Everyday Elegance: Celebrating National Hot Tea Month
This post contains affiliate links and ads. Affiliate links and ads support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your ongoing support!It’s the perfect time to celebrate National Hot Tea Month! Yes, January is National Hot Tea Month and National Hot Tea Day is celebrated each year on January 12. It’s a delightful reminder to savor the warmth and sophistication that a cup of tea can bring to our daily life.
When it comes to cultivating everyday elegance, hot tea is not just a beverage; it’s a ritual that embodies mindfulness, wellness, relaxation and joy.
In honor of National Hot Tea month, let’s take a moment to explore the history of tea, learn best practices for brewing tea at home, the benefits of this cherished drink, and of course, modern etiquette tips that will elevate your tea experience.
A Brief History of Hot Tea
The story of hot tea is as rich and complex as a well-loved black tea. Originating in ancient China around 2737 BC, legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong accidentally discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. While it was essential to boil water to make it safe to drink, the addition of the fallen leaves produced a refreshing and enjoyable new taste.
It wasn’t until the seventeenth century that the western world began to discover the taste of tea. As European ships expanded their trading routes, new trade agreements were created with China and soon tea was being advertised in London newspapers.
While it took some time to gain popularity, the consumption of tea began to take off through the 18th century as international trade continued to grow and taking tea soon became a social cornerstone of wealthy aristocrats.
Of course, Americans might be familiar with the role of tea in the Boston Tea Party and the start of the American Revolution. During this time, drinking tea was seen as unpatriotic and coffee became the preferential hot drink of the colonies.
The United States experienced a return to the interest of tea in the early 20th century when wealthy, influential women like Alva Vanderbilt began hosting tea parties to organize awareness for the women’s right to vote. Juliette Gordon Low is said to have founded The Girl Scouts over a series of tea parties in her home in Savannah, Georgia. Why tea parties? It was one of the few, if only, acceptable social gatherings women could attend without a male chaperone.
Today, tea continues to play an important part in cultures around the world and believe it or not, it’s estimated that more than 5 billion cups are consumed each day. There are four main varieties of tea: black, white, green and oolong. Herbal varieties, while often referred to as teas, are properly called ‘tisanes’ as they are created with dried herbs and flowers, not tea leaves. Currently, the largest exporters of tea are Kenya and Sri Lanka while in the United States of America, the only states that grow and process tea are South Carolina and Hawaii, although many independent companies create unique and interesting blends using tea leaves sourced from around the world.
Best Practices for Preparing Hot Tea
To fully appreciate the nuances of hot tea, it’s essential to prepare it mindfully. Here are some best practices you can use to enhance your overall experience of enjoying hot tea:
CHOOSE QUALITY TEA: Opt for loose leaf tea or high-quality tea bags. The freshness and quality of the leaves greatly affects the flavor and aroma.
MIND THE TEMPERATURE: Different types of tea require different water temperatures. For example, white and green teas thrive at lower temperatures (160-185*F) while black and herbal teas benefit from boiling water (200-212F)
STEEPING TIME MATTERS: Allow your tea to steep for the recommended time which varies by the type of tea (generally 2-5 minutes). This ensures optimal flavor without bitterness.
ENHANCE WITH ELEGANCE: Consider brewing your tea in a teapot and pouring it into your favorite tea cup instead of your usual mug. You can also add fine white sugar, a dash of milk (for dark teas only), a slice of lemon, a bit or honey or a sprig of fresh mint to elevate your tea experience.
The Benefits of Drinking Hot Tea
Incorporating hot tea into your daily routine offers a plethora of benefits! Here are just a few that might convince you to indulge in a daily cup of tea… or three!
MINDFULNESS PRACTICE: The ritual of brewing and savoring a cup of tea encourages you to slow down and be present in the moment, promoting mindfulness and relaxation.
HEALTH BOOST: Many teas are rich in antioxidants and can aid digestion, boost immunity, and even enhance mental clarity. Herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, are particularly soothing and can help alleviate stress and promote more restful sleep.
HYDRATION: Hot tea is a refined way to stay hydrated — something that is especially important throughout the cold, dry winter months (learn more about hydration and winter beauty here). Choosing tea over sugary drinks is a great way to meet your hydration goals while nourishing your body and mind.
Quick Tip: Hold the tea cup by pinching your pointer finger and thumb through the handle and use your remaining fingers for support. Never extend your pinky out!
Modern Etiquette Tips for Serving & Enjoying Hot Tea
To truly embody grace and sophistication, consider practicing these etiquette tips when serving and enjoying hot tea:
PRESENTATION IS KEY: Use a lovely teapot and matching cups to create an inviting atmosphere. A simple floral arrangement and a background of classical music can enhance the setting.
SERVE WITH CARE: When pouring tea, hold the teapot by the handle and use two fingers to lightly hold the lid on by gently pressing down on the finial (the little knob on top of the lid) and pour slowly. Always pour tea for your guests first, before serving yourself. Offer milk and sugar for black teas and honey, lemon, mint and sugar for white and herbal teas so that your guests can customize their experience.
MIND YOUR POSTURE: Always maintain good posture while enjoying your tea. This not only reflects elegance but also enhances your listening skills and sharpens your attention, making you a more attentive host and friend.
ENGAGE IN CONVERSATION: Enjoying a cup of tea with a friend is an opportunity for connection. Encourage meaningful conversations by asking open-ended questions and actively listening.
SAVOR EACH SIP: Take the time to appreciate the aroma and flavor of the tea with each sip. Make it a habit to explore different types and styles of tea and pay attention to the unique taste and feeling of each experience. This simple mindfulness practice enhances the experience and encourages gratitude for the moment.
Incorporating Hot Tea into Your Daily Routine
If you strive to embrace everyday elegance, consider setting aside time each day to indulge in the ritual of enjoying a cup of tea. Whether it’s a morning boost, an afternoon pause, or an evening wind-down, tea can serve as a gentle reminder to embrace elegance and mindfulness in your daily routine.
By making tea a part of your life, you will cultivate a sense of tranquility and elegance. Let’s raise our cups (and remember, no pinkies out!) to a timeless tradition that nourishes the body and soul, one sip at time.
Cheers to a month filled with warmth, mindfulness and, of course, everyday elegance!
Do you enjoy hot tea? Leave a comment and share your favorite tea, or how you incorporate the ritual of tea into your daily routine.
