Tea Facts

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

The Rituals Behind Todd & Holland’s Tea Selection

The Rituals Behind Todd & Holland’s Tea Selection

There’s a quiet alchemy at Todd & Holland Tea Merchants, where every cup is a conversation between leaf and soul. Owner Laurie Jackson believes tea isn’t just a drink—it’s a moment to pause, a ritual to savor. In a world that races through the day, her Forest Park shop offers a counterpoint: slow down, breathe, and let the tea speak. At Todd & Holland, the shelves are a curated map of global traditions. From the floral elegance of Jasmine pearls to the zesty kick of Moroccan mint, the selection leans into both the familiar and the adventurous. Jackson emphasizes that…
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The Art of Choosing a Healthy Tea in 2026

The Art of Choosing a Healthy Tea in 2026

Time to spill: The secret to a healthier tea habit lies in knowing which leaves to pick. With so many options—green, black, herbal, spiced—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But the right tea isn’t just about flavor; it’s about aligning with your health goals. Whether you’re chasing calm energy, digestion support, or sleep, the key is to decode the ingredients, caffeine content, and preparation methods. Start by understanding the basics. Green tea, rich in antioxidants, offers a gentle boost without jitters, while black tea provides a robust base for spiced blends like chai. Herbal options like chamomile or turmeric tea deliver…
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Boba Tea’s Hidden Health Impact: What Your Body Is Really Absorbing

Boba Tea’s Hidden Health Impact: What Your Body Is Really Absorbing

Get ready to sip on this: Regular boba tea consumption isn’t just a treat—it’s a complex dance of nutrients and risks. This sweet, chewy beverage, made from tea, milk, and tapioca pearls, packs a punch in terms of both potential benefits and pitfalls. While its creamy texture and flavor profiles are undeniably addictive, the science behind its impact on your body is far more nuanced. Boba tea’s sodium content is a double-edged sword. A single 8-ounce serving clocks in at around 21.6 milligrams, well below the American Heart Association’s low-sodium threshold of 140 milligrams. That means swapping salty snacks for…
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Hojicha’s Quiet Rise: A Matcha Alternative with Soul

Hojicha’s Quiet Rise: A Matcha Alternative with Soul

Here’s a tea that’s rewriting the script: hojicha, the roasted green tea gaining traction as matcha’s more approachable sibling. While matcha’s global dominance is undeniable—its vibrant green hue and ceremonial mystique have made it a social media staple—its supply chain is fraying. Japan, the heart of high-quality matcha production, faces record-breaking heatwaves and a slow, labor-intensive process that can’t scale fast enough. As demand outpaces availability, quality has suffered, leaving consumers craving something different. Enter hojicha: a Japanese tea that’s warm, nutty, and quietly reshaping the conversation. Matcha’s intensity—its grassy umami, high caffeine, and ceremonial roots—has made it a symbol…
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Berkeley’s Best Tea Hubs for a Quiet Moment

Berkeley’s Best Tea Hubs for a Quiet Moment

If you’re tired of coffee’s grip and craving something slower, Berkeley’s tea scene offers a quiet rebellion. While the city’s cafes often lean into bold brews or sugary indulgences, a few hidden gems prioritize the art of tea with care and curiosity. These spots don’t just serve drinks—they curate experiences, blending flavor, mindfulness, and local flavor. Asha Tea House in Downtown Berkeley is a student’s secret weapon. Its small-batch, fairly sourced teas feel like a conversation with the earth, and the pop-up bakeries keep the vibe fresh. The masala chai here isn’t just a drink—it’s a warm hug in a…
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The Healthiest Brew: Tea or Coffee?

The Healthiest Brew: Tea or Coffee?

Let’s talk about the daily ritual that shapes your morning: tea or coffee? Both are more than just drinks—they’re cultural touchstones, mood boosters, and potential health allies. But which one truly delivers on the promise of wellness? The answer isn’t black or white. Science says neither is inherently superior, but their nutritional profiles, caffeine impacts, and preparation methods make them uniquely suited to different lifestyles. Tea, derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, is a nutrient-rich powerhouse. Its antioxidants—like flavonoids and catechins—combat oxidative stress and support heart health. Green tea, in particular, shines with polyphenols that may protect cells and boost…
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The Matcha Powder Brands That Deliver (And Those That Don’t)

The Matcha Powder Brands That Deliver (And Those That Don’t)

Pour yourself a cup for this one: If you’ve ever wondered which store-bought matcha powder actually delivers a satisfying cup, you’re not alone. With so many options flooding shelves, it’s easy to get lost in the green hue and marketing hype. We tested six contenders, from bitter bombs to sweetened surprises, to cut through the noise and find what works. The results? A clear hierarchy of quality, flavor, and value. The worst matcha we tried was MatchAiA USDA-Certified Organic Matcha. It tasted watery, sharp, and overly bitter—like a low-budget espresso shot with no depth. Even after adding milk, its dull…
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Oat Milk vs. Matcha: A Flavor Clash That Left Me Disappointed

Oat Milk vs. Matcha: A Flavor Clash That Left Me Disappointed

Here’s what you need to know: Oat milk and matcha are a match made in… well, maybe not heaven. My first sip of the duo left me questioning whether I’d accidentally ordered a latte made with a spoonful of oatmeal. The oat milk’s creamy texture did coat my tongue, but it didn’t enhance the matcha—it drowned it. At first, I thought the oats complemented the nuttiness, but by the third sip, I couldn’t tell if I was tasting the matcha or the milk. It’s a dissonant pairing, like trying to hear a jazz solo over a blender’s hum. Cow’s milk,…
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The Rubber Flavor Conundrum: Fixing Young Sheng Tea’s Odd Aroma

The Rubber Flavor Conundrum: Fixing Young Sheng Tea’s Odd Aroma

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s a problem that’s as perplexing as it is uninviting. You ordered young sheng, a tea meant to evolve with time, only to find it reeking of rubber and latex. The question isn’t just about bad luck—it’s about how a tea can absorb unintended flavors, and whether you can salvage it. The rubbery note you’re describing isn’t a natural characteristic of young sheng. This tea, harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant, should exhibit earthy, vegetal, or even floral notes, not the synthetic scent of latex. Your storage method—ziplock with a boveda pack—sounds ideal, but the…
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A Ripe Puerh That Defies Time: The 2006 DA XUE SHAN Lincang

A Ripe Puerh That Defies Time: The 2006 DA XUE SHAN Lincang

There’s something brewing in Lincang that defies time—a 2006 DA XUE SHAN Shou Puerh stored in Taiwan, offering a rare blend of luxury and accessibility. This aged ripe puerh is neither overly bold nor timid; it’s a masterclass in balance, delivering richness without heaviness. Its unique huigan—a lingering sweetness that clings to the palate—hints at its storied journey through decades of maturation. The aroma alone is a revelation: chocolatey, malty, and laced with a subtle medicinal note that feels almost medicinal in the best way. It’s the kind of scent that lingers, inviting you to take another sip. On the…
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