The Perks of Loose Leaf Tea

Not all Teas are Equal 

It would be great if all teas were equal, but they are not. Matcha and loose leaf tea are far superior to bagged tea.

Bagged teas are heavily mass produced. They are typically made from broken leaves; that have been around for a long extended amount of time. Occasionally there’s dust in the bottom of a tea box. The lowest grade of teas are called “dust” or “fannings”. Farmer’s rake up the dropped leaves, and that is what goes into your bagged tea. Drinking dropped, or damaged leaves doesn’t seem appealing.

Think of it like this, if you have a box of crackers you eat them with enjoyment. You gobble them up to the point where there’s a bunch of crumbs that are on the bottom of the bag. At times there are crumbs beyond the bag that have made into the box. Those crumbs are similar to the “fannings” or “dust” in tea bags.

Loose leaf tea are the crackers, not the crumbs. Freshly picked, unbroken leaves, and leaf buds are used in loose leaf tea. It’s not made from the broken leaves on the ground.

It is all in the Flavor

Bagged tea does have a consistent flavor. It’s measured out, the instructions are clear on the box. It’s convenient to travel with something that is packaged and contained.

With loose leaf tea there are no rules. If you want your tea strong, you add more in, and let it steep for longer. Everyone has a preference for how they like their coffee. With tea, it should be the same way.

There’s something great about making your own of anything. With tea there’s no exception. Measuring out loose leaf tea isn’t a lot of work. It is pretty equal to the task of getting out a tea bag. If you want to mix a few varieties, than go for it! It should be a rewarding ritual.

Is Loose Leaf Tea Really Expensive?

Loose leaf tea is more expensive than bagged tea. If you are a tea drinker, it is time to splurge! Think of the money that coffee drinkers spend on their preferred drink. Loose leaf tea doesn’t even compare to the price of a cup of joe.

Brewing Methods

There are many tea diffusers you can buy. You have to find the right one that interests you.

They make a whimsical, medical grade, silicone tea diffusers. It is a fun conversation topic when ever someone is spotted using a mantatee.

It should be called a mantatea diffuser. There are other fun animal diffusers to buy.

There is a fancy wire strainer diffuser. This diffuser unclips, so the loose tea fits in, and then it is clasped back up. It can be slightly tricky to clean out. If you open it up, dump the tea in the compost, the diffuser can be swirled in soapy water, rinsed, and it is good to go!

There are compostable tea bags. They are similar to a coffee filter. When you are done, you can pitch the filter, and loose leaf tea in the compost to break down.

There is also a no filter method. Use a tall glass. Heat the water up, put the desired tea in, and drink it. For some, they can not get over the pulp. For others, the pulp doesn’t bother them. It sinks to the bottom of the glass. Very little tea pulp is actually consumed.

Much Love for Matcha

If you’ve ever had matcha tea, it’s ground up loose leaf tea. It is meant to drink whole. The pulp in loose leaf tea, and powder in matcha are really healthy for you.

Perks of Matcha

❧ It is packed with powerful antioxidants
❧ It lowers blood sugar
❧ It lowers bad cholesterol
❧ It helps prevent some diseases
❧ It boots your metabolism
❧ It detoxifies your system
❧ It helps with concentration
❧ Common colds are minimized because it contains zinc, vitamin C, and magnesium

Matcha is just like any other tea, where it calms the body. Pair it with yoga and meditation, and you’ll be a relaxed and peaceful person.

Tea Should Be Part of Your Everyday

If you love tea, choose wisely, and make it part of your daily routine. They have many varieties to choose from. If brewed longer, your tea will get stronger, for your morning kick off. If you need to wind down at the end of the day, there are tea options for that too.

❧ Need an energy boost try Yerba Mate
❧ When you are sick or allergic try Ginger Tea
❧ After a morning workout try Matcha
❧ To boost your metabolism try Green Tea
❧ To reduce bad cholesterol try Black Tea

Best of all, enjoy all the variety of flavors when it is tea time!

Tea Two Pg Spread by AlissaSpiehs-Apel on Scribd

Random Tid Bits

1. I do different types of critiques with my students: 1 on 1 (them and me), a group of 2 with me, whole class (I don't mention names), groups of three (them) with a worksheet of questions to fill out, and lastly they turn the work in and I draw on tracing paper over it to hand back to them. I don't do all the above for every assignment. Just 1 or 2 ways of critiquing per assignment.
   
   Last week I had a group critique of 3 students along with a worksheet for them to fill out. They talk about the piece, and answer the questions as to what their group thinks about their art. If I don't have a sheet they talk about anything, but the work. When I said it was Group Critique time they all grumbled. I said, "What's the deal?" One said, "I just don't like talking about my art. It's awkward." Another said, "We just don't like talking to each other." I said, "That means you need more practice. You guys have to learn to talk to one another, and about your work. You're not getting out of this!" They looked at me with darts in their eyes. What the heck?! Every class has some kind of energy, and this one is quiet. Maybe it's a generation thing? My last class was really talkative though. I'll probably get on my evaluations: "Mrs. Apel makes us talk to one another. I hate her for that." 


2. Isaak, "Mom I NEED a shoulder rest for my violin! I think we're supposed to get it at Scheels." Me, "I don't think Scheels is the store we need to get a shoulder rest at." Isaak, "I don't know it's somewhere that starts with an S." Me, "Could it be Schmitt Music?" Isaak, "Ya that's the place." Me, "Do you know what shoulder rest you need? If I shopped online I bet I could get it cheaper. I'm just not in the mood to run all over Omaha." Isaak looking online with me, "That one, no that one, no that one." Me, "We better go to Schmitt Music."


3. My husband is a science guy. When something happens he doesn't think it's a miracle. It's chance, genetics, or science. I do believe in all the above. I'm not a super religious person, but I believe in a higher being. Good thing can happen to good people. If someone is down on their luck, life has a way of turning back around for them. What do you think? Do you believe in mostly science, are you religious, or are you a bit of both?


4. I got a tea set to review on facebook. Truth I mostly got it to redo their packaging for my portfolio. The tea really is good! You can get it here.








5. I went out with a guy "Geordie" when I was in grad school. His real name was Hugh, middle name Gordan, which is where he got the nickname "Geordie". It seems like a lot of hoops to go through to come up with a nickname. I ended things. I just didn't think we were compatible. He was super quiet! I wouldn't say I'm outgoing, but I can carry a conversation. I have patients, for quiet people. One this is true about quiet people: When they say something it's usually well thought out, hilarious, and/or profound. They don't waist their words. They savor them. It's odd that I feel like I'm knowing him more because of what people post about him on facebook. He has a brother, and a close group of high school friends. All of which he never talked about.  Things weren't weird when we broke things off. I think we were both old enough to know that life goes on.
   
   He passed away in his sleep last week. I wasn't close to him any longer. I feel for his friends and family though. He was pretty young! He has two girls, still in elementary school. He got married, divorced, engaged, and separated. He died alone. May he rest in peace!

So here's to Gordie also known as Hugh, the quiet guy that ran a printing press:



Greene Square Printing - Acworth GA from Brian Gaukel Productions on Vimeo.

Disclaimer: I didn't get the tea set to review on this blog. I'm just sharing because it's a cute set.

Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle Review

I ❤️ this glass and silicone water bottle made by Borosilicate.

What I Love:

It has a no slip bottom. That's not to say that it will never tip over, but it's less likely to. I have only glass bottles that tip over too easily.

It has a silicone handle, so if the bottle is hot with tea you can hang onto it without burning your hand.

It has a loose tea basket! That's the most amazing thing ever!

Isaak has a sore throat. I hope he doesn't have what I had last week: Strep Throat! I steeped loose leaf tea with fresh ginger. Travis happens to be breaking up dried hot peppers from our garden last summer, so I told him to sprinkle pepper into his drink. I swear it kills the germs inside a sore throat!

What I Dislike:

The fact that it can't be microwaved is annoying. I know I'll want to use this at work. I thought for sure, since it's glass that it would be able to be microwaved. Nope!

I used a 2 cup measuring cup to pour over the tea. You could use a ceramic mug too.

It is glass and a BPA free silicone. The silicone is probably what prevents it from going in the microwave.

Where to Get Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle:

You can get it on Amazon Prime http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079FPG9QL for $25.99.

Colors:

All of these colors are $25.99 - Lime Green | Pink | Grey

This is $24.99 - Light Blue

What do you prefer to drink out of: Glass, Plastic, Metal, or Ceramic?

Disclaimer: I got this product to review for a discounted price. The company did not tell me what to write. I only review things that my family finds useful, or fun.

Bigelow Tea

Recently I've been participating in Nature Savvy's facebook talks and twitter parties. They happen to land on my lunch break because I'm in Central Time Zone, and they are Pacific. I don't mind eating, and following along. I learn something every single time! They had a speaker that talked all about oils to cook with. I learned a lot. In fact I went to the store, and bought some of the oils they talked about. 

Recently Nature Savvy had a twitter party with Bigelow Tea! I won a set! They've been making tea since 1945. It's so good.

Give the Gift of Tea

Midterms were last week. I gave a few bags of tea from each box to the Education Director to put in a basket. She passed the basket around for students to take some tea. They loved it! College students need tender care at time all the time.

What the Set Came With

Looking to Stay Well Every Day - Lemon and Echinacea Herbal Tea. I've been having this because I don't want to get sick on top of my other health problems with nasal polyps, allergies and asthma. I kind of can't wait to have surgery at this point.

Refresh - Turmeric Chili Matcha Green Tea. This one was popular among the students. It's great to drink this right at the low point in the day. For me that's about 3:30.

Sleep - Chamomile and Lavender Herbal Tea. I don't know that the Education Director passed this one out to the students. We didn't need extra sleepers in class. This is a great one before bed. I've had trouble sleeping for months on end.

Calm Stomach - Ginger and Peach Herbal Tea. I haven't had stomach issues in a really long time. It used to be that I did. I contribute it to the fact that we eat steamed greens most mornings. I do know that ginger does reduce inflammation, so I drink it for that.

Balance - Cinnamon and Blackberry Herbal Tea. This one is my favorite. I like the cinnamon taste. I don't know that I'm totally in balance after I drink it, but I find that tea in general puts me at ease.

Radiate Beauty - Blueberry and Aloe Herbal Tea. I'm certainly the prettiest woman in the room when I drink this. ;) It's my second favorite. I must love berries.

Variety

I love all the variety that each box had! On their website they have all kinds of recipes you can use the tea in.

What would be the tea that you would go for right now? If you're not a tea drinker, what tea would fit what you need right now: Sleep would be the one for me right now. 

Disclaimer: I received Bigelow Teas. I was not asked to review this product. I wrote this post, and was not influenced at all with an opinion. I only review things that I find interesting, or that would benefit my readers or family.

Organic Dandelion Root Tea Giveaway

I love tea. Awhile ago I got Organic Dandelion Root Tea to review. The tea is so good! 

They send along a PDF of recipes that you can make with their tea. 

Dandelion Peach Iced Tea

1 Cup Organic Dandelion Root Tea, Chilled
1 Peach, Peeled and Chopped
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Vanilla
*Place peaches, honey and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth, pour in chilled tea and blend again for about 30 seconds. Makes 2 cups.

Dandelion Beery Slush

3 Cups Organic Dandelion Root Tea, Chilled
1/2 Cup Blueberries
1/2 Cup Strawberries
1/2 Lemon, Juiced
1/4 Cup Raspberries
1/4 Cup Honey
 
*Blend all the ingredients together, chill for at least 1 hour, and garnish with leftover fruit. Makes 3 cups.

About:

Organic Dandelion Root Tea has Hibiscus and Cinnamon in it. It's not super strong. The flavors enhance the earthy flavor. They add a hint of flowery sweetness to every cup. Hibiscus has been shown to help regulate blood pressure. Cinnamon has been shown to regulate blood sugar and reduce bad cholesterol.

• Dandelions are related to ragweed. It could also build resistance to ragweed.

• It aids in supporting the digestive system. It's helps the body to absorb more nutrients and improve physical and cognitive functions.

• It helps with liver and kidney detox. This builds up over time.  

• It's USDA | Organic. Raw Dandelion Root is extremely nutrient rich and provides more vital minerals and vitamins to your body when compared to roasted Dandelion Root.

• It's vitamin rich with vitamins A, C, D and B-complex. It also has Iron, Potassium and Zinc. A diet rich in these nutrients can help treat mood disorders, liver disorders and boost a weakened immune system.

• It's made by Kiss Me Organics.

• It's made in Wyoming, USA.

Kiss Me Organics sent over a 20% off code for anyone that wants to use it: CQSHVVXD. This code is valid for a month. 

 

Win It:

One of my US readers has a chance to win 1 box of Dandelion Root Tea By: Kiss Me Organics.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from Kiss Me Organics. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Organic Dandelion Root Tea Review

I love tea. I recently got Organic Dandelion Root Tea to review.

5 boxes to be exact. That's 100 bags of tea! Cost is: $19.70

I'm pretty sure I'll be sharing a box with each of my sisters. It's just a lot of tea. Kiss Me Organics also sends a PDF of recipes. I do like the recipes. I may keep all boxes of tea, and use them for recipes.

Two recipes I can't wait to try as soon as the fruit is in season is:

Dandelion Peach Iced Tea

1 Cup Organic Dandelion Root Tea, Chilled
1 Peach, Peeled and Chopped
1 Tablespoon Honey
1/4 Teaspoon Fresh Vanilla
*Place peaches, honey and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth, pour in chilled tea and blend again for about 30 seconds. Makes 2 cups.


Dandelion Beery Slush

3 Cups Organic Dandelion Root Tea, Chilled
1/2 Cup Blueberries
1/2 Cup Strawberries
1/2 Lemon, Juiced
1/4 Cup Raspberries
1/4 Cup Honey
*Blend all the ingredients together, chill for at least 1 hour, and garnish with leftover fruit. Makes 3 cups.

About:

• Organic Dandelion Root Tea has Hibiscus and Cinnamon in it. It's not super strong. The flavors enhance the earthy flavor. They add a hint of flowery sweetness to every cup. Hibiscus has been shown to help regulate blood pressure. Cinnamon has been shown to regulate blood sugar and reduce bad cholesterol.

• Dandelions are related to ragweed, so this tea could effect my allergies. It could also build resistance to ragweed.

• It aids in supporting the digestive system. It's helps the body to absorb more nutrients and improve physical and cognitive functions.

• It helps with liver and kidney detox. This builds up over time.  

• It's USDA | Organic. Raw Dandelion Root is extremely nutrient rich and provides more vital minerals and vitamins to your body when compared to roasted Dandelion Root.

• It's vitamin rich with vitamins A, C, D and B-complex. It also has Iron, Potassium and Zinc. A diet rich in these nutrients can help treat mood disorders, liver disorders and boost a weakened immune system.

• It's made by Kiss Me Organics.

• It's made in Wyoming, USA.

I love their packaging. It's clean design!

Dad and I each had a glass. It's really good! It's not strong.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent diseases.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 

Body Tea USA Review

I do love to drink tea when I'm feeling like my body is ran down. Body Tea USA just gave me some tea to review.

It comes in a big bag. The tea is not loose. Each one is prepackaged. This makes it easy to take to work.

28 Count Tea Bags for 14 Days (2 bags a day).

The tea looks healthy. It's not super processed stuff. This is an herbal drink that is made to help fight weight loss.

About

✔︎BodyTea USA Weight Management and Weight loss Tea Bags is a proven and safe all natural slimming metabolic booster formula which reduces cravings

✔︎Safe 100% Herbal, highly effective fat burning skinny tea, allows appetite control with ingredients including Garcinia Cambogia extract a great Carb blocker, even doctor recommended

✔︎A natural smooth tasting fat burner body cleanse which helps to prevent fat from being absorbed into the intestines so that you can be skinny too

✔︎A natural diuretic weight loss tea to slim down which helps to eliminate excess water from the body, purify the body form toxins and works great for both men and women

✔︎Contains Caffeine from Green Tea which helps increase your metabolism between meals, great for weight loss instead of a diet or together with- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

✔︎Body Tea USA Costs - $32.99

Ingredients

PuEr tea, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea, Jasmine Flower, Flower of Hyacinth, Dolichos, Lemon grass

I like the taste of it. It's not strong. I don't mix any sweeteners with my tea. I do however mix chopped up ginger in with it if my allergies are bad. It's known to reduce inflammation.

Directions

Put a tea bag in the bottom of a mug, or glass jar, pour warm or hot water over it, wait for 7 minutes before drinking it.

Are you a tea drinker?

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.