Do you enjoy the peaceful feeling of holding a cup of tea between your hands? Well, you’re not alone. Tea is the most popular beverage in the world behind plain water. It’s an integral part of many food cultures and histories; from playing a role in Taoist and Buddhist religions to the American Revolution and Southern sweet tea to Russian tea service, masala chai, and more; tea is likely to have played a role in your eating experience.
What is Tea?
Technically, “tea” is only made from one plant; Camellia sinensis, an evergreen shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. Despite the plant’s tropical preference, Light of Day Organics grows tea plants in Michigan using agricultural techniques such as hoop houses and biodynamic growing practices.
Black Tea vs. Green Tea
All teas are made of camellia sinensis but how they’re processed determines the difference between a black tea and a green tea. The teas are assigned a name for the color of the dried leaves assumed after processing; black tea is fully oxidized by fully fermenting the leaves and then roasting them while green tea leaves are steamed and then dried. We love this guide from Michigan’s Arbor Teas for more details on each process!
Tea vs. Tisane
Because tea technically refers to only one plant, all other styles of tea are considered tisanes, or herbal teas. Tisanes include the popular yerba mate as well as more commonly local options such as chamomile.
Mushroom Tea
Mushroom tea is water steeped with, well, mushrooms – usually those with more medicinal properties, like reishi or chaga. It can be purchased in powdered form, which means you ingest the mushroom, or whole, which requires steeping as you would with a loose-leaf tea. Because mushroom tea can be considered a supplement, it may be advised to look up how each fungi variety may interact with your body and other supplements or medications. That said, mushrooms contain plenty of adaptogens and vitamins, which can be a great part of a healthy diet.
Where to Find Tea in Michigan
Ready to get sipping? Find local makers and sources of tea and tisanes using our Find Food and Farms Directory!
Sources:
Edible: An Illustrated Guide to the World’s Food Plants by National Geographic
The Story of Food: An Illustrated History of Everything We Eat by DK Publishing