Enjoy a Cuppa

After a week of roller coaster weather here in western North Carolina (70 degrees one day, 39 the next), winter has again taken control.  It's cold, with an expected wintry mix of rain, ice and snow.  The perfect day to stay inside and sip a lovely cup of hot tea.  

The timing couldn't be better, since today is National Hot Tea Day!

Legend has it that Shennong, an ancient Chinese leader, was drinking a bowl of boiled water when a few leaves blew into his bowl.  This colored the water and gave it a flavor he greatly enjoyed.  Another legend is that while testing various herbs on himself for medicinal properties, he discovered that tea worked as an antidote when he consumed a poisonous plant.   

There is written evidence that emperor's of the Han Dynasty were drinking tea as early as 59 B.C.  At the time, tea was considered a luxury beverage - today it is the 2nd most consumed beverage in the world, second only to water. 

Whether you prefer black, green, white or oolong tea (all which come from the same plant  Camellia Sinensis), there are many benefits to drinking tea:

• Tea is high in antioxidants
• It's an all natural, calorie free, sugar free drink (until you start adding embellishments to it)
• Research shows it may reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases
• It may aid in digestion and assist with weight loss 
• A cup of black tea each day may reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease
• Green tea may help increase bone density
  

Heart coasters available at Queen B's Busy Work

Just over a year ago, I had the pleasure of visiting the only working tea plantation in North America - the Charleston Tea Plantation on Wadmalaw Island a few miles south of Charleston, South Carolina. I found the tour entertaining and educational.  Even the Man of the House enjoyed it!  If you are ever in the area - I encourage you to visit.

Until then, brew yourself a cup - or an entire pot - to enjoy today.