Tea is an intricate part of our lives. Part of all our rituals, functions, office conferences. From early morning till you hit the bed at night, tea fills the day in its many flavours. Some can’t leave the bed in the morning without a cup of tea, for some it is the instant medication for headache or works a stress buster. It serves as a stimulant for some, igniting their mental faculty when required the most; during decision making. Tea is not bound by region, season or religion. “It is loved in all regions of the world and consumed in all seasons and weather conditions. It will be not wrong to say that Tea is one common factor which binds the world”. Friendships, relationships flourish as meetings take place over cup of tea.
There are so many flavours and styles brewing that what one likes may not be someone else’s cup of tea. Everyone has their own favourite type (black, green, with milk, peppermint, spicy and so on) and like it brewed in their own way. A cup of tea can make or mar the mood. The aroma released as hot water is poured over tea leaves is just awesome. The aroma itself refreshes the mood and sets the mind on fire.
I have been a fan of tea since a very young age. During initial years of life, I preferred tea mixed with milk. I have had the good fortune of travelling through best of the tea gardens located in the North East and southern regions of the country. The variety available is mind boggling. After trying different flavours, I finally decided that black was my cup of tea.
After a long period of hit and trial I found my perfect cup of tea. Hot water (not boiling) poured over tea leaves (tea bag) and let it brew for two minutes. I do not like my tea too hot or warm. Just about hot tastes the best for me, so I let it rest in the cup for about five minutes before taking a sip. Crockery also plays a major role in making the tea good or bad. Porcelain is the best for me, preferring a colourful stylish cup in the morning to elegant white (maybe gold rimmed) in the office. Earthenware adds its own aroma to tea.
My day starts and ends with a cup of black tea. A hot cup of tea before hitting the bed releases all the stress accumulated over the day. It certainly works for me.
“Friends, to enjoy tea, brew it your own way, do not leave it to others (whenever you can help it)”
