Summer is a season of heat and energy. During this time, a refreshing cup of tea can not only quench your thirst but also bring a sense of tranquility and comfort. However, there are certain considerations to keep in mind when drinking tea in the summer. Let’s explore these tips together.
Choose Suitable Summer Teas
Opt for refreshing and cooling teas like green tea, which includes varieties such as Longjing and Biluochun. These teas are rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, providing cooling and refreshing benefits.
White tea, known for its cooling properties, is also a great choice. Varieties like Silver Needle and White Peony offer a light and refreshing taste.
Control the Tea’s Strength and Quantity
Avoid brewing overly strong tea as it can burden the digestive system and cause discomfort. Use a moderate amount of tea leaves to ensure a light and refreshing tea.
While staying hydrated is essential, excessive tea consumption can impact health. Aim for a daily intake of 1000～1500 milliliters of tea.
Mind the Timing of Tea Consumption
Drinking tea on an empty stomach can dilute stomach acids, impair digestion, and lead to “tea intoxication,” characterized by symptoms like dizziness and palpitations. It’s best to drink tea 30 minutes to an hour after meals.
The caffeine in tea can stimulate the nervous system and affect sleep quality. Those with sleep issues should especially avoid drinking tea before bedtime.
Avoid Drinking Overnight Tea
In the summer, tea leaves can quickly harbor bacteria. Overnight tea may lose its flavor and potentially become unsafe to drink, leading to digestive issues. It’s best to consume tea on the day it’s brewed.
Proper Tea Storage
Storage Conditions: To maintain tea quality, store tea in a dry, cool, and ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. For loose tea leaves, use airtight containers to prevent them from absorbing moisture and odors.
Choose Tea According to Your Body Constitution
People with different body constitutions react differently to tea. Those with a cold constitution should limit their intake of cooling teas like green tea and fresh white tea, opting instead for warmer teas such as black tea and aged white tea. Conversely, those prone to heat can benefit from more cooling teas.
Pair with a Balanced Diet
Avoid pairing tea with overly greasy or spicy foods, which can affect the tea’s flavor and digestion. Opt for light and refreshing foods like fruits (e.g., watermelon) and snacks (e.g., mung bean cakes) to complement the tea and enhance the overall cooling effect.
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Drinking tea in the summer can be a delightful experience, provided you follow these guidelines to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential drawbacks. By choosing the right types of tea, controlling the strength and quantity, timing your tea consumption properly, avoiding overnight tea, storing tea correctly, selecting teas suited to your body constitution, and pairing tea with a balanced diet, you can enjoy the full range of benefits that tea offers. Let’s embrace the heat of summer with a perfect cup of tea, soothing our bodies and minds and welcoming each day with renewed vitality.
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