What does infusion mean for tea?
You’ve heard about infusions and probably even used one at some point. The term ‘infusion’ basically refers to the process of steeping plants or fruits in hot water. Although this sounds more like making a cup of tea, an infusion does not come from the traditional tea plant. It is a drink prepared by adding a flavoring agent such as tea or herbs in a liquid, especially hot water. Infusion teas typically have the base tea, green or black, mixed with the infusion of a particular flower, leaf, or other organic products that could add flavor, taste, and enhance the health benefits of drinking tea itself. Infusions have recently gained popularity, with many people now opting for this method to prepare their teas and tisanes. The preparation of infused tea or ‘herbal tea’ as others prefer to call it, usually involves three main steps:
Step 1: Adding hot water to plant matter like dried leaves, dried herbs, or berries
Step 2: Steeping, which involves waiting for a while, about five to fifteen minutes
Step 3: Removing the plant matter before drinking.
Sometimes, the term infusion is used to refer to the beverage itself and not the process. In such cases, it refers specifically to tisanes, also known as herbal infusions, although it can also refer to true teas. Infusions are mostly added to beverages to add flavor. They are a great way to stay hydrated besides being a tasty way of enjoying a sweet, spicy, or fruity drink with or without sugar.
What are the benefits of infusion tea?
The combination of taste, aroma, and health benefits is one of the things that should make you adopt infusion teas as part of your diet. Here’s why infusion teas should be part of kitchen shelves if they are not already.
Infusion teas give you the best of both worlds from infusion tea. Most infusions use green tea as base tea.
Although green tea as a base tea contains less oxidized and less fermented leaves, making it a healthy option, it is not tasty. Most people can not get used to the taste of plain green tea. Consequently, infusions are added to help the taste stand out and ensure that you get all the health benefits from green tea. Infusions enhance the flavor and color in the form of natural ingredients such as ginger, chamomile, jasmine to a base tea like black or green tea.
Perhaps the most outstanding benefit of taking infusion teas is the additional health benefits. Different infusions have different health benefits. For example, chamomile helps improve metabolism; lemon helps increase alkalinity in the body, while ginger aids the sinuses. Other health benefits include pain reduction, relaxation, and improvement of digestive and immune body systems.
Infused tea can be taken cold or hot. The possibility of having it in either form makes it more convenient compared to plain green tea.
Infused tea also helps with brain stimulation by increasing blood flow to the brain, providing nutrients and oxygen, and making it a healthy mind. Essentially, infusion teas are great “food for the brain.” For brain stimulation, drink a cup or two of infusion tea.
Herbal tea is calorie-free, making it easier for people who find it difficult to take required amounts of plain water, although it is a requirement for optimum body functioning. If you fall in this category, tea infusion may enhance your daily water intake to meet the daily requirement.
What is the difference between tea and infusion?
A lot of people do not know the difference between tea and infusion. In fact, you are likely to find both tea and infusion placed on the same shelves in your favorite supermarket. They may seem like one thing, but they are not. Tea is the drink prepared by steeping tea leaves in water. On the other hand, an infusion is the generic name of the method involving soaking any leaves in hot water. This means that an infusion is a preparatory process that involves soaking leaves in boiled water, while tea is the drink you get when infusing tea leaves.
Another major difference between tea and infusion is the constitution in each. A tea drink only uses tea leave, although you may get some tea with other ingredients such as lemon, ginger, or mint. However, the main plant stay for a tea drink is the tea leaves. For infusion, you can use anything from herbs to fruits and even tea leaves. So, basically, an infusion is a tea that’s not tea- it does not come from the traditional tea plant and, most of the time does not contain any tea leaves.
Afternoon Tea at Infusion Orlando
Located at College Park, Orlando, Florida, Infusion Tea is a casual, laid-back spot ideal for book clubs or mom groups who are looking for a spot of tea and a bite to eat. The relaxed atmosphere at this place also makes it suitable for families where you have an option of supplementing your tea meal with items from the lunch menu if you like. Infusion Tea is a social hub in the College Park community, owing to the vast tea selection and the savory course they offer. But let’s talk about the tea service that is probably the main thing that draws most people to this spot, shall we?
A great selection of teas awaits you at Infusion Tea, including organic choices. If you are one of those keen on their health, this is definitely a must-go-to place. And it’s even better for locals who are just a distance from the spot. It’s okay if you are new to the infusion tea stuff; there’s no cause for alarm. Infusion Tea’s menu has simple descriptions of the various tea varietals. You will see a description that goes like “Green Teas: Made from the sweetest, youngest buds of the Camellia Sinensis, not fermented but instead pan-fried or steamed to maintain the green color and fresh taste.” Not only do the descriptions tell you the type of infusion, but they also give the benefits, so you get to choose what works for you. Spend your afternoon indulging in tea activity at Infusion Tea, Orlando, and be sure to find yourself at the same place over and over!
