Part 5: Rooibos Tea

As you may know, on your path to Tea Enlightenment, I, Master Amanzi have offered you many tea tips. Most recently, I have been explaining about the different kinds of tea. I have told you about the four types of tea: white tea, green tea, oolong tea, and black tea. Since these are actually made from tea leaves, technically, these are the only kinds of tea. But there are other tea-like beverages that are called tea. Since the Way of Tea is open to all, I will explain a bit about them as well. Today we shall talk about rooibos tea.

As I have said, rooibos tea, also called “red tea” or “redbush tea,” isn’t actually tea at all. Rooibos,  (pronounced “roy-boss”), is Afrikaans for “red bush;” it’s made from the leaves of a legume bush that grows in South Africa. It is prepared just like tea and is thus considered a member of the tea family, but since it is not from Camellia Sinensis leaves, it could at best be considered a distant cousin.

Read full entry! »

Jasmine here to tell you guys about a little something I read on the web. Turns out there’s this relatively new study that says that green tea can help protect you from Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s is a progressive, degenerative disorder of the central nervous system caused by the death of cells that produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter. Parkinson’s sufferers typically experience tremors, muscle rigidity, extreme stiffness, and many other symptoms. Saddest of all, there is still no cure for this horrible disease.
Read full entry! »

Part 3: Oolong Tea

Greetings Tea Lovers and Students of the Way of Tea.

I, Master Amanzi, prompted by one of my newest apprentices, have elected to briefly describe  the differences between the different kinds of tea. While most have an understanding of the difference between iced tea and hot tea, or why to use loose tea rather than a tea bag, few understand the difference between a white tea and a black tea, for example.

I have already told you a bit about white tea and green tea. Today, let me explain to you a little bit about  oolong tea.
Read full entry! »

Part 2: Green Tea

As you may recall, I, Master Amanzi, have decided to help clear up some confusion about the different types of tea. As my once-exiled student pointed out to me, it is not clear the difference between green tea and oolong, or what exactly makes an herbal tea herbal (and not actually a tea at all—but we shall address that later.)

I have already explained to you about white tea, which is one of the more rare and expensive teas. Today, I shall impart a bit of knowledge unto you about green tea.
Read full entry! »