By Anita Bowser
REVIEW: Tea Chings, The Tea and Herb Companion by Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold; copyright 2002
Polyphenols, a component of green tea, are thought to contribute to fat burning. In a study of obese middle-aged women, a group of women taking green tea supplements over a two-week period lost twice as much weight as a control group, report Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold in their book, Tea Chings. After a month, the tea-drinking group had lost three times as much weight as those taking placebos.
Tea, we’ve been told for years, may have a myriad of health benefits, from antiviral and antibacterial properties to antioxidants. There is some support for tea enthusiasts who have long declared the drink’s ability to protect against cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis, say Rubin and Gold.
A quick read, the book is laced with humor and chock full of trivia. Myths are dispelled, as with the origin of tea drinking. Tradition tells of an accidental discovery of tea by the Chinese emperor Shen Nong in 2737 B.C. The truth, according to Tea Chings, is archaeologists report humans boiling water and eating tea leaves in Southeast Asia more than 500,000 years ago.
The authors, obvious tea lovers, provide a practical guide for brewing and selecting tea ware. There are even instructions for reading tea leaves. The book is rounded out by several chapters on herbs and their use with tea. This is one of several books on tea available at the library.
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Whether you know black tea from Oolong, Darjeeling from Ceylon, if you enjoy a cup of tea and light conversation you won't want to miss Tea & Topics. Simply bring a sample of your favorite tea or a few nibbles – scones or cookies are perfect – and join the fun.
Tea & Topics
Where: Ford City Public Library
When: Monday, March 22 – 6:30 p.m.
What to bring: A few samples of your favorite tea or a small dish of finger food. Don’t go to too much trouble. You’ll find no pretentious palates here, just tea lovers.
In the stacks:
- Tea Chings, The Tea and Herb Companion, by Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold; Illustrated; 195 pages; Copyright 2002 by Ron Rubin and Stuart Avery Gold. Look for 641.4 Rub
- The Tea Companion, A Connoisseur’s Guide, by Jane Pettigrew; Illustrated; 192 pages; Copyright 1997 by Quintet Publishing Limited. This book is a guide to all things tea. It offers advice on how to buy, store and make quality tea. Look for 641.3 Pet
- The Afternoon Tea by Lesley Mackley; Illustrated; 120 pages; Copyright 1992 by Salamander Books Ltd. You’ll find a brief guide to the custom of afternoon tea and pages of recipes. Look for 641.3 Mac
- Taking Tea with Alice, Looking-Glass Tea Parties and Fanciful Victorian Teas, by Dawn Hylton Gottlieb & Diane Sedo; Illustrated; 75 pages; Copyright 1997 by Dawn Hylton Gottlieb and Diane Sedo. This book offers a whimsical look at Victorian teas, menus and plans for 6 fun theme parties. Look for 641.53 Got
- Tea Gardens, Places to Make and Take Tea, by Ann Lovejoy; Illustrated; 114 pages; Copyright 1998 by Ann Lovejoy. Featuring English, Japanese, herbal and container tea gardens, this volume offers beautiful photos and recipes to inspire tea and plant lovers alike. Look for 635.9 Lov
