The Joy of Tea

As an admitted coffee addict, it is hard for me to break the habit and switch to tea.  When I do, I usually choose green. In restaurants or coffee shops, it is the most readily available, and still has plenty of caffeine.  There are so many delicious types of tea though, that when I do get out of my comfort zone, I find so many delicious and soothing options.  Lemon verbena is one, apple cinnamon another, and rooibos passion, a third favorite.  At most gourmet and local markets you can buy gourmet teas, and some also offer fresh brewed iced options like ginger,  peach, pomegranate or green.Another option is for you to mix and match and create your own at home, using fresh herbs and fruits.If you buy a metal tea strainer, or the paper tea sleeves, you can get really creative and lose the worry of getting any debris in your mouth when you take a sip!Peel and grate some fresh ginger, and steep it in your hot water with some lemon and a touch of your favorite sweetener.Steep any kind of mint, I prefer peppermint, with the zest of some orange and lime.Try combining strawberries or raspberries with rosemary and thyme.Anise has a wonderful licorice-like flavor, and aids in digestion at the same time.Next time you visit the marketplace, see what strikes you.  If you don't like what you make the first time, go back and try something new the next!