As more people grow tired of the coffee craze that has swept many countries, including the United States, there has been renewed interest in tea in recent years. Remarkably flavorful teas from China's legendary Yunnan Region are available at the Asian market of your choice and increasing in popularity. Because teas naturally come in caffeinated and caffeine-free varieties, you can select whichever suits the occasion and your tastes without sacrificing rich flavor. Chinese black tea remains one of the most popular for anyone who enjoys drinking caffeinated teas, and it has a rich and satisfying flavor.
Organic is another trend in East Asian tea, and if you're interested in natural and unprocessed foods, it's ideal for you. Some varieties of tea are well known for their antioxidant qualities, and when you combine those with organic growing, there's a case to be made for how healthy it is to drink tea. It's ideal for enjoying at any time of day, and because there are so many varieties, it's easy to find the perfect one for nearly any moment in life. Tea is an excellent digestif after an evening meal, and it's soothing to have a cup before bed. Likewise, a cup of brisk caffeinated tea can replace coffee the first thing in the morning.
Tea experts haven't quite risen to the level of the wine world's sommeliers, but some people glory in trying and teaching about East Asian teas. For example, in Korea, corn and barley teas are favorites. They are a surprise to westerners trying them for the first time and, depending on your taste, might be your new favorites. Ginseng tea is also a favorite for its medicinal qualities and is widely brewed and enjoyed. There's also the ages-old division about loose-leaf versus tea bags. The one sure thing is that bag materials grow in their sophistication and acceptance by tea lovers each year.
The other variation that belongs in any article about tea is the deliciousness of iced tea. It works well with Chinese black tea, and some people enjoy green tea on ice. It depends on your personal tastes, but both can be refreshing when brewed well. Switching to unsweetened iced tea can be a real calorie saver if you're drinking too many sugary soda drinks. The richness of excellent tea has a distinctive flavor that will make you forget the sugary tastes. Many herbal teas are favorites to brew for iced tea, and with the wide variety of choices, you can go for an entire summer without drinking the same one twice.
