We are here to guide you through the world that is mushroom coffee – what it is; how to drink it; the best types… Enjoy!

What Is Mushroom Coffee?

Well, the clue is in the name really – mushroom coffee is basically coffee with mushrooms in it!

However, these are not your standard button or field mushrooms – mushroom coffee uses medicinal mushrooms to give you that coffee hit plus other health benefits.

Some of the common medicinal mushrooms used to make mushroom coffee are Turkey Tail, Lion’s Mane, Chaga, Reishi and Cordyceps. These mushrooms are all well known for their beneficial effects on the body.

The coffee and the mushrooms are ground up together, so the texture of your coffee will be exactly the same – there won’t be mushrooms floating on the top!

Mushroom coffee, although it is trending now, has actually been around for many years – mushrooms were used as a substitute for coffee in WW2.

The taste of mushroom coffee is reportedly barely different to regular coffee – you might get hints of a nutty flavour, but in general the coffee flavour is still there.

Mushroom coffee is marketed as being able to help reduce anxiety and improve the immune system, which is mostly why it is so popular.

Because half of the bulk of the beans is replaced by medicinal mushrooms, mushroom coffee is also lower in caffeine than standard coffee, making it ideal for those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Mushroom coffee tends to be more expensive than regular coffee, which can put people off – but the potential health benefits have a real appeal.

Always discuss new supplements with your healthcare provider if you have any underlying health issues, but in general mushroom coffee is safe, and delicious.

This is a good video to tell you a little bit more about mushroom coffee, and whether it’s really worth it:

Does Mushroom Coffee Give You A Buzz?

If you are hoping that your mushroom coffee is the “magical” kind, you may be disappointed – no illegal mushrooms are used in the making of this blend!

The mushrooms used are known for their health benefits, not their recreational uses, so you will not feel any different after a cup than you do after a normal cup of coffee.

However, you may notice side effects such as improved sleep and reduced anxiety if you switch to mushroom coffee.

Also, many of the mushrooms used have proven health benefits such as antioxidants and even tumour-reducing properties, so you will hopefully notice some great improvements to your health.

Many medicinal mushrooms can help to improve cognitive function, so keep an eye on your pub quiz skills if you have just started drinking mushroom coffee!

Do Mushroom Coffees Taste Like Coffee?

For those who love their cup of joe, don’t panic – mushroom coffee tastes just the same as normal coffee.

Many people report that it has a “nutty” flavour, but this is mild and in general the coffee flavour takes precedence.

The mushrooms actually add a level of mildness that balances out the bitterness and acidity of the coffee, making it even more palatable.

The specific taste of each coffee will vary depending on the manufacturer, the brand, the coffee beans used, as well as the specific types of mushroom.

As we all know, each different branded product is slightly different, and this goes for mushroom coffee too.

The best thing to do is to try a few different types and see which one works the best for you (plus, this is a great excuse to drink delicious coffee!)

You can always, if you’d like, try adding different flavours to your coffee if you are unsure if you will like it with a hint of mushroom.

Who Should Not Drink Mushroom Coffee?

While it is generally safe, there are a few things to consider before you branch out into mushroom coffee.

People with mushroom allergies should definitely not drink mushroom coffee, for obvious reasons – you don’t want to make yourself poorly.

Additionally, those with low immune systems or autoimmune diseases should steer clear of mushroom coffee.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking blood thinners or other medications, you should definitely have a chat with your healthcare provider before diving into the world of mushroom coffee.

Basically, if you are in good health and not allergic to mushrooms, you should be fine. Anyone else should have a chat with their doctor – just to be on the safe side.

You don’t have to avoid mushroom coffee if you simply don’t like mushrooms – they are so hidden by the flavour of the coffee that you won’t even know they’re there!

How Long Does It Take For Mushroom Coffee To Work?

Starting any new supplement can feel like a waiting game – when should you start noticing effects and what should you look out for?

Mushroom coffee and its associated benefits will not take months to emerge – you should start to notice the benefits within the first couple of days.

However, for the longer-term benefits such as increased focus and mental clarity, you may have to wait between 1 and 12 weeks, depending on the individual.

You can, of course, speed up the process once you have worked out whether mushroom coffee agrees with you!

Simply drink the coffee on a regular basis, and ensure that you are making it correctly using the manufacturer’s guide.

Some people may be affected more quickly, as some people will be more sensitive to the benefits – it entirely depends on the person.

This in-depth article will tell you more about mushroom coffee, including its benefits and how long it takes to have an effect.

Final Words

Whether or not you feel that mushrooms belong in a coffee, why not give it a go? You might just surprise yourself! And, there is the added bonus of all the health benefits.

Now that you know a little more about it, the next time a friend says, “So, mushroom coffee – what is it?” You can confidently answer – and even order for them!

The post Mushroom Coffee What Is It? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

We’ve decided to do a bit of research and try to work out exactly what the answer to this question is. Come on a journey through tea with us!

All teas contain antioxidants, meaning that they are actually good for you as well as being delicious – but what IS the best tea you can drink?

Obviously, it is entirely down to the individual and their tastes. Why not try out all of the below, and you can decide which is the best one for you?

English Breakfast

This is what most of us think of when we think of tea – a good cup of Builder’s Tea. You can add sugar to it, use lots or little milk – or even have it black. This is a standard cup of tea that contains caffeine, which is a stimulant and can help us get through the day. It is what most of us know and think of when someone says “Would you like a cup of tea?” so it will be familiar to most people!

Earl Grey

This delicate tea, flavoured with Bergamot, is a black tea that is generally drunk without milk, or with a little lemon. Many people find it very refreshing, and there is no doubt that it can help you get out of bed in the morning. It contains caffeine, around the same amount as English breakfast, so it should be avoided if you have caffeine sensitivities.

Assam

Another black tea, this one is named after the region in India where it is grown. Assam tea tends to have a darker brew colour and a malty flavour, so it’s great for those who like a darker cuppa, and it can be drunk with or without milk or sugar, depending on your taste. It also contains caffeine, so watch out for this one if caffeiene does not agree with you.

Oolong

Oolong tea is a Chinese tea, that is semi-oxidated – in this, it falls between a black tea and a green tea. Oolong has an interesting production method; it is withered in the sun, then the leaves are curled and twisted to make the characteristic shape. Oolong is generally considered a fairly sweet tea, with woody and roasted notes, and it has a surprising array of health benefits. Like all teas, it contains antioxidants, and it can also improve heart health and control blood sugar.

Chai

Also known as Masala Chai, chai tea is a black tea that is flavoured with various aromatics such as ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and black pepper. It is usually brewed with milk and sweetened, either with honey or sugar. Originating from India, chai tea has had cultural significance for many centuries, and can now be enjoyed the world over. It is a very comforting drink, and can help with a variety of health problems thanks to the spices that are used to flavour the tea.

White Tea

White tea is made from a standard tea plant, but only the youngest leaves and buds from the first spring harvest are used. It is the least processed of all the teas, giving it a lighter colour and a natural flavour. It has a delicate, floral taste which can even be described as mildly fruity. Although this tea does contain caffeine, it has lower levels than either green or black tea, making it ideal for those with a caffeine sensitivity.

Green

Green tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant and is subject to minimal oxidisation in processing. The leaves are generally dried, steamed or pan fried to halt the oxidising process, which allows the natural green colour to remain. There are a lot of different types of green tea, including matcha, that are becoming increasingly popular due to their health benefits. Green tea is particularly high in antioxidants, making it very good for the health.

Ginger

Ginger has been known for its use in digestive health for many years, as it is very calming and soothing to the stomach. Feeling bloated, gassy or nauseous can all be helped by sipping on a cup of ginger tea – and it’s delicious too! You can sweeten it with honey, add lemon, or just enjoy on its own. Ginger tea contains no caffeine, so it may not give you as much of a buzz as other types of tea, but it is a lovely drink as well as being good for you.

Mint

Another great tea for the digestion, mint tea is tasty as well as being gentle on the body. It is very soothing for gastric issues, and will give you a nice little lift first thing in the morning. Mint tea has also been shown to be helpful at combating headaches, reducing stress levels and reducing anxiety – though more research is needed to cement these claims. Mint tea has a cultural significance in many countries, including Morocco, where it is a staple drink when mixed with green tea and sugar.

Lemon

Lemon tea is zesty and refreshing, and is a great way to give yourself a little boost in the morning. You can make your own lemon tea by simply steeping lemon slices in hot water, or you can buy it as tea bags which will generally be mixed with green or black tea leaves. There is minimal caffeine – none whatsoever if you make your own – and it is a delicious drink to wake up to.

If, like many people, you can’t imagine a life without tea, then this guide is for you! Working out which is the best tea in the morning is a great way to start your day (with a cuppa, of course).

We hope you enjoyed this guide and can now work out what your favourite cup of tea to have first thing is – and, we hope that you have discovered something that might just become your favourite brew!

The post Best Tea In The Morning – Is There One? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

Never fear, we have been doing a little bit of homework, and have worked out the best sleepy teas there are out there.

What Tea Will Help Me Sleep?

There are a good many teas that are designed to help you get some good shut-eye, for various reasons.

Some of the main “sleepy teas” are:

• Chamomile. Well known for its sedative properties, chamomile is a calming, relaxing tea that will help you to drift off.
• Valerian. A natural relaxant, valerian tea is excellent for those who struggle to sleep because of anxiety and stress.
• Mint. If you have digestive issues before bed, a cup of mint tea will help to soothe your system and help you doze off.
• Ginger. Like mint, ginger is great for the digestive system and will help to calm any stomach problems, helping you sleep.
• Decaff. The caffeine in regular tea can keep you awake, so if you can’t do without a cuppa then at least go for a reduced caffeine version.
• Bedtime tea. Available at most supermarkets, bedtime tea is generally a blend of different sedative-type teas, that can help you get some sleep.

As you can see, none of the above contain any caffeine – this is key to helping you sleep better, as caffeine is a stimulant and can keep you awake.

If you like verbal instructions rather than reading words, check out this video:

What Tea Acts As A Sedative?

Chamomile and valerian are well known sedative teas, but there are a few others you can try if you don’t like these options.

• Lavender, widely used for its relaxing, calming properties, makes a deliciously floral tea that is very relaxing.
• Magnolia is more than just a beautiful tree, it can also be used as a sedative tea! It contains honokiol and magnolol, known for their use in helping insomnia.
• Passionflower is a beautiful plant, and one that can beautifully help you to relax and drift off. It is also very useful in treating the symptoms of anxiety.
• Bedtime tea is great for those who just want something that is easy to source (you can buy sleepy teas in most supermarkets these days). This is generally a mixture of different types of sedative teas, so that you can be sure of a good night’s sleep.

Interestingly, some people swear by breakfast tea as a sedative tea. We would not recommend this because of the caffeine content, but there is no doubt that for some people, it works.

If you are struggling to get to sleep, or to relax and turn off your brain in the evenings, certain types of tea can help.

It is a good idea to try a few out and see which one works the best for you, so why not get a selection and work your way through them?

Why Can’t I Sleep When I Drink Tea At Night?

If you have been trying to drift off with a nice hot cup of tea, you may actually be preventing yourself from sleeping well.

Tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can get the mind and the body going at 100 miles an hour.

Having a hot drink before bed is a great idea – but you should probably stick to decaf or fruit teas for the right effect!

Drinking a warm drink before bed has been shown to help improve sleep, but if you go for a fully caffeinated version then you may find that you struggle to nod off.

Have a look through our lists, and try out a caffeine free tea that you like that hopefully gives you enough of a sedative effect to drift off (and that you like the taste of!)

Is It Ok To Drink Valerian Tea Every Night?

Valerian tea is widely recognised as being a great way to help you nod off. But, how do we know how much is too much?

Research shows that it is generally safe for short term use, in doses of up to 600mg daily for up to 6 weeks.

However, caution is recommended because the long term safety of taking valerian is unknown.

It is absolutely fine to self-medicate with natural remedies and herbs, but you should always exercise caution, especially if you have health issues.

Valerian is safe, but it would be advisable that you don’t drink it every day. You can go for it for a few weeks then have a few weeks off if you like.

Before starting on anything new, it is always a good idea to consult with your doctor, just to be on the safe side.

If you fancy trying out valerian tea, here is a good article explaining everything you might like to know about it.

How Do You Fall Asleep With Tea?

Falling asleep with a nice, comforting cuppa is a great way to drift off – but there are better and worse ways to do it!

Firstly, if you really can’t sleep without a cuppa, go for a decaffeinated version. This will mean that your body is not being stimulated by the caffeine, keeping you awake.

Secondly, it is well known that milky drinks can help you fall asleep quicker, so consider adding a little more of the white stuff to your tea.

You should definitely avoid sugar late at night, as this is another stimulant that may keep you up.

Don’t make it too hot – warm tea is perfect for a bedtime brew – and you stand less chance of burning yourself if you drop it over the bedclothes!

If you can, try a herbal or fruit tea to fall asleep with – these are caffeine free, and also offer many other health benefits.

If you’ve been wondering, “What tea will help me sleep?” then you’ve definitely come to the right place! Hopefully we’ve given you some ideas to help you drift off.

Have a look through our suggestions, try a few different teas and see which one you like the best, and which one works for you.

The post What Tea Will Help Me Sleep? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

The Jura E8 comes complete with a built-in grinder and milk frother. So you don’t need to buy any extra equipment to make whatever type of coffee you desire. 

Read on for my full review. 

Jura E8 Piano Review

What Are You Buying?

1. Automatic Coffee Machine With 17 Programs 

You don’t have to be a barista or a coffee nerd to prepare cafe-quality coffee with the Jura E8. It’s fully automatic. Just press the right buttons and you can enjoy whatever kind of coffee you want. And since it has a built-in milk frother, you can also make one of those milk-based specialty coffees.   

The Jura E8 has 17 built-in specialties to choose from. These include espresso, double espresso, Americano, cappuccino, flat white and more.  

If you are making a non-coffee drink, you can also dispense just hot water or milk foam. This is handy if you are making hot chocolate. 

The various coffee specialties are programmable. You can adjust the amount of milk, espresso and water that is dispensed depending on how strong you want your coffee or the cup size you are using. 

2. Advanced P.A.G.2 Grinder

The Jura E8 comes with a built-in grinder, so you can have freshly ground coffee without having to first grind it separately. You can also just use pre-ground coffee. 

The advanced P.A.G.2 grinder is both more powerful and quieter than previous generations. It has a selector switch that lets you adjust how fine or coarse your coffee is. 

3. Pulse Extraction Process for Maximum Aroma and Flavour

Pulse extraction process or PEP involves passing hot water through ground coffee at short timed intervals. Researchers at Jura found that this was the best way to extract the maximum aroma and flavour from ground coffee. 

First featured in the Jura Z6, the Jura E8 also uses PEP to prepare consistently high quality coffee.  

4. Easy To Clean Milk System 

It’s important to clean the milk system both for hygiene and to keep it functioning properly. You don’t have to take anything apart to clean the milk system. The Jura E8 has a one-touch function that makes the entire process smooth and fast. 

Use the included milk system cleaning container and tablets. Once the container is in place, go to the milk cleaning system function on the touchscreen and select it. The process takes 4 minutes. 

5. Beautiful Modern Design 

I can’t finish without talking about the look and design of the Jura E8. This particular one from Harts of Stur has a stunning piano black finish that looks sleek and modern. 

If you are looking for a coffee maker that looks good in your kitchen, the E8 is an excellent choice. 

How Easy Is it To Use?

Despite all its many functions and programs, the Jura E8 is easy to operate. A 3.5” touchscreen gives you easy access to the various coffee specialties. It’s also easy to adjust the settings of a particular program. 

It does take some time to learn how to quickly navigate the control panel. But the user manual is very helpful when you are starting out. In just a few days, you should be familiar with the settings and programs. 

One notable feature that’s handy are the height-adjustable spouts. You can use a tall cup or mug without the spouts getting in the way.  

Maintaining the Jura E8 is also easy. While you have to rinse the milk system after each use, it’s super easy since you only need to press a button. 

The other maintenance tasks — cleaning and descaling — are necessary only once in a while. 

But keep in mind that there are maintenance costs. You’ll need to stock up on cleaning tablets for the machine and the milk system. The filter also needs to be replaced after some time. 

What Accessories Are Included?

In addition to the Jura E8 coffee machine, you will also revolve a milk system cleaning container, mini cleaning tabs for use with the container and a ground coffee measuring spoon. 

Optional accessories you can order separately include the Jura glass milk container and the countertop Jura milk cooler.

Pros

• Wide range of coffee programs to choose from. 
• Integrated grinder and milk frother. 
• Easy to operate and clean. 
• Beautiful modern design. 

Cons 

• Some maintenance costs – you’ll need to occasionally buy cleaning tablets. 

Anything Else You Should Know?

The Jura E8 is pretty big. To make sure it will fit on your countertop, here are its exact dimensions: 28cm wide, 35.1cm high and 44.6cm deep. 

If you plan to put it under wall cabinets, make sure there is plenty of space between the counter and the bottom of the cabinets. 

Final Thoughts

If you want barista-quality coffee without doing all the complicated stuff that coffee nerds love to do, I highly recommend the Jura E8 coffee machine. 

With 17 programs, a built-in advanced grinder and an integrated milk system, you essentially have a complete coffee bar at home. The best part is that it’s super easy to use. 

Where To Buy?

• Harts of Stur: –> Click to check today’s price

The post Jura E8 Piano Black Coffee Machine Review appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

But you’ve got to still drink, right? You may be wondering what tea you can drink while fasting, and which ones are best – let’s have a look into this in detail…

What Tea Can You Drink While Fasting?

Fasting is a way to reduce the overall calories that you are putting into your body, so anything that contains more than minimal calories is considered a no-no.

Basically, you can drink anything when you are fasting – but be aware that some things will increase your calorie intake and basically break the fast.

One of the best things you can drink besides water when you are fasting is herbal tea – many of these contain healthy ingredients that will actually improve your fast and your general health.

• Peppermint tea. This one is a great tea – not only does it taste amazing, but mint is very good for the digestion.
• Ginger tea. Ginger is another great aid to digestive issues, so it can really help you on your fasting journey.
• Nettle tea. I know it sounds a little weird, but nettles are a powerhouse of goodness! You can either buy ready made bags, or even forage and steep your own nettles (just remember to remove them from the cup before you drink it!
• Green tea. Packed to the brim with antioxidants and health benefits, green tea is one of the best things you can drink while fasting.
• Black tea. Yes, you read that right – you can still enjoy your regular tea while fasting. Just make sure you don’t load it with sugar and milk, and you’ll be good to go!

It is very important to remember to drink when you are fasting, so any one of these teas will be a good addition to your routine.

If you want to learn about why herbal teas are so good for you, with a few ideas of tasty ones to try, check out this article.

What Tea Will Not Break A Fast?

The idea of fasting is to put fewer calories into your body, so anything you eat or drink that contains a lot of calories will officially break your fast.

The good news is that tea will not! As long as you don’t load it with sugar and full fat milk, tea can be a great thing to keep you hydrated during your fast.

Not all teas are created equal though, and there are some better and worse ones that you can drink on your fasting journey…

Herbal teas are a great thing to drink; not only are they warming and tasty, but they can actually contain a lot of health benefits too.

Green tea is another good one to drink while fasting – it is high in polyphenols, so it will actually help you on your weight loss journey!

You can also drink your normal black tea – but, make sure that you don’t use a lot of high calorie milk, or fill it with sugar.

What Can I Drink While Fasting?

When you are fasting, you are limiting the amount of food that you are putting in your body – but you really need to keep hydrated!

Drinking will not only help to stave off those hunger pangs, but it will also help flush out your system and make you healthier than you were before.

Obviously, water is the best thing that you can drink for the health benefits to your whole body.

Fruit and herbal teas are another great option; they are warm and comforting, and a good many of them will also improve your general health.

You can drink caffeinated drinks like tea and coffee with no problems – but they should be drunk black, or with minimal milk, and no sugar or sweeteners.

If you prefer caffeine free beverages then stick to water, or herbal teas such as chammomile, peppermint or rooibos tea.

Whatever you drink when you’re fasting, just make sure that you drink enough to keep yourself hydrated, because you will find that you get thirstier than usual.

Can I Have Skimmed Milk In Tea When Fasting?

You can, of course, tailor your fast to include anything you want – but for best results, it’s better to stick with clear fluids.

This being said, you absolutely can have milk in your tea. It’s best to stick to a small amount though, and don’t go for the full fat variety!

Skimmed milk does contain fewer calories than other types, so if you are desperate to have milk in your tea without breaking your fast, this is the one to go for.

If you do go for a milky brew while you’re fasting, try to stick to just one a day; this way you will not be loading your body with unnecessary things when you are trying to clear it out.

What Foods Won’t Break A Fast?

So, you’re fasting for the health benefits and for weight loss, but you’re starving hungry! What can you eat and still be considered fasting?

Well, there’s not actually that much that you can chew and swallow on a fast – but there are things you can take on board that will give you a boost while still maintaining your fast:

• Water. This is not a food, obviously, but it is essential to keep drinking while you fast! You can go with still or fizzy, if you want to jazz it up a bit.
• Apple cider vinegar. A great health booster in so many ways, cider vinegar (5-10ml diluted in water) can also help to prevent food cravings.
• Bone broth. This powerhouse of goodness will help your body to stay nourished, as well as replacing any electrolytes that have been lost from drinking all the extra water.
• Healthy fats. Technically, oils will break a fast – but healthy ones like ghee, coconut oil or butter can help to keep you going during your fasting period.

Here’s a good video that shows you what you can put in your body while fasting that won’t interfere with the benefits of fasting:

If you are jumping on the intermittent fasting trend as a way to lose weight and get healthier, then good for you!

Also, well done for researching what tea can you drink while fasting; this will make the whole experience even better.

The post What Tea Can You Drink While Fasting? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

I’m sure you already know that this is not the ideal way to make coffee! We’re going to have a look into the hows and whys of grinding coffee beans…

Do You Need To Grind Coffee Beans?

In a word, yes. You can’t just throw whole beans into a cup and pour water on them and expect a cup of coffee!

If you do not grind your beans, the best you can expect is a cup of hot water with a vague coffee-like flavour.

The beans need to be ground to allow the flavour and oils to be released when the hot water comes into contact with them.

There are a great many ways you can grind your beans; you don’t necessarily need a dedicated coffee grinding machine…

We have great tips for grinding coffee beans without even using a coffee bean grinder – they’re inexpensive and easy, and will still make you a great cup of coffee.

Can I Use Coffee Beans Without A Grinder?

In short, yes you can! You don’t actually need fancy equipment to grind your coffee beans in a pinch – you can do it yourself with household items:

• Blender. This handy gadget is great for grinding and blending just about anything – including coffee beans!
• Pestle and mortar. It won’t surprise you that this perfect spice grinder is also perfect for grinding coffee beans. It’ll take a bit of elbow grease, but it’ll be worth it.
• Towel and hammer. This is a very simple way of grinding – just pop the beans into a towel and hit them with a hammer. It might not be very smooth, but at least they’ll be ground!
• Rolling pin. The humble rolling pin (or empty wine bottle, if you don’t have a rolling pin) is ideal for grinding coffee – just pop the beans into a bag and roll them repeatedly.

As you can see, you don’t need a coffee grinder – just a bit of determination and a few household items – and you’ll be grinding your own coffee in no time.

Here’s a useful video showing you 3 different ways to grind your coffee beans without a grinder:

Is Instant Coffee Just Finely Ground Coffee Beans?

Although instant coffee looks a lot like ground coffee, the two are actually very different from each other.

Obviously, being made of the same substance, they have a great many similarities too – it comes down to personal preference!

Ground coffee is just that – dried, ground coffee beans that you put into a coffee machine or a cafetiere, and enjoy fresh brewed coffee.

Instant coffee is a freeze dried coffee beverage, that needs no more preparation than having boiling water poured over to dissolve it.

Fresh brewed coffee is considered a more pure form of coffee, and some people refuse to even look at instant coffee.

However, instant coffee is very convenient and there are no leftover coffee grounds to clean up afterwards.

There is no snobbery here – some people like fresh ground coffee, others love the taste and convenience of instant. Whatever your preference, we’re not judging!

Each type of coffee has its own merits, and there is no hard and fast rule to say that you should have one or the other – just drink whichever type you prefer.

Which Is Healthier Instant Coffee Or Brewed Coffee?

There’s always a debate around instant or fresh coffee – which is better? Which is tastier? Which one should you drink?

Well, it really is all down to personal taste. It turns out there’s not much difference in the health benefits between the two!

All coffee (except decaffeinated coffee) contains caffeine, which can give us energy, and antioxidants which are good for the body.

Both instant and brewed coffee (as long as you don’t load it with cream and sugar) is actually a pretty low-calorie drink, so it can be useful if you are trying to lose weight.

Instant coffee contains slightly less caffeine than its fresh counterpart, so you may want to switch if you are trying to cut down on your caffeine intake.

Brewed coffee contains slightly less of any harmful chemicals that can be not great for your body, so if you are going for the purest of the pure then you might prefer this one.

Overall, these two types of coffee are very similar, so you shouldn’t have to worry too much if you are switching from one to the other.

Just make sure that you drink your coffee responsibly, and stick to around 3 cups a day – and enjoy it however you like it the best!

Does Grinding Coffee Beans Fresh Make A Difference?

Pretty much all food and drink is better when it is fresh – and coffee is no different. The fresher the beans, the nicer the coffee!

Grinding the beans when they are fresh will create a nicer consistency in your coffee cup, because of the naturally-occurring oils in the beans.

The flavour of a fresher bean will also be richer and more developed than that which comes from older beans.

You can, of course, keep coffee beans for years before using them and be safe in the knowledge that they will not rot, go off or go mouldy.

However, grinding fresher beans will make for a much nicer coffee experience, so do yourself a favour and don’t let them sit on the shelf for months!

If you are one of the millions of coffee lovers out there, you will want to know the best way to prepare your beloved beverage.

At least now you have a greater understanding of grinding coffee beans – why it’s done, and how to do it – you can get on with making yourself that perfect cuppa!

The post Do You Need To Grind Coffee Beans? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

It turns out most of us have been doing this wrong our whole lives! Read on, to find out why you shouldn’t do this, and what you can do instead.

Why Should You Not Squeeze A Tea Bag?

We all do it – you’re in a rush, you want a cup of tea, and you want it to actually taste like tea, so you hurriedly squeeze the bag with the back of a spoon.

This is all well and good, and if you have been doing it forever then you likely won’t notice anything untoward about your cuppa.

But… Squeezing the bag actually releases more of the tannin, which can make the finished result more bitter than it otherwise would have been.

You also run the risk of breaking the bag, and ending up with a cup swimming with tea leaves – not very appetising, as we all know!

It is very hard to be patient enough to allow the tea to gently steep by itself, allowing all the flavours to seep into the cup. In the old days, when everyone used a teapot, this was not a problem!

These days, the vast majority of us use tea bags for the ease and convenience of them. However, you can still enjoy the authentic taste of a perfectly brewed cuppa – especially if you don’t squeeze the bag.

Here’s an interesting article all about the ins and out of tea bags.

Should You Mash Tea Bags?

Mashing tea bags to release the flavour is a very common thing – in fact, it’s something that I am constantly guilty of!

However, mashing too vigorously may well cause you problems with your cup of tea, and you run the risk of damaging the bag and spilling tea leaves into your cup.

Most tea bags contain a certain amount of very small particles, formed when the dried tea leaves rub against each other.

If you mash your bag against the side of the cup, more of these fine particles can slip out, leaving you with that telltale brown dust at the bottom of your cup.

Interestingly, tea bags actually came about accidentally! Tea used to be sewn into small bags to help transport it, when a tea merchant in Boston realised that these little bags are actually perfect for brewing a small amount of tea.

The first bags were made of silk, but these days perforated paper is used (which is a good thing, or tea bags would be much more expensive!)

People like teabags as they are less fiddly than loose leaf tea, they create less mess, and they are certainly a more convenient way of making a brew.

Now that you know to treat it with care, you can enjoy the perfectly brewed cup of tea to enjoy at any time of the day or night.

Does Bobbing The Tea Bag Help?

The tea needs to have a little time to release all its flavours into the water, and as such, a little gentle bobbing might speed up the process.

This is actually not a bad way to make tea! Gently agitating the bag can help the tea flavours to be released from the bag.

Moving the hot water around the bag will also help to release those lovely tea flavours, as it penetrates into the bag and helps to steep the leaves inside.

Bobbing the tea bag around the cup also gives you something to do whilst you wait for the required time to produce a really good cup of tea!

You don’t actually have to do anything to your tea bags – the swirling hot water will release the flavours perfectly – but it’s nice to have something to do while you wait.

This video takes you through the steps to make a perfect cup of tea, without bobbing or mashing (you don’t have to use green tea!):

Can I Use Same Tea Bag Twice?

If you are short on tea bags, or you don’t like it too strong, reusing the bags is actually a very good idea.

The amount of tea still contained in one bag after being used in one cup is more than you would think – remember making tea in a pot, with one bag for two people?

Using the same bag twice can also be a bit of a money saver – you can get at least two cups of tea from one bag, meaning that you don’t have to buy as many.

Another handy tip is that the caffeine is roughly halved if you make two cups – this is great for those who love tea but are trying to cut down, or for pregnant women trying to consume less caffeine.

Do bear in mind that the second use of a tea bag will result in a much weaker final result, and you will almost certainly need to add less milk.

Does Squeezing Tea Bags Make It Stronger?

As a general rule, the longer you steep your tea bag in the cup or the pot, the stronger the finished brew will be.

However, this doesn’t mean squeezing out every last drop of colour and flavour in the bag!

Squeezing the tea bag can release higher amounts of tannic acid, which can actually make the whole cuppa taste nasty and bitter.

Have you ever had a senior moment, gone off and forgotten about the bag in the cup, then gone back to drink it to find that it has a strong, unpleasant flavour?

This happens when too much tannin has got into the water, and the result is an overly strong, bitter cup of tea. Not what you are looking for to dunk your biscuits in!

If you want a stronger brew, leave the tea bag to steep in the cup or pot for longer – between 3 and 5 minutes is generally considered the optimum amount of time.

If you like a weaker cup of tea, simply lift the bag out sooner. So, go and make your favourite cup of tea, now that you have a better idea of how to do it!

As we all know, there really is nothing like a good cuppa. And once you know how to make it really well, you’ll be amazed that you ever did it any other way.

Now you have a lot of information on the best way to make tea, go off and make yourself a cup – and remember to not squeeze the bag!

The post Why Should You Not Squeeze A Tea Bag? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

Searching for a good coffee can cost you a lot of time and money, so if you have the opportunity to grind your own beans you really will never look back.

Where To Grind Coffee For Free In The UK?

Getting your own coffee beans is a whole new level of coffee appreciation, isn’t it? It changes the taste and the brew, and many people prefer it.

But, what do you do if you have your beans but you don’t have a coffee grinder? You may not want to invest in anything expensive!

You may find that a local coffee shop will grind your beans for you. You probably won’t be charged for this service, but it is polite to buy a coffee from them afterwards!

Or, you can grind them yourself at home – there are a great many options for how to do this, and you almost certainly won’t have to buy any new equipment.

A hand-operated coffee grinder is a totally free way of grinding your beans (once you have bought the grinder, of course!)

There are a good few options you can find for grinding your own coffee beans and for making the perfect cup of Joe, just the way you like it.

Can You Grind Your Own Coffee Beans?

The short answer to this is yes, yes you can. Grinding beans is actually part of the fun of making your own, really good, coffee!

You can, of course, buy any number of coffee grinders – from fancy electric ones to the old fashioned hand-cranked ones.

But what if you don’t want to buy a grinder? Can you grind your own coffee beans without one? Again, the answer is yes!

• Blender. All you need to do is pour the desired amount of beans into the goblet, the use the “pulse” setting in short bursts until they reach the right consistency.
• Food processor. You will need to add more beans than you would in a blender, as a food processor is generally bigger, then use the “pulse” setting again.
• Rolling pin. Place your beans into a ziploc bag (removing the air so the bag doesn’t pop), then crush the beans with the rolling pin evenly, shaking often to redistribute the larger pieces.
• Pestle and mortar. Place the beans into the mortar, then crush them with the pestle. Once they have started to break apart, use the pestle in a circular motion to get a smoother consistency.
• A hammer. If you have not other option, bring out the shed tools! Place the beans into a bag and crush them by pressing with the hammer – don’t bash them as if you were hammering in a nail.

As you can see, where there is a will there is a way, and if you want to grind your own coffee beans there are many options available to you!

This video shows you some good ways to grind your coffee beans without a grinder:

Is It Cheaper To Buy Coffee Beans And Grind Them Yourself?

You may think you have hit on a cost of living solution, by buying your own coffee beans and grinding them at home – however, this may not end up being as cheap as you imagine.

Some coffee beans can carry a fairly hefty price tag, especially if they are an artisan type or you buy them at a fancy shop.

Grinding them at home, unless you go for one of the DIY options above, can have a large initial outlay as you have to purchase a coffee grinder.

You can, of course, buy coffee beans wholesale rather than off the shelf, and this will reduce your costs considerably.

In general, a packet of beans is cheaper than a packet of pre-ground coffee, but you may have to shop around until you find the best deal.

Is Grinding Your Own Coffee Healthier?

Grinding your own coffee beans is not only a fun little ritual, but it might actually be better for you than the shop-bought version!

Freshly ground coffee tastes far better than coffee that has been sitting around for a long time – the flavours are much improved.

If you grind it yourself then make coffee straight away, you are getting far more of the beans’ natural antioxidant properties.

Coffee can, if drunk sensibly, protect your body against a variety of free radicals, and can protect you against certain diseases.

Fresh ground coffee is a low calorie drink (assuming you don’t fill it with cream and sugar!) making it a great alternative to fizzy drinks.

So, the next time you reach out for a packet of pre-ground coffee, why not try some beans instead? Your taste buds will definitely thank you!

Here’s a little article taking you through the benefits of fresh coffee.

Will Starbucks Grind Beans For You?

There are a lot of big coffee houses out there, and you would be forgiven for thinking that all they want is for you to have the best coffee experience ever.

But, these businesses all need to make money, and there is very little in life that is free.

If you take your own, outsourced beans to Starbucks and ask them to grind them for you, then walk out again, chances are you will not be allowed back!

There is, however, often an option to buy beans from a large coffee shop chain, then ask them to grind them for you before you take them home.

Just remember to exercise common courtesy – if you ask them to grind your beans for free, the least you can do is buy a cup of coffee.

Grinding your own coffee beans for free is not too much of a chore, once you have found the right facilities to do so.

You will really notice the difference with freshly ground coffee beans as opposed to a shop-bought mix, or even instant coffee. You heard it here first!

The post Where To Grind Coffee For Free In The UK? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

Thankfully, this is easier than my might imagine. You may be thinking you can only make this gorgeous tea with the right equipment – but think again!

How To Make Matcha Tea Without A Whisk

Matcha tea does really need to be whisked, to get the lovely flavour and texture that we all know and love.

However, it is perfectly possible to make matcha tea without a whisk, whether it’s one of the fancy bamboo ones or your bog standard kitchen whisk!

• Put it in a jar. All you need to do is take a clean jar, place all your matcha ingredients in it, then shake vigorously until you see that layer of froth.
• Blend it. A normal household blender will froth up your matcha tea perfectly; simply add all the ingredients, pop the lid on and whizz away!
• Stick blender. If you do not have a goblet blender but you have one of those handy little devices for whizzing up soup, this is perfect for matcha whisking.
• Use a milk frother. You know those little hand held devices that make your milk foamy? That’s right – just use one of these in your matcha tea and it will have that characteristic layer of frothy foam.

Although matcha is arguably at its best when prepared using the traditional equipment, you can still get the perfect cup by using one of these other methods.

You don’t HAVE to invest in all the traditional equipment, especially if you are new to matcha drinking and aren’t sure if you will like it or not. Have a go using the above methods!

For those who like a video, here’s one that shows you how to make matcha without a whisk:

Does Matcha Tea Have To Be Whisked?

In order to enjoy this delicious drink properly, it really does need to be whisked. This is because matcha powder doesn’t dissolve in water.

Whisking your matcha helps mix the powder in with the water, so it is basically suspended in it.

If you do not whisk your matcha, chances are you will end up with a slightly clumpy drink, with a thick layer of powder at the bottom of the cup.

A badly made cup of tea can put you off that specific drink forever, which would be a shame because matcha really is delicious – and it’s good for you too.

If you do not have a specialist bamboo whisk, you can still froth up your matcha to make it as perfect as it is when you buy it from a specialist shop.

Shaking it up in a jar, using a coffee frother, or even whisking with a fork are all perfectly good methods for a perfectly good cup of matcha tea.

Can I Whisk Matcha Tea With A Fork?

In the absence of any matcha whisks or kit, and if you do not have a jar to shake it up in, using a fork as a whisk is perfectly acceptable.

You can use your fork in the same way as you would a whisk – to remove the clumps from the powder and make a smooth, yummy drink.

Try not to keep whisking for too long a time with a stainless steel fork, as the compounds in stainless steel can make matcha less effective, however.

What Happens If You Don’t Whisk Matcha?

If you don’t whisk matcha, you can still drink it – but you do have to find a way to get the powder to suspend in the water, so you don’t end up with lumps.

A matcha that has not been whisked in some way – whether that is with a traditional whisk or a more unorthodox way, such as in a jar, will not be a very pleasant drink.

If the powder is not thoroughly mixed into the water or milk, it will be clumpy and an unpleasant texture.

The flavour will also be different – you will experience a “chalky” feeling in your mouth which is not very nice!

Matcha is designed to be frothy and delicious, so if you are unable to whisk it traditionally, then do yourself a favour and whisk it somehow, anyhow!

Trying matcha tea without whisking it somehow is a surefire way to be put off this delicious tea for life.

Once you have tasted the difference of a matcha tea that is made as it should be, you will never again wonder if you can drink it without whisking it!

This article will explain in detail why the whisking process is so vitally important.

Can I Use Metal Spoon With Matcha?

Although it is certainly more convenient to use a spoon to stir your matcha, this might not actually be the best thing for this particular drink.

Some of the health giving compounds in matcha can react to stainless steel, oxidising and thus becoming less potent.

A quick stir with a metal spoon likely won’t do your tea too much harm, but you should definitely avoid leaving the spoon in for long periods of time.

drinking it from a stainless steel cup.

Another thing to bear in mind is that you shouldn’t be drinking your matcha tea from a stainless steel cup, for the above reasons!

Try to stick to materials such as bamboo, ceramic or glass for your morning matcha – you’ll find that you have a better tasting brew with health benefits intact.

As you can see, the proper way to drink matcha tea is to have it frothy and foamy – this not only adds to the deliciousness, but also helps the health benefits of the tea.

Now that you know you can still make this yummy drink without using an expensive whisk, you can get on with preparing it at home to your heart’s content.

The post How To Make Match Tea Without A Whisk? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.

If not, why not? We’re going to look through the various merits of each of these teas together, so you can decide which is best for you.

Peppermint Tea Vs Green Tea

These two iconic drinks both share a number of health benefits – but they are actually very different teas (despite both being green!)

• Green tea is actual tea. Green tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, the same plant that makes our tea bags.
• Peppermint tea is made with peppermint leaves, and as such it contains no caffeine, unlike green tea.
• Both teas have health benefits, and have been known to aid in weight loss and getting rid of bad breath.
• Pepppermint tea is known to help with anxiety, as it is a calming drink. Green tea, because of the caffeine content, can increase your jitters.
• Both teas are available in either bags or in a loose leaf version, so you can choose what sort of brew you want to make and how strong to have it.
• Green tea traces its roots all the way back to ancient China, while peppermint tea is more associated with ancient Egypt.
• Both of these healthy drinks are relatively easy to source these days, with more and more varieties appearing every day.

With the rise in popularity of healthy herbal drinks, both peppermint tea and green tea are on the rise – great news if you want something a little different that coffee or black tea!

Does Peppermint Tea Have The Same Benefits As Green Tea?

Both of these teas are very good for your physical health, and can actually help to improve your mental wellbeing too. Let’s look into it in more detail:

Peppermint tea

• Very good for the digestion. Menthol can help to calm and soothe an upset stomach, and can be used effectively for morning sickness.
• Helps you relax. The compounds in mint tea act as a muscle relaxant, helping your body to unwind.
• Good for insomnia. This tea is a great one to drink before bedtime, as it will help to calm your thoughts and is considered a good treatment for anxiety.
• Improves the immune system. Peppermint has antibacterial properties, so drinking it as a tea can help you fight off illness and disease.
• Can help with weight loss. Drinking a cup of peppermint tea when you feel like snacking is a great tool in your weight loss arsenal.
• Improves bad breath. Mint is a delicious smell, and one that is far nicer to have on your breath than tea or coffee!

Green tea

• High in antioxidants. These things, as we all know these days, are great at helping you and your body stay healthy, and can even help fight off cancer.
• Helpful for brain function. If you are cramming for an exam, green tea’s amino acids and caffeine content can help you stay alert and focused.
• Can help with weight loss. Green tea stimulates the metabolism, making it far easier to shift those extra few pounds.
• May help protect against heart disease. Because of those lovely antioxidants, green tea is very good at helping to protect the heart.
• Has been shown to help prevent type 2 diabetes. This drink can improve sensitivity to insulin and reduce the levels of blood sugar.
• Can improve bad breath. Because this tea is an all round good cleanser, drinking it can help to reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause bad breath.

Is Green Tea Or Peppermint Tea Better For Weight Loss?

In short, both of these teas can help you on your weight loss journey. But which is better at doing this?

Well, many of us feel hungry when we are actually just thirsty. Swapping that cake or packet of crisps for an herbal tea will go a long way to reducing the pounds.

Drinking peppermint tea will help curb those hunger pangs, plus it is low in calories so it will be a healthy treat.

Green tea actively boosts the metabolism, making it a firm favourite for those wanting to use different teas to help with weight loss.

However, peppermint tea is great for the digestion, and because so many weight-related issues com from poor digestion, this is a great choice too.

Basically, either one of these yummy teas will help you enormously if you are trying to shift a bit of weight. Which one you choose is up to you! Why not both?

Here’s a peer-reviewed article, focussing on the weight loss properties of green tea.

What Is The Healthiest Tea You Can Drink?

There are a lot of healthy teas out there – in fact, even our favourite builder’s tea is filled with antioxidants!

But, the best tea for health benefits has got to be green tea. Because of the amount of good stuff in this humble tea, it is wonderful for the body!

There are a lot of others, of course – peppermint, chamomile, echinacea, lemon balm – but for sheer goodness, drink green tea.

Try just a cup or two a day, and even if you don’t particularly like the taste, your body will thank you for it!

If you like a visual guide, have a look at this video showing you the healthiest teas you can drink:

Is It Ok To Drink Peppermint Tea Every Day?

If you have developed a taste for peppermint tea but you are worried that you’re drinking too much of it, don’t panic!

This is a caffeine free tea, meaning that it won’t keep you awake or give you the jitters, no matter what time of day or night you drink it.

It contains a lot of useful health benefits, so you don’t have to worry that you may be overdosing on it a little.

There aren’t any specific guidelines for how much of this tea you should drink, but a good starting point is 1 or 2 cups a day.

If you enjoy it, and if you don’t experience any side effects (this is very unlikely, by the way!) then you can happily drink as much peppermint tea as you like, as often as you want.

As you can see, both of these delicious teas have a huge variety of health benefits for you and your family.

Which one you prefer comes down to personal choice – you can have one or the other – or mix it up and drink both together!

The post Peppermint Tea Vs Green Tea: Which One Is Better? appeared first on Coffee Tea Club.