Differences between tea, infusion and decoction

In general, beverages made from herbs in boiling water are called teas, but in fact there is a difference between them: teas are drinks made only from the plant Camellia sinensis,

Thus, all beverages made from other plants such as chamomile, lemon balm, dandelion and mint are called infusions, and all those prepared with the stem and roots are called decoction. Check out the differences between the mode of preparation of each of these options.

Key differences and how to do it

1. Tea

Teas are always prepared with Camellia sinensis which gives rise to green, black, yellow, blue or oolong teas, white tea and so-called dark tea, also known as red tea or pu-erh.

• How to do: Simply add the green tea leaves in a cup of boiling water and let stand for 3, 5 or 10 minutes. Then cover the container and allow to soften, strain and take still warm.

2. Infusion

The infusion is the preparation of the tea in which the herbs are in the cup and the boiling water is poured over the herbs, allowing the mixture to rest for 5 to 15 minutes, preferably capped to quench the steam. Herbs can also be poured into the pan with hot water, but with the fire off already. This technique preserves the essential oil of plants and is usually applied to prepare teas from leaves, flowers and ground fruits. The infusion is used to make drinks from leaves, flowers and fruits, and can be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 24 hours.

• How to do it: Put the water to a boil and, as soon as the first bubbles are forming, turn off the heat. Dump the boiling water on the dried or fresh plants at the ratio of 1 tablespoon of dry plant or 2 tablespoons of fresh plant to each cup of water. Bend and let rest for 5 to 15 minutes. Coar and drink. The dilution and the preparation time may change according to the manufacturer.

3. Decoction

In the decoction is made when the parts of the plant are boiled together with the water, for 10 to 15 minutes. It is indicated to prepare beverages from the stalks, roots or barks of plants, as in the case of cinnamon and ginger.

• How to do: Simply add 2 cups of water, 1 stick of cinnamon and 1 cm of ginger in a pan and let it boil for a few minutes, until the water becomes darker and aromatic. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and allow to melt.

So called blends are blends of fruit, spice or flower teas, used to give more flavor and aroma to the drink. These mixtures are great options for those who are not accustomed to the taste of pure teas, in addition to bringing even more nutrients and antioxidants through the addition of fruits and spices.

Difference between the teas of Camellia sinensis

The leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis gives rise to green, black, yellow, oolong tea, white tea and pu-erh. The difference between them is in the way the leaves are processed and at the time they are harvested.

White tea contains no caffeine and is the least processed and oxidized of all, possessing more polyphenols and catechins, antioxidant substances. Black tea is the most oxidized, having a higher content of caffeine and less amount of nutrients. Here's how to use green tea to lose weight.