The Cozy Tea Cart

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There are over 3000 varieties of tea available today. With the growing selection of tea, you are probably wondering which tea to choose. Some teas may be better enjoyed in the morning, while others are afternoon or evening teas. The teas suggested below have different strengths and flavors. They can be found as the base of many of the blended and flavored teas The Cozy Tea Cart offers, or as 100% straight teas. The detailed descriptions of each of our teas in our Tea shop are available to aid you in choosing the tea that is right for you.

Here is a general guideline to purchasing tea for every hour of your day:

MORNING TEAS (invigorating, flavorful, full bodied black teas and blends)

• Keemun (a traditional English base)
• Assam (a traditional Irish base)
• Yunnan
• Puerh

LUNCH TEAS (light, mild, sweet taste)

• Green (Sencha, Dragonwell, Jasmine, Matcha)
• Ceylon

AFTERNOON TEAS (mild, fragrant)

• Green (Sencha, Dragonwell, Jasmine, Matcha)
• Darjeeling

EVENING TEAS (light, fresh, fruity, fragrant low or no caffeine selections)

• Oolong
• Green
• White
• Tisanes (herbals)

Recent studies on tea have indicated that it is loaded with antioxidants and polyphenols which have been shown to help fight free radicals in our system. The results of these studies explain that both black and green tea may benefit us in a number of areas. Some of these areas are:

• Fights cancer causing cells
• Contains protective antioxidants
•  Promotes cardiovascular health
•  Lowers cholesterol
• Assists with weight loss
• Beautifies skin
• Aid in digestion
• Stimulate and clean your digestive track
• Alleviates headaches
• Promotes general good health
• Freshens bad breath
• Provides fluoride for teeth and bones
• Eliminates foot odor
•  Fights foot fungus
•  Improves fluid balance
• Reduces the risk of stroke

All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. There are three major types of teaBlack, oolong, green. White tea has recently been introduced into the U.S. and is becoming quickly popular because of its greater amount of health benefits. Black, or fully oxidized tea, produces an amber-colored, full-flavored beverage without bitterness. Oolong, or semi-oxidized tea, produces a slightly bitter, light brownish-green liquid. Green, or unoxidized tea produces a mild, slightly bitter, pale greenish-yellow beverage. White tea, also unoxidized, is a very delicate tea made from the unopened new buds of the plant. After being gently dried, the buds have a silver white appearance and produce a pale, straw colored beverage with a subtle flavor.

Tea is primarily grown in Mainland China, India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Taiwan (Formosa), Japan, Nepal, Australia, and Kenya. Teas are classified according to their region of origin. For example, China, Ceylon, Japanese, Indonesian, and African tea. Smaller tea districts include Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgris from India, Uva and Dimbula from Sri Lanka, Keemun from Chi-men in Chinas Anhwei province and Enshu from Japan.

Tisanes, or herbal infusions are blends from herb plants and contain no tea, therefore, they are not considered teas. They come from different parts of the herb plants and are often blended with other herbs to create soothing, relaxing tisanes. Examples of these would be peppermint, lavender and chamomile.

The Cozy Tea Cart offers a wonderful selection of many of these teas.

The amount of caffeine in a cup of tea is determined by how you are brewing your tea. If brewed properly at the right temperature and for the correct amount of time, the caffeine content will vary by the type of tea you are brewing.  Use the chart below as an estimated guideline.

Too much caffeine can cause:  rapid heartbeat, irritability, insomnia, indigestion, nervousness, and dizziness.  Health experts agree that 400 450 mg of total caffeine intake from all sources (coffee, soda, chocolate, tea and others) per day is safe for adults and children older than 12.  To eliminate caffeine intake completely, please consider switching to herbal tea, because even decaffeinated tea and coffee contain a trace (between 5 and 10 milligrams) of caffeine.

All teas are not brewed the same. The act of brewing tea is part of the tea ceremonyto fully appreciate a quality cup of tea, one must brew it properly. For black teas and tisanes, bring the water to a full boil (approx. 212F), and steep for 4-5 minutes. These leaves can be re-infused a second time. For Oolong teas, bring the water to just under a boil (approx. 180F-200F) and steep for 1-2 minutes, repeating up to 5 more infusions. For green and white teas, the water should be between 160F and 180F. Green tea should steep for 1-3 minutes and white tea for 2-3 minutes, and also can be re-infused a second time. Measure one level teaspoon of loose tea into the infuser for each cup desired. Pour prepared water over tea and steep. Remove the infuser, sip slowly and enjoy!

The biggest enemies of tea are Air, Moisture, Light, and Heat. These elements cause degradation, which adversely affects the flavor of the tea. Loose tea can be stored for up to 1½ years in an airtight container that does not allow light to penetrate through, without any ill affects on flavor or quality. Tea bags can be stored for up to 6 months without any adverse affects on the quality of the tea.

Yes, we do. We have 1 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz and 7 oz tins. The density of the tea determines the size of the tin. For example, 2 oz of most black teas will fit in a 2 oz tin, but 2 oz of a lighter tea, such as our Organic French Blue Lavender, will fit in a 4 oz tin. Our tins are airtight and lightproof, which makes them the perfect storage solution to keep your teas fresh.

Gift certificates are available from The Cozy Tea Cart and can be obtained in any value, good for both merchandise as well as services. Tea time, or the act of taking tea, forces us to slow down and delight in the fragrance of the tea while we reflect on our thoughts. Why not purchase a gift certificate as that special gift for a friend or family member who you think might enjoy the simple act of taking tea.

*Gift certificates are good for up to 6 months from the date of purchase and are now available online.

It is important not to skip the brewing process when making iced tea. Using this most common way of brewing tea increases tea’s maximum antioxidants. Refrigerator brewed tea may keep the antioxidants confined.

Because this is freshly brewed tea with no preservatives, you should drink your tea within 72 hours of preparing it. After this, the healthy benefits will begin to fade.

When preparing black iced tea, Ceylon and China black teas are preferred as they will not cloud when they are iced. Cloudy tea will not affect the taste, only its appearance in the cup.

All tea types, Black, Oolong, Green and white can be used to prepare iced tea. Many herbal tisanes are also excellent iced.

There are several ways to prepare a delicious, antioxidant rich pitcher of iced tea. Using purified, filtered or spring water will allow you to taste the full flavor of the tea.  By following the steps below, you will produce an antioxidant-loaded iced tea with ample flavor and fragrance. And, if you are trying to cut down on caffeine, the cold brew method (or refrigerator method) is the perfect choice because cold water does not extract caffeine from the loose tea leaves.

Tea Pot Brewing

• To prepare a pot of strong hot tea, use the measurements suggested according to the directions on the tea package, for the size of your pot. Then add an additional teaspoon of loose tea or one additional tea bag for a strong flavor.
• Steep the tea for the number of minutes suggested on the package.
• Pour the hot tea over ice.  This will help prevent clouding of the tea. If the final liquid is cloudy, try adding a few teaspoons of boiling water.  The ice will dilute the tea, providing the optimum flavor for your iced tea.

Brew a Tea Concentrate Using Loose Tea Leaves

• To make 1 quart of iced tea, follow these directions. (Using a Pyrex 4-cup glass measuring cup to prepare the concentrate is helpful, but any container that can handle the temperature of the water will work fine.)
  • Prepare the water to the appropriate temperature for the type of tea you are usingBlack tea and Tisanes (herbals):  full boil (approx. 212^oF)
  • Oolong tea:  just under a boil (approx. 190^oF-203^oF)
  • Green and White teas:  160^oF and 180^oF
• Add 3 teaspoons of your preferred loose tea to a disposable tea bag
• Pour 1 cup of the prepared water over the tea bag.
• Let it steep for 12-15 minutes.
• Add three cups ice cold water. (Or add 2 cups cold water and 1 cup ice.)
• Squeeze the teabag and remove from container.
• Sip slowly and enjoy! 

Cold Brew (refrigerator method)

• Place your loose-leaf tea leaves in a container
• Pour in cold water and let steep in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours or overnight.
• Remove the container from the refrigerator, stir up the infusion to distribute the flavor
• Strain the tea leaves and enjoy!

Garnishes

• Garnish your tea with a lemon, lime, or orange wedge, or a mint leaf. 
• Sugar can be added to sweeten the tea. 
• Use a cinnamon stick, together with an orange and lemon slice for a spicy kick!

Iced Tea Pops

These are an uplifting treat for both children and adults!

• Prepare your iced tea using one of the methods suggested above. 
• Pour the tea into your ice pop mold.  (Fresh fruit can also be added here.) 
• Insert a stick into each pop.
• Freeze until solid. 

Iced tea makes a refreshing, stimulating beverage all year round, especially during the summer months. It can also be invigorating as a pick-me-up after exercising.

We have Richard Blechynden, an Englishman and India Tea Commissioner, to thank for his enterprising commercialization of iced tea in the United States. It was at the 1904 St. Louis Worlds Fair, on a sweltering hot day, where he got the idea to serve his hot tea over ice. The people attending the fair were quick to drink his tea to quench their thirst. This new iced brew helped to introduce the black Indian and Ceylon teas to the US, and allowed Blechynden to continue to popularize iced tea, which spread quickly through the United States.

When trying to decide between convenience teas (ready to drink teas) and hot brewed tea, studies have shown that most homemade iced tea has more antioxidants than convenience teas. Since the levels of antioxidants in the green and black teas are similar, whichever type you choose, you will be getting a healthy, refreshing glass of iced tea!

Brew Your Own Chai and serve it hot or cold! Use The Cozy Tea Cart’s American Chai for a sweeter infusion, or the Indian Spice tea for a more authentic Indian Chai spiced tea blend. For a caffeine-free version of chai try our Rooibos-based Organic Chai.

Follow these easy steps:

• Heat 1 cup of water and 1 cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just to a boil. Allow to cool slightly.
• Add 2 tsp. American Chai OR Indian Spice tea and allow to steep for 5 minutes.  (If using raw sugar cubes, they may be added during this step.)
• Strain through a tea infuser and add your sugar and/or honey to taste. Enjoy!