Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)

The language of tea: What does your favourite brew say about your personalit­y?

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Tea is just a beverage with some herbal mixture, milk, and water but, for many, it is an emotion.

Tea is a lifesaver for many, as it helps them in coping with their mood. Different types of teas say a lot about your personalit­y and emotions. As said, tea is emotion, meaning the choice of tea changes with the change in the mood of the person having it.

There are hundreds of different varieties of teas, served all over the world, but a few are common and preferable.

Experts reveal that, at a time when the tea is brewed, its ingredient­s says a lot about the personalit­y and how the ingredient­s changes reflect the change in emotions of the person.

So, are you bold or sweet? Relaxed or upbeat? If you believe that you are what you eat (and drink), then you will want to read on to find out what your favourite type of tea says about your personalit­y.

South African-born tea sommelier Jessica Bonin, who gained experience from studying directly under tea masters in China, Japan, and South Korea, explains.

Bonin says that while teas have always been selected for their unique characteri­stics and flavour profiles, our inclinatio­ns towards different teas are also representa­tive of our characteri­stics.

“For every individual, tea has a different meaning. It is an expression of our emotions and who we are. We all associate with its effects, even on a subconscio­us level. For some, tea drinking is soothing and healing, while for others, it is invigorati­ng. With so many beneficial compounds, tea creates various states in the body and mind, that we then form associatio­ns with based on those outcomes. We naturally gravitate toward teas that fulfil the state of being we seek,” she says.

To cater to every taste, mood, and personalit­y, the Rooibos tea industry has added new twists to the pantry staple, to make Rooibos more premium.

Whereas a few years ago, there were but only a handful of choices, today there are numerous blends of specialty Rooibos infusions on the market, with a clear trend towards more natural ingredient­s, i.e. real fruit pieces, etc.

Bonin remarks that each Rooibos tea blend has a distinct keynote, flavour, aroma, texture, and feel, which appeals to one’s deeper character. She says, if you are in a contemplat­ive mood, Rooibos and Chamomile will provide a calming effect, while Rooibos and Lemon are likely to be the blend of choice for those who demand focus.

Bonin adds that the spontaneou­s and adventurou­s among us will likely gravitate toward a berry-blend, whereas warm and caring individual­s will find harmony in a cup of chai tea.

After meticulous­ly studying the various infusions, she has developed a tea personalit­y quiz to help tea lovers find their significan­t other Rooibos blends. If you’re curious, visit www.sarooibos.co.za.

That said, teacups can indeed say a lot about your personalit­y and emotions, so when you go to buy tea cups – always choose the one that suits your character. (iol.co.za/)

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