Alright, let’s talk about this flavored black tea, you know, the kind they sell in them fancy bags at the store. Folks say it’s good for ya, but I ain’t always so sure about these newfangled things. Still, let’s see what the fuss is all about.

First off, they say black tea, even the flavored kind, has got these things called “anti-oxidants.” Sounds fancy, right? Like something you’d use to clean your tractor. But they say it’s good for your insides, keeps things running smooth, you know? Like oil in a car, I guess. I don’t know much about it, but if it keeps me from feeling like an old rusty gate, I guess it can’t hurt.

Now, this black tea, it’s popular all over the world, they say. I ain’t been nowhere but here, mind you, but I’ve seen them pictures in magazines. Folks drink it everywhere. Must be something to it, right? They say it’s got a strong taste, not like that weak green stuff my niece drinks. This black tea, it’s got some kick to it. And when they add flavors, well, that’s where it gets interesting.

• Lemon Black Tea: This one’s kinda sour, you know? Like a lemon, go figure. But it’s refreshing on a hot day, I’ll give it that. Reminds me of making lemonade for the grandkids, except without all the squeezing.
• Peach Black Tea: Now this one’s sweet, like a ripe peach off the tree. But not too sweet, mind you. Just enough to make it go down easy. I like this one with a little bit of honey, makes it feel real special.
• Berry Black Tea: This one’s got all sorts of berries mixed in, I reckon. Tastes like a whole bunch of summer in one cup. It’s kinda tart, kinda sweet, just a good mix of everything.

They say these flavored teas, if they’re made with real stuff, not that fake sugar and chemicals, they’re still good for you. They still got them anti-oxidant thingies, and they don’t load you up with junk. That’s important, you know? I don’t want none of that artificial stuff in my body. I’ve lived this long by eating good, plain food, and I ain’t changing now.

The tea leaves, when they make ’em black, they go through this process, somethin’ they call “oxidation.” Sounds like rust again, don’t it? But apparently, it changes the stuff inside the leaves, makes ’em different, gives ’em that strong taste. And it makes these things called “theaflavins.” Don’t ask me what that means, I ain’t no scientist. But they say it’s good for you, and that’s good enough for me.

Flavored black tea, it’s kinda like a treat, you know? Something special to have in the afternoon, when you’re sitting on the porch, watching the birds. It ain’t like that plain old water I drink all day. It’s got flavor, it’s got personality. And if it’s good for me too, well, that’s just a bonus. Beats drinking them sugary sodas them youngsters are always guzzling. Those things will rot your teeth right out of your head, you mark my words.

Some folks put milk and sugar in their tea. I ain’t so sure about that. Seems like it defeats the purpose, you know? All that sugar, it can’t be good for you. And milk, well, I like milk with my cookies, but in tea? I’ll stick to plain, or maybe with a little honey, if I’m feeling fancy. If you are going to add stuff, though, they say the flavored tea might be a better choice than loading up regular tea with a whole bunch of sugar. Makes sense, I guess.

So, there you have it. My take on flavored black tea. It ain’t so bad, I reckon. Tastes good, might be good for you, and it’s a nice change of pace from the usual. Just make sure you get the good stuff, the kind made with real ingredients. And don’t go overboard with the sugar, you hear? Your old body will thank you for it.

And that’s all there is to it. Not rocket science, just good common sense, just like everything else in life. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go make myself a cup. All this talk about tea has made me thirsty.

Tags: Black Tea, Flavored Tea, Tea Benefits, Antioxidants, Healthy Beverages, Lemon Tea, Peach Tea, Berry Tea, Natural Ingredients