​Easily one of the most recognizable, black tea is anything but run of the mill. It is frequently combined with other plants and herbs becoming the base for your English Breakfast, Chai or Earl Grey. Here are a few fun facts about black tea…
 
It has the highest concentration of caffeine amongst all teas, but only slightly less than your standard cup of coffee.
 
Antioxidants: black tea is full of them! Their role in the body is to act as a defense line from harmful toxins known as free radicals. While a small amount in our bodies is necessary, an influx of free radicals has shown links to heart disease and cancer. Keeping an ample intake of antioxidants keeps our bodies fighting strong!
 
Black tea also promotes gut health! Similar to free radicals, there are a lot of bacteria present in our bodies, some are necessary and beneficial, but not all. E.Coli and salmonella are two that can cause undue harm to us; medicinal properties in black tea encourage the production of good bacteria. There are many more and I encourage you all to be curious!
 
I’ll leave you with a little #TeaTimeTriva: according to Guinness World Records, the most expensive  and valuable tea pot is in the possession of a Charity in London. Appropriately named, “The Egoist” the teapot is set with almost 1700 diamonds, 386 rubies, an 18 carat base as well as an ivory handle and valued at $3 million. Wow!

​Did you know that tea is an excellent natural supplement to your health? All tea is not created equally however; loose leaf tea specifically possesses marked heath benefits over tea bags even!  One of the oldest beverages in the world and most consumed after water, tea is present in cultures all over the globe. Think they may be onto something? Organic loose leaf tea is also kinder on the environment, none of those pesky non bio-degradable tea bags.
 
Why exactly is tea so good for you though? Well, present in all are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The more natural the more beneficial it is to our bodies. Quite simply too , loose leaf tea is far more fresh than what you will find at your local supermarket. The tea will make fewer stops and is not mass produced thus keeping it closer to its original, amazing, state.
 
Steeping into the world of tea can be a bit overwhelming. There are hundreds of tea flavors but there are roughly only six varietals: green, black, oolong, yellow, white, and pu-erh. See, somewhat easier already! Each has their own color, aroma, herbal or earthy notes and caffeine levels. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts for health and wellness insights from the very intriguing world of tea! 

Gather the goods:
6 cups spring or filtered water
3 level tablespoons of Urban Tea Gardens Moroccan Mint Green Tea
1-2 small limes washed & cut into sections
3-4 tablespoons sugar (your choice)
2 regular size pitchers (ones that can handle heat) or 8-10 cups
Mint for garnish

Boil your filtered water and let sit for 3-4 minutes to cool down.  Green tea loves 190 degrees.
​Next, add the Moroccan Mint to the water, (smell that beautiful stuff) and set a timer for 3 minutes. 
When the tea is done steeping, strain into one of your pitchers and let the tea cool down for awhile.  Take a deep breathe of this good stuff and connect to it for a moment.
In the mean time you can muddle your lime and sugar in the bottom of your second pitcher and let it sit.  If you like lime use two or you can just use one for a lighter flavor.
When the tea is cool enough, add to your muddled mixture into the second pitcher.  Fill the second pitcher to the top with ice and give it a good stir.
Grab your favorite ice tea glass and fill it with ice. Slowly pour the Moroccan Mint Green Tea Mojito mixture over the  ice and enjoy.   You can always add some mint for garnish. 

Cocktail Version:
You can always adult this drink by adding a splash of your favorite rum or vodka.

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