Sometimes bad-tasting tea is just bad tea.
Other times, we ruin the tea ourselves.
I’ve written about this before: We can ruin our tea by preparing it in stinky teaware, infusing it with bad water, using too much (or too little) tea leaf, and not decanting it when we should.
But bad tea can also be the result of our own, corrupted palates. If tea leaves a bad taste in our mouths, it may be due to something as simple as drinking tea too soon after brushing our teeth, or, perhaps, a serious medical problem.
Here are a few culprits:
1. Toothpaste
I don’t like morning mouth myself, but brushing your teeth before your morning cuppa is a big no-no if you want your tea to taste good. (The same goes for using mouthwash and breath mints.)
Remedy: Hold off on the toothpaste until after breakfast or brush your teeth at least an hour before your morning meal. You could also brush before breakfast with water only, and then do the job properly after you have had your first cup(s) of tea.
2. Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
The flip-side of toothpaste is the nasty spectre of gingivitis and cavities, which can make anything you eat or drink taste odd.
Remedy: Get thee to a dentist. Both of these conditions can lead to serious health problems.
3. Tummy Trouble
Indigestion can affect your palate, and if it becomes an ongoing problem for you, go see a doctor, as you may have a more serious condition.
Remedy: Get thee to a doctor. Acid reflux disease (also known as GERD) is not only painful, but can cause serious damage to your esophagus over time.
4. Medications
Some medications, particularly antibiotics, can affect our palates.
Remedy: Try out different teas while you are taking your medication, or simply skip the really good ones until you are off your medication and your tastebuds are back to normal.
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Another thing that affects the way people taste is smoking. If a smoker is drinking tea — their sense of taste may be dulled.
.-= Tony Gebely´s last blog ..Pink Shino Stoneware Teacup =-.