Tea News

Author Susan Blumberg is about to release he second edition of, All The Tea In Chicago. Please look at our events page for when she will be at Tea Essence for a Book Signing. It has been a push and a shove but she pulled it off and will be able to release a limited amount of book for Mother's Day.

There’s always something new in the tea world! Check back here often for links to tea news, facts, recipes and ideas. This month’s feature is on alternatives to sugar:


Alternatives to Sugar

Sugar wrecks havoc on your body. Indulging in sugary foods can weaken your immune system, cause tooth decay, upset your blood sugar levels and can lead to fungal infections. What are some natural ways to avoid processed sugar in your diet?

Goji berries From Tibet, also known as Lycium. A great way to add natural sweetness to your tea. These are excellent steeped alone in hot water or added to tea. Their sweet cherry and plus flavors bring a sweet-tart punch. Organic and sulfur-free.

Stevia A unique herb, originally from Paraguay. This amazing herb is 150 to 400 times sweeter than processed sugar. With virtually zero calories and a heat-tolerance of up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s ideal for adding into your tea. It can only be purchased in the United States as a “dietary supplement.” It does not interfere with blood sugar levels, making it an ideal alternative for diabetics.

Blackstrap Molasses A by-product of sugar refining, this sweetner contains merely a quarter of processed sugar’s calories. It’s high in iron and contains calcium and vitamin B.

Maple Syrup Collected from maple trees, this syrup is delicious and sweet. It contains a little more than half the calories of processed sugar. Maple syrup also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Honey An excellent tea sweetener. Honey has fewer calories than sugar as well as antibiotic properties—especially Manuka honey.