Tea Brewing Basics: Make Your Perfect Cup Daily

Preview Blurb

Discover how to brew loose leaf tea perfectly. Learn secrets for flavor, health, and daily rituals with Vidya, your local guide to tea and wellness in Laguna Beach and OC.

Episode Summary 

Join Vidya, certified Ayurvedic consultant and Tea & Turmeric co-owner, as she walks you through the fundamentals of tea, from choosing the right type to brewing it perfectly. 

Explore the rich traditions behind white, green, oolong, black, and herbal teas, and learn how small brewing tweaks can bring out your tea’s best flavors. Whether you are new to tea or want to elevate your ritual, this episode shares simple tips and local stories from Laguna Beach to inspire your wellness journey. 

What You Will Learn

• Why many people brew tea incorrectly and how to fix it
• How to pick the best tea for energy, sleep, or digestion
• Overview of true teas and their unique benefits
• Herbal blends and their place in your wellness routine
• Rituals and tea recipes popular with Laguna Beach locals

Featured Local Story 

Shop Tea & Turmeric blends: https://teaandturmeric.com
Visit us: 1175 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Call us: (949) 715-9600
Follow on Instagram: @teanturmeric
Check Google Reviews and get directions
Sign up for our newsletter to get updates 

Learn more about tea science and Ayurveda:

• Scientific American: All Tea, From Black to Green, Comes From a Single Plant 
• Harvard Health: What makes green tea so healthy? 

Call to Action 

Ready to discover your next favorite cup of tea? Stop by Tea & Turmeric in Laguna Beach or order online. Expert blends shipped from Orange County to your home 

Stay Connected

Come visit us in Laguna Beach or explore our teas and spices online at teaandturmeric.com
Follow our journey on Instagram: @teanturmeric
Have a question or a story to share? Email Vidya and the team at hello@teaandturmeric.com

If this episode spoke to you, subscribing and leaving a review helps more people in Orange County and beyond find us — thank you for supporting our little wellness community.

Chapters

• 0:00 Intro
• 1:00 Why Tea Matters
• 2:15 Tea’s Story & My Roots
• 3:30 What Counts as Tea
• 4:15 White Tea Basics
• 5:00 Green Tea Fix
• 6:00 Black Tea & Chai
• 7:15 Oolong in Between
• 8:15 Herbal Blends
• 9:15 How to Brew Right
• 10:30 Pause with Tea in OC
• 12:00 Tea Time is Me Time
• 12:40 Outro

Transcript

Tea 101 in Laguna Beach – How to Choose, Brew, and Enjoy Loose Leaf Tea

Intro: Welcome to The Tea on Wellness 

Hi, and welcome to The Tea on Wellness. I’m Vidya, your host and co-owner of Tea & Turmeric in Laguna Beach. My sister, Kavita, and I opened this shop to share what tea gave our family: a way to care for our bodies, to slow down, and to create small daily rituals that feel like home.

Why Tea Matters in Laguna Beach 

Every day in our Orange County shop, someone stands in front of our shelves, takes in all the jars of tea, and says, “I don’t even know where to start.” That curiosity is why I love tea so much. It’s not just another drink. After water, it’s the most popular beverage in the world. Tea helps people reconnect with themselves. 

Stories from Tea & Turmeric Customers 

A woman recently came in who hadn’t slept well in weeks. We helped her choose a calming herbal blend with lemon balm, lavender, and chamomile. A few days later, she came back with a smile, telling me it was the first full night’s sleep she’d had in ages. Another customer, tired of the sharp edge of coffee, switched to our Mango Peach Green Tea. Now, it’s his daily afternoon ritual to feel focused without the crash. 

The History of Tea and Ayurveda in Orange County 

Tea has been around for thousands of years. In China, it started as medicine. In India, wild tea plants grew in the forests of Assam long before cultivation. For me, tea became real in Kerala, where I studied Ayurveda. I stood on tea plantations, watched skilled hands pluck leaves, and realized tea was more than dried leaves, it was care, intention, and respect. 

What Counts as Real Tea 

All true teas, white, green, oolong, and black, come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal teas, though we call them “tea,” are actually tisanes made from herbs, flowers, fruits, and spices. They’re naturally caffeine-free, making them perfect for evening rituals in Laguna Beach or anywhere you need a pause. 

White Tea in Orange County 

White tea comes from the youngest buds. It’s light, delicate, and packed with antioxidants. At our shop, White Peony is a favorite for its floral notes, and Ginger Pear adds a hint of spice. White tea is like a quiet morning in a cup. 

Green Tea for Focus and Balance 

Green tea is created by steaming or pan-frying leaves. It’s bright and refreshing, but if you’ve ever had a bitter cup, it was probably brewed too hot or too long. At Tea & Turmeric, our Mango Peach Green Tea is fruity and uplifting, while Lychee Rose brings an elegant, floral taste. Green tea supports heart and brain health, perfect for daily focus in Orange County life.

Black Tea and Chai Traditions 

Oxidizing green tea creates black tea, bold and full-bodied. It has the most caffeine of true teas but still less than coffee. Our Pink Masala Chai, a recipe from my grandmother, is one of our top sellers. It’s spiced, warming, and deeply comforting. We also offer Orange Cinnamon, Moonlit Earl Grey, and even Pu-erh, a fermented black tea that supports gut health 

Oolong Tea: The Rosé of Teas 

Oolong falls between green and black. Some are floral, others roasted or buttery. They evolve with each steep, which makes them a favorite for mindful tea rituals. Our Milky Oolong is smooth and creamy, while Peachy Keen offers fruit layered with complexity. Oolong supports digestion and metabolism. 

Herbal Teas for Wellness in SoCal 

Herbal teas don’t contain the tea plant at all. They’re made from herbs, flowers, fruits, or spices, and they’re naturally caffeine-free. Our blends include rooibos and lavender for sleep, peppermint and ginger for digestion, and hibiscus and rose for energy. Herbal teas give you the ritual of tea without the caffeine. 

Brewing Loose Leaf Tea the Right Way 

Most people in Orange County accidentally ruin their tea by using water that’s too hot or steeping too long. The simple rules are:

• White and green teas: cooler water, 2–3 minutes.
• Black teas: boiling water, 3–5 minutes.
• Herbal teas: boiling water, 5–10 minutes, sometimes longer for medicinal benefits.

Take a moment to watch the leaves unfurl, smell the steam, and notice the color. That’s what turns tea into a daily ritual.

Finding Calm in Laguna Beach with Tea 

Even in beautiful places like Laguna Beach, life can feel rushed. Tea is a way to pause. Customers often share stories, family tisane recipes, favorite brewing rituals, and that connection is why we opened Tea & Turmeric. 

Final Thoughts: Tea Time is Me Time 

Next time you brew a cup, slow down. Notice the aroma, the color, the history behind the leaves. Around here, we like to say, “Tea time is me time.” 

Outro: Visit Tea & Turmeric in Laguna Beach or Online
 
If you’re local to Orange County, come visit us at Tea & Turmeric in Laguna Beach. Smell our blends, ask questions, and find something just for you. If you’re farther away, explore our teas online at teaandturmeric.com.