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Q&A with the Author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea

Michelle Francl If you’ve been reading any tea news in the last two weeks (and...

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Q&A

Which foods should not be combined with tea?

By admin / On May 25, 2024 / Ask and answer

Tea, a beloved beverage around the world, is appreciated for its diverse flavors, health benefits, and comforting qualities. To celebrate this unique beverage, international tea day is observed worldwide on May 21. For some, tea is the first thing they begin the day with and for some the day ends with a cup of tea. While some prefer having tea as a sole beverage, some others prefer having something to munch on or dunk in a cup of tea.

Such is the versatility of tea, there are a million ways of drinking it.

However, not all foods complement tea, and some pairings can even be detrimental to the flavor profile or nutritional benefits of the tea. Let’s learn about the foods that should be completely avoided when drinking tea.

1. Dairy products should not be combined with tea

One of the most controversial combinations is tea with dairy products such as milk, cheese, or yogurt. Although adding milk to black tea is common in many cultures, research shows that proteins in milk can bind to antioxidants in tea, reducing the health benefits of tea.

For example, catechins, powerful antioxidants found in tea, can become less effective when milk is added. Furthermore, the rich, fatty nature of dairy products can overwhelm the delicate flavors of green or white tea, leading to an unpleasant taste.

2. Spicy food

Spicy foods should also be avoided in combination with tea. Spicy dishes, such as those with hot peppers or strong spices, can conflict with the delicate flavor of the tea. The capsaicin in spicy foods overstimulates the palate, making it difficult to appreciate the tea's nuanced flavors. Additionally, spicy foods can cause digestive problems when combined with tannins in tea, leading to stomach upset.

3. Citrus fruits

Although a slice of lemon is often added to some teas, drinking tea with other citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, or lemons can cause problems. The high acidity of these fruits affects the tannins in the tea, leading to a bitter taste. Furthermore, citrus fruits can change the pH balance in the stomach, causing discomfort or worsening acid reflux when combined with tea.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate is a pleasant treat, but there are better companions than tea. The rich flavor of chocolate, incredibly dark chocolate, overshadows the delicate scent of tea. The caffeine content in chocolate and tea leads to excessive stimulant absorption, causing restlessness or sleep disturbances. Combining tannins from tea and theobromine from chocolate can also create an unpleasant, astringent taste.

5. Alcohol

Mixing tea with alcohol is another combination to avoid. Alcohol can mask the tea's delicate flavor and negate its soothing effects. Furthermore, both alcohol and tea have diuretic effects, which can lead to dehydration when taken together. Tannins in tea react with alcohol, creating an unpleasant astringent and bitter taste.

6. Meats have rich flavors

It would help to avoid meats with intense flavors, such as lamb when drinking tea. The rich taste and high-fat content of these meats can clash with the delicate flavor of the tea, making it difficult to enjoy the drink. The pungent smell of these meats takes away the experience of enjoying tea's gentle, refreshing flavor.

7. Garlic and onions

Although garlic and onions are necessary for many savory dishes, they are unsuitable for tea use. Their intense and lingering flavor will overwhelm the delicate aroma of the tea, leading to an unpleasant taste experience. The strong aftertaste of garlic and onions lingers on the palate, making it difficult for you to enjoy the next sip of tea fully.

8. Sweet desserts

Sweet desserts like cakes and cookies may seem like natural tea companions, but they can detract from the tea experience. The high sugar content in these desserts will overwhelm the palate, making the tea less sweet and bitter. Furthermore, the combination of sugar and caffeine can lead to a spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash... which can cause discomfort.

9. Foods rich in fat

When having tea, it is best to avoid high-fat foods such as fried snacks, cream sauces, and butter cakes. The fatty nature of these foods can coat the palate, preventing the flavor of the tea from being thoroughly enjoyed. The combination of fatty foods and tea can cause heaviness in the stomach, leading to digestive discomfort.

Can i use my used tea leaves the next day?

By admin / On May 4, 2024 / Ask and answer

This question is, by far, the most common one I have received in the past couple of weeks. I think the problem people are having is that there is a serious lack of information concerning this topic on the internet and I can understand why. The problem with answering this is there are some sticky health issues involved with it. So I am going to give you our official stance on the subject and then I will tell you what I personally do with my used tea leaves.

/goldenmoontea/

Our official stance

Tan Cuong Tea’s official position is that tea must be discarded 3 hours after it has been steeped. This means that once your wet tea leaves have been exposed to water you have a maximum of 3 hours to use those tea leaves before you throw them away. The combinations of water with the hot tea leaves can cause bacteria to grow that can make you feel pretty terrible.

What i personally do

With that being said, I personally reuse my tea leaves all the time. I often leave them overnight as well, especially if I have a particularly delicious Oolong. I know I am not supposed to, but sometimes things get a bit hectic and I lose my beloved tea time where I can sit down and actually relax. In these instances, I have developed a bit of a system to help minimize the risk of bacteria for teas I leave overnight.

The key is avoiding moisture

I have learned that leaving wet tea leaves in a teapot or Gaiwan for extended periods of time is a very bad thing. Bacteria thrives on both moisture and heat, both of which teapots help to contain. By keeping your tea in an enclosed space, you are actually helping your tea become a mini vacation spot for all things microscopic. To prevent this, you need an environment that is opposite of a teapot - an environment that is cool and dry with lots of circulation.

Allowing wet tea leaves out to dry is crucial

To allow your leaves to dry out as fast as possible, without jumping through a million hoops, I recommend the following:

- Squeeze all excess moisture out of the tea leaves

- Spread them out in as thin of a layer as possible on a flat surface. A small plate works well here.

- Place the tea leaves in a room that has a lot of circulation, my kitchen happens to be an open kitchen so this works well for me. Avoid things like cupboards or cabinets and especially refrigerators since they will slow the drying process.

- By the morning, your tea leaves should be fully dry. I would try and use the tea that day though. Anything longer than that is really rolling the dice!

Summary

Only you can decide if you want to reuse tea leaves the next day. The one thing I ask a lot of people is, “Do you throw away leftover dinners after 3 days?” That is essentially the same issue here. If you are willing to eat leftovers after their “expiration date,” then you may be willing to use your tea leaves a day later.

When is the best time to drink green tea?

By admin / On April 21, 2024 / Ask and answer

Green tea is a favorite drink because of its pleasant taste and many health benefits. Ideally, it would help if you drank it in the morning or before exercising.

You may be surprised to learn that drinking tea can affect your ability to reap these benefits and your risk of specific adverse side effects.

/Ha An - Dan Tri Newspaper/

Tea contains tannin, caffeine, essential oils, vitamins, proteins, minerals, and pigments. Tea contains caffeine, stimulating the central nervous system, cardiovascular activity, kidney function, and gastrointestinal tract. Dry tea includes 2.5-4% caffeine. Compared to tea, the caffeine in coffee is lower, but coffee has a more substantial effect than tea because we often use up to 10-15g of coffee to make a cup, while tea uses much less.

Benefits of drinking green tea at specific times

In some cases, timing can matter regarding the benefits of green tea.

In the morning

According to Healthline, many people drink a soothing cup of green tea first thing in the morning to increase concentration. This drink's mind-boosting properties are partly due to caffeine, a stimulant shown to improve attention and alertness.

However, green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid with relaxing effects, unlike coffee and other caffeinated drinks.

L-theanine and caffeine work together to improve brain function and mood - without causing the adverse side effects that can come with caffeine consumption.

For this reason, enjoying this tea first thing in the morning is a great way to start your day off on the right foot.

Around the time of exercise

Some research shows that drinking green tea may be especially beneficial before a workout. One study in 12 men found that consuming green tea extract before exercise increased fat burning by 17%, compared to a placebo.

Another study of 13 women found that drinking 3 servings of green tea daily before exercise and another serving 2 hours before exercise increased fat burning.

Furthermore, tea can speed up recovery after intense workouts. One study in 20 men found that supplementing with 500 mg of green tea extract reduced signs of exercise-induced muscle damage.

As such, green tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can enhance alertness and attention and are especially beneficial in the morning. Additionally, drinking this tea before exercise can increase fat-burning and reduce muscle damage.

When should you not drink tea?

Although green tea offers many health benefits, it can have some downsides.

It may reduce the ability to absorb nutrients during meals.

Some compounds in green tea can bind to minerals in your body and prevent their absorption. In particular, tannins are compounds found in green tea that act as antinutrients and reduce iron absorption.

Furthermore, research shows that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea may bind to minerals like iron, copper, and chromium, preventing their absorption in your body.

Some studies have demonstrated that drinking tea with meals can reduce iron absorption, which can lead to a deficiency over time.

Therefore, drinking green tea close to meals is best, especially if you're low on iron or other essential minerals.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Nutrition, tannins in tea inhibit iron absorption. Therefore, drinking tea immediately after eating will reduce iron absorption from food. Do not drink iron with tea.

It may cause difficulty sleeping for some people

One cup (237ml) of green tea contains about 35mg of caffeine. Although this is much less than the approximately 96mg of caffeine provided by the same amount of coffee, it can still cause side effects in people sensitive to this stimulant.

Common side effects of caffeine consumption include anxiety, high blood pressure, restlessness, and nervousness. Caffeine can also cause sleep disturbances - even when consumed up to 6 hours before bed.

Therefore, if you are sensitive to caffeine, avoid drinking green tea before bedtime (6 hours before) to prevent sleep problems.

Foods such as tea and coffee have a diuretic effect, so they increase the rate of water loss through the kidneys, so they should be limited.

In addition, according to the National Institute of Nutrition (Ministry of Health), drinking a lot of strong tea is not beneficial to health. The central nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and kidneys are constantly stimulated by excitement. Especially for people with heart disease and high blood pressure, they should not drink strong tea.

Is it better to drink green tea or black tea?

By admin / On April 21, 2024 / Ask and answer

Green and black tea have similar health benefits, such as increased alertness and heart health protection. Both are high in antioxidants but have some ingredient differences.

/Ha An - Dan Tri Newspaper/

Tea is a drink loved by people around the world. Both green and black tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The main difference is that black tea is oxidized while green tea is not.

Expected benefits of green tea and black tea

Although green and black tea are different, they may provide some of the same health benefits.

Can protect your heart

According to Healthline, green and black tea are rich in antioxidants called polyphenols. Specifically, they contain flavonoids, a subgroup of polyphenols.

However, the type and amount of flavonoids they contain vary. For example, green tea contains much higher amounts of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), while black tea is a rich source of theaflavin.

The flavonoids in green and black tea are thought to protect your heart. An animal study found that green and black tea were equally effective in preventing vascular plaque formation by up to 26% at the lowest dose and up to 68% at the highest dose.

Both green tea and black tea are good for health [Photo: TimesofInida]

Research also shows that both types of tea help reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. Furthermore, two reviews examining more than 10 studies found that drinking green and black tea may lower blood pressure.

Another review of green tea studies found that people who drank 1-3 cups of tea per day reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke by 19% and 36%, respectively, compared with those who drank less than 1 cup daily. Day.

Similarly, drinking at least 3 cups of black tea can reduce the risk of heart disease by 11%.

Can enhance brain function

Green tea and black tea both contain caffeine. Green tea contains less caffeine than black tea, about 35mg per 230ml cup, compared to 39-109mg for the same serving of black tea.

Caffeine stimulates your nervous system by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. It also aids in releasing mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. Therefore, caffeine can enhance alertness and mood.

Green and black tea also contain the amino acid L-theanine, which is not found in coffee.

L-theanine can cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger the release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), bringing about a relaxed yet alert state.

At the same time, it promotes the release of the mood-enhancing hormones dopamine and serotonin.

L-theanine works to balance the effects of caffeine. Combining these two substances may have a synergistic effect, as one study found that people who took L-theanine and caffeine together had better concentration than when taking either substance alone.

The amount of L-theanine in green tea is slightly more than in black tea.

Green and black tea are great alternatives to coffee for those who want to lift their mood without the caffeine jitters.

Green tea is rich in the powerful antioxidant EGCG.

Green tea is a source of the powerful antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

Although green tea contains other polyphenols, such as catechins and gallic acid, EGCG is considered the most potent and likely responsible for many of the health benefits of green tea.

Below is a list of possible benefits of EGCG in green tea:

Cancer: Test-tube studies have found that EGCG in green tea can inhibit cancer cell replication and cause cancer cell death.

Alzheimer's disease: EGCG may reduce the harmful effects of amyloid plaques that accumulate in Alzheimer's patients.

Anti-fatigue: One study showed that rats drinking an EGCG drink had a prolonged swimming time before exhaustion.

Liver protection: EGCG has been shown to reduce the development of fatty liver in mice on a high-fat diet.

Anti-bacterial: This antioxidant can damage bacterial cell walls and may even reduce the transmission of some viruses.

- Relaxation: It can interact with receptors in the brain to create a calming effect on your body.

Although most studies on EGCG in green tea have been conducted in test tubes or animal studies, these findings lend credence to the long-reported benefits of drinking green tea.

Black tea contains beneficial theaflavin.

Theaflavin is a group of polyphenols found only in black tea. They are formed during oxidation and account for 3-6% of the total polyphenols in black tea. Theaflavins appear to offer many health benefits – all related to their antioxidant abilities.

These polyphenols may protect fat cells from damage by free radicals and support your body's natural antioxidant production. Furthermore, they can protect your heart and blood vessels.

One animal study found that theaflavin may reduce the risk of plaque formation in blood vessels by reducing inflammation and increasing the amount of nitric oxide, which helps your blood vessels dilate.

Additionally, theaflavin has been shown to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels significantly. They may even promote fat breakdown and are recommended as a potential aid in obesity management.

Theaflavins in black tea may have antioxidant abilities similar to polyphenols in green tea.

Which one should you drink?

Green and black tea offer similar benefits. Although they differ in their polyphenol composition, they may have similar beneficial effects on vascular function.

Most studies indicate that green tea has more potent antioxidant properties than black tea, but one study found that green and black tea are equally effective as antioxidants.

Although both contain caffeine, black tea typically has more, which makes green tea a better choice for those sensitive to this stimulant. Furthermore, green tea is high in L-theanine, a calming amino acid that can balance caffeine's effects.

However, if you are looking for a caffeine boost that is not as strong as coffee, black tea may be an excellent choice for you.

Remember that both black tea and green tea contain tannins, which can bind to minerals and reduce their absorption. Therefore, tea can be best consumed between meals.

Green and black tea offer similar health benefits, including for your heart and brain. Although green tea may contain more potent antioxidants, the evidence does not favor one type of tea over the other.

Both contain the stimulants caffeine and L-theanine, which have a relaxing effect. In short, both are great additions to your diet.

Green tea: Is it optimal to brew hot or cold?

By admin / On April 21, 2024 / Ask and answer

Green tea consumption has become second in popularity after coffee. Like coffee, green tea can be served hot or cold. So, is hot or cold brewing the best way to brew tea?

/Ha An - Dan Tri Newspaper/

People consume green tea because of its rich polyphenols and antioxidant content. Traditionally, green tea is brewed with hot water, but recent evidence suggests it is better to brew and drink it at cooler temperatures.

Studies show that steeping green tea in cold water can help extract the maximum amount of antioxidants [Photo: eMediHealth]

Benefits of cold brewed green tea

According to eMediHealth, studies have found that using water with a temperature lower than 90 degrees Celsius is more effective in extracting polyphenols from green tea. The lower the temperature, the better.

Green tea brewed and drunk at cold temperatures has higher concentrations of bioactives, especially gallic acid and epigallocatechin.

The benefits of drinking tea with high levels of these bioactive include:

- Reduce inflammation.

- Improves bone strength by preventing resorption of bone cells.

- Limit the growth of bacteria in the mouth.

In addition, drinking cold green tea is also beneficial for reducing the risk of esophageal cancer because studies show that drinking tea at temperatures higher than 60 degrees Celsius increases the risk of esophageal cancer by 90%.

Brewing green tea at a cooler temperature also helps eliminate the bitter taste of green tea.

How to make cold green tea

To brew an effective cup of cold green tea, follow this process:

- Take a cup of water at room temperature, add a green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves.

- Let soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

- Take out the tea bag and let it drip; be careful not to squeeze it.

- Add honey if desired and enjoy.

Should you stop drinking hot green tea?

The available evidence shows that drinking green tea at cooler temperatures is better, but you can still drink hot green tea occasionally. Brew the tea in boiling water at about 90 degrees Celsius or lower to extract its biologically active compounds.

Drinking hot or warm green tea may have some health benefits. Drinking warm green tea helps improve colds and clears the nose when you have the flu. Studies have found hot drinks can improve runny noses, coughs, sneezes, sore throats, chills, and fatigue.

Animal studies also show that warm water can improve the biodiversity of gut microorganisms. Drinking warm green tea may have similar health benefits.

How to make hot green tea

Prepare a cup of hot green tea according to the following procedure:

- Heat the water in the kettle, but don't let it boil.

- Pour warm water into a cup and add a green tea bag or 1 teaspoon of green tea leaves.

- Leave it in the cup for 3-5 minutes.

- Take out the tea bag and let it drip, taking care not to squeeze the bag.

- You can add honey or not.

Should I drink hot or cold green tea to lose weight?

The temperature of the beverage you drink does not increase the calories burned. However, hot green tea can improve intestinal motility and microbial diversity, which may be essential to a weight loss diet.

Doctor-Herbalist Phung Tuan Giang, Chairman of the Institute for Research and Development of Vietnamese Traditional Medicine, said that green tea originates from the tea tree (Camellia sinensis) with unfermented leaves, helping them keep its high antioxidant content.

According to studies, green tea is considered one of the top health drinks. Regularly drinking this tea can reduce the risk of heart disease or Alzheimer's disease, helping us maintain better bone mineral density.

Besides, it helps you avoid eye diseases that affect vision in old age, prevents stroke, fights cancer, fights metabolic disorders, and prolongs life.

Antioxidants and other beneficial compounds in green tea include flavonoids and catechins such as EGCG, quercetin, linoleic acid, theobromine, and theophylline.

"Green tea is considered one of the safest and healthiest beverages. However, there are still some things to keep in mind when drinking green tea. There are few side effects, although many are rare," Dr. Giang said.

Does tea expire and how to store it properly?

By admin / On April 20, 2024 / Ask and answer

Whether you're a novice to the world of tea or a seasoned connoisseur, one question often lingers: does tea expire? While scoring a deal on discounted tea can be enticing, especially for enthusiasts, it's crucial to consider the tea's freshness and safety. Do teas retain their health benefits beyond their expiration dates? Is there a risk of mold or illness from consuming expired tea? The truth behind tea expiration dates is both logical and enlightening.

/healthnews/

Does tea expire? Understanding the shelf life of tea

Tea can indeed expire, but the expiration date on tea packaging doesn't necessarily mean the tea will spoil or become unsafe to consume by that date. Instead, it typically indicates a decline in aroma, flavor, and, potentially, the beneficial compounds found in the tea. The USDA commonly uses phrases such as 'Best if Used Before,' 'Sell-By,' and 'Use-By' to guide product quality and inventory management rather than indicating spoilage.

Many of the bioactive components in plants, like tea, are noticeable for their flavor, color, and smell. Therefore, when a plant like tea loses these components, it is safe to assume that its health benefits have also diminished.

Most teas have a shelf life of around two years from their production date. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection data, tea bags generally have a shelf life of 18–36 months from production, instant tea 2–3 years, and loose-leaf tea two years. Once opened, all forms of tea typically have a shelf life of 6–12 months.

Shelf life of popular teas

The shelf life of tea is also influenced by its type and processing method:

- Black and oolong teas, which undergo more extensive processing, can last 2–3 years.

- Green and white tea, being less processed, is more delicate and typically retains its peak flavor and health benefits for 6–12 months.

- Herbal teas, if dried and stored properly, can maintain their quality for 2–3 years.

Can you drink expired tea?

The expiration date on tea packaging does not necessarily mean the tea is harmful or unsafe to consume. As the USDA notes, "Many dates on foods refer to quality, not safety."

It is important to note that, like any food derived from a plant, there is the potential for it to spoil if the tea is not dried or processed correctly following methods suggested by the USDA or FDA. Signs of spoilage include mold, off smells, or a rancid taste. Proper drying, storage, and processing are essential to maintain the quality and safety of tea.

Buying tea near expiration

While you can certainly save a few bucks on pricey tea by purchasing products nearing their expiration dates and on sale, you may be doing yourself a disservice. While the tea won't necessarily be rotten or spoiled, it will have likely lost some of its color, flavor, aroma, and potentially its health benefits as well.

Signs your tea expired

As the tea leaves age, they become stale, much like the spices and herbs we often use for cooking. The flavors and aroma can change and smell like nothing or maybe just some plant matter.

The main signs that your tea has expired are a loss of smell or aroma, loss of color, and loss of flavor.

How and where to store tea

To maintain its freshness and flavor, store tea in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Exposure to dampness, moisture, heat, and light can accelerate the deterioration of teas, herbs, and spices, leading to a loss of flavor and quality.

To help with light exposure, amber jars or opaque containers are good choices to store your tea bags or loose leaves.

Tips on storing tea for a longer shelf life

Other tips to help keep your tea fresh include:

- Opt for storage in amber jars or opaque containers to protect your tea from light exposure.

- Prevent exposure to strong-smelling herbs or spices, as tea easily absorbs odors.

- Ensure a stable storage environment by keeping your tea away from temperature fluctuations, which can compromise its flavor and quality.

- Consider vacuum-sealed containers to remove air and prevent oxidation; avoid plastic containers that can taint the tea with unwanted flavors.

- Prioritize using older tea stock first through regular rotation.

- Avoid storing teas near the stove, refrigerator, or sink, as they may be exposed to moisture in these areas.

If you harvest and stock homegrown tea, it's crucial to be mindful of moisture levels before storing it. Once you have dried your tea leaves, you can stow them whole or ground up in a glass container. Whole leaves will have a longer shelf life as they undergo less oxidation, but they also take up more space.

After storing your tea leaves, whether whole or ground, periodically check for any signs of moisture to ensure freshness and prevent mildew growth. As mentioned earlier, remain vigilant for any signs of mold, unpleasant odors, or a spoiled taste.

Tea expiration and health

While tea does have an expiration date, it doesn't necessarily expire in the traditional sense. The expiration date on tea packaging is more about quality than safety. Tea can still be consumed after this date, but it may have lost some flavor and aroma. To ensure you're getting the best tea experience, it's essential to store your tea in a cool, dark, and dry place — this will help maintain its freshness and flavor for as long as possible.

When buying tea near its expiration date, consider your preferences. While the tea may be weaker in flavor, it can still be enjoyable and offer a more budget-friendly option. Remember to trust your senses when determining if tea has expired. If it smells off, looks unusual, or tastes strange, it's best to discard it.

By understanding the shelf life of tea and how to store it properly, you can continue to enjoy this delightful beverage with confidence.

FAQ

Is there an expiration date for tea?

Yes, tea does have an expiration date, but it's more about the quality of the tea rather than its safety. The expiration date on tea packaging typically indicates a decline in aroma, flavor, and potentially beneficial compounds rather than spoilage. However it is recommended to be cautious of any signs of spoilage and avoid consuming such products.

Can you drink tea after the expiration date?

Yes, you can drink tea after the expiration date.

Are 10–20-year-old teas safe to drink?

Tea 10-20 years old may be safe to drink if appropriately stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. However, there is a potential risk of mold or fungi. Before consuming, it's crucial to inspect the tea for any signs of mold, such as unusual odor or appearance.

Does loose tea have a shelf life?

Yes, loose tea does have a shelf life. Properly stored loose tea can typically last about 2 years from production and about 6–12 months after it’s opened. However, the flavor and aroma may diminish over time. It's best to store loose tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain its quality for as long as possible.

How do you combine moon cake and tea for sophistication?

By admin / On April 19, 2024 / Ask and answer

Enjoying moon cakes with tea is a beauty in Vietnamese culinary culture. However, depending on the type of cake, you should choose the appropriate tea to make this combination more delicate and perfect.

/Anh Tuyet - VOV2/

When enjoying moon cakes, many people often brew a pot of tea to sip, feeling the combination of the cake's sweet, fatty, and fleshy taste with the slightly astringent, sweet aftertaste of the tea. According to Doctor Bui Thi Tra Vi - Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Hanoi Medical University Hospital, this combination is a culinary habit and brings health benefits. The acrid taste of tea helps soften the sweet and fatty taste of mooncakes, assisting people to feel less sick. Besides, active ingredients in green tea, such as caffeine and catechins, can promote metabolism and fat loss.

Eating moon cakes and drinking tea is a perfect and scientific combination.

Nowadays, in addition to traditional mixed fillings, moon cakes have many types of fillings with different sweet and salty flavours. To make the combination of tea and cake more perfect and delicate, Mr Nguyen Cao Son, a beverage expert and member of the Royal Association of Vietnamese Chefs, suggests that the sweet taste should be balanced when eating moon cakes. Think of combining it with green, black, and mint tea. Refreshing green and mint tea will improve glucose metabolism to prevent too much sugar from remaining in the body.

With mooncakes filled with meat and eggs and a lot of fat, pu-erh tea and chrysanthemum tea are a good combination because they help with weight loss. Besides, chrysanthemum tea has the function of reducing internal heat effects and purifying the body.

For mooncakes with a slightly sweet and salty taste, drinking oolong tea is a good choice. Because oolong tea promotes gastric acid secretion and helps support digestion, limiting fat absorption. Drinking oolong tea on an autumn night is a subtle choice with little effect on sleep.

"First water, second tea, three brews, four pots" are the 4 elements of a delicious teapot. The water used to make tea should be pure. Tea should be chosen with origins that ensure food safety. The teapot should be made of terracotta, porcelain or glass to avoid mixing the taste of the tea.

Mr. Nguyen Cao Son shared that when making tea, you should boil the water and let the water temperature drop to about 80 - 85 degrees Celsius. After rinsing the teapot, put the right amount of tea into the pot. For example, for 4-6 people, brew about 8g of tea. If there are more people, add a few grams. Pour water into the teapot to rinse and awaken the tea, then drain the water. Continue to pour water into the teapot and brew the tea for about 40-60 seconds. First, pour the water into a serving cup or divide the tea into small cups. The second water continues to brew for about 50-60 seconds and continues to pour evenly into the cups so that the water will have a beautiful colour and uniform, stable flavour. After brewing tea, you should drink it immediately; leave it for a short time.

What's more enjoyable than gathering with loved ones, enjoying moon cakes and sipping a warm cup of tea?! It's as simple as that but also creates a relaxing and fulfilling Mid-Autumn Festival.

Why should older adults drink tea?

By admin / On April 19, 2024 / Ask and answer

Tea is a refreshing drink and extremely good for health, especially for older people. Older adults who love tea can experience significant cognitive benefits.

/Thanh Nien magazine/

Tea and the health of the elderly

Our immune systems weaken with age, and we become more susceptible to chronic diseases. Taking care of your health at an older age becomes paramount to living a long and healthy life. New findings show that drinking 5 cups of tea daily can increase accuracy and reaction speed for people over 85. Research published in The National says increased cognitive function can help older adults perform many activities, such as driving and completing jigsaw puzzles.

Dr Edward Okello, head of the Human Nutrition Research Center project at Newcastle University (Australia), clarified that the increase in cognitive ability is not only due to the compounds in the drink but also The way you brew a pot of tea or share a conversation over a cup of tea also plays an important role, according to Times of India.

Over a pot of tea, all the joys and sorrows of older people will be shared.

The researchers studied data from more than 1,000 participants over the age of 85, which was collected between 2006 and 2020. Their main goal was to find evidence that drinking black tea protects against dementia. Memory.

Ultimately, they found that drinking more tea could significantly improve attention span and the ability to perform complex tasks (psychomotor speed). However, they found no association between tea drinking and overall memory function.

Other benefits of drinking tea

Another study by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Fudan University in Shanghai (China) suggests that sipping tea daily can reduce depression levels in the Elderly. Even in this case, it is difficult to determine whether tea reduces the risk of depression. Several previously published articles also cited that compounds found in tea - catechins, L-theanine and caffeine - can improve mood, prevent cancer and increase longevity.

Which type of tea is good for health?

Research is especially on unsweetened black tea. But almost all teas contain more or less the same compounds. So, a person can gain benefits even from drinking regular tea. According to the Times of India, ensure it contains less sugar and prefer herbal tea over regular tea.

Pay attention when the elderly drink tea.

Although tea is a good drink for health and spirit, limiting and minimizing diseases according to many reliable scientific studies, "too much of anything is not good", the elderly need to pay attention to some things. Points after drinking tea for maximum benefits:

You should drink tea at least 1 hour before or after meals, not too close to meals, because drinking tea immediately after meals will limit the body's absorption of iron and protein.

Do not brew tea with boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius. You should only brew water at 80 degrees Celsius. Do not drink tea when it is still too hot.

Do not drink tea that is too strong, like toothpick tea; it can easily cause insomnia and stomach pain.

Do not drink tea when hungry; it will hurt your stomach.

Do not drink medicine with tea: older adults cannot avoid taking medicine to prevent or treat certain diseases. But absolutely, take medicine with water, not tea. Some compounds in tea easily react with the chemical properties of drugs, causing unwanted reactions.

Documents

Q&A with the Author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea

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