Spill the Tea

MY LOVE FOR TEA

My obsession with tea started from a young age. As a child, my mom introduced me to English breakfast and earl gray. She would serve it with a dash of milk and honey. I absolutely loved it. I loved the way it calmed me down, the heat radiating off the mug, the warmness trickling down my throat. From Korean tradition, my dad would prepare barley tea some nights. He would keep the barley seeds in a giant zip lock baggie, spoon out the seeds into a little blue pot, and fill the pot with boiling water. There's something so special and nostalgic about having tea with your family. Recently, my passion for tea has resurfaced.

HIDDEN HEALTH BENEFITS

Not only does tea bring me joy, tea has a variety of health benefits. Studies have shown that a variety of teas may boost your immune system, fight off inflammation, and even ward off cancer and heart disease. White tea contains a high source of fluoride that can strengthen teeth and repel plaque. Chamomile tea is great for menstrual cramps, promotes sleep and relaxation, and lowers stress levels. Ginger tea may fight morning sickness and joint pain. Rooibos tea improves circulation and blood pressure, provides relief from allergies, and keeps hair and nails strong and healthy. Drinking tea is the perfect way to take the first step into leading a healthy life.

HOW TO GET STARTED— MY FAVORITE TEAS

To get started on your tea journey, you may need a few things. A tea leaf diffuser works perfectly for loose leaf teas. A cute mug is essential, and a kettle can be helpful. Honey to taste and your choice of milk. Tea can be made however you like it. My all time favorite hot teas include, peach green tea, brown-sugar almond black tea, orange blossom oolong tea, barley, and most black teas. My favorite iced teas include mango green tea, original matcha, and of course- all flavors of yerba mate. Pro tip: if you love the smell of the tea leaves, you will most likely like the taste of the tea!

THE PERFECT TEA SPOT

One of my good friends introduced me to the most precious tea shop in Atlanta. If you ever find yourself in Chamblee, Georgia, Zen Tea is the place to go. Zen Tea offers over 150 full leaf teas, herbs, pyramid tea bags, iced tea pouches and accessories. You can order your tea hot or iced. If you're unsure about your flavor choice, you can ask to smell the tea leaves and they will happily let you! Ordering a flight of tea (3 small pots of tea) is my personal favorite thing. Replace your cup of coffee with a cup of tea.