Discussions of food normally focus on nutrition and flavor. However, recently more attention is being paid to the role of food in bio-regulating functions. Foods that possess this regulatory function are called ” bio- regulatory functional food “. According to Dr. Inaba, who classifies food by his ” bio-regulatory functional food table “, green tea possesses the following functions : it has a bio-defensive function by preventing cancer through strengthing the immune system, it has a disease-preventing function, by preventing high blood pressure or diabetes, a disease-recovery function by inhibiting the rise of cholesterol, a physical rhythm-controlling function by stimulating the central nervous system with caffeine, and an aging-suppressing function by providing the body with antioxidants. Therefore, green tea is rich as a bio-regulatory food and has become a popular beverage among the new health conscious generation. It has been in use since its introduction to Japan centuries ago, now modern research has finally started to remove the veil concerning its many positive qualities. Green tea is truly a” miraculous medicine ” with an extraordinary power to prolong life.

Canadians have been large consumers of tea since their early pioneer days. While the American Revolution was taking place in the 1770s and many American colonists were boycotting tea as a symbol of their defiance, some colonists refrained from following their neighbors and instead, remained loyal to the monarchy, the British Empire, and, of course, the tea-drinking traditions. The Loyalists emigrating en masse to Canada from the American colonies probably helped to ingrain further the tea-dinking custom in Canada.

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“A reader had requested some muffin recipes so she could make them for her son who was returning home for Christmas. This batch includes the unusual — but evidently very popular on the West Coast — recipe for Green Tea Muffins.Not being an ingredient most of us have readily available on our spice rack, you’ll find green tea powder at Chong’s Oriental Market , 5801 Old Collinsville Road, Fairview Heights (632-2880).” Read More @

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Tea has always been my beverage of choice. This is great because by many accounts tea is very healthy, with several compounds in it that are thought to contribute to a healthier if not longer life. If nothing else, it is a tastier way to help you consume that near gallon of water we are supposed to drink daily.Drinking tea is easy, but buying it can be quite confusing. For example, just when I get used to green tea, now I’m told I need to switch to white. What exactly is that orange pekoe anyway? It never tastes like orange to me. Is bagged better than loose? What about those flavored teas and what exactly is an oolong?

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Different experimental findings have now established conclusively that drinking tea–black, semi-black and green–has beneficial effects on the human system.

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Tee for Austrians really means “tea with spirits.” In Austria, tea is drunk mainly with liquor in it.

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Reducing caffeine content should not be a hindrance to enjoying great tea, and decaffeinating our full leaf teas can be done easily with minimal effect on flavor and enjoyment. Simply steep the tea for 45 seconds in hot water and then pour off the liquid. Then, add hot water and steep in the manner you would normally use to brew a cup of that tea. As up to 80% of the caffeine will be released into the brief infusion of water, the subsequent infusions will have minimal amounts of caffeine. Comparatively little of the flavor or aroma will be sacrificed. This method of decaffeinating tea retains 95% of the polyphenol compounds linked to many of the health benefits associated with drinking tea.

Despite its intense heat and humidity, summertime brings unique pleasures. In addition to juicy watermelon and luscious ice cream, we enjoy the wonders of iced tea. Always a treat, iced tea never tastes as good as when you are hot and it is cold…  Read More…

CARIBBEAN ICED TEA
Countries in the Caribbean that were influenced by the British like to drink their tea hot or cold.
Put a couple of bruised mint leaves in the bottom of a tall glass. Fill with cracked ice. Pour in a lightly steeped tea. Served with lemon wedges.
Serves 1.

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Brazil, being the largest coffee producer in the world, is primarily a coffee-drinking nation. However, tea drinking has been increasing in popularity since the early seventies among the middle class and in the wealthier areas. Tea is now grown in the Bahia area of Brazil. The Bahia is a well-known, highly productive coffee-growing region with a strong African influence dating back to the slave- trasing days.

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