Everyone Needs a Kettle

A kitchen isn’t really a kitchen without a tea kettle. Even though tea kettles have been evolving over time into different shapes and different sizes it’s purpose always remains the same. It’s purpose is to brew one of the most incredibly beverages that has ever existed. Tea.

Electric tea kettles are a convenient appliance to have in the home. They sit atop a kitchen countertop ready to be plugged in whenever necessary. With an electric tea kettle it is unnecessary to keep on eye on the kettle at all times since most of them will regulate themselves.

Then there are the magnificent stovetop kettles which are heated by the flame on the stove. Usually a whistle will signal when the water has completed boiling. Such a simple sound can instantly transport us back to our childhood.

There are so many different kettles. Some of them will heat the water to the most precise temperature for steeping tea. They will even hold your water at that temperature for a certain amount of time. Some of them will boil your water and hold your tea all at the same time. There really is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing a tea kettle. Brewing tea is such a personal experience and everyone has different preferences. The method of brewing tea that one prefers varies from culture to culture.

Finding a tea kettle for you can often come down to décor preference. If you live in an old fashioned home with antique décor, perhaps a stovetop kettle is right for you. If you live in a more contemporary home you may prefer a high tech electric tea kettle.

If you’re searching for a kettle that is more traditional and will whistle when it’s read, check out this cool list to find out the best whistling tea kettle. Start brewing tea the right way, rather than using a microwave and a mug! 

Japanese Tea Ceremonies

People enjoy having tea all over the world. However having tea in Japan can be a grand affair. Japanese tea ceremonies are more than just a friendly get together; they are a sacred ritual where each aspect of the ceremony has a symbolic meaning.

The ceremonies are located in a teahouse in a room called chashitsu. Fresh water is held in a stone jar, which is called mizusashi. This water symbolizes purity and it can only be handled by the host of the tea ceremony. The tea itself is kept in a small ceramic container and covered in a silk pouch. It is set in front of the mizusashi. There are stands, which are used to display the tea bowls.

The process that comes after everything is laid out is very precise. The host comes in with a tea bowl, a tea whisk, a white linen tea cloth, and a tea scoop. Along with these items is a jar that symbolizes the sun and a bowl that symbolizes the moon. The tea container and the scoop are then purified using a silk cloth. A further process is then undergone to create the tea.

When the tea is finished the bowl is passed around and the guests drink from it wiping the rim after each sip. This continues until everyone has tasted the tea. When the tea is had hand warmers and dry sweets are served. Before leaving the guests express appreciation to the host for the tea ceremony.

Amazing Herbal Teas

Unlike other teas, chinese herbal teas are not made from the camelia Sinensis plant. Chinese herbal teas are made from infusions of herbs. These teas are not only used for their healing properties, but many of them are also enjoyed for their taste.

There are several benefits to drinking herbal teas instead of regular black tea. Herbal teas are completely free of caffeine, which is a bonus for those who still want to enjoy a hot drink after cutting coffee out of their life.  Rosebud and chrysanthemum teas are incredibly soothing and have a very delicate floral taste. These teas are both perfect if you are looking for a tea that will help sooth a fever. Because of the lack of caffeine, herbal teas are a great thing to drink at night before bed.

Here are some delicious flower herbal teas and their benefits:

Chrysanthemum

This tea has a very subtle sweetness and is very refreshing.

Jasmine Bud

This tea is made from jasmine flowers that have not yet come into bloom. It is caffeine-free and lightly sweet.

Carnation Flower

This is a relaxing tea that is also said to help restore energy to the body.

Wild New York Ginseng

Gongju

This tea, like the others is caffeine-free with perfect relaxing properties.