The Hybrid Tea Rose

There are many different types of tea available today. Green, black, red, oolong, white and Earl Grey are just a few you may encounter. It can be confusing to the average consumer; I’m here to help sort through the many variations out there.

Camellia Sinensis

Most teas actually come from the same plant: the blooming tea balls  camellia sinensis bush. White tea comes from picking the unopened flower buds off of the bush. These buds are also referred to as the silver needles of the bush. They are always picked by hand and only able to be harvested in the spring before blooming occurs. As a result, white tea is normally a costly option. It does, however, make a smooth, silky cup of tea with a unique flavor you won’t get anywhere else. It doesn’t have any of the grassy notes sometimes found in green tea or the bitter flavors associated with black tea. It is light and refreshing. While it may be too cost prohibitive to consume regularly, white tea is a great choice for special occasions.

When the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant are picked, the type of tea that results depends on how it is processed. When the leaves are withered and lightly steamed or pan fried, you end up with green tea. If they are fermented until dark, allowing complex flavors to develop, the resulting tea is black. Partially fermented leaves are called oolong. They have a flavor profile that falls in the middle of the green and black varieties, with many of the health benefits of both. If you only want to keep one type of tea in your pantry, consider making it oolong.

Matcha

Matcha is the Japanese word for “finely powdered tea.” It is green tea which has been completely pulverized. The result is a very fine powder which can be mixed with water and consumed without straining. As a result, you are actually drinking the leaves rather than just water they have steeped in. Matcha has about ten times the antioxidant power of regular green tea. It is also very easy to incorporate into recipes, as you can stir the powder into items without need for extra liquid (which may dilute the food item in question.)

Earl Grey

This is a very popular version of black tea. It is made by adding a fragrant citrus oil to normal black tea. The oil is extracted from the rind of the bergamot orange, a distinctive citrus fruit grown mainly in Italy and France.

Red Tea

Red tea comes from either rooibos or honeybush plants. Unlike traditional camellia sinensis teas, they do not contain caffeine. They have a fruity, almost sweet flavor and a higher antioxidant level than most green teas.

Flowering Tea

Flowering teas have become quite popular in recent years. They are hand sewn by tea artisans and meant to mimic a blooming flower as they brew in a glass pot. It is very beautiful to watch and turns tea time into more of an event. Flowering teas can be made out of any type of tea, and run the gamut from simple to incredibly elaborate.

 

Why You Need a Home Painter

A home painter can come in handy when you need a fresh coat of paint or you have a project you want to accomplish on your house. A professional can help you get a good estimate, find the perfect paint for your needs, and protect your investment by getting rid of termites.

Get a detailed estimate

It’s important to get a detailed estimate when hiring a home Painters in Geelong. There are many variables and factors involved in preparing and evaluating a painting estimate. A good estimate will cover the cost of all materials, the work to be done before, during and after the paint job, and any special discounts.

The most important part of a paint job is proper surface preparation. A thorough inspection should be made to ensure that the surfaces being painted are in tip-top shape before laying down the final coat of paint. A professional should also document any pre-existing issues with the surfaces to be painted, as well as any omissions and exclusions that may affect the finished product.

A good estimate will also include a clear understanding of the costs, a description of the type of paint and how many coats are needed, and the number of hours it will take to complete the project. The cost estimator must be clear and understandable, and the contractor’s estimate should be in writing.

Prevent termites

One of the best ways to prevent termites from damaging your home is to ensure that the wood in your house is in good condition. You should check the wood for damage and use protective products to keep termites from invading your home.

Termites can be attracted to damp or wet areas, which is why it is a good idea to have the basement and gutters inspected regularly. You should also make sure that the air conditioning condensation lines are working properly.

You can protect your wood by applying borate to the surface before priming. This chemical is highly effective at killing termites and other pests. It is safe to apply and it will keep your wood protected for decades.

You can also use liquid termiticide treatment to protect your house. It works by creating a natural barrier around your house. You can then use a bait station to catch termites before they can enter your home.

Get a fresh coat of paint

Paint is a great way to enhance the look and feel of your home. A new coat of paint can transform a tired looking room into a fresh and bright environment. It can also boost the value of your property.

The color of your walls has a huge effect on the amount of light that reflects off of them. If you’re in the market for a new paint job, you may want to consider neutral colors like white, gray, and beige. Then, you can choose a bold accent color or two to give your home a more personal touch.

One of the first things a potential buyer is going to see is the exterior of your house. A professional exterior paint job will give your house a fresh look, boosting its curb appeal. A fresh coat of paint can also keep termites at bay.

Painting the outside of your house is a fun and surprisingly inexpensive project. It’s a good idea to get the work done before you start other landscaping or other exterior projects.