Tea is one of the oldest beverages on earth. It is said to have been discovered in 2737 BC by a Chinese emperor when some tea leaves accidentally blew into a pot of boiling water. Ever since then, tea has been enjoyed the world over by kings and common men alike.

In the late 19th Century, Sir Thomas Lipton, probably the most famous name in tea, revolutionized the tea industry by becoming the first manufacturer to buy his own tea estates. This made tea affordable to everyone while at the same time ensuring consistency and quality. Today Lipton tea is sold in more than 80 countries and is the largest tea brand in the world.

Tea is grown in many countries including China, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Zimbabwe, with each region's crop having unique and distinct characteristics. A member of the Camellia family, the tea plant gives us both Black and Green tea, the only difference being in the processing procedure.

Whether your preference is Green, Black or Oolong tea, or whether you enjoy it hot or iced, tea is one of the world's most popular beverages, second only to water. This definitely holds true here in Canada. As a nation of tea lovers, we consume an unbelievable seven billion cups each year, with 87% of men and 92% of women identifying themselves as tea drinkers.

While many of us consume this centuries old beverage everyday, how many of us really think about the health benefits of tea? Tea's health benefits can be both immediate and long-term and can be both physical and mental.

Antioxidants found in tea protect the body's cells by neutralizing free radicals which damage cells and can lead to disease. Theanine, an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea, has been found to promote relaxation and help with mental focus. As a natural source of fluoride, tea may help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. And topically, chilled tea soothes swollen eyes, sunburns and tired feet. Research continues to prove the power of tea as scientists study tea's effect on body weight and insulin, cardiovascular health, cancer, as well as many other areas.

While everyone is familiar with tea as a beverage, many chefs are recognizing the value of tea as an ingredient in recipes. Tea's distinct and complex flavours make for an innovative substitute and/or addition to many dishes, including salad dressings, soups, marinades, sorbets, custards, cakes, cookies, etc.

Richard Poye, Corporate Chef for Lipton/Unilever Bestfoods North America, has created many wonderful recipes using a wide variety of Lipton products including and irresistible Honey & Earl Grey Vinaigrette, Gingered Butternut Squash Soup and Green Tea Granita. Here is Chef Poye's recipe for delicious Almond Tea Biscotti:

Recipe: Almond Tea Biscotti

Ingredients

50 ml (1/4 cup) Boiling Water
1 Lipton Tea Bag
75 ml (1/3 cup) Almonds, toasted & coarsely chopped
300 ml (1 1Ú4 cups) All-purpose flour
50 ml (1/4 cup) Firmly packed light brown sugar
30 ml (2 tbsp) Granulated sugar
2 ml (1/2 tsp) Ground cinnamon
2 ml (1/2 tsp) Baking powder
1 ml (1/4 tsp) Salt
1 Egg, beaten
50 ml (1/4 cup) Vegetable oil

Method

Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C).

Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small saucepan, pour boiling water over tea bag; cover and brew 5 minutes. Strain and cool.

In a large bowl, combine almonds, flour, sugars, cinnamon, baking powder and salt.

Stir in beaten egg with oil and tea.

On baking sheet, shape the dough into 10 x 3 inch (25 x 8 cm) log.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven; let cool completely.

With a serrated knife, cut on the diagonal in 1Ú2 inch (1.25 cm) wide slices.

Arrange slices on their sides on the same cookie sheet.

Bake for 30 minutes or until crisp and golden brown, turning once.

Let cool completely.

Makes 12 biscotti

For more Lipton recipes using tea and to learn more about tea, its history, varieties and health benefits, visit Lipton's Web site at www.lipton.com.