Tea or Coffee? It’s the question that’s plagued humanity for centuries. Our Co-Editor-in-Chief, Madelyn, and Multimedia Manager, Skylyr, face-off to argue for their favorite beverage.
Tea
Madelyn Rinka
Camellia sinensis, the plant that we all call tea, is rumored to have been drank since 2737 BC, according to the UK Tea & Infusions Association. This beverage has stood the test of time— and for good reason. Tea is loaded with antioxidants, a convenient level of caffeine and, frankly, it tastes good, unlike certain other beverages. For the sake of this article, “infusions,” which consist of different herbs steeped in a tea-like way but do not actually contain the Camellia sinensis plant, will be lumped into the tea category.
With all the different types of tea, like black, green, oolong, white, puer, yellow, herbal, matcha, yerba mate and more, there’s a brew for everyone. Tea can have a very mild flavor, like in white or green, or a more robust flavor, like with black or matcha. There’s also varying levels of caffeine per cup, so you can adjust how much energy you want. This makes it convenient to consume at any point in the day as well. With all the different varieties, it’s easy to find something that you enjoy drinking— rather than feeling the need to add gallons of creamer or syrup just to choke it down.
However, tea pairs incredibly well with many other ingredients: sugar, milk, cinnamon, floral infusions, bits of fruit, nearly anything you could think of, within reason, probably tastes well in tea. While its traditional form is warm, cozy and comforting, it can even be iced for a refreshing summer drink. You can also dunk biscuits, cookies, biscotti or scones in your tea for a well-paired snack. Whether it’s being enjoyed on its own or handcrafted into a signature beverage, there’s a reason millions around the world find comfort in putting on the kettle.
Coffee
Skylyr VanDerveer.
The best way to start a morning is by brewing a fresh pot of coffee. Nothing beats the rich taste and warm feeling it gives. The love of coffee can be traced back centuries to the Ethiopian times. According to the National Coffee Association, a farmer discovered the potential of coffee when his goats ate berries from a plant and could not go to sleep. Coffee houses started popping up around the 15th century. Fast forward to modern times, people rely on Starbucks for their morning “cup of joe.”
Coffee itself is super customizable. There’s a variety of flavored coffee beans. Some are on the sweet side, like caramel or vanilla. Others can have a hint of spice to them to make you feel all warm and cozy. If you don’t like drinking your coffee black have no fear. There’s a variety of flavored creamers for those who have a sweet tooth. Don’t like hot coffee, try a cold brew! The options are endless once you step into a quality coffee shop.
Coffee is the perfect drink to start your mornings and end to your evening dinners. There are even types of coffee that make for the perfect dessert. Whether you’re dunking a donut into your morning cup or relaxing after a nice dinner, coffee is the perfect drink.
