How to Drink Tea At Home: Social Distancing Tea Time Checklist

You don’t know what you’ve got until you lose it. If you need to self-quarantine yourself and have to avoid other household members, drinking tea may be more difficult than ever. Read our tips on how to make and drink tea during quarantine easier, and which teas could be the best choice.

Tea Time Checklist for Self-Isolation

With limited access to kitchen, brewing tea may be more difficult than ever. It’s good to think ahead and prepare a few items and teas that you may need during quarantine. If you are self-isolating, to help slow the spread of the viruses, not only will you need to stay home, but avoid contact with other people living with you as much as possible. Make sure to use a separate set of utensils and appliances too.

1. Kettle

The one item you will absolutely need is an electric kettle. Asking your family or friends to constantly provide you with hot water may be very challenging for both you and them. There is no tea without a kettle, and a simple small kettle will be enough to make one cup at a time.

2. Paper tea filters

Disposable paper tea filters make brewing tea super easy. You don’t need to clean them, and they can be used for many types of teas. However, keep in mind that they can add a paper-like taste to your tea, so they are best used for stronger, more robust teas or fruit and herbal blends.

3. Mug

Prepare your favorite mug that is big enough to serve any kind of tea. 8 oz mugs may be the best choice.

4. Spoon

You will need one spoon that you can use for measuring tea, and (optionally) adding sugar or honey.

5. Tea tray

Tea tray may prove especially valuable if you need to spend some time isolated in one room. Chinese tea tray have a separate compartment for collecting water, and they are great for brewing tea without making too much mess. Besides, you can keep them right next to you.

6. Cutting board and a knife

If you enjoy drinking your tea with lemon, make sure to prepare a cutting board and a small knife too. Even if you are usually cutting your lemons without using a board, it will prove invaluable if you will need to make your tea outside of the kitchen.

7. Water

If you still want to get the best flavor out of your tea leaves, make sure to have enough spring water to last at least 14 days. Spring water is the best choice for almost all teas. Tap water is not suitable for delicate loose leaf tea such as Dragon Well.

8. Sponge and washing up liquid

If you are self isolating, you will probably need your own sponge and washing up liquid, to minimise the contact with other household members and help to prevent the spread of covid-19.

Teas that taste good with tap water

All teas, including herbal and flower tisanes, taste better with spring water. However, if you can’t get any spring water when you are self-isolating, you can still use the regular tap one. Stronger, more robust teas can handle tap water better than gentle, light and spring green or white teas.

1. Assam tea

Indian Assam tea is a strong, robust type of tea with malty flavor. Not only can you get a delicious cup of Assam tea using tap water too, but Assam has a high caffeine content which makes it great for a morning tea. Add milk and sugar if needed.

2. Breakfast blends

Breakfast blends are usually blended with Assam and other Chinese, Indian or African teas. Same as Assam, they are strong enough to handle hard tap water. Earl Grey may be a good option too.

3. Fruit blends

Many fruit blends will taste good with tap water, especially the stronger ones and those containing hibiscus.

4. Dark Pu’erh

Dark ripe pu’erh taste better with spring water, but you can make it with tap water too. It’s strong and earthy and a great choice for an after-meal tea time.

5. Stronger green tea

Stronger green teas such as Pinhead Gunpowder, Chunmee or Indian green teas are a better if you don’t have spring water at hand.

Chunmee green tea

Teas that you may need while self-isolating

Self-isolation does not only restrict your movements, it may influence your mood too. Some teas may help you feel better, help with tiredness, anxiousness and relaxation.

1. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is of the best soothing and calming herbal teas. It’s easy to brew, tastes great even cold, and may help with sleeping problems.

2. Mint tea

This very versatile tea may help with digestion, sleeping problems, colds and flu. Mint is refreshing, easy to brew and caffeine free.

3. Green tea

Green tea is refreshing, full of antioxidants and has enough caffeine to keep you focused for several hours. L-theanine in green tea may provide a calming effect, and help with reducing anxiety[1] and suppress the appetite.

4. Rooibos tea

Rooibos or a South African red bush tea is caffeine free, easy to make and doesn’t change flavor even when you leave it for hours. It contains antioxidants, and may prove helpful for soothing the throat and boosting the immune system.

5. Oolong tea

If you want to make brewing tea as easy as possible, but want to enjoy the benefits of both green and black tea, oolong tea may be a great choice. This in-between type can be brewed with boiling water and still taste delicious. Besides, studies says that oolong tea may be one of the best teas for loosing weight – a good potential benefits if you won’t be able to move, eat healthy or exercise much.  

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It’s not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Every person is different and may react to different herbs and teas differently. Never use teas or herbs to treat serious medical conditions on your own. Always seek professional medical advice before choosing home remedies.

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28899506