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Not a fan of matcha? Here are some hot girl teas to try instead

For the best of flavour and benefits!

Harper's Bazaar India

Matcha is the ‘hot’ trend on the internet right now, and it’s easy to see why. This popular green drink has become a staple in cafes around the world. But that’s not all. From diets to skincare routines, people are incorporating matcha into their daily lives as well. While the fascination with matcha is not new, its appeal continues to rise. Many have embraced the drink, however, not everyone is a fan. Drawing comparisons, one user claimed that, “It tastes like grass.” 

Now matcha does offer a ton of health benefits such as improved cholesterol levels and boosting immunity, but the pungency of the drink is not for everyone. So, if you’re not into iced matcha lattes or matcha-based bubble teas, here are some other ‘hot girl’ teas to try out instead. 

BUTTERFLY PEA FLOWER TEA

Unusual yet delicious, the tea gets its vibrant blue hue from the petals of the butterfly pea flower, commonly found in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and China. It is traditionally mixed with honey and lemon and is served as a refreshing evening drink or post-dinner. Beyond its appealing appearance, butterfly pea flower tea has several health benefits, such as boosting your immunity, reducing stress and anxiety, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and more. And you don’t even need to visit a fancy café to enjoy it; you can easily make it at home. Brands like San-cha Tea Boutique, Urban Platter, and Tea Culture of the World are some popular blue pea tea brands. 

GUAYUSA TEA

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ayusa Tea (@ayusatea)

If you haven’t heard of Guayusa before, it’s probably because it isn’t traditionally classified as a ‘tea’. But rather an energising drink made from holly tree leaves, native to rainforests in South America. The drink has been a staple in Amazonian culture for over a thousand years, where families in Ecuador would gather around a communal fire at dawn, sipping Guayusa tea until sunrise. During these gatherings, they would talk about ancestral myths, hunting techniques, and social values. Fortunately, you don’t need to practice this tradition to enjoy Guayusa. This drink can aid in digestion and help combat premature ageing, among other benefits.

OOLONG TEA

Originating from China, this tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is similar to green tea, although it is fermented for a much longer period. Also known as ‘dragon tea’, it has several health benefits, including improved heart health and protection against diabetes. Available in both tea bags and loose-leaf forms, this high-quality tea is best enjoyed before bed, because it is said to help one unwind and relax.

PU-ERH TEA

Another popular tea originating from China, this tea has a lot to offer. It’s a little different from the teas you’re used to because it does not come in the form of loose leaves or tea bags. Rather, it comes packed in a pressed form, resembling a dense cake. The tea is exceptionally great for supporting gut health, along with other benefits such as improved cholesterol levels and heart health. If you’re keen, brands like Chado Tea, Newby London Tea, and Sancha Tea Boutique are great options for pu-erh tea.

LAPSANG SOUCHONG

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cole Wiebe (@colewiebe)

Translating to ‘smoky variety’, lapsang souchong has quite an intriguing process. After being plucked, the leaves are withered over pine fires, pan-fried, rolled, placed in bamboo baskets, and processed into the final product. The lengthy process is well worth the effort as the tea has a long list of benefits. It contains antioxidants that help fight cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, whilst improving your overall health. Although it can be hard to find, you can purchase lapsang souchong from brands like Vahdam, Chado, Brown Living, and Tea Culture of the World.

Lead image credit: Unsplash

Also read: Why are all the hot girlies obsessed with matcha?

Also read: Sip in secrecy: Discover India’s speakeasy scene

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