Tea Leaves

Tea leaves come from the Camellia sinensis plant, native to East Asia. The leaves are harvested and then processed through methods like wilting, rolling, oxidation, and drying to create different types of tea, such as black, green, and oolong.

Tea leaves are primarily used to make beverages like hot and iced tea. They can also be incorporated into baked goods, desserts, and even some alcoholic drinks to impart a distinct, often slightly bitter or earthy flavor.

Tea leaves are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. They contain compounds like antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which have been studied for potential health benefits. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated tea and its components. While generally considered safe, excessive consumption of highly caffeinated teas could lead to side effects like jitters or sleep disturbances.