Hibiscus Tea May Lower High Blood Pressure
We read a great deal about the health benefits of true tea, the leaves of the Camellia sinensis. However, there are a number of very healthful herbal teas as well, including hibiscus tea. The dried calyces of the hibiscus are already used to make a pleasant drink in many cultures. Now the Journal of Nutrition reports that this tea once drunk for only for enjoyment might help lower blood pressure.
The study was conducted at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston. Previous studies on this subject were performed either in test tubes or on animals. This placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was the first conducted with people. Scientists selected 65 pre-hypertensive or mildly hypertensive women and men between the ages of 30 and 70 for the study.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Feb 24th, 2010
A review of the Portfolio Coffeehouse in Long Beach, CA
Early in its life two decades ago, the Portfolio Coffeehouse attracted writers, artists, and musicians. At that time personal computer weren’t common and the Portfolio rented computers for customer use. Several local writers have written their novels seated at those computers, which are still available today. Others spread their work on one of the large wooden tables and were content to work with pen and paper.
The atmosphere of the Portfolio has changed some over the years, now attracting a more upscale, trendy clientele. However, much of the creative atmosphere remains very much intact. They were the first coffeehouse in Long Beach, CA. to present live poetry readings. While that is no longer a regular feature, they do have occasional readings by new writers. Some of the local musicians have had their first serious public venue during their Wednesday open mic night.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Feb 23rd, 2010
A Review of the Tea House on Los Rios
For a business with the word “tea” in their name, The Tea House on Los Rios seems to have very little emphasis on tea. They seem far more interested in renting out their facility for events like weddings and showers. It’s not a place to drop in for tea with your girlfriends because you need reservations. Nor is it the right place if you’re more interested in drinking tea than you are in fancy surroundings.
The menu is more like that of a restaurant than a tearoom, offering dishes such as rosemary roasted chicken and prime rib. Traditional tea foods are available, but only as part of special teas with specific menus. The price of the special teas begins at $13.95 per child for a children’s tea consisting of peanut butter and jam sandwiches, a pot of juice or soft drink, scones with cream and preserves, and fruit.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Feb 20th, 2010
Water for Coffee
You might not give much thought to the water you use to make your coffee. The flavor of the coffee is so much stronger than the water that the flavor of the water is barely noticeable. However, the flavor and mineral content of your water is actually a key factor in the taste of your coffee. Water that has dissolved minerals at more than 100 parts per million can make your coffee bitter. On the other hand, coffee made with water with less than 50 parts per million can be bland.
You need the right proportion of minerals because the flavor of the coffee is derived from oils in the beans. The combination of heat and minerals extracts the oil during the steeping process that turns it into a beverage. It’s the same way salt in a stew extracts juices from the meat to flavor the gravy. If you don’t have enough minerals to pull out the oil, your coffee with be flavorless. If you have too many minerals or the water has excessive chemicals, it can cause a chemical reaction with the coffee, making it bitter.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Feb 19th, 2010
