This month, January, is National Hot Tea Month.

It may seem odd to some to have to specify tea as being hot, but in the US in particular, tea is common as a cold, iced drink rather than as a hot one.

Tea is made by pouring hot or boiling water over cured leaves of the tea plant, although it can be used as a generic for any drink made using boiling water and plant products. The leaves can be powdered and used in porous bags, or whole and strained from the drink before serving.

When served hot, it can have milk and sweeteners, such as sugar and honey added. Tea originated in China, but was spread, primarily by the British, to India and the rest of the world. There are many different blends of tea available.

Image: Morguefile