What is a Quality Black Tea Garden?

Black tea has helped to revolutionize the beverage market. Over the years, the exotic drink had become the world’s most popular tea. In fact, 80 percent of the tea consumed in the U.S. is actually of the black tea variety.

Perhaps black tea is so popular because of its boldnessit is darker and stronger than green tea is.

The Preparation Process

After plucking, black tea leaves are spread out so that they can dry. Then, the leaves are rolled and fermented. As little as two hours later, the leaves are heated so that the moisture can be removed. The quality of black tea varies according to a number of different factors.

These include the origin of the black tea, the conditions in which it’s grown, and the competence of the manager of the tea estate. Therefore, a quality black tea garden is dependent as much on the skill of the grower as the soil conditions of the actual plot of land.

In general, black tea grows best in areas that are warm and are of altitudes of anywhere from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Because teas at high altitudes tend to grow more slowly, they produce a tea of greater flavor. The tea gardens of India’s Darjeeling region and Sri Lanka’s Uva district are greater than 6,000 feet high. Although tea grows best in a dry season, rain is necessary for the tea leaves to survive.

Taking a Closer Look at Tea Varieties

Fortunately, there are a number of tantalizing tea varieties you can try that are as rich in quality as they are in flavor. For instance, you might consider Honey Pear, a version of black tea which combines the fruity taste of the pear tree with the sweet taste of honey. Served hot or iced, Honey Pear is reminiscent of an exotic dessert.

An intriguing alternative would be Nepalese Afternoon Tea, a tea which is derived from the base of Mount Everest in Nepal. This loose-leaf tea combines lotus, honey, and sandalwood to form a delicious, memorable blend.

Yet another possibility is Pu-erh, a loose-leaf tea which is among the most popular tea blends in Asia. Pu-erh is known for its sweet, earthy scent and its multitude of health benefits.

Exceptional Flavor

One of the key points to keep in mind about black tea is its distinctive flavor. Because of the manner in which it has been processed, it can easily be differentiated from other forms of tea. Once you’ve sampled black tea, chances are you will never be nostalgic for other types of tea. While black tea may be an acquired taste, once you’ve become accustomed to it, you’ll probably want to make black tea-drinking a lifelong habit.

Health Benefits

Research indicates there are many health benefits associated with black tea. For instance, since caffeine can improve airflow to the lungs, drinking black tea may be beneficial to individuals with asthma. Some research also indicates that the polyphenols in black tea have antioxidant qualities which may make them helpful in the fight against cancer.

In addition, researchers believe that black tea may be helpful in preventing cavities and heart attacks. There are some indications that the beverage may enhance memory, improve mental performance, and enhance alertness. Interestingly enough, drinking black tea may also help to prevent osteoporosis by improving bone density in older women.

The Safety of Black Tea

It should be pointed out that the Food and Drug Administration does not monitor the safety of herbs and supplements. As a result, it is important that you check with your doctor before radically changing your daily diet to include copious amounts of black tea.

In general, people who have an allergy to caffeine or tannin should not drink black tea, since such consumption may lead to a skin rash or hives. The caffeine in black tea may also increase urine output, decrease blood sodium/potassium levels, and can worsen incontinence.

In addition, caffeine can increase the amount of acid in the stomach, leading to ulcers and can increase blood sugar levels. As a result, black tea may not be appropriate for people who suffer from complications from diabetes. Individuals who have serious liver disease may also be impacted negatively by the caffeine in black tea.

Some Final Thoughts

Finding a high-quality black tea is really not that difficult, considering all the various varieties that are available today. Once you begin drinking black tea, you may find that you are hooked for life. The more you drink this unusual beverage, the more you’ll come to appreciate its many attributes.

Even the most finicky tea connoisseurs tend to have high praise for black tea. While it may not be called the beverage of champions, it certainly is a stellar brew that can appeal not only to your taste buds, but to your desire for good health as well.

Jon Stout is Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. For more information about tea, black tea and wholesale tea go to www.goldenmoontea.com

By Jon Stout Published: 4/21/2007

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Allergy Bedding for Dust Mite Allergy Relief

Many people do suffer from dust mite allergy. What can be done for them? Allergy bedding exists which is the best way to combat a dust mite allergy.

Human perception is an amazing thing. If we don’t see it, we can fool ourselves into thinking something doesn’t exist. That’s probably a good thing, because if we saw all the things we don’t normally see, we would probably never sit down or sleep again.

Every home in the world has millions of tiny organisms living in its chairs and beds. Do you want to think about sleeping with millions of tiny bugs that feed off your skin? Me neither! But people, who have a dust mite allergy, must think about it some of the time. If they don’t realize what they’ve got, they’ll never buy the allergy control bedding they need for a good night’s sleep.

Dust mites are second only to common pollen as an allergen. Many people seek allergy relief thinking they are allergic to cats or pollen when it’s really dust mites that are the problem. For them, a better solution that pills or shots is allergy bedding. It’s a more cost effective and total solution to the problem of mites in the home. And it can be used by anyone regardless of pregnancy or other medical conditions.

What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are bugs so small they cannot be seen with the human eye. They feed off of human and pet skin, and live in warm, humid areas where body warmth or sweat can keep them cozy and happy. Scientists estimate there can be over 19000 mites in one gram of dust. They are the proverbial "bed bugs" you always hear about.

However it is a myth that dust mites bite humans. They don’t. They only eat dead skin that naturally falls off of us as we go throughout our day. However, they do give off secretions and feces that human skin can react to. The tendency to react to that is a dust mite allergy. These allergies can range from mild to severe and can cause both a physical rash as well as traditional allergy symptoms.

What can be done for allergy sufferers?
Now that we are all pretty grossed about sharing our beds with millions of our closest little friends, lets have some good news. Allergy bedding exists which is the best way to combat a dust mite allergy.

Allergy control bedding uses encasing fabric that keeps the mites from being able to get into the bed, where they are warm and comfy. This fabric must be kept clean and be washed in hot water. However, it will severely limit the mites ability to make a home in your bed. Sheets and pillow cases can be purchased at many home retailers and through an allergist’s office or website. Do not just buy something that says "Non-allergenic". Make sure you purchase sheets and pillowcases that say specifically "dust mite prevention" or "encasing fabric".

Another important tool in allergy relief to go along with allergy control bedding is an actual allergy control mattress or bed. These can also be purchased through websites or home retailers. The fabric of the actual mattress is made of a super-dry material that mites will not like living in, and the cover fabric also includes micro-fiber encased fabric that will keep the mites out of the bedding. It also can whisk away any dust mite feces or secretions to keep your skin dry and clean.

A final plus to allergy control bedding is the softness of the material. Because the micro-fabric is designed to keep the pores of the fabric close together, the actual material of the sheets, pillowcases and bedding is very soft and somewhat luxurious. That is a nice added bonus.

Dust mites are a reality in every home in the world. Cleaning out air ducts will not get rid of them (that is another myth, usually spread by air duct cleaning companies), and even the cleanest homes have them. The only way to give you piece of mind and allergy relief is to buy allergy control bedding and allergy bedding products such as sheets, pillows and pillow cases. These scientifically designed products can keep you from having mites in the bed, and will allow you to have a good, mite free, night’s sleep for a long time to come.

By Jayashree Pakhare Published: 9/1/2007

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