It is very common to confuse teas, herbal teas, and infusions, especially because the preparation methods look similar; however, each drink has its characteristics, and here we will teach you how to differentiate them so that you can become an expert.
TeaTea is one of the oldest and most powerful beverages in the world. There are different types of tea, each with different properties and benefits, but you should know that all come from the same plant in the camellia family.
Tea can be green, red, white, or black, and all these drinks are diuretic and stimulating, and they are also very beneficial due to their antioxidant properties.
- Green Tea. Green tea is made from unfermented or unoxidized leaves, which, once harvested, are dried and subjected to heat treatment. Among its positive properties are a low level of caffeine, it provides vitamins A, C, and D, it is one of the teas with the most antioxidants, and it is said to lower glucose levels, strengthen memory, help lower cholesterol, and prevent arthritis.
- Red Tea. Also known as pu-erh, it was discovered by chance while trying to prolong the preservation of green tea; it is a great aid in weight loss, helps digestion, has antioxidants, boosts the immune system, and helps improve mood.
- White Tea. This tea is so good that for a long time it was believed to grant eternal youth and even immortality. It is one of the teas with the highest antioxidants, helps to have healthier skin and hair, and delays aging, so the idea of eternal youth is not so far from reality.
Black Tea. Black tea is the most intense of them; it has a higher oxidation, which also means it contains more caffeine. This drink helps maintain mental alertness, aids concentration, promotes learning, and enhances both short- and long-term memory.
Herbal TeasThe main mistake we make is confusing teas with herbal teas; however, the main difference lies in the fact that tea contains caffeine, while herbal tea is made from plant extracts.
Another difference is in the preparation method, as although it seems similar to that of tea, it is not. While tea needs to steep the leaves for 3 to 4 minutes in hot water at a temperature between 80 and 95 ºC, herbal tea requires that the dried plants be placed in boiling water and left to steep for about 15 minutes, in order to release the aromas and properties of the plants.
There are two popular types of herbal teas:
- Fruity Herbal Teas: usually based on hibiscus and apple, and other fruits are added as the main ingredient. A very popular herbal tea is “Strawberry Kiwi.”
- Herbal Teas: can have a mixture of various herbs or flowers. Chamomile, mint, and spearmint are among the most popular.
InfusionsInfusions are beverages obtained from leaves, flowers, herbs, plants, fruits, or seeds that are left to steep in hot water without reaching the boiling point, and they do not necessarily contain caffeine.
To make an infusion, any plant substance can be used for its flavor and aroma. This means that infusions can come in unimaginable varieties.
For example, they can include parts of flowers, fruits, dried fruits, seeds, aromatic or medicinal herbs, barks, and even roots. The most popular ones are chamomile, mint, lemon balm, yerba mate, and also coffee, which, although not known as an infusion, is one.
Now you know the main differences between tea, herbal tea, and infusions, as well as how to prepare each one. We invite you to try them, experiment with flavors, and find the drink that you like the most and that contributes to your well-being.