
Add a new type of tea to your go-to list: pu-erh. This fermented, dark tea hails from China, and has a deep, pronounced flavor. For adventurous tea drinkers who want a crash course in multiple kinds, try Numi Organic Tea’s Indulgent Pu-erh Tea Collection. Housed in a sustainable bamboo box, this collection comes with six variations including chocolate, cardamom, ginger, jasmine and basil-mint.
You can buy your own Indulgent Pu-erh Tea Collection or enter in the comments for a chance to win one. Just let us know, in the comments, which Pu-erh tea you’re most excited to try. The contest starts at 10:00 a.m. EST today, and ends on Friday, March 1 at 5 p.m. EST.
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Whether or not Cupid’s arrow finds its way into your heart this Valentine’s Day, you can bet it has a place in your kitchen. Fill this heart-shaped tea infuser with your choice of loose tea, and your sweetie is sure to fall in love. Not sure what kind you like best? We’ve got you covered with our Tea 101 guide.
You can buy your own Tea to My Heart Infuser or enter in the comments for a chance to win one. Just let us know, in the comments, you’re favorite type of tea. The contest starts at 10:00 a.m. EST today, and ends on Friday, February 15 at 5 p.m. EST.
We’re giving away one tea infuser each to 10 lucky, randomly-selected commenters. You must include your email address in the “Email” field when submitting your comment so we can communicate with you if you’re a winner.
You may only comment once to be considered and you don’t have to purchase anything to win; a purchase will not increase your chances of winning. Odds depend on total number of entries. Void where prohibited. Only open to legal residents of 50 U.S. states, D.C. or Puerto Rico, and you must be at least 18 to win. For the first day of the giveaway, all entries (answers) must be entered between 10:00 a.m. EST on February 13 and 5 p.m. EST on February 15, 2013. Subject to full official rules. By leaving a comment on the blog, you acknowledge your acceptance to the Official Rules. ARV of each prize: $10. Sponsor: Scripps Networks, LLC, d/b/a Food Network, 9721 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37932.
So tell us, what’s your favorite type of tea?

I’ve heard it all when it comes to tea and oftentimes what’s said just isn’t true. Here’s the real truth when it comes to one of the most popular drinks in the world.
Myth: Herbal teas are true teas
True teas including black, green, white and oolong come from the camellia sinesis plant. Herbal teas are made by steeping fresh or dried flowers, herb, seeds, roots or plant barks in hot water. The so-called “teas” are really called tisanes.
Fact: Green tea has caffeine
Green tea has about 35 milligrams per cup. Iced green tea also contains caffeine — about 15 milligrams per 16 fluid ounces. If you’re an avid green tea consumer, be careful—the caffeine can add up quickly.
Myth: Decaffeinated tea is caffeine free
Decaffeinated teas do contain some caffeine, about 2 to 10 milligrams per cup. If you’re looking to go caffeine free, herbal teas are your best bet. If you do go for the caffeinated stuff, keep in mind that the amount of caffeine differs from tea to tea: Black tea has around 60 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces, about double that of green tea.
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- Tea -- it's for more than sipping.
A few weeks back we talked about the different types of teas and why they are so good for you. This week I wanted to expand on the topic because believe it or not, you can do more with tea than just drink it. Tea is a hot new trend in the cooking world and adding tea to a recipe is a perfectly healthy way to cook.
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- Which tea is your favorite?
Tea is the second most popular beverage around the world, eclipsed only by water. In general, tea refers to dried leaves of the camellia sinensis plant prepared by steeping in hot water. It can be served hot or cold. In the United States, 85 percent of the tea consumed is iced, a uniquely American preference. One pound of tea leaves yields about 200 cups, making tea one of the cheapest beverages available, following tap water.
The camellia sinensis plant is grown at high altitudes in damp, tropical regions. Tea, like wine, is named for its place of origin, such as Darjeeling, Ceylon (now known as Sri Lanka) and Assam.
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Eat your way to a more relaxed state — and no, we don’t mean pigging out on high-calorie junk food. While there isn’t a cure-all food to magically erase frustration, you can get some stress relief with a combo of exercising, eating small meals throughout the day and getting more of these 10 fresh goodies.
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From this week’s nutrition headlines: Millions of kids seriously lack vitamin D, specialty drinks are the newest fast-food trend and Japanese women are guzzling collagen in hopes of staying young. Weird, right?
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You may have some hibiscus growing in your backyard, but have you ever tried eating hibiscus blooms? I love using the dried buds to brew up hibiscus tea — poured over ice with lemon, it’s a great summer treat. But the edible options don’t end there. Learn other ways to use this flower.
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From this week’s headlines: Starbucks ups their eco-friendly practices, more weekly food recalls, tips for creating dinner faster and weight loss surgery for teens.
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On a hot day, one of my favorite treats is a cool summer drink. I’m always guzzling water, but sometimes I crave a little more flavor. What I don’t want, however, is all the extra calories that traditional juices and sodas can bring. When it comes to sprucing up my chilled drinks, I find inspiration from seasonal ingredients at my farmers’ market — fruits, herbs, you name it. Plop a few in some home-brewed tea or spritzer and you’ve got a delicious treat. Here are two recipes to try.
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