Why You Should Drink Organic Tea (and Some Summertime Picks)
After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. And of the billions of tea consumers on the planet, many are drinking multiple cups of tea a day – whether it's along with breakfast, two in a row, or one with dinner and then dessert.
In summer, tea consumption shows no signs of slowing down. We might drink our favorite varieties iced, or choose different flavors to celebrate the cheer of the season, like berry or floral varieties. So, if we love our tea all year-round, perhaps the best approach to worries about the composition, integrity, and health benefits of our brew is to get on board with organic tea.
While organic tea may often cost more than a typical cup, its perks are endless and the knowledge of its ingredients leaves you with peace of mind (and depth of flavor!).
Basics
Let's start out with a few basics. Organic tea, like other certified organic foods, uses no synthetic fertilizers while being farmed. Its chemical-free taste leaves you with a more flavorful cup, no matter what type of tea you're consuming. Instead of being left on while the leaf air dries, the residues that form on organic tea leaves are manually rinsed off before processing. This method results in a natural and round-tasting brew.
Safety
Now, let's get onto safety. Tea grown in accordance with organic farming standards is totally safe. But why? Because the plant of origin is free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers – all of which end up in the final product in one way or another. As these teas are totally free from toxins and hormones that may seep into fertilizer, organic tea is also a great stabilizer, never affecting your critical hormonal balance. Also remember that these teas are non-GMO, meaning that they are not grown from seeds that have been genetically modified in a lab, but rather, are totally natural.
Healing
Moving onto another important point: healing. Many who are new to tea are attracted to it in the first place because of its world-renowned healing properties. And those drinkers are totally on the right track!
Organic teas are super-high in nutrients and vitamins that have been demonstrated to help alleviate all sorts of conditions and illnesses, both major and minor. It is also a common form of alternative medicine and many times it is recommended in conjunction with a healthy diet and overall regimen. If you feel better drinking larger quantities of organic tea, you might be more likely to turn to tea for healing, and receive its best results.
Nutrition
Going hand-in-hand with healing is nutrition. As organic tea is highest on the tea purity totem pole, it may in some cases contain higher concentrations of key vitamins and antioxidants (including sought-after polyphenols like catechins). Because tea plants tend to pull a high amount of fluoride from the soil, a bonus to super-pure organic tea is that it may boost your dental health. Plus, organic tea has earned a reputation for carrying loads of disease-fighting antioxidants, as well as vitamins D and H.
Environment
Finally, organic tea has one other major benefit: saving the planet. Organic farming practices lend themselves to more responsible, sustainable, and ethical methods that prevent problems with pests and soil quality. Plus, organic farmers rotate crops on the same land year after year, meaning they hinder deforestation. A greener planet means better tea for all of us in the long run!
We have compiled a summertime list of some of our favorite organic teas and tisanes, which we suggest incorporating into your repertoire. With fruity and floral flavors, as well as notes that lend themselves well to creating refreshing cold-brews, any of these tea varieties is a no-brainer.
Here’s our recommended list of summer time picks:
Hibiscus:
Hibiscus is known for its powerful dose of antioxidants. It's tart, cranberry-like flavor makes it a great iced option. This distinct, unbridled flavored tea is also caffeine-free!
Organic Herbal Tea Sampler:
The benefit of tea sampler sets is that you never have to choose just one. Including flavors like Hibiscus, Peppermint, Turmeric Chili Chai, and Sleep Blend , this tea sampler is your organic go-to. This delicious mix is also certified kosher!
Peppermint:
Peppermint is a classic, refreshing herbal tea. Although it contains no caffeine, it provides a perfect natural boost thanks to an invigorating flavor and the natural energy-boosting qualities of peppermint.
Whether you like your tea hot, cold, or either way, the practices and final product resulting from organic farming methods produce better, more sustainable teas. If you don't believe us, give it a try and taste the difference yourself!
This post was adapted, with permission, from the Heavenly Tea Leaves blog.
