January is National Hot Tea Month, which has us thinking about our favorite tea and cookie pairings! A warm cup of tea is an important part of many people’s day—in fact, tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world—and provides the body with important antioxidants. Studies have even shown a correlation between drinking tea and improved heart health.
With so many flavors and varieties to choose from, deciding which tea is right for you at which moment can be an overwhelming process. That’s why we’ve put together a short guide to some popular tea choices for those who want to try something new, and what to pair them with to maximize your steeping delight!
Some Key Tea Terms
It can be easy to look past unknown words on a box of tea and just go by flavor alone, but it’s important to understand every factor in your tea selection. Before we jump into our National Hot Tea Month guide, here are two important terms to know when deciding which tea is right for you:
- Antioxidants: Antioxidants are molecules that fight dangerous buildup in your body, and they have been linked to fighting illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. We make them in our own bodies every day, but some foods and drinks (like teas!) also contain them. The most commonly known antioxidants are vitamins C and E.
- Oxidized/Unoxidized: Oxidation refers to the step in tea production where the leaf is dried. The more a tea leaf is bruised in this process, the more its cells become open to oxidation. The oxidation process greatly affects flavor and which antioxidants are in your drink.
Now, on to the good stuff!
A Guide to Teas and Pastries
A great National Hot Tea Month activity is trying a tea that’s new to you. There are more than 1,000 flavors in the world. If you’re looking for guidance on a new flavor or type of tea to try, stop in at your local tea shop. Here’s our guide to the various types of teas and the pastries and cookies that go well with them.
Green Tea
Green tea is the most popular tea in the world. It’s packed with antioxidants, lightly caffeinated, and unoxidized, contributing to its unmistakable flavor. If you like an earthy/vegetal flavor profile, then green tea may be for you. The most popular varieties of green tea are Matcha and Sencha, whose grassy, vegetal flavors pair well with chocolatey desserts like our Brownie Bites.
Black Tea
Black tea is made from the same species of plant as green tea (Camellia sinensis). However, this style of tea is unique because it goes through a comprehensive oxidation (‘fermentation’) process, giving the leaves that characteristic black color and the tea itself that distinctive strong malty flavor. Popular for its higher caffeine content and enough strength to be enjoyed with milk and sugar, well-known varieties of black tea like Earl Grey and English Breakfast tea pair quite well with our delicious, savory shortbread!
Rooibos Tea
Although Rooibos tea comes from the South African Red Bush, this “tea” also undergoes an oxidization process similar to green and black tea. But, since Rooibos is an herbal tea, it naturally lacks caffeine. Its flavor profile is earthy and sweet, making it a great option for people looking to wind down at the end of the day. Rooibos tea pairs well with cookies that have a baker’s spice complexity and a touch of natural sweetness, like our Oatmeal Raisin cookies.
White Tea
White teas are the least processed teas derived from the Camellia sinensis plant. This gives them a gentle floral flavor, which pairs well with a light vanilla cookie or shortbread. Popular varieties like Silver Needle and White Peony are chock full of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds naturally found tea, making white tea a good option for healthy-minded tea drinkers.
Oolong Tea
Oolong teas are similar to black teas but are generally less oxidized than their black tea counterparts. This partial oxidation process helps retain some of the more nuanced flavors in the tea leaves, creating an expansive flavor profile that ranges from full-bodied and vegetal to light and floral. Its more popular varieties are Ti Kuan Yin and Dan Cong. Oolong teas are caffeinated and go well with breakfast pastries like scones or our blueberry croissants.
Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is a bit different from most of the others on this list because it’s made from fruits, dried herbs, and flowers. This gives herbal teas a wide range of flavors like peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus. Herbal tea is caffeine-free, which makes it great to drink any time of the day, or if you have dietary restrictions. Its gentle fruity flavors pair beautifully with cookies like our delicious Ginger Twinkle.
One of our blueberry croissants would be a great treat to go with your tea!
We hope this helps you decide which tea is right for you! Enjoy National Hot Tea Month with some of your favorite tea and delicious Little Rae’s Bakery cookies or pastries. Visit our Find Us page if you’re interested in finding out where you can get Little Rae’s desserts and pastries to pair with your tea, or read our post about baking fluffy cookies if you’re looking to make your own!
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