BLACK TEA

What is Black Tea?

Black tea is one of the most common varieties of tea, which comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It differs from green or white tea due to its oxidation process. During the production of black tea, the leaves are fully oxidized, giving them their dark color and a more robust and strong flavor.
This tea is consumed worldwide and is very popular in countries like India, China, and the United Kingdom. It is often the base for blends such as Earl Grey tea, Chai, or traditional English tea.

Properties of Black Tea

Stimulates the nervous system:

Thanks to its caffeine content (around 40-70 mg per cup), black tea provides a gentle stimulation, similar to coffee, but with a more moderate effect.

• Antioxidants: It contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols (especially catechins), which help fight free radicals in the body, protecting cells from damage and premature aging.
• Improves cardiovascular health: Regular consumption of black tea can help reduce the risk of heart diseases, as it can improve the function of blood vessels and reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
• Aids digestion: Its compounds have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help balance the intestinal flora and alleviate digestive issues like stomach discomfort.
• Increases metabolism and aids in weight loss: Compounds in black tea, such as caffeine and polyphenols, can increase calorie burning and improve metabolism.
  Improves concentration and mental alertness: The caffeine and L-theanine in black tea help enhance concentration and increase alertness without the jitteriness that coffee sometimes causes.
• Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties: Regular consumption can help reduce inflammation in the body and fight infections due to its antimicrobial properties.

Varieties of Black Tea

There are several varieties of black tea, some of which are produced in specific regions and have unique flavor profiles due to factors like climate, soil, and production method:

Assam (India): Produced in the Assam region, this tea is robust, with a strong and malty flavor. It is commonly used in tea blends like English breakfast tea or chai.
Darjeeling (India): Known as the "champagne of teas," Darjeeling tea has a lighter, floral, and fruity flavor. It is cultivated in the mountainous regions of northeastern India.
Ceylon (Sri Lanka): Ceylon tea is cultivated in Sri Lanka and has a bright, citrusy, and refreshing flavor. It is classified into different types based on altitude and cultivation region.
Keemun (China): A black tea from the Anhui province in China, known for its smooth and slightly fruity flavor with a hint of smoke.
Yunnan (China): Hailing from the Yunnan province, this tea has a deep, earthy flavor with notes of cocoa.
English Breakfast Tea: A blend of black teas from Assam, Ceylon, and Kenya. It is a strong and aromatic tea, ideal for breakfast.
Earl Grey Tea: Black tea flavored with bergamot oil, a citrus fruit, giving it a distinctive and fresh flavor.
Chai (India): Black tea blended with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, clove, and pepper, often served with milk and sugar.

Countries Producing Black Tea

Black tea is mainly cultivated in Asian countries and some regions of Africa. The main producing countries are:

• India: The regions of Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri are known for their black tea production.
• China: Although China is more known for its green tea, it also produces black teas like Keemun and Yunnan.
• Sri Lanka: One of the largest producers of black tea, especially in the mountainous regions of Ceylon.
• Taiwan: Produces high-quality black teas, such as Sun Moon Lake or Ruby Tea.
• Kenya: One

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  CAFÉ

  
  ¿Qué es el café?

   

  Coffee is a popular beverage obtained from the beans of the Coffea plant. The beans are seeds contained in the fruits, called cherries, which are harvested, processed, and then roasted to produce the beverage. This drink is characterized by its bitter taste and stimulating effect due to caffeine.

  
  Properties of coffee

   

  • Stimulant: Caffeine is the main active component. It increases alertness, improves concentration, and reduces fatigue.
  • Antioxidant: Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help fight cellular damage caused by free radicals.
  • Improves physical performance: Caffeine can increase exercise capacity and endurance.
  • Potential health benefits: It may reduce the risk of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and type 2 diabetes, although studies are mixed.
  • Mood enhancement: It is believed that coffee can have a positive effect on mood due to the stimulation of the central nervous system.

  
  Coffee varieties:

  
  There are several varieties of Coffea, but the most well-known are:

   

  • Coffea arabica: It is the most cultivated variety, appreciated for its smooth, fruity, and less bitter taste.
  • Coffea canephora (robusta): It has a stronger and more bitter taste, and a higher caffeine content than arabica.
  • Others: There are some minor varieties, such as Liberica and Excelsa, which have unique flavor profiles.

  
  What types of coffee are there? - Blog mentta

  
  Main coffee-producing countries

  
  Coffee is mainly grown in tropical areas of the world, in countries near the equator, such as:

  • Brazil: The world's largest coffee producer.
  • Vietnam: The main producer of robusta coffee.
  • Colombia: Famous for its high-quality arabica coffee.
  • Ethiopia: The birthplace of coffee, known for its fruity flavor.
  • Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico: Other important producers of quality coffee.

  
  Preparation methods:

  
  There are several ways to prepare coffee, depending on style and personal preference:

  • Filtered coffee: Uses a filter to separate the ground beans from the liquid.
  • Espresso coffee: Made with a pressure process that passes hot water through finely ground coffee, creating a concentrated beverage.
  • French press coffee: The ground coffee is allowed to steep in hot water for a few minutes before pressing the plunger to separate the coffee.
  • Turkish coffee: The coffee is boiled in water with sugar (optional) in a container called a cezve.
  • Cold brew coffee: Made with cold infusion or through a slow drip process.

  
  Effects of coffee on our body - Blog mentta 

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  TÉ MATCHA

   

  What is matcha tea?

   

  Matcha tea is a type of powdered green tea originating from Japan, known for its intense green color, umami flavor, and beneficial health properties. Unlike other teas, matcha is consumed as a whole ground leaf, maximizing its nutritional content.

   

  Properties of matcha tea

   

  High in antioxidants: Especially catechins, which help fight cellular damage and aging.
  Natural source of energy: Contains caffeine and L-theanine, providing alertness without the jittery effects of coffee.
  Boosts metabolism: Can contribute to fat burning and weight loss.
  Detoxifying: Its high chlorophyll content helps eliminate toxins.
  Enhances concentration and relaxation: Thanks to L-theanine, it improves mental clarity and reduces stress.

   

  Types of matcha

  
  Matcha is classified into two main types:

  
  Ceremonial grade: Highest quality, used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Has a smoother and delicate flavor.
  Culinary grade: More intense and slightly bitter, ideal for making lattes, desserts, smoothies, and recipes.

  
  Where is it produced?

  
  The highest quality matcha is cultivated in Japan, especially in regions like:

  • Uji (Kyoto): Considered the birthplace of the best matcha.
  • Nishio (Aichi): Famous for its production in large quantities.
  • Shizuoka and Kagoshima: Other regions with good production.
    

     

  How to prepare matcha tea?

  
  Traditional Japanese method

  
  Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha into a bowl (chawan).
  Add 70 ml of hot water (not boiling, around 80°C).
  Whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk (chasen) in a "W" shape until a light foam forms.
  Other ways to prepare it include in the famous matcha latte, in shakes and smoothies, and in baking.

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  Rice Milk

   

  What is rice milk?

  Rice milk is a plant-based alternative to milk made from rice.

  It is perfect for people looking for options without lactose, gluten, or who prefer to reduce their consumption of animal products.

  It is made by blending rice with water and then filtering to obtain a liquid, smooth, and slightly sweet texture. Additionally, it can be found in both sweetened and unsweetened versions, depending on what you're looking for.

  Take a look at all these quality rice milk beverages.

  How to prepare rice milk?

  The great thing about rice milk is that it is very easy to find in supermarkets, but you can also make it at home.

  Here is how you can make it yourself:

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of brown rice (or white rice if you prefer a milder flavor)
  • 4 cups of water (you can adjust according to the consistency you want)
  • Optional: a pinch of salt, cinnamon, vanilla, or sugar to taste (for an extra touch of flavor)

  Preparation:

  1. Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch.
  2. Cook the rice in water, as if you were making regular rice. If using brown rice, we recommend cooking it slowly for a longer time to soften it well.
  3. Once the rice is cooked and has cooled slightly, place it in a blender with the 4 cups of water.
  4. Blend for a few minutes until the rice breaks down completely and you get a smooth mixture.
  5. Strain the mixture with a fine sieve to separate the liquid from the solid residues.
  6. If desired, add a little sweetener (such as sugar, honey, or a bit of stevia) and flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to give it another touch.

   

  General nutritional information of unsweetened rice milk (per 100 ml):

  • Energy: 49 kcal
  • Fat: 0.1 g
  • Saturated fat: 0 g
  • Monounsaturated fat: 0 g
  • Polyunsaturated fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9.0 g
  • Sugars: 2.0 g (from rice, no added sugars)
  • Fiber: 0.1 g
  • Proteins: 0.3 g
  • Salt: 0.1 g
  • Calcium: 90 mg (may be fortified, as some brands add calcium to mimic cow's milk)
  • Vitamins: Some rice drinks may also be fortified with vitamins such as vitamin A, D, and B12, although this depends on the brand.

   

  Benefits of rice milk

  1. Lactose and gluten-free. Rice milk is naturally lactose-free, so it is an excellent option for people with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet. Additionally, being gluten-free, it is suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  2. Low in fat. Unlike whole milk, rice milk is very low in fat, making it a light and healthy option, especially for those looking to reduce their calorie intake.
  3. Hydrating and refreshing