In the fight for good health, tea is increasingly recognized as a star player. The health benefits of tea are extolled by many: the beverage that people all over the world have enjoyed for thousands of years is touted to do everything from preventing heart disease to reversing the effects of skin cancer to regulating hormone levels. How much of this is actual fact? According to Health Canada, tea should be considered as a good source of antioxidants, drinking tea can increase alertness, and tea may help maintain or support cardiovascular health.
Researchers are uncovering more and more evidence about the health benefits of ingesting antioxidants and black, green, white and oolong teas are rich in polyphenols, a particularly potent variety of the health giving compound.
Tea Can Take the Heat in the Kitchen
Unlike so many other healthy foods and beverages, the health benefits of tea are not destroyed or diminished by excessive heat. Tea as an ingredient can deliver the same nutritional punch as tea in a mug.
Herbal Teas Boost Flavor
Although herbal teas do not possess the polyphenols that black, green, white or oolong teas do, these delicious concoctions offer an infinite number of flavor profiles that can enhance almost any dish that calls for liquid. Fruit, spices and herbs give the creative chef much to choose from and provide a refreshing alternative to water and broths.
Using Tea in Cooking and Baking
There are a variety of techniques for incorporating teas into cooking.
- Add a tea bag to boiling rice, pasta or simmering veggies.
- Brew a strong pot of tea and use in place broth in chillies, stews and stirfrys.
- Diana Rosen offers this infusion technique for baking shortbread or cookies: “the trick is to melt the butter with tea leaves in it, allow to stand for a few minutes and then sieve out the leaves. Chill the butter to firm and proceed with your favorite recipe.”
- Use tea infused butters on fresh baked bread or corn on the cob.
Make old recipes new again with the power of tea.
Vegan Chai Pancakes
Give breakfast a healthy twist with these fluffy and fat-free whole grain pancakes. Experiment with different fruits and different teas to find your favorite flavor combination.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour or other whole grain flour
- 1/2 cup wheat germ
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 3 tbs natural sugar or other dry sweetener
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup strong Chai Tea, cooled (herbal varieties, such Vanilla Rooibos, or anything with cinnamon work very nicely as well)
- 1 cup non-dairy milk (substitute with water, more tea, apple juice, or even dairy milk if desired)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup apple sauce
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen—optional)
1. Preheat non-stick griddle or frying pan to high until water sprinkled over heated surface bounces.
2. Mix dry ingredients in large bowl.
3. Add wet ingredients and stir until mixed.
4. Fold in berries, if using.
5. Use 1/4 cup measure to drop on hot griddle. Cook until bubbles form then flip and cook until brown.
6. Serve warm with fruit, syrup or tea infused butter. Enjoy!
Ryann Salik - Freelance journalist, copywriter and editor, Ryann Salik, is a healthy living guru. Check out her latest work at ...
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