How To Pick The Right Herbal Blends Loose Leaf Tea For Your Needs

By Patrick Snyder


If you are new to the world of tea drinking or have only ever stuck to orange pekoe before you may be amazed at the number of options that are available. Products such as herbal blends loose leaf tea are available in a wide range of flavors and finding ones that you love can be a lot of fun. If you are new to herbal beverages, here are some things to keep in mind when you do go shopping.

If you ask someone why they prefer loose leaf versions to bagged ones you may hear that the taste is better. Often, people believe that the material a bag is made out of can affect the taste. Some bagged products are now using cloth instead of paper to try and reduce this impact. Using a different type of filter that is made of metal or some other neutral material can help reduce negative flavors left by paper tea bags.

One thing to consider is whether you are looking for a specific result or not. Some teas have specific effects. For example, chamomile blends can help someone relax or sleep more easily. Dandelion tea tends to act as a mild diuretic. Other herbal blends have different effects that you may want to think about before drinking them. If you are taking prescription medication you may want to make sure that there are no interactions between your herbal brew and the medication that you are taking. It is rare but not unheard of for interactions to take place.

Of course, you will need more than just a pot or a mug if you are planning to brew loose leaf herbal beverages. You will need a steeper which will keep the leaves together but will also allow the water to pass over them. Some people prefer a metal ball that they suspend in their pot or mug. Others prefer a special pot or thermos that allows the flavor to develop without letting stray leaves float around.

Some herbal preparations include black tea in their mixtures. Others do not. You should pay attention to the makeup of a specific blend as the presence of actual tea leaves can have an impact on your brew. You may want to ask the person selling you the product how much caffeine is in a specific blend as some products can be quite potent.

You may be surprised to learn that different blends and recipes have different steeping times. Some even call for water that is hotter or cooler than what you may be used to. Instructions can help you avoid making a drink that is too strong or which may even become bitter if left alone for an excessive amount of time.

In the past it was hard to find herbal teas to try but this has changed. Many companies now offer different varieties for you to try. Stores will often have samples of different varieties that you can try when you are shopping so that you know you are getting a brew you will enjoy. If you are visiting someone and they have a tea that you like, make sure to ask what it is called and where they purchased it.

You may want to buy a lot of your favorite variety at once but this may end up being a mistake. It can get stale if you do not drink it in a reasonable amount of time. It may be better to buy several different types of tea in smaller amounts so that you can drink it before the taste and smell begin to degrade.




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