By Kathryn Fiegen
Iowa City Press-Citizen

Maybe the high-strung coffee drinkers have espresso-cappuccino-latte'd themselves into oblivion. Maybe the romance of an English teatime has taken hold. Maybe it's just another warm drink option.

Either way, tea is coming back.

Tea sales in the United States, already at $6 billion annually, are expected to grow to $10 billion by 2010, according to the World Tea Expo, a trade show representing the market. Local coffee shops say people are catching on and are more aware of the benefits and endless array of options when it comes to tea.

"I think the knowledge base of tea has grown," said Danielle Meyers, operations manager of the Java House at 211½ E. Washington St. "People know what green tea is now because of the marketing of it. Their base knowledge has increased."

She said people who order tea at the Java House just want a change of pace, or they sometimes want the soothing warmth of peppermint or lemon tea to help when they are sick.

"Sometimes on a cold day, it's just nice to have a cup of tea," she said.

Jammie Goedken, owner of T Spoons, 201 S. Clinton St., said she has seen a steady increase in tea customers since she opened six years ago. People are especially interested in her shop's health teas, she said, like an immunity herbal tea that has Echinacea, ginger root and cinnamon.

"I think people are looking for something to make them feel better," she said.

Goedken suggested that tea newcomers try black tea with a flavor added. She prefers raspberry. Or, a green tea with jasmine or orange mixed in. Coffee converts should start with a chai tea latte, Goedken suggested.

"Normally anyone wanting to try a tea can find something they like," she said.

Meyers said many of her tea drinkers go for a simpler brew, such as Earl Grey or chamomile.

"I think people will never really get away from the classics," she said.

The Java House may start serving a new tea soon, she said, called yerba mate and is an herb tea that tastes similar to green and chai teas.