Camellia sinesis is a plant with its origins in southern Asia. While the name may not ring a bell it is the plant in which all teas are made. Whether black, white, green, or ooling the tea plant produces them all through specific processing. Tea is the most drunk man-made drink on the planet and makes a great tea gifts for friends. This beverage has traveled from Asia all over the world and across many cultures who have adopted it as an important part of society.
Tea leaves themselves contain over 700 chemical components from amino acids, to vitamins, to caffeine. One of the health effects of tea drinking is its role in normalizing blood pressure. While there is no scientific consensus on the health benefits of tea drinking, its use in a medical way is throughout cultures.
Throughout time, tea has been associated with higher classes in society and in fact there are a number of tea ceremonies across the world, the most notable of which is the Japanese tea ceremony. With a world of tea treatments and flavors available, a tea lover has hundreds of variations to taste in a variety of ways from bagged tea, to loose tea, to the more beautiful blooming tea.
Blooming tea is an event in and of itself. The addition of this bundle of tea to boiling water is a ballet of unfurling leaves and blossoms which impart a strong flavor when brewed.
These teas are harvested and then sewn together with cotton thread into various bundles and shapes while still damp. Many blooms are more than the tea that makes them up, usually scented with flower blossoms for a stronger flower. Standard blooms used in their construction include jasmine, lily, chrysanthemum, and hibiscus.
Creating a blooming tea can take anywhere from one to ten minutes depending on the shape wanted which can vary from small to large spheres, as well as cones. Once the sewing is complete and the forms have been made, the process that follows is similar to any tea creation.
Drinking blooming tea should involve a glass tea pot, acting as a window onto the show. The tea bundle begins to unfurl when boiling water is added. The effect is that of a suspended flower bloom. These tea creations can be re-used up to three times and due to their strong and exotic flavors should not be steeped very long.
Tea is at once a simple and egalitarian beverage that can imbue any situation with grace. As a gift, blooming teas offer an experience head and shoulders above the standard loose or bagged tea variety baskets.
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February 25 2010 | coffee | No Comments »
The ideal coffee brewer doesn't have to cost very much. The marketplace has plenty of inexpensive brewers that may perhaps reach the characteristics of rather luxurious brands. You merely have to take a seat and realize which one works appropriately for you.
Here's a breakdown of the steps to follow in choosing the best brewer for your needs.
Step 1: Knowing the right coffee brewing size.
How many cups of coffee do you drink in a day? How many in your house are fond of drinking coffee? If you normally consume only one or two cups of coffee a day, a single or two cup coffee maker would be a good pick for you. If that doesn't work for you, get a bigger coffee maker. If you know exactly what your needs are and the size of the coffee machine you require, it will narrow considerably the range of choices.
Step 2: Select the right kind of technology.
Is it a non-automatic coffee brewer or a fully programmable one that would suit you best? Programmable coffee makers are great for busy people, because it provides good brewing with the touch of a button instead of intensive operation required by other coffee machines.
Step 3: Understand Your Financial Plan.
Before you go to choose a brewer, have a plan and be sure of how much you are able to spend. Being aware of your budget assists you in keeping your eye on the cost. By doing this, you can save yourself from exceeding your budget and spending too much money.
Step 4: Read Reviews.
Prior to finishing the purchase, you should learn more about the specific brand you are buying. Read reviews so you can find out if other people are satisfied with their purchase. A high-quality brand typically has an regular rating of four out five. Another advantage of reading reviews is the tips. You can get assistance by way of tips from consumers, on adjusting the settings of your brewer to get the desired flavor of coffee.
Step 5: Know The Warranty Details.
You should find out about how long the warranty lasts so you know how long you can take advantage of it, and how long you can file claims. If the coffee machine you got is faulty, you can use this.
Step 6: Know Your Features
Research and obtain additional information about the features of the coffee maker. This can also help you compare as to which brewer is better. Some coffee brewers are more expensive because of the features. Compare features with other brands so you will know which one has the features you want most.
If you are on the lookout for a gourmet coffee-brewer that makes the best cuppa every time, the Keurig B60 Single-Mug Maker is the ideal system to buy. You may see more about the Keurig B60 here.
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December 20 2009 | coffee | No Comments »