Mosher Tea

Mormons have a code of health called the Word of Wisdom. Originally it was received by the founder as a suggestion, however over the years, comments were taken out of context, and in a spirit of members try to out-righteous each other, it gradually became a commandment. Well part of it did at least.

The Word of Wisdom has two parts to it.

It encourages exercise, and the consumption of fruits, vegetables and grains in season. It also advocates for the consumption of a mild barley drink, which most Mormons completely misinterpret as not meaning beer as well as wine for the use of the sacrament! It also recommends against meat, except in times of winter or famine and only to be used sparingly and with thanksgiving.

That part of it is largely ignored however.

The second part counsels against hot drinks, hard alcohol and tobacco usage.

Tobacco usage may actually have been the motivating factor behind the 'revelation' but that's another post for another day.

Since it's introduction to Mormonism, the leaders have interpreted hot drinks as meaning tea and coffee, and many folks attribute this to the caffeine content of both drinks.

Some of the more fundamental Mormons believe that the Word of Wisdom has nothing to do with health at all, but rather that it is a law of obedience. You don't drink tea, because you've been told not to, and blind, unquestioning obedience is apparently smiled upon by God.

Anyway, so that's the Word of Wisdom. The now strictly adhered to health code for all good Mormons.

I used to drink tea as a kid. It was rooibos or red tea, a sweet and nutritious tea which originates in South Africa. It has no caffeine, limited tannin and is actually quite healthy. I'll drink it neat on occasion, but if given the chance... a couple of teaspoons of sugar and plenty of cream, and OOOOOH BABY!!!

Anyway... Rooibos is considered except from the word of wisdom, since it is an herbal tea - and make sure you pronounce the H when you're in places other than the US.

Another interesting tidbit... Early on in the history of the word of wisdom, people took the hot drinks part very literally, and hot cocoa and soup were included in the list of prohibited items.

But back to my story about tea.

Green tea was all the rage some years ago - I guess it still is in some circles. Righteous people I knew tried it, and since it was 'Green Tea' somehow that made it different from regular tea, and thus OK to drink.

A little research on Green Tea will actually reveal that it's from the same plant as normal tea, just picked earlier and prepared a little differently.

I had it once as an active Mormon. It was suggested by another active Mormon for it's health benefits.

I didn't like it, but it turns out that I was using boiling water to prepare it, and that tends to turn the tea bitter.

Since leaving Mormonism though, I've learned about what it actually is, and how to prepare it, and while it is nowhere close as delicious as Rooibos, I do enjoy a cuppa on occasion.

I tried Chai this past weekend as well. Turns out it's regular black tea, but it's infused with spices, and is Indian in origin. Apparently you brew it hot, and then consume it with plenty of sugar and cream.

I quite enjoyed my first cup. The one I got was made with a little extra vanilla infused as well.

Vanilla Rocks!!

Anyway... I think what prompted this all was Mrs Koda telling me about a sign on one of the Green Tea carts at the mall. These carts sell what they claim is a concentrated form of Green Tea, meant to help the consumer of the beverage lose weight as well as overcome diabetes and a host of other health concerns.

The sign said something to the effect of "Our product is Word of Wisdom friendly". But then you have to ask yourself... If it's made with Green Tea, and tea is expressly forbidden in the Word of Wisdom, how can it be friendly? Or if it doesn't contain any green tea, thus making it Mormon Kosher - Mosher?! Well, that's just deceptive advertising now, isn't it?