As the weather cools, teas and infusions are making a comeback in our homes. Fall calls for a "cocooning attitude" celebrating a calmer pace in a cozier atmosphere. What can you enjoy during the autumn evenings and afternoons? Discover a selection of tea and wild plants for delicate infusions.
Black tea, a drink from Asia
There are several varieties of black teas including Darjeeling (India) or Yunnan (China). It is called black tea because the leaves have undergone complete oxidation. When infused, they reveal a typical copper color. This is why the Chinese call black tea, red tea.
"Legend has it that in the 17th century, a shipment of green tea from China arrived in London after a particularly long journey. During the navigation, the boxes would have mildewed and, from green, the tea they contained would have become black. Not very knowledgeable, the English would have appreciated it a lot and would have immediately recommended it to the Chinese... " (1)
To obtain black tea, here are the different steps:
wilting
rolling
oxidation
roasting
sorting
White tea, an exceptional tea
The white tea is distinctive and delicate. It is harvested as soon as the buds begin to open. After a time of wilting in the open air to let the water evaporate, it is then dehydrated again, this time in a hot air dryer. The quality of this 2-step process depends on the know-how of the producer.
Finally, the buds are sorted by hand before being packed. It is referred to aswhite tea because the most beautiful teas are silver buds. There are two main varieties: the Silver Needles and the Bai Mu Dan consisting of a branch of a bud accompanied by 2 or 3 leaves.
Green tea is said to be good for your health
The green teas are non-oxidized and are known to be good for your health especially because of their antioxidant virtue.
The different steps to have a quality green tea:
roasting
rolling
drying
These 3 steps aim at limiting the oxidation of the leaves after their harvest.
Matcha tea, a bit of Japan in your living room
Matcha is the famous green tea powder that is served in tea ceremonies in Japan. Its catechin content is 3 times higher than other green teas. It is also used in cooking for its delicate flavor as well as to tint its green color.
It is obtained from the young shoots of tea plants deprived of light for several weeks. Then, after several stages of processing, the green tea is ground through stone millstones until a fine powder is obtained.
In the tradition, the matcha is diluted with hot water by beating with a small bamboo whisk. The matcha is round in the mouth and has a strong flavor. When you drink a matcha tea, you swallow the green tea leaves, hence the fact that this drink has many virtues.
Rooibos, tea without theine
The rooibos comes from South Africa. It is rich in antioxidants and its special feature is that it is theine free. It can thus be suitable for children or be enjoyed at the end of the day and evening. Once infused, it gives a red color and its flavor is mild slightly sweet.
You can'flavor it with spices, citrus or other herbs as you like.
Herbs in infusion
Thyme is an antiseptic of the respiratory tract, rosemary is a stimulant of the hepato-biliary function, bay leaves facilitate digestion, clove is a powerful anti-bacterial. Oregano contains the most powerful anti-infectious essential oil.
Aromatic infusions boost your immune system and keep you healthy. Why not?
Nettle infusion, wild in your cup
This wild plant found in our gardens or on the edges of country trails is a crucial in European folk and traditional medicine. It is rich in minerals giving it a remarkable anti-fatigue property. It accompanies both women after their menstruation, convalescents, exhausted, the elderly or simply in prevention to spend the fall and winter in good conditions.
Finally, a recipe for a spicy infusion
With the general chill, it's good to get some fire in your body. The spices are perfect for this role. Add cloves, ginger, peppercorns, cinnamon, turmeric to your preparations.
Here's the recipe for a brew most warming:.
After boiling water, add :
ibiscus flowers
juice of 1/2 lemon
cinnamon
ginger powder
1 black peppercorn
1 clove.
Proportions are to be adjusted according to your taste. If you need to sweeten, add a arm of honey or coconut sugar.
Source
(1) https://www.palaisdesthes.com/fr/comprendre/the-noir/