How To Choose A Delicious Tea And Tips To Save It Properly

Illustration of tea drinks (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Tea has become a drink that is enjoyed in various parts of the world, either to accompany casual time, support health, or just to warm the atmosphere. However, not all tea is created the same.

To get a delicious and captivating cup of tea, choosing quality tea is the main key. The Widjaja Subwarn, the owner of Siaming Tea House and a tea expert, revealed that in order to get maximum benefits from tea, a high-quality selection of tea leaves is needed.

It also involves assessments from raw materials to correct storage techniques. Longjing-type green tea, for example, has the characteristics of a straight, uniform, and evenly colored leaf strand, known as the ming qian type.

Suwarni explained that the quality leaves looked intact, with each strand of the same size and were not seen to be cut into pieces. To produce even colors, these tea leaves are processed through a heat bath for one hour, with manual complaints using hands.

Another type of tea that also has superior quality is Pu Erh, both inraw (minah) and cooking (matang) form. This tea usually has leaves that are uniform in size, shiny surface, a distinctive aroma, and shoots on each leaf that show a quality screening process.

Pu Erh tea leaves tend to be black and thick but still look fresh and not cloudy. This tea also has an advantage because it can be stored for years without expiration, as long as the raw materials are pure and clean.

For green tea such as longjing, Suwarni suggested that tea that has been opened be consumed immediately within three months. If it has not been opened, this tea can be stored in a freezer for up to 2-3 years. Other types of tea such as silver needles and white tea can also be stored in the same way.

On the other hand, Pu Erh's tea is special in terms of long-term storage. Raw tea will reach its best taste after being stored for more than 10 years, while cooking tea can be enjoyed at any time as long as it is stored in a place free from other scents.

Tea is not only known for its taste, but also for its health benefits. Longjing green tea is useful for maintaining the body's metabolism, while pi lomas, silver needles, and white tea are effective in preventing the flu.

Green tea with a darker color can help lower cholesterol, while Pu Erh tea, both raw and cooking, is able to help reduce fat and relieve ulcers after consuming fatty foods.

For those who want to relieve stress or fatigue, Suwarni recommends tea with a calming aroma such as tien hong (red tea), jasmine tea, or oolong. To get optimal benefits, tea should not be soaked for too long. brew only when you want to drink and enjoy being in a warm state so as not to cause problems in the throat or stomach.

With the selection of quality tea leaves, proper storage, and correct brewing techniques, tea can be a drink that is not only delicious, but also beneficial for the health of the body.