such as formal tea ceremonies.  However, this type of tea is now very popular in westernized countries.  Because of growing consumer demand, finding good white tea is a little more difficult to find.  This type of tea is also unfermented, meaning it has a high level of antioxidants and very little caffeine just like green tea does.

Black Jasmine Tea

The final base is with Chinese black tea.  Black tea is very popular in North America so many people will choose this type of tea when buying Jasmine tea.  The flavor of black tea is rich and bold, far more than you would get from white, green, or oolong tea.  Even the aroma is stronger but pleasant.

Remember, no matter the base tea you choose, trying one or more varieties of Jasmine tea should be tried.  Not only is the flavor enjoyable but also, as you sip it hot or drink it cold, the fragrance enhances the overall experience.

This is why we suggest that people try several different varieties of Jasmine tea so they have something from which to make comparisons.  Jasmine is a wonderful flower that has a sweet, floral scent so if you find this appealing, you can imagine how delicious it would be when added to your favorite base tea.

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Popularity of White Tea

Although all tea is delicious, white tea has become very popular.  This tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that grows green, oolong, and Chinese black tea but with white tea, leaves and buds are harvested earlier, waiting until the leaves open completely.

Once the leaves fully open and the buds are covered with white hair, they are plucked from the plant.  Because this type of tea is the only one made with the white hair covered buds, it is called white tea.  Processing of white tea is minimal and unlike other types of tea, it does not go through a fermentation process.

To make white tea, the leaves are usually steamed but they can also be fired.  After that, the leaves are dried.  Depending on the harvester, white loose white tea leaves may be steamed in the field where they are then placed in the sun to dry.

Many people are not educated about white tea primarily because this type of tea has just one growing season so there is less.  Years ago, white tea was saved for distinguished people who used it in formal tea ceremonies, being considered a pristine type of tea.

Today, white tea is still not grown as much as Chinese green tea, black tea, and oolong tea but even so, it continues to grow in popularity.  Because of higher demand, we now see special tea gardens that produce nothing but white tea.  Even so, white tea is still rarer than other types of tea and the price is higher.

Health Benefits

In addition to the delicious flavor, white tea is also beneficial for health.  Since this kind of tea is processed so little, antioxidants are not destroyed.  In fact, white tea has a higher level of antioxidants than you would find in the best green tea.  Unfortunately, the number of studies is less with white tea than green tea so while it is known it is healthy, the full extent of benefits remains a mystery.

We do know that since white tea is high in antioxidants, we know it offers medicinal properties much like you would get from drinking green tea.  For instance, green tea has been heavily studied to show that it helps prevent and fight heart disease, cancer, and high cholesterol.  Of the studies that have been done on white tea, it has been shown that the body’s immune system is improved, making the body stronger to fight disease and infection.

Properties and Brewing Tips for White Tea

When looking at white tea, you would notice it has a much lighter color than oolong or green tea and even the flavor is lighter with a hint of sweetness.  White tea is never bold so if you prefer a richer tea, you would consider loose black leaves.  Now, if white tea were brewed in the right way, it would be sweet, not bitter, and have no after taste.  You would also notice that unlike green tea, white tea does not have a grassy flavor.

To brew white tea, you would get the best flavor with bottled or filtered tap water.  Use a clean tea kettle or saucepan filled with water and heat to boiling.  While the water is heating, pour hot tap water into your teapot so the inside becomes warm.  Once the water on the stove reaches a boil, remove it for about 60 seconds.

Keep in mind that water used to brew white tea should always be between 170 and 185 degrees.  Therefore, by brining the water to a boil and then letting it sit for 60 seconds, this would be accomplished.

While the water sits, pour the hot tap water out of the teapot and place the white tea leaves inside the infuser.  Remember that the leaves of white tea are very thick so you would need to use more than you would if brewing green or black tea.  We suggest you start with two teaspoons for every cup and then make adjustments according to your personal taste.

After pouring the boiled water into the teapot, the leaves would steep between five and eight minutes but no more.  Allowing the leaves to steep longer would not make the color darker.  In addition, steeping longer than eight minutes could cause the tea to become bitter.  However, pay attention to the specific type of white tea you purchase in that some varieties require 15 minutes of steeping.

Although you could sweeten white tea, with it being naturally sweet, this is not suggested.  Most tea experts recommend this kind of tea be consumed as is so the full, delicate flavor could be enjoyed.  Most people drink white tea hot but this is also delicious when served cold.

White Tea Varieties

The good news is that white tea is available in so many varieties so you are sure to find something you love.  Depending on the variety, the tea may have a more flowering flavor whereas some white tea is fuller bodied.  Even so, white tea will never be as strong as black or even green tea.

You should always sample different varieties of white tea, finding several you like before making a full purchase.  Remember, loose leaves of white tea are more expensive than other types of tea so find what you like first and then purchase a larger quantity.

You can buy white tea in bottles or in bag form if you prefer but if you want to enjoy the best flavor possible, you definitely want to brew white tea from loose leaves.  Then, sipping on the white tea while still hot will provide you with an unbeatable experience.

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Again, the formal name of this variety is Wu Long Tea although you would likely find it sold as oolong.  For this tea, the leaves are only oxidized partially, which is done by using controlled but varying levels of heat.  Just as with loose green tea and loose black that offers a nice flavor and health benefits, oolong also has the same characteristics.

China remains the top producer of Wu Long Tea but with growing consumer demand, it is now grown in other regions of the world.

Processing of Wu Long Tea

With the partial oxidation of this type of tea, you would also find that it comes in different flavors based on how much oxidation is used during processing.  Regardless of the tea grown from the Camellia sinensis plant, Chinese black tea, Chinese black tea, Chinese white tea, or Chinese oolong tea, the primary element is oxidation since each type of tea is processed differently.

The one thing that people love about Wu Long Tea is that it is stronger than green tea but not as full bodied as black tea.  In addition, the color and fragrance are light as with green tea but still fresh like black tea.  Most people agree that drinking Wu Long Tea creates a unique experience in that the aroma actually lingers in the mouth.

Some of the key benefits to drinking Wu Long Tea include slowing of the aging process, lowering high blood pressure, boosting the body’s immune system, and even lowering high cholesterol levels.  In fact, this variety of tea also helps with digestion and some claim it can reduce the effects of alcohol.  Best of all, studies show that Wu Long Tea slows aging, which means living a longer and healthier life.

The process involved in making Chinese Wu Long Tea is different from other special teas are since whole leaves are used and often, processing is done in small, private homes.  From there, the leaves go through a finishing and blending process, which is done in large factories.

Today, many types of tea being produced in China is done on modern terms but for the majority of Wu Long Tea grown, small cottages are still very much involved.

The best Wu Long Tea grown in China comes from Southern Fujian, the Teguanyian line, Western Fujian or the Wuyi line, and Northern Guangdong, or the Phoenix line.  Other countries that now produce this tea include India and Taiwan.

People all over the world now enjoy the wonderful flavor and aroma that comes from Wu Long Tea.  With so many different flavors and infusions available, there is a specific type of oolong for everyone.  Remember, people in Asia, especially those in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong depend on tea as a vital part of daily life.  For this reason, standards of tea quality is taken seriously.

Delicious Flavor

One of the top benefits associated with Wu Long Tea is the delicious flavor.  In addition to it being smooth and calming like you would find with green tea, it is also invigorating and refreshing that comes from black tea.  For this reason, most people that drink Wu Long Tea say they have a feeling of wellness that comes with each cup.

Additionally, Wu Long Tea is oxidized differently based on the country where it is grown and the tea garden where it is processed.  For this reason, some varieties are light because of slight oxidation while others have a more robust flavor due to being oxidized longer.

Then, when Wu Long Tea is blended with other types of tea, you would get a different flavor entirely, as well as greater health benefits.

Enjoying a Sense of Well Being

Without doubt, the one beverage that provides the greatest health benefits in the world is tea.

When tea is naturally produced, such as Wu Long Tea, a sense of well being and calmness is expected.  Obviously, drinking coffee or soda can cause a jittery sensation because of the high levels of caffeine and sugar.  In addition, soda and other similar beverages are made with dangerous chemicals.  On the other hand, sipping on a cup of healthy tea would provide you with a sense of serenity, great with breakfast or before going to bed.

Because of the sense of well being, high-end spas throughout the world serve this and other types of teas to customers.

Losing Weight with Wu Long Tea

Studies have been done on Wu Long Tea with results showing that it can promote weight loss.

Because Wu Long Tea only has a slight amount of caffeine while containing polyphenols and antioxidants that are essential for good health, it helps to boost energy by as much as 10%.  This type of tea also increases the body’s metabolism, which in turn helps with weight loss.  Another huge benefit is that insulin levels are controlled so Wu Long Tea could even be enjoyed by people with Diabetes.  Researchers have found that the number of calories burned with Wu Long Tea compared with Green Tea is two and one-half times more.

Wu Long Tea can also prevent and reduce the amount of plaque that builds in the arteries, which helps lower high cholesterol and produce a leaner body.  Even the reduction of fat is encouraged due to this tea containing polyphenols.  Another benefit is enzyme activation, which helps to dissolve triglycerides.

The effects of eating too many carbohydrates is also eliminated in that Wu Long Tea controls fat.  We all know that when a diet contains a high level of carbohydrates, not only will this add pounds but also cause insulin levels to rise.  Therefore, drinking Wu Long Tea that can reduce lipid metabolism has the same effect of fat accumulation being eliminated.

Health Benefits of Wu Long Tea

Wu Long Tea also contains polyphenols and catechins, which are special compounds that promote good health.  When buying this type of tea, it is important to purchase from reputable tea companies so you know that the leaves have been handpicked.

Wu Long Tea also helps control free radicals in the body that can do serious damage to the cellular level and DNA.  The level of antioxidants contained in this type of tea is high, which is what keeps free radicals from causing damage.  Along with this, signs of aging are slowed.

Then, the body’s immune system is strengthened, which helps fight off infections and illnesses, even the flu and common cold.

Buying High Quality Tea

The highest quality of Wu Long Tea would be made with pluckings that come from the Camellia sinensis plant grown in high altitudes.  For this reason, tea produced high in China’s Wuyi mountains is considered some of the best.  Although you might pay more for high quality, it would be worth the additional cost.

Additionally, when you purchase only loose leaf tea, you know it went through the best processing method available, which means there are no broken or damaged leaves, no twigs, no dust, and no fannings involved.

A process used by some of the better tea companies is called cupping, which is done for every shipment.  With this, imported shipments are all tested for quality, which means as the buyer, a company that cups tea can guarantee quality consistency.

Value of Wu Long Tea

Even the best quality Wu Long Tea on the market is still affordable.  Keep in mind that you will always pay more for loose leaf tea than you would for bagged tea, regardless of type.

If you were to lay loose leaf tea next to the contents of bagged tea, it would be easy to see the difference.  Tea bags are filled with tea dust, broken or damaged leaves, fannings, and sometimes, small pieces of twig.  The reason is that the contents of a tea bag can be infused quicker but this also means quality is typically inferior.  Interestingly, when you consider the quality of tea you are paying for with tea bags and all the modern processes involved for making the bags, you can see that paying a little more for loose leaf tea is actually not paying more at all.

When you purchase Wu Long Tea or any other variety of tea in loose leaf form, you are getting the best quality possible because the leaves were all hand plucked and carefully processed.

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While green tea is an ancient remedy, modern science supports the early findings.  Over the past 10 years, tremendous amount of research has been done on green tea, finding this herbal tea offers promising healing properties.  We know that Chinese green tea can help with depression, indigestion, and high cholesterol, but green tea cancer benefits are the best discovery of all.  To understand the impact more, people need to become educated about cancer itself.

Cancer – A Gene Disease

Cancer involves the division of cells, which go out of control.  At that time, genes begin controlling cell growth have somehow been damaged.  The process involves a single gent that goes through several mutations, which changes a healthy cell into a cancerous cell.  One of the best known methods for stopping this enzyme activity is with antioxidants, repairing DNA issues caused by free radicals and oxidants.  Since loose black tea, green tea, and other tea varieties contain antioxidants, they assist in the process.

Using Tea as an Antioxidant

Of all types of tea, green tea is without doubt the best choice of all.  When buying the best green tea available, at a local store or through online tea companies, the high level of antioxidants work as inhibitors for the growth of these cells.  Through lab studies, we know that antioxidants fight oxidants just before cells are damaged, which in turn, stops the growth of cancerous cells so incidents of cancer decrease.

As an example, when testing mice with cancer, those that were given green tea actually had shrinkage of tumors, whether it was in the skin, liver, or stomach.

Preventing Cancer with Green Tea

One particular study was documented in the Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, written by Hasan Mukhtar and Santosh Katiyar.  This study showed that green tea definitely prevents cancer.  While many different varieties of tea were shown beneficial, the study showed that green tea was the best.  However, tea grown in 30 different countries was recognized as growing quality tea that could prevent cancer.

Typically, studies focus more on the therapeutic benefits of green tea but in this particular lab study, when mice were given green tea extract in drinking water or in a pure form, the benefits were tremendous.  They even found that green tea has some health benefit on unborn children.

The Many Uses of Tea

Through medical studies, we know that green tea benefits are limitless.  In addition to preventing and treating cancer, this kind of tea also helps with cancer of various types, pancreas, liver, lungs, stomach, esophagus, colon, and breast – GREAT news.  However, the reason that green tea is so beneficial is still being researched although several theories have surfaced.

Green Tea Effects as a Beverage

Most studies conducted on green tea have been done on mice and other laboratory animals.  Many results from these studies show that mice given green tea actually had the ability to fight cancer better but some studies disagreed.  In the less than hopeful results, experts believe that various environmental factors came into play, which would have included diet, as well as carcinogens being within space where the animals were kept.

However, research done in China has produced some of the most positive test results.  For instance, one controlled study involved 18,000 men who consumed green tea and of those, the development of stomach cancer was far less than men that did not drink this type of Chinese green tea.  Another independent study was conducted in the Netherlands, also involving tens of thousands of people, consisting of both men and women.  Again, of those that consumed tea, the number of people developing cancer was far less.

Debate in the Medical Industry

For universities and even the US government, the level of green tea benefit and healing properties are still debated.  As an example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not believe that green tea has any positive impact on prostate, breast, stomach, or any other type of cancer.  Additionally, the FDA does not believe that cardiovascular disease benefits from drinking green tea.

Even so, the Journal of American Medical Association published a report in 2006 that disagreed with what the FDA said.  In their study, they found that three or more cups of green tea consumed daily did in fact have benefit in reducing risk of heart disease and associated death.

Possibilities for the Future

We still see tremendous interest in green tea and the potential for health benefits.  In fact, the National Cancer Institute has been putting a lot of effort into studying this herbal tea specific to skin cancer.  What they have discovered is that to prevent this form of cancer, both green tea supplements and green tea location appears to produce wanted results.

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Materials and Price for the English Teapot

In addition to the English teapot being made from china, some are made from a variety of materials.  Unfortunately, many people who love drinking Chinese herbal tea, flowering tea, or some type of exotic tea look past the English teapot thinking it is simply too expensive to afford.  However, most teapots are actually within any budget.

If you want a new teapot or want to purchase a special gift for someone you love, the English teapot is an excellent option.  In fact, you might give the person her first teapot, leading to a new interest in building a collection.  Over years, this person could purchase additional teapots to enjoy tea from all over the world, including green tea and loose black tea from China.

Building a Collection

Of course, after getting your friend started with her collection of English teapots, you too might want to begin a collection too.  Along with the teapot, you could find matching or coordinating cups, saucers, and serving trays.  Then, placing your new collection in a beautifully lighted china cabinet would be the ideal method for display.  Just imagine not stumbling to tell people what you want for your birthday or Christmas, but knowing you want more English t-eapots.  Then when the time comes, you can pass your collection on to your daughter or daughter-in-law.

If you have concern of breaking any piece of your collection, most online tea companies and dish companies sell the exact replacement pieces needed.  Therefore, you do not need to worry about taking your English teapot pieces out to enjoy, sipping tea while fearing something is going to break.  All you have to do is enjoy all your matching pieces, cups, saucers, creamer and sugar bowls, etc while sipping on Chinese white tea, Chai green tea, or whatever flavor you like most.

Now all you need to do is begin your search for the English teapot you like most, which is challenging due to so many great options.  Remember, you are not in a rush so look around for the style, color, and floral pattern that you enjoy.  If you can afford it, you might even find two or more teapots to take home.  Of course, the greater number of teapots you own the more people you can entertain.

After choosing the English teapot you want then you know you have an amazing addition that will forever be cherished.  Again, these teapots are actually strong so instead of just putting them on display, you need to use them to serve healthy tea.  You should treat yourself to something special on occasion and an English teapot is an excellent possibility.

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Why Do People Think Tea is Expensive?

Well, I have to be honest here in saying that approximately 95% of tea harvested is expensive but tea of this type is of the finest quality, which means it is rich in flavor and loaded with healing properties.  If you were to compare other life’s luxuries such as having manicures and pedicures, buying Cuban cigars, or a fine bottle of wine, tea is far from expensive, in fact, it is cheap.  One example, you might find a pound of the finest tea and see a price tag of $160 but again, when compared to other things we use to pamper ourselves in life, this is a drop in the bucket.

Instead of looking at the full price of herbal tea, you need to look at the price per cup.  Using the $160 price and breaking it down into cups, you would see that it is actually very affordable.  Let us say that you purchased high quality, loose green tea, or loose black tea that would be brewed in a special teapot.  With this, you could easily get up to five infusions, simply reusing the tea leaves while moist.  This means that you are paying less than $1 per cup or less than .20 per infusion if you get five.

Making Cost Comparisons

Now, if you were to look at the $5 you pay for a cup of tea from a top coffee/tea shop such as Starbucks, which is probably less quality tea at that, you would see the huge savings.  Even a glass of fine wine would be no comparison.  In addition, when you consider all the stages involved in growing and harvesting tea, to include worker’s wages, processing, packaging, and exporting, the price is ridiculously low.

When you consider everything, it is easy to see that a single cup of healthy tea would cost you less than you would pay for a can of soda.

Best of all, not only do you pay very little for quality tea you also have a huge selection of different varieties.  In fact, it is estimated that more than 1,000 different varieties of tea exists so you would never tire.  Of course, with all the health benefits that come from many types of tea, such as Chinese green tea, the price is worth every cent.

Educating the Public about Tea

As I work hard to educate the public about the true cost of tea, remember I said that 95% of all tea is expensive (until you break cost down) but now, I need to talk about the remaining 5%.  In this group are special types of tea that the world never gets to experience.  For instance, there is a type of Japanese black tea so unique it would cost you $1,000 a pound, if you could find it.  It is common for the 5% tea to cost upwards of $200 per ounce, which is expensive.

Obviously, most people cannot afford this type of price tag and even if they could, chances are they would never be able to get hold of it.  The reasons is that prior to tea being plucked in the spring and then dried at the tea plantation where it is grown, this special group of tea is already committed to someone else.  Yes, this type of tea is expensive but when you look at the remaining 95%, it is easy to see the cost is quite low, especially for everything you get.

I truly hope the truth will encourage you to start drinking tea, enjoying the many wonderful flavors, aroma, and healing properties.

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High Level of Antioxidants

When comparing health benefits of white and black tea, you should know that the primary difference is the antioxidants.  While all loose tea has antioxidants, some are more powerful than others are.  Antioxidants are essential to good health, fighting free radicals in the body that can wreck havoc.

Although free radicals are a byproduct of our digestive processes, if they spin out of control they cause damage at the cellular level and to DNA.  When cells and DNA become damaged, the aging process is sped up and serious illness develops to include cancer and heart disease.

Even with leaves containing antioxidants in the natural state, when processed, they can change into other forms, which decrease the level of health benefits.  Since black tea goes through the most processing, it contains the least amount of antioxidants.  However, tea that is not fermented, such as Chinese green tea and Chinese white tea, the level of antioxidants is greater.  For green tea, the leaves are tightly rolled, and not fermented at all.

White Tea Processing

The processing of loose white tea does not involve leaves being cut or rolled.  Instead, white tea is plucked, followed by drying and pan frying or steaming.  With these teas having no or little fermentation, the level of antioxidants is high.  White tea leaves are not rolled, as loose green tea is, which means this particular type of tea has the highest level of antioxidants known.

Because of the way white tea is processed, white tea is extremely healthy.  The antioxidants found in this particular type of tea are known as catechins, which work specifically by eliminating free radicals in the body that can cause significant damage.  If free radicals are not controlled, the aging process is sped up and disease develops.

Preventing Disease

In countries where people drink healthy tea such as green and white on a daily basis, the population has far fewer cases of high blood pressure, cancer, and heart disease.

The catechins in white tea have another benefit by helping with weight loss issues.  Studies show that these antioxidants actually increase metabolism and for years, tea containing catechins and caffeine were commonly used to lose unwanted pounds.

Some of the more recent studies have also shown that when it comes to improving efforts of weight loss, beverages that contain caffeine are more effective than beverages without it.

Because of this, medical professionals and researchers have determined that tea containing both caffeine and catechin, which would be a combination of green and white tea, weight loss happens quicker.  In fact, you will now find green tea supplements available for this very purpose.  As metabolism increases along with fat oxidation, the results are amazing.

Top Variety of White Tea

One of the best varieties of white tea you can purchase is White Persian Melon Tea.  The reason is that along with natural catechins found in the base, which is white tea coupled with melon nectar, which is also loaded with antioxidants, people get twice the results.

For years, it has been known that melons contain an antioxidant known as GilSODin, which works by neutralizing strong free radicals.  In addition, these antioxidants are capable of stimulating the body to produce more natural antioxidants.

The primary reason this is so critical is that studies also show that the antioxidants produced in the body are the most powerful of all.  Therefore, when the body produces more of its own fighting power, it becomes very strong against disease.

Therefore, when buying White Persian Melon Tea, you get twice the benefits.  The melon nectar not only has its own antioxidants but it also helps the body stimulate production so you get twice the benefit.

Excellent Nutritional Value

Other huge benefits of melon are that they contain high levels of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and beta carotene.  Another substance that melon contains is called lycopene, which is another type of powerful antioxidant, something not available in special teas.  The primary benefit of lycopene is that it prevents the formation of blood clots, which are the leading cause of a heart attack.

This is why experts say that drinking any type of tea containing melon nectar offers the antioxidants along with the blood clotting benefits.  Because of that, of all beverages and foods that fight heart disease, this is the most important.

Blending Melon Nectar with White Tea

When white tea and melon nectar are blended in the form of tea, you end up with the number one beverage in the world for good health.  By drinking two to three cups of White Persian Melon Tea daily, you have a natural protection for your heart.

In addition to all the health benefits, remember that White Persian Melon Tea has an amazing flavor.  This tea is delicate with a hint of sweetness.  Most people notice a slight fruity flavor of the melon, which complements the natural flavor of the white tea.  White tea is very mellow and for some people, it is simply not strong enough.  For this reason, drinking White Persian Melon Tea is a choice that would still give them the subtle flavor of white tea but with a stronger flavor.

Versatility of White Tea

Best of all, White Persian Melon Tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, which makes drinking several glasses or cups a day much easier.  In the cold winter, you could relax with a steaming cup of tea and on hot summer days, cool down with a cold glass of ice tea.

It is important to know that all white tea is more expensive than other teas are because it is rare but it is well worth spending more money to purchase quality.  To save money, you can always purchase white tea in bulk from a number of reputable tea companies.

When you purchase this type of tea, as well as White Persian Melon Tea in bulk, it comes down to approximately .50 per cup, which is less than you would pay for a can of soda.  Then when you consider all the health benefits, this is a small price to pay.

Of all tea on the planet, one of the most delicious and refreshing, as well as the one type of tea that is the healthiest, you definitely want to find a reputable company that sells high quality White Persian Melon Tea.

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Losing Weight with Green Tea

Another way of losing weight effectively and safely is by drinking green tea.  Numerous studies have been done specific to green tea and weight loss and they all show that this particular type of tea helps regulate the body’s insulin.  As a result, high cholesterol levels are lowered, as well as triglycerides.  Studies also show that the metabolism speeds up with green tea, which makes it possible to burn fat quicker.

Antioxidants in Green Tea

Another benefit of green tea is that overall it is very healthy.  The best green tea is loaded with antioxidants, which fight damage caused by free radicals.  These free radicals are molecules that carry oxygen as a byproduct of the digestive process.  However, when free radicals spiral out of control, not only do they cause damage to DNA but also damage at the cellular level.

Another benefit of Chinese green tea and its high level of antioxidants is that when free radicals are controlled, the aging process is slowed down and the disease is prevented.  As an example, studies have shown that people eating fresh fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, as well as drinking green tea daily have a much lower risk of heart disease and cancer.  Then, these studies also revealed that green tea is a great way to lose weight, whether in the form of hot or cold tea or green tea supplements.

Other types of weight loss supplements are not only irritating but many are dangerous.  For instance, Ephedra speeds up the metabolism but it causes the heart to race.  Because of this, actual cases of death due to heart attack have been recorded all over the world.

Several components found in loose green tea have the ability to work as a team to promote better health and weight loss.  In fact, all the medical doctors and researchers looking closely at green tea have identified three specific components in green tea relating to weight loss.

Caffeine in Green Tea

The amount of caffeine in green tea is much lower than that of black tea or coffee.  While there is some caffeine, it is so minimal that jitters and other negative side effects are not felt.  This means the body’s metabolism is still sped up but in a safe and effective way.

Although some people think of caffeine as being bad, the truth is that when consumed in small amounts, it can be highly beneficial for people trying to lose unwanted pounds.  Therefore, someone eating a diet with fewer calories and drinking green tea would benefit greatly.

Catechins in Green Tea

Antioxidants found in green tea are called catechins, which are polyphenolic antioxidants, otherwise known as flavonoids or flavan-3-ols.  Found in a number of plants such as the coffee and cocoa plant, catechins are highest in the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the plant that grows tea leaves.

Although loose black tea is also healthy, catechins found in green tea are better due to the way in which tea leaves are processed.  As an example, black tea is fully fermented, which means that catechins are changed from their natural state.  However, green tea is not fermented at all so catechins remain untouched.

Of all antioxidants, catechins are considered among the most powerful.  In fact, when it comes to the prevention of serious disease, catechins are very effective.  For this reason, drinking three cups of green tea daily when trying to lose weight helps but this type of tea also prevents and fights major illnesses such as heart disease and cancer of various forms.

Studies show that catechins suppress fat absorption that comes from the diet.  As a result, green tea would help with weight loss but also work by reducing high levels of cholesterol.

Theanine Found In Green Tea

Green tea also has an amino acid component called Theanine, which has been shown beneficial to weight loss.  In this case, dopamine is released in the body, which is a chemical that the brain produces to help a person feel relaxed, kind of a sense of well being.

Another benefit of Theanine is that it lowers caffeine effects.  For this reason, green tea does not cause the nervous jitters that many people experience from caffeine and the heart does not pound.  Although the component of Theanine found in green tea may not be directly related to weight loss, it does produce an aura of peace and relaxation that can stop many people from stress eating.

Without doubt more studies will be conducted on green tea and the ways in which it works for weight loss but so far, results have been impressive.  In Japan, the Shizuoka University conducted a study whereby these three components found in green tea were carefully analyzed individually and then together.

Of the three, the caffeine was found to be the most significant for weight loss in that it helped boost metabolism and create thermogenesis, a fat burner.  In addition, the study showed the catechins also had an effect on obesity by assisting the body with the elimination of fat from diet.  Instead of the fat being absorbed, it was simply processed through.

The bottom line is that while the three components of this type of healthy tea appear to work very well together for helping people lose weight, they also provide many additional health benefits.  Therefore, anyone wanting to drop pounds should start by changing diet and exercising, but also drinking three cups of quality green tea daily.

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Green Tea Studies

Over time, the true degree of benefits associated with this healthy tea has spread around the world.  As a result, numerous studies have been performed on green tea showing it can help with headaches, depression, digestive problems, and much more.  In fact, Nadine Taylor, an author, wrote a book entitled Green Tea: The Natural Secret for a Healthier Life in which she talks about the Chinese people using this type of exotic tea for thousands and thousands of years.

Through all the studies performed in Asia, as well as western countries agree that drinking green tea on a daily basis offers a long list of medicinal benefits.  In fact, you can read the Journal of the National Cancer Institute and see that one particular study done in 1994 showed that risk of esophageal cancer was reduced by as much as 60% for both genders because of drinking the best green tea.  Some of the newer studies now show that loose green tea actually stops cancer cells from growing.

Of course, these are just a few of the health benefits that go along with drinking green tea.  This means that along with cancer, this type of tea also proves beneficial to heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, infection, and it can even boost a person’s immune system.

Green Tea – The Special Beverage

The catechin polyphenols in Chinese green tea are what make this such a healthy beverage, especially epigallocatechin gallate, which is a powerful antioxidant that prevents and controls cancer while not causing harm to tissue.  Through many studies, it has been proven that antioxidants lower high cholesterol, as well as prevent blood clots from forming.  For people with Thrombosis, which is an illness in which blood clots form, this means that drinking green tea greatly reduces risk of heart attack and stroke.

Another green tea benefits is that “French Paradox” is connected.  Initially, experts could not understand why French people seldom experience heart disease even thought their diets are rich in fat.  It was discovered that since the French regularly drink red wine, which also contains a type of antioxidant known as resveratrol, a fat rich diet, as well as smoking does not seem to affect the body.

Interestingly, a study performed in 1997 on resveratrol showed that when comparing polyphenols, green tea is actually far more powerful.  This would be attested to when looking at the healthy lives of the Chinese.  Even among smokers, the Chinese have 70% lower incidents of heart disease than people in the United States do.

Additional Green Tea Benefits

We now see new information being released, showing all the benefits associated with Chinese green tea.  For instance, it is believed that this type of tea can help with weight loss.  For instance, a study of men that were given green tea in a controlled study along with green tea extract were able to burn more calories than a group of men that were given caffeine with a placebo.

It is also believed that tooth decay is prevented when consuming green tea because this type of tea is capable of destroying bacteria that promotes tooth decay.  In addition, green tea is a great remedy for fighting unwanted plaque buildup and for people suffering from food poisoning.

If you look at products now available, you will even find green tea lotion that can be applied directly to the skin.  People that have dry skin, eczema, and other skin disorders are now using this type of skincare product and seeing incredible results.

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