Review of Republic of Tea’s Superflower Hibiscus tea-Pineapple Lychee
Recently the Journal of Nutrition published a report on a study that examined the effects of hibiscus tea on high blood pressure. The results revealed that hibiscus tea lowered high blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive subjects. In short, it was so effective that it could allow some people to reduce or stop taking their blood pressure medications.
Now the Republic of Tea, a well-known tea company in Novato, California, has developed Superflower herbal teas. Although there are five different flavors, each has at its base African hibiscus, mostly from Nigeria. African hibiscus is a rich ruby-red and imparts not only beautiful color, but also a fruity flavor to herbal teas. It’s been described by some as a sort of cranberry-citrus combination while others think it more resembles rhubarb.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Mar 10th, 2010
How to Make a Great Cup of Tea
It does not seem very hard to make a cup of tea; just put a teabag into a cup and pour hot water on it. Sure, if all you want is a cup of hot brown, or tan, liquid, you could do that. The question is do you want just a cup of tea, a cup of good tea, or a cup of great tea. Which tea you use and what you do with it are big factors in how your tea will taste.
You need to start with the most important part of the formula, the tea itself. While it is true that many teabags contain inferior quality tea, there are some good ones. Both the quality of the original tealeaf and the size of the leaf pieces affect tea flavor. If you want to use teabags, select a brand that has extra large teabags or pyramid-shaped. Tealeaves need room to expand when they steep, so tea companies who use large pieces use bigger teabags.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Mar 8th, 2010
Review of the Pineapple Tea Room in Apex, North Carolina
In early American times, it was common to see a pineapple used for a centerpiece on a table. It symbolized hospitality and warmth in the days when only a few people could afford them. It seems a very fitting that the Pineapple Tea Room in Apex, North Caroline has taken its name from that treasured fruit. With its lovely Federalist-style furnishings and cheerful flowered tablecloths, the tearoom seems like a cozy piece of American history.
The front portion of the store is a teashop filled with antique tables, shelves, and chests of drawers. Every bit of furniture is brimming with all things tea-related. The Pineapple Tea Room serves tea at the tables in the back of the shop. Afternoon tea is served Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. and reservations are required. However, you can get their “tea-2-go” service any time the shop is open.
Continue reading Comments (0) brewed on Mar 4th, 2010
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
