10 Tea Myths You Probably Believe That Are Total Tea-rrors

Everyone loves a soothing cup of tea, but many misconceptions linger that can cloud your enjoyment. Whether you're a dedicated tea enthusiast or a casual drinker, uncovering the truths behind these myths can truly enhance your sipping experience. Dive into these ten common tea myths, and get ready to enjoy your tea like never before!

Myth 1: Tea Contains More Caffeine Than Coffee

A common belief is that tea has more caffeine than coffee. However, this is misleading. An average 8-ounce cup of brewed tea typically has 20-60 mg of caffeine, while a standard cup of coffee can contain between 95-200 mg. Part of the confusion comes from the fact that a pound of tea has way more caffeine than a pound of coffee. But what counts is how much of each ends up in your cup. You use 15 grams of coffee to make one 8oz cup. You use 2 grams of tea to make one 8oz cup. The amount you use per cup makes all the difference, resulting in a cup of tea that has about 1/3 the amount of caffeine in a cup of drip coffee.

Myth 2: You Must Boil Water for Black Tea

Many people think that boiling water is essential for brewing black tea, but this isn’t always the case. The ideal brewing temperature for black tea is usually between 200°F and 212°F. Water that is just off the boil allows the flavors to emerge without overwhelming bitterness. For instance, steeping a high-quality black tea, like Darjeeling, at 205°F instead of full boil can elevate its fruity notes and create a more pleasant drinking experience. We actually brew black teas at Tea Market at 195* which creates enhanced smoothness and flavor with less bitterness. If you're sensitive to tannins, try brewing black teas as low as 160* for ultra smooth flavor without the bite.

Here's the best way possible to achieve that perfect temperature for you.

Myth 3: Adding Milk and Sugar to Tea Is the Way You Make a "Proper" Cup of Tea.

Milk and sugar are added to British-style teas to reduce the overwhelming bitterness and astringency produced when using low-quality grocery store English teas, such as PG Tips and Yorkshire, and steeping them loose in the pot without ever removing the tea leaves from the brewed tea. BUT, when you drink high-end, high-grown whole leaf loose leaf teas from the premier tea growing regions of the world, like the teas you find at Tea Market. None of that milk and sugar nonsense is necessary. Our teas are fragrant, yummy, and smooth all on their own. Avoid adding sugar and dairy, which are unnecessary; they deplete the nutrients and antioxidants in your tea and add fat and calories to what is already the world's healthiest beverage. Just say NO!

Myth 4: Peppermint or Chamomile Tea is Real TEA

All tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Everything else is something else. We call everything we drink hot in a cup that isn't coffee or chocolate, TEA. It isn't. Real TEA comes from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant. However, herbal infusions like chamomile provide distinct flavors and health benefits. These infusions, known as Herbal Infusions or Tisanes, often focus on wellness; for example, peppermint tea can aid digestion, while chamomile is known for its calming effects. This makes herbal teas a viable and attractive choice for many tea lovers.

Myth 5: Should You Take One or Two Cubes of Sugar in Your Tea

The answer is ZERO. Suppose you drink a tea you only like if you put sugar or honey in it, then you don't like that tea. At Tea Market, we blend over 35 house blends and offer over 50 curated tea blends that taste great, all on their own. If you want to reduce the amount of sugar in your diet (and everyone should, as it's the #1 cause of metabolic dysfunction in the body), find delicious, healthy, and yummy teas that you love all on their own. We have over 125 to choose from, which makes it SO easy, and we're here to help!

Myth 6: Loose Leaf Tea Is Always Better Than Tea Bags

Loose-leaf tea is often viewed as superior due to its larger leaves, which can produce a better flavor. However, not all tea bags are created equal. Many high-quality brands use whole leaves, which offer an excellent taste. On the other hand, some loose-leaf teas may be of lower quality, consisting of what the industry refers to as "dust and fannings." Low-quality grocery store brands are not what you're looking for if you want to drink the BEST teas. For the best experience, opt for high-quality brands in both loose-leaf and tea-bag options. For instance, Tea Market offers an expansive array of BOTH; super high quality whole leaf loose leaf teas, AND convenient teas in sachets that offer both loose leaf and bagged options that deliver robust flavors.

Myth 7: White Teas, Green Teas, Black Teas, etc., each come from different plants

Nope. ALL true tea comes from the same Camellia Sinensis plant. While white tea and green tea have similarities, they are distinctly different. White tea is made from the young buds and sometimes the first leaves, minimally processed to preserve delicate flavors. Green tea undergoes a more complex processing method, which includes steaming or pan-firing to halt oxidation. Oolong Teas are semi-oxidized, and Black Teas are fully oxidized. It all comes down to tradition, growing region, and the desired end product.

Myth 8: All Teas Can Be Brewed at the Same Temperature

Many believe that all teas can be brewed at the same temperature, but this is far from the truth. Each variety requires specific temperatures to yield the best flavor. Typically, green and white teas thrive with cooler water, around 175°F – 185°F, while oolongs and black teas prefer hotter water. For example, brewing a delicate green tea like Gyokuro at too high a temperature can result in a bitter brew, ruining its sweet profile.

Myth 9: Drinking Tea Won't Hydrate You

There is a common notion that caffeine in tea makes it dehydrating. However, research shows that consumption of tea can actually contribute to hydration. Studies indicate that the hydrating effects of tea are approximately equivalent to those of water. For instance, a study found that drinking three to four cups of tea daily provided hydration similar to that of consuming the same volume of water. This makes tea not only enjoyable but also beneficial for staying hydrated.

Myth 10: You Should Steep Your Tea for Hours to Extract More Flavor

It’s often assumed that steeping tea for a longer period improves flavor, but this can lead to bitterness. Most teas should be steeped for 2-5 minutes to achieve the best results. For example, over-steeping a fine oolong tea can lead to a harsh, unpleasant taste. Following recommended steeping times allows you to enjoy the intricate flavors without the astringency that comes from longer steeping. If you're looking for more intensity of flavor use more tea. A robust or delicate flavor comes from adjusting the leaf-to-water ratio; more tea yields more flavor, while less tea results in a more delicate flavor. Oversteeping always results in bitterness, astringency, and regret!

Enjoy Your Tea Journey

Now that you've uncovered the realities behind these ten tea myths, you can brew your next cup with confidence. Remember, tea is versatile and personalization can enhance your experience. Whether you prefer it hot, iced, sweet, or plain, enjoy the delightful world of tea free from these misunderstandings. So go ahead, steep, sip, and embrace the journey of discovering what you love about tea!