JOIN USTea, the most widely consumed beverage in the world, is one of those few beverages, which is served both hot or iced, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion.
But, the consumption of tea increases more during winter because none of us can do without our cup of tea, especially when we are snugly wrapped in our blanket. And ginger tea tops the popularity charts in most Indian households.
Sanjeev Sharna, Chef at Amour, which serves a wide range of teas like Assam, Darjeeling, Chamomile, Jasmine along with the exotic Canarino Tea and Verveine Tea along with the Hi-Tea Platter, says “We also have some winter special teas that have infusions and additions of interesting ingredients resulting in hot selling concoctions. Some of the things we play with are star anise, orange zest, cinnamon etc.”
During winter season we can also have special Chinese tea to keep ourselves warm. These include Jasmine Green Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Chocolate Tea, Camomile Tea, Lychee Tea, Pearl Grey Exotica, Organic Green Tea and Temple of Heaven Gunpowder Tea available at Royal China.
Priyanka Malhotra from Cafe Turtle, says, “The wonderful thing about tea is that it allows itself to diffuse with different flavours and consistencies. For the winter one can have spiced teas with cardamom, a dash of nutmeg, cinnamon and star anise. One can brew this over a stove for a while and let the spices surrender to the tea. There are also a number of flower teas available now – from Jasmine to Rose petal tea."
"These are extremely delicate in flavour and require very little diffusion. Ginger, lemon and honey is a real throat and cold soother and immediately warms up the body with the first few sips. Lemon tea gives a good shot of Vitamin C, and honey, which should be added only after the water is poured into a mug, adds a hint of sweetness."
“When one feels cold coming on, Tulsi tea is a great preventive. All it requires is to boil water with a handful of fresh Tulsi leaves. Strain the leaves. You can add a bit of honey if you prefer to have it sweet,” added Malhotra.
Bee balm, betony, catnip, coriander, fennel, etc., are the herbs which can be added in tea in winter season.