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White tea:

Leaves from the bud of the tea plant are flash-steamed and dried, so it's the least processed form with the most antioxidants and the least caffeine. A light, delicate flavor.

White tea is kryptonite for viruses and bacteria, says Milton Schiffenbauer, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology at Pace University. In his studies, "tea destroys over 80 percent of viruses within 10 minutes," he says. Due to the higher levels of antioxidants, white tea may be the most powerful when it comes to cancer prevention. Researchers at the University of Oregon found that it was the best tea for inhibiting cell mutations-often the early stages of cancer.

Try - The Republic of Tea's Honeydew White. The price may not seem like a bargain compared with the multipacks of Tetley black you can get at the grocery store, but for a premium line of premium tea, it's a great deal.

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Black tea:

Leaves are exposed to the air and turn black due to oxidation. A stronger, more traditional taste.

The majority of related research shows that the black brew significantly reduces heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular disease in women. It may also help prevent clogged arteries, improve blood vessel functioning, and lower blood pressure-great reasons to drink to your heart's content. Six cups a day may also provide resistance to microbial infections and possibly tumors, while two cups has been shown to ward off urinary tract cancer. Black tea also contains enough fluoride to successfully fight cavities.

Try - Lipton's new Vanilla Caramel Truffle premium tea. Smells like dessert and tastes that way, too. The funnel-shaped tea bag means the leaves have room to expand in the hot water, resulting in a stronger, more flavorful cup.

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Green tea:

Leaves are steamed or cooked prior to oxidation. A crisper but less powerful taste than black.

Asian countries have lower rates of many cancers and a high consumption rate of green tea. Coincidence? No way: The chemicals in green tea have been shown to bond with and destroy cancer cells, and women who drank 10 or more cups a day had a 43 percent reduction in cancer risk. Green tea may also slow the spread of breast cancer and protect smokers from lung cancer. More good news: An unknown component in the tea has lowered tissue fat levels in mice. People who drink five cups a day have a higher metabolic rate and burn up to 80 more calories a day than non-tea drinkers.

Try - Ito En's Green Jasmine. Clean and light, this no-cal iced brew makes it easy to drink those five cups-three bottles will give you that and more.

Flowering Tea

One of the newest delights for teatime is flowering tea. These artisan teas, also called display, presentation, exhibition, or showplace teas, are made by hand-stitching tea leaves and flowers together in various shapes before drying them. When brewed in glass cups or teapots, they bloom before your eyes, creating delicious tea and a beautiful display.

Although many are crafted in China, you don't need to travel to Beijing. Your local tea merchants or tearooms may sell flowering teas. If not, browse the Internet for companies that market them. Some Web sites even demonstrate how their teas "bloom" and offer free samples. And the tea "flowers" aren't all alike. Here are just a few Web sites to check out:

www.adagio.com - Adagio Tea (click on extras)
www.fullbloomtea.com - Full Bloom Tea
www.harney.com - Harney & Sons (click on art teas)
www.numitea.com - Numi Tea (click on flowering teas)
www.Primulatea.com - Primula Flowering Teas
www.wholelattelove.com/teaposy.cfm - Whole Latte Love

No matter what the occasion, serving flowering tea engages the senses and takes teatime to another level. Guests enjoy the appealing aroma, the delicate flavor, and the magic of the unfurling leaves. Consider flowering teas for your next party or special celebration, or as a gift.

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by Lydia E. Harris