Everything You Need to Know About Breakfast Teas
Breakfast teas are typically black tea blends. They have a wonderful flavour and are meant to be enjoyed with a rich and hearty morning meal. They’re very strong and should always be paired with milk. Instead of coffee, having your tea for breakfast can give you that much-needed boost for the day. Here are a few blends you should get familiar with before deciding on your favourite.
English
This type is traditionally a blend of black tea. You will find many different recipes to make the blend because they vary from one manufacturer to another. But no matter the recipe, the leaves come from Ceylon, Assam and East Africa. Sometimes it’s made with blends of Kenyan or Chinese Keemun black tea. Manufacturers then combine them to get that distinctive flavour.
This blend started to become popular in the late 19th century. It’s said that in 1892 a man called Drysdale from Scotland made the blend and marketed it as the ideal breakfast-time tea. People embraced it and it became very popular. Some say that Queen Victoria tried it on a visit to Scotland and took a box back with her.
No matter the origin, this blend is now one of the most popular and well-known varieties. Nowadays, full-bodied and rich breakfast tea is widely available and you can find it in specialised stores or order it online. If you’re shopping online, make sure to buy from a reliable supplier.
This blend has a very distinct and recognisable taste. With satisfying malty notes and deep aromas, it offers a smooth drinking experience. Some say it’s very similar to masala chai because of the robust flavours.
The preparation process is not complicated at all. First, boil some water on the stove. Once it reaches 90-100°C, pour it into a cup. Add a tablespoon of loose-leaf black tea to a strainer and let it rest. You can also use a tea bag, but loose leaves are always better. Leave it to soak for 3-5 minutes or a bit longer if you want a rich taste and smell.
Because of its richness, you can enjoy this warm beverage on its own, or add milk, some sweetener or a slice of lemon. Some drink it iced, just let it cool to room temperature before storing it in the fridge.
Scottish
The Scottish variety is often the strongest because of its malty and oaky flavours. The Assam tea is what gives it this robust flavour profile. Sticking to tradition, contemporary Scottish tea producers have worked to develop a more potent mix of this tea to counteract the soft water in the region.
Irish
Compared to the English variety, the Irish one is stronger and heavier. Its flavour is deep and malty, and the potent Assam leaves give the water a stunning red tint when steeped. While the leaf combination is similar to English Breakfast, Assam tea leaves dominate this blend, giving it a distinctive malty flavour. And given the fact that Irish people drink 1,208 cups of this beverage a year, it’s safe to say they love it.
Health Benefits
Lowers Cholesterol
This type of tea contains antioxidants that help reduce cholesterol. Aflavin and arubigins, for example, have been shown to help control hyperlipidaemia, excessive body fat or cholesterol, and associated high-fat illnesses. More specifically, thearubigins and flavonoids trigger insulin to rise and glucose to fall, which leads to lowered cholesterol.
Good for the Heart
Breakfast tea is rich in flavonoids. They’re antioxidants that, if you consume regularly, can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Plus, they also help with lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. All of these improvements will significantly improve your heart health.
Better Gut
Having a healthy gut can improve your general health. Your gut’s bacteria put up a lot of effort to support bodily functions. As a result, it’s essential to ingest foods and drinks that are good for your stomach. The tea for breakfast has polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that promotes the growth of good gut bacteria. On the other side, it decreases the growth of harmful bacteria.
Increased Focus and Attention
L-theanine is one of the amino acids in black tea. When paired with caffeine, this nutrient boosts focus and alertness, helps you relax, and makes you more attentive to your responsibilities. By drinking this beverage in moderation, you can easily enjoy these benefits.
Reduced Stroke and Cancer Risk
Some studies show that drinking black tea can reduce the risk of stroke and cancer. This is because of the nutrients it contains. The polyphenols can reduce cancer cell spread, regulate their growth, and prevent the creation of new cancer cells.
Weight Loss and Good Oral Health
This breakfast blend is known for giving your metabolism a boost. If you’re having trouble losing some weight, give black tea a try. It’ll break down fat and prevent new fat cells from forming. It’s also good for your teeth because it keeps your breath fresh and prevents the disruption of the mouth’s pH balance.
