It’s cold.
I was hoping I will be able to finish trimming the carabao grass this morning but the garden is wet from the rain. It rained so early and according to news report, it is because of ITCZ (Inter Tropical Convergence Zone). It would probably drizzle the whole day, that kind which we call tigatik or ambon in Tagalog. It’s that kind of weather that makes you long to go back to bed or either stay in a corner and read. I just ate a cup of Banana and Honey instant oatmeal. So lazy to cook breakfast. Or maybe, it the perfect time to drink that cup of instant coffee I’ve longed for all week.
Are you a tea or coffee drinker?
How many times have you heard this frequently asked question, “tea or coffee?”, be it in some obscure diners or some extravagant restaurants in town. During the past few years, many coffee shops have sprouted like mushrooms in the metropolis which only proves that there is money in coffee. Coffee drinking is synonymous to bonding with friends, closing deals with business associates and simply relaxing in the comfort of your home while watching a good TV program or curled up in a corner reading your favorite book.
I used to be a coffee drinker, but now I have limited my coffee intake for just once or twice a week, or when I feel I have the craving for caffeine early in the morning. Just can’t resist the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or a cup of the instant variety. Those of us who drink coffee know about caffeine and its effects. Though tea and hot chocolate have caffeine too, apparently, it is lesser. They say that three cups of coffee is considered an average or moderate dose, but what about the add-on like cream, sugar and other kinds of sweetener put in a cup to make it more flavorful? There are various creamer mixes like Bavarian mint, Cinnamon spice, Irish cream, Hazel nut, mocha, Amaretto and other flavored creamers. And there are many ways of brewing coffee. Drip coffee makers have a fairly simple, quick and easy way to prepare a cup. Coffee grounds are placed in a filter basket inside the machine which is filled with water. The hot water drips through the ground into a glass carafe to produce brewed coffee.
When I was in college, I met a Japanese friend who taught me how to prepare Japanese green tea. Tried to teach her some common English words so she sent me packs of green tea complete with instructions on how to enjoy a cup. That pretty much started my love affair with the beverage. Green tea is dried, not fermented so it produces a lighter flavor. It’s good for colon cleansing. There are several varieties of tea in the market today – black tea, Earl Gray, Oolong tea, Orange Pekoe and there are varied flavors too just like coffee.There is also bubble tea which are pearl shakes made of Tapioca (sago in our Filipino language). The tea is usually served with a gigantic straw which is just the right size for slurping. Hot tea drinks may come in the flavor of almond , lemon, vanilla, orange, spearmint, peppermint and chocolate mint. I love the brand Celestial Seasonings, Twinings in different flavors and Lipton Green Tea. There are so many locally produced tea flavors here too like ampalaya, malunggay tea, banaba and the like. They are all medicinal. Years ago, I bought a tea set, those dainty cups which are so cute and chic and I have been using them until now.
Tea or coffee, anyone?
I love coffee for my mornings but tea is so good too. I love how with teas you have so many different flavours to choose from!
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True Carol and they have added flower flavors too. Thanks!
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I love both tita, although need to lessen my coffee na kasi nanginginig na kamay ko hahaha.
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Haha, siguro nga just lessen your intake. Pero masarap talaga amoy ng kape ano?
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Yes tita, super! haha
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I was advised by my internist not to take too much coffee or tea just an hour ago. Sabi ko bihira, mga once or twice a lang. Lalo naman daw yung soft drinks, bawal, sabi ko sa kanya I don’t drink sodas.
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I am a tea drinker Arlene. But do love an occasional cup of hot and freshly brewed coffee!
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I love both Radhika. I have different flavors of tea here 🙂
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Tea is my favorite, good post
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Thank you so much.
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I used to drink lots of fresh ‘real’ coffee at one time. Then my stomach began to be irritated by it, so I switched to instant. I only have 2-3 cups a day though, with some milk in them. When I was still working, we used to drink strong tea all the time. Indian tea, made very dark, with only a splash of milk. I never liked any flavoured or scented teas though, and rarely drink it now.
Most of the time, I drink milk. (Half-fat) I read that it retains the moisture longer in your body, so is more thirst-quenching.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I am not a milk drinker Pete. I don’t eat anything where I could taste milk in it. Mom said I was breast fed as a child so milk was out of the loop.
I like those different tea flavors. It’s calming to drink tea especially on a rainy day.
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Sharing a large cafetiere of coffee each morning while reading blog posts – bliss
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What a lovely way to spend the morning Derrick.
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I love coffee and tea.. all things in moderation as my mum would’ve said! Have you heard the news this week that researchers have discovered that a cup of coffee adds 9 minutes to your life.. Keep drinking it Arlene – you may live forever! haha xx
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Yes, I read about it that it’s good for the heart too. And it contains anti-oxidants that we need. No, once or twice a week is good enough for me and in between I drink tea. Thanks Wendy.
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Brilliant – well with 2 cups you’d be extending life by 18 minutes per week.. how fab! xx
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Yeay! Pretty good Wendy. thanks 🙂
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Brilliant! x
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thanks Wendy 🙂
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i have a big smile on my face as i read your post Arlene 🙂 it brought wonderful and fun memories. my past job was to serve beverages to passengers so “tea or coffee” was an incessant offer as i walk the aisle.
thank you and by the way, i prefer green tea over coffee 🙂 🙂
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Yeay, it’s nice to now that Wilma that it brought you reminiscing on the old days. Thank you so much.
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I recently switched to green tea brewed from the leaves, not in a bag. It is very refreshing. I also like it iced. But I love my coffee too. It’s probably a tie between the two.
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Here in our country, coffee is more popular than tea. You can find a coffee shop in every cornet with those special blends they have.
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Now tea places are opening here!
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Hi!
Nice post! I’m making posts about scientific explanations behinde everyday appearance and recentlly I’ve made post about coffee, so if you have time and will please go and check it out! If you like it please follow me, I follow you.
Thank you! 😀
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Thank you so much. Will drop by your blog soon 🙂
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If you find it interesting please follow me! 😀
Thank you!
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Arlene, my tea kettle hums all day with multiple pots of green tea, black tea & rooibos (a fav red tea from S.Africa that’s caffeine free,) We also drink copious amonts of iced tea here in the sunny South (heat index today is 105F /40.5C). Too many fav teas (my cupboard overfloweth) but Darjeeling & Ceylons rate high. If you like green, YMY Kukicha Roasted green is a lovely Japanese tea. Enjoy a cuppa!! cheers – Virginia
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Hi Virginia, good morning. So you prefer tea than coffee? I like iced tea too but I seldom have it here. I write expiry dates on each pack of tea I buy because sometimes I forget to use them before they expire.
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I drank a lot of tea when we lived in England, but right now I usually choose coffee. John makes a pot of coffee when he gets up, and between us, we usually finish it before noon. To me, a rich cup of coffee is a lovely thing after dinner. I have a little drip machine that makes one cup, and I often have that while we chat. When it’s hot in the middle of the day, we all enjoy iced tea, especially if I pick some mint leaves to steep with it.
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I just drink a cup of coffee when I need to Anne. I prefer the instant variety which is easier to prepare. I always have a thermos ready every morning just for it. Iced tea with mint, that’s lovely.
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Coffee! But unflavored except for a little chocolate now and then. Tea is good too! I love oolong in particular. Herbal, green and black are tasty too. Bubble tea, especially mango flavor, makes a great treat occasionally.
Your tea set sounds lovely! Cheers Arlene! 😊
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Thanks Sabine. so you love coffee too? sometimes I do that, add a teaspoon of chocolate powder witha cup of hot coffee and a little sugar.
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I love green tea. 😜
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Another tea love, thanks a lot.
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Thank you for sharing your wonderful tea stories. I enjoy both, coffee in the morning though. 🙂
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Thanks Amy 🙂
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Tea person here. I can drink tea all day and night long hahaha
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Oh that;’s good. Tea is healthy too.
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I like both tea and coffee, although I try to drink decaf. Porcelain teacups are adorable, though, so I understand the urge to use them. 🙂
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My doctor told me to take it easy on the coffee or tea so I now drink them once in a while but when the weather is cold, I could not resist a cup.
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Coffee! Start your day off on a bold foot! ☕️
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Thanks Kimberly 🙂
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[…] https://arlene1956.wordpress.com/2017/07/20/tea-or-coffee/ […]
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Thank you 🙂
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I’m definitely a tea drinker! I used to be a hardcore coffee drinker, but I finally managed to give up :p
Awesome post!
xx
https://colourpotblog.wordpress.com/
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II drink both but it is more on coffee for my morning fix. Thanks a lot Clare 🙂
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I prefer tea. 😄 I’m not a fan of coffee, trying to like it though. ☺
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Thanks for dropping by and for following my blog 🙂
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You’re welcome, great content! 😄
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🙂
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The most difficult question: tea or coffee! Why is there a tradeoff! There is something about coffee that just pronounces irresistible! Only coffee can infuse magic into conversations and is an indispensable part of friendly gatherings. Please read this post regarding the same: https://columntribe.wordpress.com/2017/10/23/a-break-from-everyday/
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I think coffee is here to stay. thanks a lot.
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