Natural Flavors to Compliment Tea
For many, tea is a way of life. Naturally flavorful, soothing, and imbued with many natural health benefits, drinking tea extends past a morning pick-me-up or an evening sleepy time sip and into dinner and dessert. Just like wine, the different flavors and aromas of tea pair with different foods, creating a perfectly balanced experience for all of the senses. Join us as we at Advanced Biotech explore our favorite types of tea and the foods that complement their natural flavors.
White Tea
White tea is known to be one of the most delicate varieties of tea because it is minimally processed. White tea is harvested before the tea plant’s leaves open fully, when the young buds are still covered by fine white hairs. Because its flavor its so mild, it is recommended that this type of tea be enjoyed with similar light flavors. Basmati rice, white fish like tilapia or mahi mahi, and summer salads are well-suited to white tea, and for dessert, fresh fruits and mousses work best.
Green Tea
Green tea is well known for its green, slightly bitter flavor as well as its many health benefits. Packed with naturally occurring antioxidants, green tea pairs well with mild-flavored foods like seafood, rice, salads, melon, and chicken. Stronger varieties of green tea like gunpowder or hojicha, a roasted green tea, stand up better to stronger flavors such as turkey, roast vegetables, or East Asian or Middle Eastern cuisines. The earthiness of green tea pairs well with rich desserts containing dark chocolate, as well as traditional Japanese desserts like mochi, sticky and sweet dumplings made from rice and sometimes filled with red bean paste or even ice cream.
Black Tea
Perhaps the most robust of all of the varieties of tea, black tea boasts a strong flavor rich in tannins. Black tea is best suited to be enjoyed with spicy, savory, and meaty dishes as their distinctive flavor cuts through rich and oily flavors. Chinese, Mexican, and Indian foods pair well with black tea, and creamy desserts like ice cream and pudding are great choices to eat with black tea.
A soothing, flavorful cup of tea is perfect with any meal when paired with complimentary foods. Balancing the tea’s natural flavor with the right recipe makes for the ultimate tasting sensation. Enjoy tea breakfast through dessert with these recommendations!