Health Benefits and Steeping Guide for Nepal Tea - Nepali Tea Traders

Health Benefits of Nepal Tea

Tea is the most popular beverage globally after water, offering not only delicious flavors but also numerous health benefits. Studies indicate that tea grown at higher altitudes, such as in Nepal, is particularly beneficial for health.

Tea From Nepal

Nepali Tea Traders' teas are cultivated in tea gardens in the Ilam region of Nepal, which provide ideal growing conditions for fine tea. Altitudes of 4,000 to 8,000 feet are optimal for cultivation and natural drainage. Our teas are grown in pure soils without chemical pesticides or fertilizers and processed naturally or organically in small Nepalese factories. Sandakphu Tea Processers, which processes a significant portion of our tea, is majority-owned by local farmers and headed by one of the few female tea entrepreneurs in Nepal.

We offer many full leaf, loose teas, including several in elegant pyramid tea bags. Nepali Tea Traders' teas are natural or organic. Like fine wine, our selections are limited in availability and provide delightful, subtle variations from season to season. We also offer some of our favorite accessories to make loose tea brewing easy and convenient.

Nutritional Benefits of Tea

Low Calorie and Low Caffeine:

Unsweetened tea is virtually calorie-free and contains significantly less caffeine than coffee. This makes it a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their caffeine intake.

Rich in Antioxidants:

According to the Tea Association of the USA, tea contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which are believed to contribute to many chronic diseases over time.

Immune System Support:

Research suggests that tea can help strengthen the immune system. Preliminary studies also indicate that drinking tea may influence body weight, fat accumulation, and insulin activity positively.

For more information, check out An Overview of Research on the Potential Health Benefits of Tea.

Understanding Caffeine in Tea

Caffeine levels in tea vary depending on the type of tea, the season, the harvest, and the brewing times. Regardless, tea generally contains less caffeine than coffee.

Caffeine Content by Tea Type:

  • Black Teas and Blends:

30-50% of the caffeine in a typical cup of coffee.
  • Oolong Teas:

25-35% of the caffeine in a typical cup of coffee.
  • Green Teas:

20-25% of the caffeine in a typical cup of coffee.
  • White Teas:

Under 20% of the caffeine in a typical cup of coffee.
 

 Reducing Caffeine:

To lower the caffeine content, steep the tea leaves quickly (15-30 seconds), discard the water, and then resteep the leaves.

Steeping Instructions for Optimal Flavor

Start with the purest source of water and bring it to a rolling boil. The specific steeping instructions vary by tea type:

Black Teas 

  • Water Temperature: Boil, then cool for 1 minute.
  • Steeping Time: 3-4 minutes.
  •  

    Oolong and White Teas

  • Water Temperature: Boil, then cool for 2 minutes.
  • Steeping Time: 2-3 minutes.
  •  

    Green Teas

  • Water Temperature: Boil, then cool for 3 minutes.
  • Steeping Time: 1-2 minutes.
     
  • Avoid Oversteeping: Oversteeping can make teas taste acidic or bitter. For stronger tea, simply add more leaves to your infuser.
     

    General Steeping Guide

    These are general guidelines, and each tea has unique characteristics based on its type and season. Detailed instructions are available on each tea's product page. Experiment to find your preferred flavor.

    Tea Type Amount per 8 oz Water Water Temperature Steeping Time
    Black 1 teaspoon Boil, cool 1 minute 3-4 minutes 
    Oolong 1 heaping teaspoon  Boil, cool 2 minutes 2-3 minutes 
    Green 1 heaping teaspoon  Boil, cool 3 minutes  1-2 minutes 
    White 2 teaspoons  Boil, cool 2 minutes  2-3 minutes 


    Enjoy your tea and the knowledge that with every cup, you're supporting a child in Nepal. For more on the impact of your purchase, read about Our Story.