Exploring the Aromatic World of Tea: My Favorite Teas and Their Impact
As a fervent lover of beverages, tea takes the cake (or should I say, the cup) as my second favorite after water. With a wide array of aromatic and flavorful options to choose from, I've settled on black and green tea as my ultimate favorites. In this article, I'll share my top choices and explore how these teas enhance my daily life.
Black and Green Tea: The Top Choices
When it comes to choosing between different types of tea, I've easily narrowed it down to black and green tea. Their rich flavors and numerous health benefits make them stand out. In fact, black and green tea have a standout place in my beverage rotation, offering a perfect balance between taste and wellness.
Top Choices of Teas
Ti Kuan Yin - Iron Goddess of Mercy Tea
One of my all-time favorite teas, Ti Kuan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy tea), is an oolong tea mainly sourced from Taiwan. This tea is not only delightful but also deeply contemplative. The Ten Ren company in Taiwan offers some of the best quality Ti Kuan Yin in both loose leaf and bag form. Its delicate flavor makes it a perfect companion for moments of reflection and meditation.
Mumtaz Black Tea
Another treasure in my tea collection is the Mumtaz black tea. This full-bodied black tea from India is widely available in ethnic grocers as loose leaf only. It stands out for its rich and delightful taste, which I find superior to most other black teas. You can enjoy it plain, garnished with lemon or lime slices, or with a dash of milk. What’s more, this tea is equally enjoyable whether served hot or iced.
Gen Mai Cha - Japanese Green Tea with Puffed Rice
Adding a unique twist to the traditional green tea experience, Gen Mai Cha, a Japanese green tea infused with puffed rice, brings a delightful surprise to the palate. Despite its unexpected taste, which is reminiscent of Rice Krispies breakfast cereal, this tea is actually quite delicious. Its mildly sweet and comforting flavor sets it apart from the usual green teas and makes it a delightful choice for any time of the day.
Pu’erh - The Brew to Accompany Dim Sum
Lastly, Pu’erh, a highly fermented black tea, is an absolute must when enjoying dim sum. Its acidic flavor works wonderfully with dumplings stuffed with fatty meat, a common combination in Cantonese cuisine. Often called bo-lei in Cantonese, this tea is a fantastic accompaniment to the rich and savory dishes found in dim sum restaurants.
Each of these teas not only brings a unique flavor profile to my cup but also plays a central role in my lifestyle. Whether I'm savoring the subtle richness of Ti Kuan Yin or the robust flavor of Mumtaz black tea, I find that these beverages enhance my overall experience and help me relax, invigorate, and enjoy a moment of serenity.
Discovering and enjoying the various types of tea has become a journey of self-explore, making each cup a moment of tranquility and joy.