Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Call me biased but I believe it is the most versatile beverage also. As a tea lover, I know that timing plays a vital role in making the perfect cup of tea. Different types of teas are suitable for different times of the day. In this article, I’ll share the best teas for every time of the day, and how they can enhance your meals and promote overall well-being.
Morning
Starting your day with a cup of tea is a great way to boost your energy levels and set the tone for the day. Black teas are the ideal choice for the morning as they have a higher caffeine content than other teas. Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Chai are excellent options for a morning brew. Earl Grey has a citrusy and floral aroma and taste, which can refresh and uplift your senses. English Breakfast is a classic black tea with a robust and full-bodied flavor that can help to awaken your senses. Chai tea is a blend of black tea and spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, which can provide an extra kick of energy and spice to your morning routine. Although I am not a huge fan of Chai, the smell of the infused herbs is exhilarating to my nostrils.
Lunchtime
During lunchtime, you may want to switch to a lighter tea that won’t interfere with your digestion. Green and white teas are excellent options as they are less caffeinated and have a delicate flavor profile. Jasmine, Genmaicha, and Silver Needle are perfect for a light and refreshing lunchtime brew. Jasmine tea is a fragrant and delicate tea with a floral aroma and taste. Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea mixed with roasted brown rice, which gives it a nutty flavor and a toasted aroma. Silver Needle is a premium white tea with a delicate and subtle flavor that can help to cleanse your palate after a meal. White tea is best with salads, seafood, and fruits. To fully appreciate the subtle nuance of white tea, I recommend enjoying it plain, without adding any sweeteners or milk.
Afternoon Snack
In the afternoon, a cup of tea can help you relax and unwind after a long day at work. Herbal teas are an ideal choice for this time of day as they are caffeine-free and have calming and soothing effects on the mind and body. Chamomile, Peppermint, and Rooibos are some of the best options for an afternoon brew. Chamomile tea has a mild and sweet flavor that can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Peppermint tea has a refreshing and cooling effect that can help to alleviate fatigue and promote digestion. Rooibos tea has a sweet and earthy flavor that can help to soothe your mind and body. It is an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it in their beverages. Try pairing it with lightly salted nuts, such a satisfying sweet-salt contrast.
Dinner
At dinner, you may want to switch to a stronger tea that can help to stimulate digestion and leave you feeling energized. Black and Oolong teas are ideal for this time of day. Darjeeling, Assam, and Oolong are some of the best options for a dinner brew. Darjeeling is a black tea with a musky and floral aroma that can help to promote digestion and boost your metabolism. Assam is a robust and full-bodied black tea that can help to stimulate your senses and promote digestion. Oolong is a partially oxidized tea with a rich and complex flavor that can help to enhance your meal and promote overall well-being. oolong tea is a versatile tea that can pair well with many types of food, including desserts. Something to note, depending on the time of your dinner, you may want to avoid consuming black and or oolong teas. The natural caffeine found in the tea may disturb your sleep.
Evening
Before bedtime, you may want to switch to a calming tea that can help you relax and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Herbal teas are perfect for this time of day as they are caffeine-free and have soothing and relaxing effects on the mind and body. Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Passionflower are some of the best options for an evening brew. Lavender tea has a floral and sweet flavor that can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Lemon Balm tea has a citrusy and minty flavor that can help to calm your nerves and promote sleep. Passionflower tea has a floral and earthy flavor that can help to promote relaxation. Truth be told my favorite teas for bed are orange peel and turmeric (separate or combined). Both teas are known for their sedative compounds that relax the body.
Make tea a part of your daily routine and reap its numerous health benefits. Try incorporating one of the suggested teas for each time of day and see how it enhances your well-being.
Disclaimer: While tea can provide numerous health benefits, it’s important to be mindful of its caffeine content. Consuming caffeine too close to bedtime can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to insomnia. It’s recommended to avoid drinking caffeinated teas within four to six hours of bedtime. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to switch to decaffeinated teas or herbal teas in the evening. As always, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.
