Teavolve Cafe & Lounge*Harbor East

LOOSE LEAF TEA

Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.  Tea has evolved since it's discovery nearly 3,000 years ago while captivating the palates of five continents.  From the highly honored tea ceremonies of Japan to the tradional afternoon teas of England, tea is an aromatic adventure of the world.  Believed to be the "elixir of immortality" by Taoist, we believe it to have the essence of well being in every pot.  At Teavolve, we wish you happy travels, exotic explorations and inspired senses on your road to the ultimate cup.

WHY IS TEA HEALTHY? Tea is a tasty beverage that is virtually calorie free, fat free, sodium free and sugar free.  Studies are showing that tea may be beneficial to one's health.  And most of healthy benefits of tea appear to be derived from tea's polyphenols. Their antioxidant properties are believed to help neutralize harmful free radicals, which can damage cells, tissue and lipids over time and contribute to chronic disease.  ~Beinghealthy.tv    BREWING TIPS  *Use loose leaf tea whenever possible.  The tea used in teabags is usually broken, dusty bits of lesser quality leaves. *It's essential that tea is never allowed to over infuse.  You'll end up with bitter, ruined tea.  For stronger tea, add more leaves rather than infusing longer than recommended.  At the end of a timed infusion, decant all of the tea or remove the tea leaves to avoid ruining your beverage. *It is best to boil fresh tap or bottled water (not distilled water) and avoid using water that has already been heated or boiled.  This is "flat" water and the oxyen has been depleted making it less than ideal brewing a good cup of tea *A tea strainer or infuser basket is preferable for infusing loose leaf teas (rather than a tea ball or clamping spoon) in order to give the leaves plenty of room to expand and fully infuse. *Using water that is too cool, or too hot, can ruin a good cup of tea.  Always remember that black teas infuse best with water at the boiling point and the green teas should use water at 170F-190F (at most).  Oolongs vary. *For consistent results, always use one heaping teaspoon of tea per 8 ounce cup of water.  To make amazing iced tea, brew double strength then pour over ice.  Any tea will work so try a variety.  Green, oolong, black or flavored teas...try them all. TEA STORAGE TIPS *True tea-Camellia Sinensis, has a shelf life of 1-2 years.  Tea, if kept properly will not spoil but it does go gradually stale.  Tea that has had flavors, fruit, herbs and spices added may not last as long as this.  Most likely 6 months to 1 years. *In order to insure that the fine teas you purchase are going to last until you can consume every drop, be sure to follow the general guidelines below: Do not buy tea in tremendous amounts.  Keep your stockpile small enough to be able to store properly.  Store dry tea leaves in an airtight container.  The smallest container that will hold your tea (less air space of draw out tea's natural essential oils and any other added flavors). TEA AND CAFFEINE Caffeine is a natural component of tea and generally considered safe when consumed in moderation.  A serving of tea usually contains less than half the caffeine of coffee (or 40mg).  Actual caffeine levels are dependent upon the specific blends and strength of the tea brew.  ~Tea Association of the USA Inc