The best time to enjoy different types of tea

Would you like to enjoy a cup of tea at different times of the day, but you’re not sure which one is the most suitable? In this article, we will explore the different varieties of tea and when it is best to drink them: in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening. Are you ready to find out?

As you well know, tea is an infusion made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis tea tree. Depending on the chemical reactions during its processing, it will result in green tea (non-oxidized); white; red; yellow or blue (oxidized), and black or Pu-erh style (fermented). Additionally, the content of theine, equivalent to caffeine, varies according to the type of tea.

Therefore, each variety has its own time of day, and not all will have the same effect on your body..

Find your balance at every moment

Imagine it’s one of those balmy evenings when you feel like relaxing with a cup of tea. Which one would you choose?

You probably wouldn’t opt for a black tea, given its high caffeine content, nor a light, fruity one. You might prefer chamomile or a slightly spicy ginger tea.

While it may seem intuitive to choose certain teas for specific times, each variety affects digestion, mood, and energy levels differently.

It seems intuitive to choose certain teas for certain times of the day or season. However, different teas have different ways of affecting our digestion, mood, energy levels, and so on.

Read on to find out when it is best to enjoy each type of tea, from morning to night, and throughout the seasons.

The best teas to drink in the morning

Many people start their day with a cup of coffee looking for a quick caffeine fix. However, this practice often leads to jitters, lack of concentration, and a subsequent drop in energy levels—not the best experience!

Tea, on the other hand, offers an equally energizing and delicious alternative, but without the negative effects associated with coffee. This is due to the presence of L-theanine, a natural amino acid found in black, green, and white teas, which promotes a calm and focused state of alertness, as opposed to the effects of caffeine (read study).

Black tea as an ally for a strong start to the day

Black tea, known for its higher caffeine content compared to other types of tea, is the ideal substitute for morning coffee. Its versatility is remarkable, as it can be enjoyed on its own or with any type of milk and sweetener of choice.

The energy boost and mental alertness provided by the caffeine in black tea are invaluable for concentrating on daily tasks (see study). In addition, its robust, coffee-like taste contributes to that psychological feeling of activation as we prepare for the day.

Moreover, compared to other teas, black tea has a more robust taste, which, like coffee, gives us the psychological feeling of activation as we prepare for the day.

But that’s not all. Black tea is also notable for being naturally prebiotic and for its abundance of theaflavins, a type of polyphenol that can promote bowel regularity.

With a wide range of organic tea varieties available, we invite you to try our English Breakfast tea or classic Earl Grey for the full black tea experience. Our ecological Oolong tea is also a great choice to start the day energized.

Discover the boost of Oolong tea in the morning

Oolong, also known as blue tea, differs from black and green tea in its shorter oxidation process, resulting in a less intense but equally distinctive flavor. This characteristic makes it the perfect choice for those who wish to enjoy the best of both varieties.

It is a harmonious fusion of the qualities of black and green tea. In addition to containing significant amounts of the polyphenols found in both types of tea (theaflavins and catechins), its unique flavor profile balances the robustness of black tea with the freshness of green tea.

In addition, studies have shown that the polyphenols in Oolong tea may promote gut health (see study). A diet that incorporates a variety of polyphenols may strengthen the microbiota and, as a result, may contribute to the overall health of the body.

Green tea, the best tea to enjoy in the afternoon

Forget the afternoon slump; it’s time for a cup of green tea.

This type of tea will help you get the energy and concentration you need without too much caffeine.

In addition, the catechins found in green tea are prebiotic and excellent for aiding digestion. This makes green tea the ideal drink to have with lunch or after lunch.

It is excellent hot, but also great to enjoy iced. It is a perfect choice as a substitute for soft drinks.

You may be interested in reading: Smoothie Ideas for Cafés | Banana Smoothie with Green Tea | Healthy Recipes

The best teas to calm down in the evening

Preparing a cup of tea in the evening can become a relaxing ritual that makes it easier to fall asleep. However, this is not the right time to enjoy caffeinated teas, as caffeine is known to disturb sleep, and some people may take several hours to completely eliminate it from their bodies.

Instead, it is advisable to opt for herbal teas. One study found that consuming herbal teas twice a day for four weeks helps reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality (see study).

These teas, with a variety of natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, flowers, and fruits, offer a wide range of flavors. However, some stand out for their soothing properties. For example, ginger and mint are known for their digestive benefits, while hibiscus tea, with its fresh, tart flavor, provides a generous dose of vitamin C. On the other hand, chamomile and lavender teas not only delight with their pleasant aroma but also offer a gentle relaxing effect.

Whatever your choice, take the time to enjoy your cup of tea calmly and serenely as you wind down for the day and prepare for bed. Semper Tea offers a wide choice of natural and organic herb blends with mint, and apple, camomile infusion as well as sweet liquorice tea.

Planning your tea routine can improve your wellbeing

At this point, you may have noticed that the above insights focus on the energy rhythm: activating it in the morning, revitalizing it in the afternoon, and calming it in the evening.

The fact is, the type of tea you choose should harmonize with your natural rhythm. Disrupting it could lead to complications such as digestive problems or increased stress levels (see study).

Each variety of tea offers a rich load of antioxidants and a unique flavor, but it is essential to consider its caffeine content and other properties that influence feelings of alertness or relaxation. Selecting the right tea for the right time of day should encourage the natural ebb and flow of energy and activity, rather than combat it.

Tune in to nature and adapt your tea choice to the season

Just as coffee lovers prefer to drink their coffee cold during the summer, there are also ideal times of the year to enjoy certain teas.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) principles, many foods and flavors can be classified according to their warming or cooling properties. The balance between hot and cold is fundamental in TCM, which holds that good health can be achieved by maintaining a neutral state in the body, neither too hot nor too cold.

Interestingly, this classification is not related to the physical temperature of the food but to the effect it has on your body when consumed. In other words, hot tea does not always warm, and cold tea does not always cool. Isn’t it curious?

You may be interested in reading: Why drink tea so hot, even in summer?

Which are the ideal teas for autumn and winter

Foods known as ‘hot’ are often noted for their intense and robust flavors. Spices such as black pepper, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and nutmeg are among them, as are black tea and coffee. These foods are allies in combating the cold of autumn and winter.

During these months, black teas and Oolong tea are excellent choices, as are herbal teas that incorporate seasonal spices, such as Chai tea, a black tea with a blend of “warm spices.”

Another comforting option is Rooibos tea, an infusion made from a South African red bush, which offers an earthy, nutty flavor similar to black tea, but without caffeine.

Best tea choices for spring and summer

‘Refreshing foods’ have the opposite effect. Their flavors are characterized by being energetic, fresh, and stimulating. We think of citrus fruits, cucumber, watermelon, mint… Green and white teas are classified as refreshing foods and therefore ideal for the spring and summer months. Many herbal teas include fruity-flavored blends that also work well as refreshing teas. Lemongrass, thyme, and dandelion infusions, for example, are increasingly popular teas as they incorporate refreshing characteristics while offering a unique herbal flavor.

That’s why, at this time of year, we love our organic Apple Mint Dulcet. This deliciously aromatic blend combines licorice, mint, and apple in a unique and subtly sweet taste experience not to be missed.

Or, our organic green tea blend with ginger, lemon, and lemongrass. A refreshing and revitalizing combination that will stimulate your senses in the hottest months of the year. No matter which tea you prefer and when you enjoy it, you will always get a range of health benefits.

Organizing your tea routine according to the time of day and season will simply enhance these benefits. And, for those new to tea, letting the clock and calendar guide your choices could be a great way to discover the wide variety of types and flavors available.

Visit our Semper Tea online shop and choose your favorites.