As the flu season approaches, tea drinkers can take comfort in the fact that green tea may provide additional protection.
Researchers at the Yonsei University’s Department of Biotechnology at the College of Life Science and Biotechnology tested green tea solutions in various concentrations and discovered tea killed the influenza virus on skin.
All concentrations were effective against the flu virus, including the one with the lowest concentration, according to lead researcher Woo-Jin Shin. Viruses on skin containing the virus that was treated with a control (PBS) remained, but even weak green tea solutions proved effective.
Skin was exposed to one green tea bag per 120 mL of hot water at the low end and two and three bags per 120 mL to test higher concentrations.
Researchers conclude that using green tea solution as a hand disinfectant, gargling with tea and drinking tea could be a useful way to prevent transmission of the flu virus.
Yesterday I was asked about how to use a tea that was received as a gift and she didn’t like the taste. Here’s what I said, and what I thought of later…
“Put it in a bowl in your refrigerator or cabinet to absorb unwanted odors.”
When people tell me about all the tea they have in their cabinets I suggest they use it in cooking – brew it regular strength and use instead of water to add a new dimension to salad dressings or soups. Brew 1-1/2 to 2x strength in water or milk to flavor cakes and cookies, or to mix with sparkling water and/or flavored syrups for a “mocktail”.
What do you do with a plain tea that you don’t care for though? You might try mixing a small quantity with another flavored tea, or mix the brewed tea with juice. If that doesn’t make the tea any more appealing, you can always make a weak brew to water your plants with. They aren’t flavor sensitive! or just add it to your compost. That way you’re not really wasting it. – Life’s too short to waste on poor quality tea!
We are excited to be serving Scottish Breakfast Tea at the St. Louis Scottish Games again this year
We were gratified last year to know you were happy to have a tasty cup of hot tea to drink when it got chilly and damp. We’ve made some changes so we hope not to have you waiting so long to get a fresh cup this year. Queens Cuisine will be sharing tent with us too, serving scones with fresh clotted cream. (Note – clotted cream only available on Saturday). She too, has upped her baking so more of you can have “Cream Tea”.
Looking forward to beautiful weather and a great time, Friday evening & all day Saturday.
