Tea, Anyone?

Americans sipped 50 billion servings of tea in 2006, according to the Tea Association. That works out to 132 cups for every man, woman and child. As tea connoisseurs, we prefer black tea over green, iced tea over hot and tea bags over loose tea.

In today's Lean Plate Club column, sip the latest findings about tea and learn who was the first tea drinking Queen of England (Hint: She is credited with introducing tea to Pennsylvania and where the ubiquitous tea bag was invented.)

Thanks to Alison Kelly of the Library of Congress for pointing me to some wonderful tea books including the classic, Romance of Tea by the late William H. Ukers, editor in chief of the Tea and Coffee Journal for more than 60 years.

Worried about caffeine? Compare the levels in black, oolong and white tea as well as decaf and herbal with this handy chart from Stash tea. Or test your tea knowledge with this interactive quiz from the Tea Association.

What's your favorite tea? We'd love to hear all about it in today's Lean Plate Club Web chat from 1 to 2 p.m. today. Can't join live? No problem. Just leave your comments now, then check the Web transcript later. Or e-mail me at leanplateclub@washpost.com.

Taxing Fast Foods

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There's a new proposal in England to put a tax on fast food, but it's not the first time that taxing calories high in fat and calories has been suggested. In this country, psychologist Kelly Brownell, director of Yale University's Rudd Center, is among those who have proposed a fat tax.

What do you think? Tell us your thoughts now, then check the chat transcript later. Or join today's Lean Plate Club Web chat from 1 to 2 p.m.

Test Drive a New Vegetable Web Site

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From time to time, everyone comes across vegetables that they don't know how to cook. To the rescue comes Vegetarian Times with a new, interactive Web recipe database of vegetarian fare that allows you to search by ingredient, such as bok choy. Take it for a test drive today.

While you're at it, have you checked out the Post's interactive recipe database? You can search for recipes in a variety of ways. And for inspiration to help you make cool salads on hot summer days, look in Wednesday's Food section for a Salad Spinner that will help you make salads in six easy steps.

Food Recalls

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Gerber announced a recall of organic baby cereal last week. And Veggie Booty was responsible for a Salmonella outbreak that occurred earlier this year, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

And for the latest on pet food recalls, the FDA has posted an excel spreadsheet with information.

Make the Move

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Summer is a wonderful time to be active outdoors, but you also want to stay safe. For those who live in the Washington region--or plan to visit our fair city--the Potomac River looks placid but can pose some particular dangers. If you plan to enjoy the Potomac, be sure to take a look at these rules of the river to help keep you safe.