Tea

How Tea Works

Tea leaves contain a complex chemistry ^, commonly known for the moderate amounts of caffeine ^, that support nerve function and promote metabolism. Tea also has antioxidant catechins ^, that maintain vascular and cellular integrity and are part of how energy oxidation works; and many micronutrient vitamins ^ and minerals ^ that build-up nutrient density for overall health. Notably, the amino acid theanine was discovered in tea in 1949 ^ and is responsible for promoting cognition ‡ and supporting the relaxing de-stress benefits of drinking tea.

Traditional herbalism recognizes the bitter flavor of tea which invigorates the body, quenches thirst, and supports digestion, especially of fats and proteins. Modern food research recognizes the savory umami flavor of tea ^ which comes from the amino acids glutamate and theanine.

Tea Lifestyles

Tea Books Reference, & Research

The processing of fresh harvested leaves into black tea activates an enzyme that acts upon the polyphenol flavonoids, creating theaflavin ^, which give black tea its unique flavor and potent antioxidant capacity. Website: Oregon State University -Tea ‡

Tea is culture and is considered the best tonic according to the Tibetans, where tea is drunk daily as part of a complete diet to support and maintain health. They add yak butter, salt and possibly roasted barley flour to further increase nutrient density, nearly making a complete meal of tea. Book: Enjoy the visual journey on the Tea Horse Road: China's Ancient Trade Road to Tibet ^ by Michael Freeman ^ and Selena Ahmed ^.

However, too much tea may not be a good thing, even considering the age-old wisdom of the early 1900's, as Margaret Grieve states how black tea may be easier to tolerate as a daily beverage: "Taken moderately by healthy individuals it is harmless, but in excessive quantities it will produce unpleasant nervous and dyspeptic [old-school word for irritable indigestion] symptoms, the green variety being decidedly the more injurious." Website Book: A Modern Herbal: Tea ^

Jason & Lindsey's Favorite Books:

• Book: Tea - A User's Guide ^ by Tony Gebely ^
• Comment: "Tony covers all the bases of every kind of tea, including all the rare to attain tea. Jason used this a checklist, having nearly tried all teas in this book, but only needing to try a few more to complete the checklist."

• Book: The True History of Tea ^ by Erling Hoh ^ and Victor H. Mair ^
• Comment: "An honest literary account of the major eras of tea with a focus on the important-to-know aspects of tea history, tea drinking, tea wisdom, and tea humor."

• Book: The Tea Book ^ by Linda Gaylard ^
• Comment: "Beautiful picturesque account of many types of teas, their locations mapped, provenance, including tea terroir ^, climate effects on tea ^, the linguistics ^ and terminology ^ of taste, and much more! ^"

• Book: The Story of Tea: A Cultural History & Drinking Guide ^ by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss ^
• Comment: "In depth knowledge and wisdom from the tea trekkers journey through history and from around the world and into the various markets of India, China and Japan. They got you covered."

• Book: Tea Enthusiast's Handbook: A Guide to Enjoying the World's Best Teas ^ by Mary Lou Heiss and Robert J. Heiss ^
• Comment: "Easy introduction from the trekkers of tea, with a focus on the major types of tea ; with high quality pictures, detailed descriptions, and some tidbits of wisdom found in their more comprehensive volume. (Also an easier checklist to accomplish than Tony Gebely's above)"

• Book: Puer Tea: Ancient Caravans and Urban Chic ^ by Jinghong Zhang ^
• Comment: "There is no better feet-on-the-ground academic account of pu-erh tea and all of its facets; with journeys into the jungle towns of Yunnan and the fashionable culture of pu-erh in Hong Kong. A special section about the poetic nature of the pu-erh drinking chivalrous knight-errant who desires freedom and seeks to fulfill righteous ideals ^.

• Book: Japanese Tea: A Comprehensive Guide ^ by Simona Zavadckyte ^
• Comment: "Short but comprehensive book about the basics of Japanese teas without missing anything important. Simona covers areas where other authors missed some important specifics concerning Japanese tea." 

Tea Brewing Guidance

Tea Merchants

Although you generally pay for what you get, spending more doesn't mean better quality for a few reasons, for example: maybe the tea is of plentiful harvest so that high supply equals affordable price. Or maybe you simply like the tea you like. A merchant can help decide what is most drinkable for you.