Written by: Sanria Stone
Introduction
Welcome to the world of tea! I'm so pleased you are taking the time to read this tome, for within its pages, you will find not only how to make a perfect cup of tea, but the joy that can be had by sharing the pure essence of plants with those around you.
Since I was first brought to the Druid's Grove to learn the ways of the Sage, tea was an essential staple from rituals, to social gatherings.
In my life, it has brought me closer to those I love, and has seen me through myriads of trying times by settling my soul and giving me the eyes of the plants to better see my troubles and heal them.
Welcome. May you find tea blending as comforting a hobby as I. Thank you for allowing me to be your guide.
-Sanria
What is Tea?
Many are confused by the differences in tea and are, in fact, rather shocked when they discover that favorites such as chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, rooibos and cinnamon are not teas at all!
Tea comes from the plant, camellia sinensis, and is found in very few places within the realms. True tea comes from this plant only, and ALL tea comes from this plant.
White tea is the very tops of the plant, the young leaves, and has the lowest caffeine content. Green tea comes from the middle to lower section of the plant, the mature leaves, and has a middling caffeine content. Black tea comes from the oldest leaves and is often aged just a bit before it is brewed. Black tea has the most caffeine content of all teas.
Other types of teas are Oolong - a tea sun oxidized and lightly fermented before being brewed. Oolong as a wonderful roasted and rich, "chewy" flavor. Pu-erh Tea is tea that is truly fermented and aged before being brewed. Contrary to what is out there, true Pu-erh is some of THE most expensive tea in the world and can be aged up to thirty years for a deeply complex flavor.
All others made from herbs, while colloquially considered "tea" are actually herbal infusions. Don't let this stop you from considering your herbs teas - for they have the power to heal, calm, soothe, and invigorate.
Keeping Tea
While you may decide to use magic to continually keep your tea fresh, followers of unadulterated methods will find that tea is not forever. With the exception of pu-erh, black tea will stay freshest the longest in the dark and in an air-tight container for two years, green for a year, and white for even less. Herbals should be used within a year for maximum potency.
While herbals and teas will not go bad, they are perfectly willing to lose flavor and their charm. It is considered a very large affront to serve guests anything but the highest quality teas and herbal infusions.
Cool, dark, and dry are the three mantras when storing tea.
Brewing Tea
Just add hot water, right? Oh so wrong! The beauty of tea is that it, just like people, have the right temperatures as well as the right times that they enjoy. While there is always room to adjust a cup of tea to your own tastes - making them stronger or weaker - it is good form to know the true nature of your tea and what it likes most.
Of note: One should NEVER pour boiling water on their tea! Always remove your water from the heat source BEFORE using it, allowing the water to be at the appropriate temperature while still. Boiling water leads to rapid leeching and a rather tart taste to your teas as it pulls the tannins directly out.
Secondly: To lower the caffeine content of any tea, pour hot water onto your tea and allow it 30 seconds to steep. Pour off that water and add water again for a second steeping - timing this one appropriately. Caffeine leeches out within the first thirty seconds of steeping and gathers in the water - remember this for night time pots of bliss.
Here are the general rules of thumb:
Black tea: 210F / 95-100C for 2-3 minutes.
Oolong tea: 180F / 80-85C for 2-3 minutes.
Green tea: 170F / 75-80C for 1-2 minutes.
White tea: 150F / 65-70C for 1-2 minutes.
Herbal: 210F up to 6 minutes depending on whether you are steeping roots or leaves.
Some Blends
While blending can be a highly personal affair, I will include a few of my favorites here for you to try for both pleasure and healing. If you and/or your patient/guest can tolerate mint - I find spearmint makes a very versatile base for any herbal tea. In general, flowers or spices added to true tea will make nice additions and an array of flavors.
Personal note: Please use these recipes with respect and reverence. Each tea should be made with kindness and care in order to get the most benefit. When drinking your tea, be sure to take in the flavors and the smells - and take your time - since that is how the best healing occurs.
- Sleepy Tea: With a slight, but bearable bitterness, this tea is meant to relax the muscles and send one off to peaceful slumbers.
1/2 tsp Chamomile
1/2 tsp Cramp Bark
1/2 tsp Hops
1 tsp Skullcap
1 tsp Spearmint
1/2 tsp Valerian
Steep for 10 minutes in 250ml (1 cup) of hot water. Sugar to taste. - Truth Serum: Very soothing, smooth, and relaxing, this tea seems to
stimulate conversation.
1 tsp Chamomile
1/2 tsp St. John's Wort
1/2 tsp Skullcap
3 tsp Spearmint
1 tsp Mistletoe
1/2 stk Cinammon
Steep until water is deep brown. Makes 4 cups. - Flu Tea: Warm and good, this tea helps reduce some of the nausea and soreness of the flu.
2 tsp Peppermint
2 tsp Echinacea
1 tsp Elder Berry
1 tsp Valerian
1 tsp Meadowsweet
Crush the berries first. Steep until the water is deep brown. Sugar to taste - Nerve Tonic: Chock full of warm and minty goodness to whisk the jitters away!
3 tsp Peppermint
2 tsp Skullcap
1 tsp Valerian
1 tsp St. John's Wort
Steep in 250ml of water until it is deep brown. Sugar to taste. - No More Nausea: This tea is warm, tasty, and leaves a tiny hint of mint. It gets rid of nausea!
2 tsp Meadowsweet
2 1/4tspSpearmint
1/2 tsp Marshmallow
1 tsp Chamomile
Steep for 3 minutes. Add more water if too strong.
These are just some of the healing blends you can make with herbal teas. Personally, I prefer true teas unadulterated with flavorings - but it does not stop me from enjoying a nice orange zest in a black tea from time to time.
I thank you for taking the time to read this tome and encourage you to strike out on your own to learn even more by trying.
May you have peace, joy, and healing!
-Sanria
