5 teas to enjoy in the rains!

Curl up on the sofa and start sipping...here's how to brew the most flavourful and aromatic teas this season

The monsoon is here, and there's nothing like a steaming hot cup of tea to accompany the softly falling rain. While tea (also known as nature's tranquiliser) is best had in its most popular avatar - black with milk and sugar - here are other interesting ways to enjoy it ...

1) Rose tea

Rose tea, made by mixing fresh roses and terminal bud of the tea, is probably the oldest flavoured teas available. The tea is known for its subtle taste. There are several benefits that it has. It can beautify the skin, clearing it of toxins and contains vitamins A, B3, C, D and E. Rose tea also acts as a cure for sore throat.

How to brew: Put 10 rosebuds into a cup (should have below-boiling water). You may brew this for as long as you like, a shorter time results in lighter tea. Use no sugar or cream as the flavour is best had natural.

2) White tea

This is a mild, fresh tea, one of the least-processed types. It is said to contain three times as many antioxidants as green tea. A study says white tea can preserve the skin's natural collagen, and another points out how it speeds up the fat-burning process.

How to brew: The first thing to remember is that hard water can ruin white tea, which has delicate a flavour. Boil water to about 158oF to 167oF and pour it over the tea leaves. Steeping time can be for about 10 minutes. Serve as it is, without milk or sugar.

3) Cinnamon tea

You can enjoy the many benefits of cinnamon tea whether you love a pure cinnamon tea or prefer it blended or added to other teas. Sweet, soothing, spicy, and a little bit exotic... Cinnamon is versatile and much-loved, a favorite not only in sweet and savory dishes, but in tea, as well!

The well-known spice is famous for its ease in blending with a variety of flavors - with other teas, spices, fruits, and herbs - to create intoxicating tea blends.

4) Tulsi tea

One of the most important benefits of this tea is that it can cure stress. Tulsi can be calming and is said to lessen abdominal pain. Having a little after a meal helps to relax the muscles of the intestinal tract. The tea is light and refreshing.

How to brew: Buy some fresh tulsi from any grocery. Boil water and place tulsi leaves inside a teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot and let steep for about three minutes. Enjoy it hot.

5)Chamomile tea

Part of the daisy family, chamomile tea was grown by ancient Egyptians to treat a wide variety of ailments. The ingredients in this tea are said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It is also said to relieve fatigue and is considered a cure for insomnia.

How to brew: Place a sachet of dried chamomile into a cup. Boil water and cool it for 20 seconds, then pour it over the chamomile. Cover and let it steep for about 5-7 minutes. Strain and sip. The flavor will be sweet and soothing.

Try these teas today at The Tea Shelf.

Turks and Tea!

After China and India, the world's two most populous countries, Turkey is third in tea consumption in the world. However, Turkey consumes the most tea if theamount is measured in proportion to the population. Based on data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the average annual tea consumption per person worldwide is less than 1 kilogram, but in Turkey each person consumes an average of more than 3 kilograms of tea every year.

In China, an average of 1.6 million tons of tea per year is consumed, while India comes a close second with almost 1 million tons in consumption. Turkey ranks third with around 240,000 tons of tea consumption per year. When it comes to tea production, Turkey is the fifth country on the list of highest tea producers, at 220,000 tons per year. China remains at the top of the list of producers worldwide, with almost 2 million tons of tea produced, followed by India, Sri Lanka and Kenya.

Çaykur, a Turkish tea production company, accounts for 60 percent of the Turkish tea sector and sold almost 5,000 tons of tea to 54 countries last year. The company sells tea to dozens of countries, including Australia, Kosovo, Mongolia and Saudi Arabia.

A large amount of the tea produced in Turkey tea is cultivated on the country's Black Sea coast. Two months ago, a training initiative for professional tea testers began so that they could better promote traditional Turkish tea, the country's most popular beverage. This was part of a project by the Rize Commodity Exchange Market. The training, which is given by tea experts, includes theory and practice classes that instruct participants on key information regarding tea's color, aromatic features, and the appearance of processed tea and strong tea.

Cinnamon & Cinnamon Tea Benefits.

While it’s quite a common ingredient, its massive health properties are lesser known so we thought we’d do a quick round-up of how it can help you become healthier from the inside out. Whether you choose to incorporate it in cooking, infuse its flavour and nutrients into a refreshing drink or brew it up as part of a tea blend, it can help your body in a myriad of ways. Here are just a few.