Choosing Tea for Different Times of the Day
Greetings Commoners. The Earl of Grey has bothered to notice your existence today. On previous occasions, I have explained to you how to make good iced tea, what makes tea so healthy, and other juicy tidbits of my tea wisdom. Well, hold your tea bags, because I’ve got something for you today.
Many people think a cup of tea is just something to have in the morning. Which isn’t wrong. But tea is a delicious afternoon drink as well. And tastes great in the evening. What I’m saying is that tea is a delicious beverage for any time of day. As long as you do it right.
Morning Teas
Perhaps in the morning, you need a bit of a kick. Then you’ll want some tea with caffeine in it—black teas are probably what you want. Obviously you could go with an Irish Breakfast Blend. But may I also suggest Assam teas, the high grown Ceylons, or some Yunnan tea. American Breakfast blends work as well, if you’re the patriot. They’re just, ahem, not my preference. Obviously, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, these are not your optimal choice, and I suggest you go herbal. On the other hand, if you had a hard night before, you can’t get more caffeine than in a nice Mate tea.
Afternoon Teas
If you’re like me, your workday seems to drag after a mutton sandwich lunch. For an afternoon pick-me-up, black teas are still a nice choice—brisk Ceylons, Darjeeling, China Keemun, smoky Lapsang Souchong and Russian Caravan are all excellent. If you’re looking for less of a caffeine boost, choose flavored green teas with hints of tropical fruits and exotic blossoms and herbs. Rooibos tea is a caffeine free alternative that will relax you but still keep you alert.
Evening Teas
Unless there is the threat of a rebellion in your domain and you’re going to have to pull an all-nighter, you probably aren’t looking for a lot of caffeine in the evening. That would be a great time for a white or a green tea, or perhaps a nice herbal tea flavored with fruits and flowers. Rooibos is also caffeine-free, and can help with digestion for an after-dinner drink.
Some teas are ideal at any time of day—white teas are always perfect, and green tea is a versatile blend as well. Of course, I can’t tell you what kind of tea you should drink—these are just recommendations. You have to decide for yourself.
Unless you want to come work for me as a serf. Then I can make all your decisions for you. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Tags: Afternoon TEa, black tea, caffeine, Choosing Tea, Green Tea, Late night Tea, Morning Tea, Rooibos Tea, tea, Tea Types, white tea
