Move over coffee. According to the Tea Association of the U.S. Inc., total hot tea sales have increased more than 17% over the last five years and are expected to double over the next five. While Americans still drink far more coffee than tea, coffeehouses are offering more varieties of tea. The popular India drink, chai tea, has blended with the latte in many coffee shops, and store managers are beefing up their marketing to include these delicious tea concoctions.

All tea comes from the same plant, the Camellia sinensis. However, there are hundreds of varieties of tea, each teas' flavor and appearance depends on how much the tea is oxidized (selectively exposing tea leaves to air). The most common tea categories are black, white, green, oolong, and pu-erh tea. Black teas are fully oxidized and are the strongest in flavor. White tea isn't oxidized at all and uses young fresh leaves. It has more sweet and fragrant notes. Green tea is only slightly oxidized but, the leaves are heated before they're rolled, imbedding more natural flavors. Oolong tea leaves are torn and partially oxidized, leaving it with a smooth taste and slightly floral aroma. Pu-erh tea is fermented or "aged" and has a deep, rich flavor.

Tea is virtually calorie-free and contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds with antioxidant properties that have health benefits ranging from reducing cancer and heart disease risk to improving dental health and aiding in weight loss. Tea can be bought in tea bags or loose leaf. Tea bags are convenient, but loose leaf tea offers more flavor since the leaves are left whole. If buying loose leaf, consider purchasing teapots with fitted infusers or disposable bags or sachets.

Chai Tea Printable PDF

2 cups water

? teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

3 black tea bags

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup granular sugar substitute

1 Tablespoon honey

1 cup non-fat evaporated milk

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish, bring water and spices to a boil. Add the tea bags and steep 3-4 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in vanilla, sugar substitute, and honey. To serve, measure 2/3 cup tea mixture and 1/3 cup evaporate milk together into a mug. Heat in microwave for 1 minute.

Yield: 3 servings

Nutritional analysis per serving: 100 calories, 0 grams fat, 100 milligrams sodium, 18 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 6 grams protein