As another week draws to a close, now is a good time to step away from your desk and get some perspective on life with a warm cup of tea.

Tea is different from coffee, in that people grab a cup of coffee but sit down for a cup of tea, says Nora Gubins, certified tea sommelier and principal of TeaQueen in Toronto. The simple act of stepping away from your desk, boiling water and letting the tea steep can be regarded as a chance to relax and prepare yourself for your next meeting or task.

All tea comes from the same plant, camillia sinensis, and is caffeinated, says Louise Roberge, president of the Tea Association of Canada in Toronto. Herbal drinks, or tisanes, are not, in fact teas. They are made from flowers and herbs and do not contain any caffeine.

There are three types of tea: black, oolong and green.

While the three teas come from the same plant, the difference lies in their preparation. Black teas are dried for five to seven hours. Green tea is pan fried or kept fresh, says Roberge. Oolong tea is dried for a shorter period than black tea, which gives it the “green tea” taste, says Gubins. And as with green tea, you never put milk or sugar in an oolong tea.

Here are a few things to keep in mind for your next tea break:

> Go for a strong taste in the morning
To really taste your first cup of tea of the day, go for something strong.

A strong black tea tastes better in the morning than a green or oolong, Gubins says, because it cuts through fatty breakfast foods, like bacon or butter-covered croissants.

Gubins recommends Assam, a black tea from India, and Keemun, a tea from China, as good choices for your morning cup.

> Lighten up in the afternoon
A light-tasting tea can help you get through the 3 p.m. slump.

Light teas, such as a Darjeeling, are great for the afternoon, says Gubins. They have caffeine but are not as strong as Keemun or Assam.

Alternatively, try a “true” iced tea. Brew a pot of tea in the morning, let it cool and then drink it throughout the day. You don’t even need to add sugar.

> Get your timing right
The length of time you steep your tea will determine its taste and strength.

If you’re trying a new tea, steep it in 30-second increments, Gubins suggests, until you find the best taste.

As a general rule, Roberge says, steep black teas for three to five minutes. Boil the water and pour it directly onto the leaves or tea bag.

Steep green teas for one to three minutes at the most, says Roberge. Any longer, and the tea will taste bitter. As well, don’t use boiling water on green tea. Bring the water to a boil, then let it sit for a minute or two before pouring it on the tea.

> Loose leaf or bags?
For better quality tea, connoisseurs say, buy loose leaf.

Loose tea is generally harvested in a less mechanical fashion than tea for mass-produced tea bags, says Gubins. Tea in bags is so finely ground it almost looks like coffee. Loose-leaf tea is less finely cut; it has a higher quality because it isn’t as heavily processed.

Gubins recommends buying a strainer or infuser to steep loose-leaf tea at work. With dozens on the market in various materials, from wood to metal, it’s easy to find one that works for you.

IE