Tea Facts

Discover tea varieties, brewing techniques, and health benefits. From green tea to oolong and beyond.

San Diego’s 2025 Coffee & Matcha Gems: 18 Spots to Savor

San Diego’s 2025 Coffee & Matcha Gems: 18 Spots to Savor

Here’s what you need to know: San Diego’s 2025 coffee and matcha scene is a masterclass in flavor, community, and creativity. From family-owned cafes to pop-up innovators, these 18 spots redefine the art of the brew. Whether you’re chasing a velvety matcha, a bold Vietnamese coffee, or a boba that tastes like a dessert, these locales deliver more than just drinks—they’re rituals. Café Alessie in East Village is a standout, blending family recipes with modern flair. Their banana pudding matcha, a weekly obsession for many, is a testament to how tradition meets innovation. Meanwhile, Chance’s Coffee in North Park thrives…
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Why Boiling Water Is Screwing Up Your Tea (And How to Fix It)

Why Boiling Water Is Screwing Up Your Tea (And How to Fix It)

Real talk: Your tea isn’t tasting bad—it’s just being cooked. Boiling water is the default for most tea drinkers, but that’s not always ideal. The science of brewing is nuanced, and overheating can turn a delicate cup into a bitter mess. Jeannie Liu, founder of Miro Tea in Seattle, explains that tea’s flavor hinges on temperature precision. Over-extraction—when water is too hot—unlocks tannins, catechins, and caffeine, creating astringency and bitterness. Think of it like overcooking vegetables: you lose texture and flavor. Different teas demand different temps. White tea, with its tender young leaves, needs 160–185°F to avoid scorching. Green tea…
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Is Matcha Sabotaging Your Iron? The Science Behind the Buzz

Is Matcha Sabotaging Your Iron? The Science Behind the Buzz

This is worth savoring: A growing chorus of TikTok users is blaming matcha for iron deficiencies, citing symptoms like fatigue, brittle nails, and easy bruising. But is the green tea powder really the villain? Or are these stories oversimplifying a complex interplay of diet, biology, and individual variation? The answer lies in understanding how matcha interacts with iron—and why moderation matters. Matcha, derived from Camellia sinensis, is packed with polyphenols and phytic acid, compounds celebrated for their antioxidant properties. Yet these same components can bind to iron, reducing its absorption. Studies show that heavy green tea consumption—three or more cups…
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Unhealthiest Teas to Avoid – Warnings and Alternatives

Unhealthiest Teas to Avoid – Warnings and Alternatives

Alternatives exist for the teas you might be consuming that have potential health risks. Some popular teas may contain ingredients that could negatively impact your well-being. Understanding what to avoid can help you make informed choices for your tea-drinking habits. In this post, you will discover the unhealthiest teas to sidestep, along with safer options that provide flavorful and beneficial experiences for your health.Common Unhealthy Ingredients in Tea When dicking out teas, it's crucial to be aware of certain unhealthy ingredients that may lurk in your favorite brews. These components can negate the benefits of tea and pose health risks.…
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The Healthiest Tea Overall – Top Picks for Daily Health

The Healthiest Tea Overall – Top Picks for Daily Health

Most people seek ways to enhance their everyday health, and incorporating certain teas into your routine can be a simple yet effective strategy. In this post, you'll discover top picks that provide various health benefits, from boosting immunity to aiding digestion. For more insights, check out The Healthiest Types of Teas to Drink. With the right choices, you can enjoy flavorful brews that support your wellness journey.Importance of Tea for Health Tea serves as a daily wellness booster, offering numerous health benefits that can enhance your overall quality of life. Regular consumption can improve hydration, provide a sense of calm,…
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Who Should Skip Peppermint Tea? Potential Risks Explained

Who Should Skip Peppermint Tea? Potential Risks Explained

Peppermint tea, often celebrated for its refreshing flavor and digestive benefits, may not be suitable for everyone. If you have specific health conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heartburn, or certain allergies, drinking peppermint tea could exacerbate your symptoms. Additionally, if you are pregnant or nursing, caution is advised due to potential effects on your health and that of your baby. Understanding these potential risks can help you make informed decisions about including peppermint tea in your diet.Overview of Peppermint Tea Peppermint tea is an aromatic infusion made from the leaves of the peppermint plant, known scientifically as Mentha…
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Looking for Italian Espresso Mastery? Here’s How to Find It

Looking for Italian Espresso Mastery? Here’s How to Find It

Here’s what you need to know: If you’re chasing the bold, smoky punch of Naples-style espresso, you’re probably scrolling through YouTube hoping to stumble on a video of an Italian pulling a shot with the same urgency they’d apply to a late-night pasta fix. But what you’ll find is a sea of light roasts, precision timers, and gear that looks like it belongs in a lab. The real magic? It’s not in the gear—it’s in the grit. Italians don’t preen over their espresso. They grind, tamp, and pour with the same reckless efficiency they bring to a crowded pizzeria at…
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Umami: The Secret Ingredient Elevating Specialty Coffee

Umami: The Secret Ingredient Elevating Specialty Coffee

This is worth savoring: The fifth taste, once dismissed as a culinary oddity, is now a cornerstone of innovation in specialty coffee. Umami’s journey from a misunderstood descriptor to a celebrated flavor profile reveals how cultural shifts and scientific curiosity are reshaping what we consider “good” coffee. Japanese scientist Dr. Kikunae Ikeda first coined umami in 1908, describing it as a “satisfying flavor” that lingers on the tongue. His discovery—rooted in the umami-rich dashi broth—challenged Western notions of taste, which historically grouped umami as “savoury” or “meaty,” often pejorative terms. But as global palates evolved, so did appreciation for umami’s…
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Teas with High Heavy Metals – Which to Watch Out For

Teas with High Heavy Metals – Which to Watch Out For

It's imperative to be aware of the potential heavy metal content in certain teas you consume. While tea can offer numerous health benefits, some varieties may be contaminated with harmful metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Understanding which teas to watch out for can help you make informed choices and enjoy your tea without compromising your health. This post will guide you through the types of teas that typically contain higher levels of these metals, enabling you to select safer options for your daily brew.Understanding Heavy Metals in Tea Awareness of heavy metals in tea is necessary for maintaining your…
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Why Not Microwave Water for Tea? Common Myths Debunked

Why Not Microwave Water for Tea? Common Myths Debunked

It's a common practice to microwave water for your tea, but many myths surround this convenience method. You might think it's just as effective as boiling water on the stove, yet doing so can lead to uneven heating and a less than optimal brewing experience. In this post, we'll unpack the reasons why microwaving water can undermine your tea's flavor and aroma, and clarify the science behind the perfect cup.Understanding Tea Brewing Tea brewing is a delicate balance between water quality, temperature, and steeping time. Proper brewing allows you to extract the full flavors and benefits of your chosen tea.…
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