News / tea

Spiced Apple Chai Cider

In the middle of winter our thoughts turn to warm drink and a book by the fire. Here is one warm drink that is sure to please!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (250mL) boiling water
  • 3 tsps 3 Teas Masala Chai
  • ½ cup (125mL) apple cider (hard or soft)
  • 1 teaspoon (5mL) sugar, optional
  • 2 tablespoons (30mL) whipping cream, optional
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

 Steep tea with boiling water for 5 minutes.  Add hot apple cider Add sugar and top with whipping cream, if desired. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and grab your favourite book. Enjoy!

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Is tea good for your brain?



 
We've all heard that tea is good for you but is there really any proof?
Recent studies have shown some of the effects of tea on brain function.
  • A recent human study examined the effect of the unique tea amino acid L-theanine on attention related task performance. Task performance was measured by tracking electrical activity produced by the brain ( via EEG). The results suggest L-theanine plays a role in processing attention in synergy with caffeine. (1)
  • A published randomized human clinical trial found that subjects given a daily supplement with green tea extract and L-theanine extracted from tea experienced improvements in mild cognitive impairments (MCI). (2)
  • Caffeine and L-theanine in tea may offer cognitive benefits and improve mental clarity and work performance. A cross-sectional study showed that participants who consumed more tea felt less tired and reported higher levels of subjective work performance. (3)
  •  A double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study showed that the flavonoid EGCG (found in green tea)  was associated with a significant  increase in self-rated calmness and reduced self rated stress. This is in keeping with the widespread consumption of green tea for its purported relaxing/refreshing properties.
So enjoy your brew knowing that not only is it Terrific Tasting Tea, it's good for your brain as well!
 

1. Kelly SP, Gomez-Ramirez M, Montesi JL, Foxe JJ. L-Theanine and caffeine in combination affect human cognition as evidenced by oscillatory alpha-band activity and attention task performance. J Nutr 2008;138:1572S–7S.
2.  De Bruin EA, Rowson MJ, Van Buren L, Rycroft, JA, Owen GN. Black tea improves attention and self-reported alertness. 2011. Appetite, 56: 235-240.
3.  Bryan J, Tuckey, M, Einöther S.J.L. et al. The relationship between tea and other beverage consumption, work performance and mood. Appetite, 2012. 58 (1), 339–346

4. Scholey A; Downey LA; Ciorciari J; Pipingas A; Nolidin K; Finn M; Wines M; Catchlove S; Terrens A; Barlow E; Gordon L; Stough C Acute neurocognitive effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Appetite. 58(2):767-70, 2012 Apr.

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Pairing Tea with Food

Pairing Tea and Food
Pairing tea with food is just as much of an art as pairing wine with a meal or using the right spices. Fortunately tea is so versatile you can pair it with a variety of dishes.

Here are a few examples to get you started:

White Tea
White tea is subtle so pair it with light tasting foods such as vegetables and white chocolate.
Green Tea
Green tea has a light vegetal/grassy taste so pair it with mild fish or chicken. Salads are also a good choice as is simple fruit like melon
Oolong
Oolongs are more complex and cover a range from light (closer to green tea) to more oxidized (closer to black tea). Try a lighter oolong with seafood or cheese and crackers. Use a more oxidized oolong with grilled salmon or smoked meat
Black Tea
Black tea is more robust and can be paired with spicy foods. Flavored black teas also do well with a sweet dessert.

 Follow link to a great chart from the Tea Association of Canada with even more ideas on how you can pair teas with food! Enjoy.
http://www.tea.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Tea-and-Food-Pairing-Chart_EN.jpg
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