If you are looking to switch to tea from those other liquid substances (coffee, colas, etc.) but aren’t sure how to start or if you are just looking to expand your tea horizons, we have some ways for you to make some wise choices. It’s the Tea Decision Tree. Here’s how it works…

Step 1 – Why Are You Drinking Tea?

Choosing between teas can often begin with why you are drinking tea. Decide which it is. Often it’s a mix of these.

• Flavor – A very important part of anything we eat and drink.
• Mood – Tea is the great uplifter yet soother.
• Some hoped-for health benefit – Lots of claims out there, some are even supported by scientific evidence.

Step 2 – Choosing the Next Criteria

• Flavors – bold, fruit, citrus, jasmine, mild, oaky, spicy, etc.
• Mood – refreshing, soothing, something new
• Health Benefit – digestion, energy boost, relaxing for sleep

Step 3 – Select One of the Options Presented

Depending on the previous choices you will have various options.

• A bold and energizing option – English Breakfast blends of black teas balanced to stimulate you and your tastebuds.
• A citrus option – Lemon-flavored teas often come to mind here, but try some Blood Orange Flavored Black Tea for a change of pace. It has an intense and flavorful fresh citrus character with a delicate sweetness reminiscent of freshly squeezed oranges.
• For more mild and relaxing – Earl Grey, a blend of teas from India and Sri Lanka with flavoring from oil of bergamot (a small acidic orange).
• Digestion – Pu-erhs have a reputation for aiding here, so you could give them a try. If you’re new to this style of tea, be prepared for something really different: an aroma and taste that some compare to soil or leaves decomposing on a forest floor. Scottish Caramel Toffee Pu-erh Tea is a great alternative with that toffee adding a sweet touch.
• Relax and sleep – Chamomile herbal infusion.

Going for It!

Okay, you’ve got your options. Just make your choice, steep it up, and let that tea magic work on you.

See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles here.

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