Cooking with Karina: Tea Time!

Karina Arnold spreads her Vanilla Bean and Sea Salt Cashew Butter on a piece of warm toast. She says this combination pairs well with a cup of white tea. (Photo: Karina Arnold) 

Karina Arnold is a junior at the University of Oklahoma who’s passionate about healthy cooking. She provides creative, healthy recipes and tips on clean eating.

The festive, holiday vibes ended Jan. 1, yet the winter chill remains. Winter winds and frigid nights linger through January, February and occasionally March. I find myself longing to go swimming and wear shorts during the final frigid winter months. This year, I decided to change my negative mindset with my tea-mug by adopting the hobby of “tea sommelier.”

According to this NPR article, “tea sommeliers are the hot new thing in food pairing.” Like wine sommeliers, tea sommeliers pair teas with food to “enhance the flavor experience” and complement the food being eaten. First, tea sommeliers classify teas and categorize within classifications using an “aroma wheel” with categories like oaky, floral, spicy, etc. I found this chart helpful to understand the main tea categories.

Below is a list of teas I have had and I paired using similar methods similar to a professional sommelier, except I considered nutrition and health benefits with my tea-food pairings.

Green

-This tea you can enjoy hot or cold. It has a slightly grassy flavor, but adding honey sweetens and smoothens the tea. Drink hot off-the-pot or chilled over ice.

-Pair with: Dark chocolate covered almonds. Almonds are packed with protein and healthy fats while dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, promoting brain health. Tip: Suck on the chocolate covered almond while drinking hot tea to melt the chocolate into gooey-goodness. 

Hibiscus

-Hibiscus tea is on the fruitier end of the spectrum, which is not my personal favorite. Fruity flavored hot teas often taste sour, especially with fruits high in acidity.

-Pair with: Plain cheese cake or these three-ingredient banana pancakes. These plain fiber-filled treats complement tart, berry-flavored teas.

Black

-As my alternative to coffee, black tea is great at waking you up in the morning and kick-starting your metabolism.

-Pair with: Cheddar cheese and crackers. The metabolism-boosting properties of black tea ease digestion of foods usually difficult to digest, like cheeses.

Ginger

-This tea is my go-to for the end of the day. Especially after dinner and dessert, this bloat-reducing tea relaxes my stomach and aids with digestion so I can sleep easily.  

-Pair with: Apple slices dusted with cinnamon and honey or oats with honey and cinnamon. Eating whole, simple foods with ginger tea ensure easy digestion and reduce stomach gurgles.

White

-This smooth, detoxing tea is my favorite and the most underrated. Sharper than chamomile but softer than black tea, white tea is the perfect texture balance and mild flavor to aid in weight-loss and stress reduction. 

-Pair with: this Vanilla Bean and Sea Salt Cashew Butter on a piece of warm toast. Every winter, my family receives four boxes filled with loaves of cinnamon bread handmade by Wisconsin nuns. I love spreading this cashew butter over a warm slice while enjoying my tea. 

Chamomile

-This tea can taste like soap for those who are not fans of lavender. However, for restless sleepers, this tea is the cure. Like ginger tea, chamomile’s anti-bloating properties are perfect to drink before bed.

-Pair with: My warm Blender Tomato Turmeric Soup to incorporate more nutrient-dense vegetables into your diet.

Chai

-Put down the orange juice and pick up the chai tea. Chai tea wakes up your immune system and fights inflammation, the perfect cure for a red, stuffy nose or irritated throat. With a change of seasons come allergies. Fight back with chai!

-Pair with: pumpkin pie or my thick, creamy Butternut Pear Soup. Coupled with chai’s immune-boosting properties, this spice and vegetable-filled soup will clear your sinuses and load your body with vitamins.

What are your favorite teas? Comment below!