Afternoon Tea, Houston Style

What is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is a tea-related ritual, introduced in Britain in the early 1840s. It evolved as a mini meal to stem the hunger and anticipation of an evening meal at 8pm.
Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of sandwiches (usually cut delicately into 'fingers'), scones with clotted cream and jam, sweet pastries and cakes. Interestingly, scones were not a common feature of early Afternoon Tea and were only introduced in the twentieth century.


Afternoon Tea was initially developed as a private social event for ladies who climbed the echelons of society. It was only when Queen Victoria engaged in the Afternoon Tea ritual that it became a formal occasion on a larger scale, known as 'tea receptions'. These receptions could have as many as two hundred guests with an open 'at home' invitation to visit between 4pm and 7pm, during which they could come and go as they pleased; this was the genesis of the Afternoon Tea as we know it.


In Britain today Afternoon Tea is usually enjoyed as an occasional indulgence or to celebrate a special event such as a birthday, or a pre-wedding or baby shower party with a group of friends.

McHugh Family Having Afternoon Tea in London

As a European, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to experience afternoon tea in a few of London's top hotels and they have been outstanding. The photograph above was taken in October 2012. During our extravaganza we discussed how great it would be if we could find a place in Houston that would serve Afternoon Teas with scones, clotted cream and jams...and of course sandwiches. Having our own store was a dream at that point.

At the beginning of 2013, that dream started to become a reality. Kim was finalizing her "Master of Tea" course. Kim's Mum & Dad were on board with the idea of starting a restaurant but finding the right location was critical.

July, 2013 McHughTea opened and after several months of planning the menu, I was glad to see Afternoon Teas took a prominent spot. Afternoon Tea in my mind should be traditional British.
Cucumber sandwiches, and it must be on the right bread. Home made scones with clotted cream and a choice of jams. Most importantly,a good choice of organic teas.

For those wishing to sample traditonal afternoon tea in Houston, please call and reserve a table
or make a booking via our website. www.mchughtea.com 

The importance of water purity for making Tea

Source: Teapot and kettle

A lot of people may not know that in order to brew a great pot of tea you also need high quality water that tastes good. One way to test this would be to taste the water on its own. If the water is good by itself, then the tea that is brewed in it will most likely taste great as well. If you are living in the highlands of Scotland, you would probably not require any more filtration but living in Houston is a different story.

Because tea is mostly made up of water, whether or not the water is good is just as important as the quality of the tea that will be brewed in it. The water should not be contaminated and should not contain minerals. Having a high oxygen content will also help to enhance the natural flavors of the tea. Water temperature can also have an effect on the tea infusion. Using chlorinated tap water can also negatively affect your cup of tea.

If you are brewing tea with tap water, filtering the water may be the best option. Filtering your water will help remove minerals and other elements that contaminate the water and cause it to taste strange. If you are unsure of the contents of your water, there is often water quality data available on the Internet.

The temperature of your water
When brewing a cup of tea, the temperature of your water is more important than you would think. Water should never be boiled for a prolonged amount of time and you should never boil water that has already been previously boiled. This is because boiling water causes it to lose oxygen. The more you boil it, the more oxygen is lost. When using tap water, always run your tap until the water becomes cold. This gives the water a chance to infuse oxygen.

Mineral content of water. What does it mean to have soft or hard water?
If water is described as hard, it means that it has a high content of dissolved minerals. These minerals can affect the taste of the tea you brew and can also begin to accumulate at the bottom of teapots and tea kettles. Teas that are brewed with pure water tend to have a more crisp taste. Hard water can also cause the tea to have a dark and murky appearance. Soft water on the other hand is water that does not contain minerals and is on the whole much better for tea brewing.

Oxygen content in water
High oxygen content tea is best for brewing a cup of tea because it helps release all of the best flavors in the tea leaves. If you want great tasting tea always get fresh water that has not been boiled previously to ensure that it is at its highest oxygen content when you begin to boil it in your kettle.

If you are looking for a sure fire way to brew great tea, go for bottled water. Bottled water is more likely to ensure a flavorful pot of tea. When choosing a bottled water to use, steer clear of water from springs because it is more likely to be contaminated with minerals. Mineral water is always a bad choice for making tea for obvious reasons.

Purified bottled water is the best water to use for your tea. Purified water has had all of the minerals and contaminated filtered from it. If you are really going for the best, check to see if the water company infuses their water with oxygen.

Now that you know what sort of water to go for, you may notice an improved taste in all of your future cups of tea. Test out water from different sources to see if it makes a difference in your tea enjoyment.

At McHughTea, we make take steps to purify our water and remove as many of the minerals and elements that could possibly affect the tea by utilizing a commercial grade water purification system.

Is Green Tea as Good as they say it is?

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Is green tea really as great for you as they say?
Yep, it is. Without a doubt, green tea is probably one of the best beverages you can consume, next to water. While it comes from the same Camellia sinensis plant as all other tea varieties originate from, green tea is processed from unfermented leaves and therefore contains the highest concentration of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that give green tea all its wonderful health benefits.

Brief Health History
Green tea is considered to be the most natural tea. It is created simply by seeping the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water and was the only form of tea for centuries before black (fermented) and oolong (semi-fermented) were developed some thousands of years later.
Green tea has a long history of use, especially for health purposes. It was first brewed and consumed back in 2737 BC during the reign of Emperor Chen Nug. Traditional Chinese and Indian medicine prescribed green tea for various ailments in order to aid in wound healing, bleeding control, and improving heart health. It was also used traditionally to regulate body temperature and blood sugar and help with digestion.

Health Benefits
Over the years, green tea’s health benefits have been extensively studied and so you can find an overwhelming amount of research that falls in green tea’s favor. Green tea drinkers have been documented as being less susceptible to a wide range of diseases from your everyday bacterial and viral infections to more serious conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. We’ve went ahead and compiled the research results for you, so just sit back, pour yourself some green tea and read about some of its many wondrous benefits below that you’re getting with every sip.
1. Boost immunity. The polyphenols and flavonoids found in green tea help your body stay strong and fight against infections.
2. Thwart cardiovascular disease. Green tea helps by preventing build-up in arteries and blocking the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LCL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
3. Guard against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Green tea may help protect brain cells from deteriorating and restore damaged cells.
4. Keep asthma in check. Green tea can help reduce the severity of asthma. It contains theophyline which acts as a relaxer for the muscles that support the bronchial tubes.
5. Reduce tooth decay. The antioxidant “catechin,” found in green tea, has been linked to the destruction of bacteria and viruses that cause various dental conditions and throat infections.
6. Lower blood pressure. Green tea has been found to repress angiotensin, which spikes blood pressure levels.
7. Fight ovarian cancer. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate or EDCD, a potent antioxidant that has been observed to suppress the growth of ovarian cancer cells and stimulate apoptosis (cell suicide).
8. Reduce the risk of colon cancer. Numerous studies have concluded that green tea helps halt colon cancer cell growth and regular green tea drinkers are 50% less likely to develop colorectal cancer.
9. Promote longevity. Polyphenols, which are green tea’s primary antioxidant, fight against free radicals which helps your body fight against aging.
10. Kick breast cancer. Green tea has been found to inhibit cancer cell metabolism in breast tumors.
To fully reap these benefits and others, scientists suggest drinking green tea regularly, citing three cups a day as the optimal amount. While there are many drinks that now contain green tea, it’s best to consume green tea the way people have for years—fresh, seeped in hot water—if you want the real benefits. Recently, it has been recommended to avoid drinking green tea while eating as it can hinder nutrient absorption from other foods. Drink at leisure, but use your best judgment.

So, the answer is an overwhelming YES to the health benefits of Green Tea. McHughTea, a  Houston Tea Room has 9 flavors and types of green teas for you to try. Come along and find out which one or two are best for you.

Healing Teas.

Source:Food Editorials.com

Drinking tea -- research shows it to be a healthy activity, because tea contains antioxidants that help fight cancer and even slow the aging process. Vitamin C, found in some teas, helps fight illnesses and colds. Some teas contain polyphones, which strengthen teeth by reducing plaque and also help aid digestion by increasing the flow of digestive juices in the stomach.

Tea, in short, has many healing properties. Here are 10 natural healing tea therapies.

1. Black Tea

Black tea blends are the most popular in the Western world. After the leaves are picked, they go through full fermentation that makes the leaves darken to almost black. Black tea can be flowery, fruity, and spicy or even have a nutty taste. Black tea, known for lowering the risk of stroke, contains antioxidants, which help reduce clotting of the arteries. Black Tea varieties include: Black Tea, Rose Black Tea, English Breakfast Black Tea, and Earl Grey Black Tea.

2. Chamomile Tea

Considered a floral tea, Chamomile has a very aromatic, fruity flavor and is a member of the daisy family. This tea helps with toothaches, insomnia, and muscle cramps, plus it reduces the swelling of skin irritations.

3. Green Tea

Green tea with its huge nutritional benefits is the most popular tea in Asia. Varieties include: Jasmine Green Tea, Jasmine Dragon Pearl, Green Peony Tea and Roasted Japanese Green Tea. After green tea is picked, it is dried using hot air. The leaves are then pan fried, but not fermented, which helps preserve the high nutrient and vitamin content. Vitamin C in green tea helps boost the immune system and promotes overall good health. Fluoride, found naturally in green tea, strengthens bones and prevents dental decay.

4. Oolong Tea

Oolong tea, known for aiding indigestion and lowering cholesterol levels, is made from large, mature trees. The leaves are left to wither after being picked, which removes moisture. Semi-fermentation happens after the leaves are left in the shade. Oolong tea has a a full-bodied taste, a pleasant aftertaste, and a sweet fruity aroma. Some varieties are: Jasmine Oolong Tea, Ice Peak Oolong Tea, Hairy Crab Oolong Tea and WUYI Rock Tea.

5. Red Tea

Grown in Africa, Red Tea is rich in antioxidants. This kind of tea has been proven to help boost the immune system, and is also caffeine-free. Varieties of Red Tea include: Florida Orange Red Tea, Organic Cape Red Tea, Organic Green Red Tea and Organic Green Summer Red Tea.

6. Rosebud Tea

A floral tea, Rosebud tea is made using rosebuds from a rose bush. The tea has a very sweet, floral aroma and a light, sweet taste; it is often brewed with other types of tea. Essential oils in this tea help aid circulation.

7. White Tea

Made by using very young tea leaves that are still covered in down, white tea leaves are not fermented. Instead, they are steamed and dried in the sun. Because of the lack of fermentation, white tea contains a high concentration of chemical compounds, known to help fight cancer. The brewed tea has a silver-white appearance because of the downy leaves. It has a sweet aroma and fresh flavor. White tea varieties include: Silver Needle, White Peony, and Jasmine Silver Needle.

8. Paraguay Mate

Very popular in South America, Paraguay Mate is brewed with spices and sipped with a straw from a gourd. The tea is used to aid many health problems, including depression, digestion, and boosting energy levels.

9. Wild Holy Tea

Wild Holy Tea has a bitter taste. It is used for medicinal purposes: to detoxify the body, aid in blood circulation and improve digestion. With regular consumption, Wild Holy Tea has been shown to help control blood pressure and obesity.

10. Milk Tea

The most popular tea in India and Sri Lanka is an Indian black tea mixed with spices. It's called Milk tea because it is usually brewed with milk and spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Milk tea added with other types of tea, such as green tea, contributes to overall health.

Many of these teas can be found at McHughTea.com 

Benefits of Drinking Organic Teas

For both simple and serious reasons, tea is the superhero of all beverages—most simply because it is versatile. It can be drunk hot or cold, winter or summer, and morning, noon, or night. More importantly, tea is touted for its health benefits including high antioxidant and vitamin C levels and more. Tea has also stood the test of time. It spans both centuries and cultures, from its roots in Asia through Europe and India and to America. Tea has even played an important role in history. The taxation of tea led to the Boston Tea Party and, as a result, is thought to have played a part in starting the American Revolution. If that alone doesn’t give it superhero status, consider that tea can also serve as a natural dye! There are also less-tangible benefits of tea, as well. Tea soothes colds and comforts us through times of stress and sadness.

But what is tea, where does it come from, and why is it important to drink organic tea? At McHughTea, we run Tea Classes on Tuesday to discuss the health benefits of drinking Tea on a daily basis. Our Houston Tea Room is the ideal spot to relax and learn about fine teas.


What Is Tea?
The truest tea comes from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, and depending on where it is grown and how it is processed it results in black, green, oolong and white teas. Herbal tea is also available, but it is not made from the tea leaf; rather, it is infused herbs. Specialty teas may include tea leaves and herbs with the addition of flowers, fruits, and spices. We discuss the varieties in more detail below.

The best tea is grown at high altitudes and consists of the smallest new-growth leaves and unopened leaf buds that are picked by hand.

A Short History of the Origins of Tea
The tea plant is native to China and was first cultivated about 2,000 B.C. The Japanese “discovered” it during the eighth century A.D., followed by the Europeans during the seventeenth century, when the British quickly adopted this drink. Tea has played an important role in English culture, and can be seen in the popular British observance of afternoon tea, a light meal served at about 4:00 p.m., and high tea, which became a substitute for afternoon tea in the nineteenth century. Because China could not meet Britain’s high demand for tea, Britain set up tea plantations and colonies in India to support this import. It was not until the twentieth century that America started drinking it iced, which is thought to have started at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904.

While tea has been around for thousands of years, it hasn’t been until recently that we have been able to select from the expansive variety of organic teas that are available today. Many organic tea companies are emerging with the awareness of organic farming methods on the rise. Even the larger, established tea producers, such as Celestial Seasonings and the Republic of Tea, are now using organic tea leaves for some of their blends.

Why Drink Organic Tea?
Organic tea is grown and processed without pesticides or artificial fertilizers and is also often Fair Trade. This means that you can reap the health benefits of organic tea knowing that small farms are being supported, workers on tea plantations are being treated fairly, and that both the workers and our environment are not exposed to the harmful chemicals used in conventional tea production.

Perhaps the most well-known benefit to drinking tea is for the high level of polyphenols found in tea leaves. Polyphenols are a type of natural plant antioxidant that has been found to help fight free radicals—molecules that occur in the environment that can cause damage to our cells. The accumulation of free-radical damage is thought to lead to heart disease and cancer. Green and black teas are the best known for their antioxidant benefits. Tea is also a wonderful alternative to coffee, with many varieties having just half of the caffeine. The antibacterial properties in tea are also said to improve oral health by preventing tooth decay and halitosis.

Types of Tea
There are four "true teas" that come from the tea plant. They are black, green, oolong, and white and are so named for their production processes. Black is the most processed, followed by oolong, green, and white. All other teas are made with herbal, floral, fruit, spice, or combined infusions.
At McHughTea, we specialize in 40 Organic Teas for everyone to enjoy.

Black tea is the only “true tea” that is fully oxidized. In its production process, the leaves are picked and tumbled in a machine so that the juices from the leaves react with the air causing it to oxidize, or ferment and turn black. The leaves are then dried to produce the final product, which results in a strong dark reddish-brown brew. Popular varieties include Darjeeling, English breakfast, Earl Grey, and Lapsang Souchong—a distinctively smoky variety.

Green tea is not oxidized; it is steamed and dried, resulting in a slightly bitter, greenish-yellow blend. Green tea has the lowest amount of caffeine of the four “true teas.” Dragon well, tencha, and gunpowder are popular choices of green tea.

Oolong tea falls in between black tea and green tea in terms of taste and color because it is only partially fermented. Formosa oolong, which comes from Taiwan, is the best-known oolong tea.

White tea is the rarest of the four. It is the least handled in production, requiring only plucking and drying.

Rooibos tea is most commonly referred to as red tea, and does not actually come from a tea plant, but from a red bush in South Africa and is considered an herbal tea. Rooibos is reminiscent of the taste of green tea, but is less bitter.

Herbal tea is a hot water drink infused with herbs that often have medicinal properties and most often do not contain caffeine. Popular herbal teas include Peppermint and Chamomile.

Chai tea is a popular tea from India that consists of loose-leaf tea, milk and ground spices including cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, grated nutmeg, and pepper.

Specialty teas have a base of one of the above teas with the addition of flora, spices, or fruit. The possibilities of tea in this category are virtually endless!

Selection
Tea is available at just about any grocery store. Organic tea is less widely available, but now that many major brands are developing and launching organic tea lines, they are becoming more popular. TrueLeaF Tea is the parent company of McHughTea where you can browse through all of our organic Teas and order online.  Visit McHughTea.com or Trueleaftea.com .

If you are looking for a Houston Tea Room, look us up and enjoy our excellent Teas