The Art of Tea
Tea is one of the most sold drinks on earth. Human beings are using tea for different purposes for ages. Besides the fascinating flavors, tea has got health benefits too. Here we present a brief history of tea, types of tea, and the benefits of drinking different kinds of tea.
History of tea
China: The most relevant information about the origin of tea is found in southwest China during the Shang Dynasty. The myth says that the well-known emperor Shennong drank the first sip of tea incidentally in 2nd century BC. Tea leaves fell in his boiled warm water and the taste blew his mind. The different tastes were created over time.
Japan: During the Sui Dynasty, tea was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks. Legends say that drinking tea was a religious ritual for years. Green tea was a symbolic drink for the elite class.
India: The British traders started commercial tea production in India with the help of geographical and natural advantages. An interesting fact is, Indians used to use tea leaves as an herbal treatment before this trade expansion.
Taiwan: Currently one of the famous tea producers and exporter countries is Taiwan. Taiwanese have introduced a variety of exotic tastes in tea in recent years.
Different kinds of tea:
As the tea market expanded, the choice of the consumers also varied from time to time. Here we have got the top 5 favorite flavors of the consumers worldwide.
1. Green tea: This tea is prepared in less heat or steam and tendered process. A bag of green tea holds the maximum amount of antioxidants amongst all kinds of tea. However, the flavor can change depending on the manufacturers. Some common flavors are Bilouchun (Chinese style), Genmaicha, Matcha, Sencha, and Gyokuro (Japanese style), Laoshan, etc.
2. Black Tea: This flavor is the oldest and the most sold flavor of all time of course after the end of the raw leaf era. Leaves are crushed, crunched, and dried properly to make this kind of tea. Few of the world's most favorite black tea flavors are - Darjeeling tea, Assamese black tea, Ceylon black tea, Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Masala Chai.
3. Oolong tea: This semi-oxidized and whole leaf tea has got a brilliant aroma that makes it exclusive in the market. It is also known as "Black Dragon Tea". Mostly known oolong flavors are - Bai Hao, Pouchong, Red robe, Iron Goddess, Frozen Peak.
Pu Erh tea: This tea is prepared using the oldest method of history. The leaves are hand toasted and dried in a fixed heat to prevent oxidation. Manufacturing companies advertise this tea as the "old and pure flavor". Anyway, here we find different flavors in Pu Erh tea such as Young raw Pu Erh, aged raw Pu Erh, ripe Pu Erh.
White tea: This flavor is produced from the youngest and most tender leaves. They have got light, delicate and fruity flavor. Darjeeling white tea, Gong mai, Shou mai are the most famous of white tea flavors.
Herbal tea
There's always been herbal tea beside the regular ones.
Here we've got the most famous herbal tea.
1. Chamomile tea
2. Ginger tea
3. Hibiscus tea
4. Mint tea
5. Rooibos tea
Benefits of drinking tea
1. Increase antioxidants in the blood.
2. Helpful for heart's health.
3. Help in reducing stress.
4. Good asset for neurons.
5. Ensure better skin.
6. Works on body's inflammation.
Advantages of herbal tea:
1. Good for maintaining a healthy sleeping routine.
2. Supporting asset for digestion process.
3. Can work on mild cold or inflammation.
4. Empower the immune system by increasing antioxidants.
5. Help in nausea or motion sickness.
6. Can be beneficial to control cholesterol.
7. Supportive to the liver.
8. Helps in maintaining a healthy weight.
9. Reduce stress level.
10. Support brain activities.
Tea is a flavored drink, but we can't expect it to be the cure for health or anything like healer herb. An excessive amount of tea can cause serious health damage. So, we request you to be sensible enough when you consume it.
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