Tea has been served for ages as a recreational and ceremonial drink, but it has recently gained attention for its many health-promoting properties. All tea comes from the same plant, camellia sinensis; it is the subsequent processing that determines whether the tea is black, green, oolong, or white.

Black tea undergoes the most processing. The oxidation process, or fermentation, is the key step in the production of black tea. First, the tea leaves are rolled to release certain enzymes that promote oxidation. Then they are spread out on racks in a humid environment and allowed to oxidize for a short period of time before they are fired with hot, dry air to destroy the oxidation-promoting enzymes and stabilize the tea. The oxidation process is what gives black tea its characteristic color and flavor - a hearty, amber brew. My favorite black tea is Earl Grey, and it is especially nice iced!

Green tea, unlike black tea, is not oxidized. The tea leaves are simply heated to destroy the enzymes that cause oxidation and then rolled to release flavors and finally dried. Since green tea is not oxidized it produces a fresh, astringent, sometimes grassy taste. Due to green tea remaining in its natural state, it retains many of the vitamins and beneficial properties of the fresh green leaf. I recommend a green tea like Gunpowder (which is also very nice iced) or China Jasmine.

Oolong tea is a combination of black and green tea. The oxidation is stopped after a short period of time, allowing the tea to preserve some of the freshness of the green leaf while taking on the subtle maturity and flavor of black tea.

White tea is the rarest of all teas. The tips of the unopened tea leaves are hand-picked at daybreak while still furled in a bud covered with white, downy hairs (hence the name "white" tea). After the buds are picked, they are simply dried to prevent oxidation. White teas are the least processed of all teas, and they produce a pale, delicate infusion.

Tea contains polyphenols, or antioxidant compounds that have been shown to fight against cancer, cardiovascular disease, and the effects of aging. Tea also contains fluorine, which prevents tooth decay and has a sterilizing effect by neutralizing germs and deactivating viruses. Furthermore, tea is a rich source for minerals (manganese, potassium, zinc) and even contains small amounts of vitamins (including B1, B2, B6, C, K, carotene, and folic acid). While all teas posses these beneficial qualities, research suggests that green and white teas are the most potent because they are the least processed.

Tea can also be decaffeinated simply by infusing (the act of brewing) for 40 seconds, during which most of the water-soluble caffeine is released. Then the water should be discarded and the tea should be infused a second time at the normal brewing time of 3 to 4 minutes. The average cup of black tea contains 1/3 to ½ the amount of caffeine found in a cup of coffee. It is interesting to note that caffeine in tea is metabolized at a much slower rate in our bodies than the caffeine found in coffee, which is absorbed quickly and produces an immediate cardiovascular response. People who are sensitive to the caffeine in coffee may find that they are better able to tolerate the caffeine in tea.

Last but not least, I recommend buying tea in loose leaf form. Loose leaf tea is of a much higher quality than tea bags. This is because store-bought tea bags are often composed of "tea dust," or what is left over after the flavor-packed whole leaves are sold. Bottled and instant teas are of an even lower quality, and tend to have few of the beneficial properties found in a cup of tea brewed from whole tea leaves.

I like to enjoy my tea iced, regardless of what kind I am drinking. I think of tea like wine or beer: an acquired taste. The more I drink it, the more I enjoy the taste. In the south, iced tea is always sweet. Being a person who drinks black coffee, I do not add or interfere with the taste of tea. Truly, tea is more than just a drink. At the end of a long day I find nothing more soothing then a cup of tea. It is as therapeutic as a hot bath.

My advice is to give tea a chance, just like peace.