Tea is the second most consumed beverage behind water.Teas are classified based on their Flavor , growing conditions,color and the Methods of Processing.all types of tea begin with a tea leaf from the same plant ,the Camellia Sinensis plant.How the tea leaf is processed after it is picked determines if it becomes white, green, oolong,or black.There are thousands of different varieties of teas available in the world.Each type of tea has its own characteristics including a different taste and differing health benefits.The styles of tea are produced by altering the shape and chemistry of the leaf, rather unromantically called 'processing' or 'manufacture.'
Even though all teas come from only one species, there are three major varietals:
The China – Small leaves and generally thrives at higher altitudes.
The India (or Assam) – Larger leaves and generally thrives at lower altitudes.
The Hybrid – Kind of in-between the Chinese and Indian.
Tea Processing:
The history of tea is fascinating and offers great insight into the history of our world. Since tea was first discovered in China, it has traveled the world conquering the thirsts of virtually every country on the planet.
One legend claims that the discovery of tea occurred in 2737 BC by the Emperor of China. For several hundred years, people drank tea because of its herbal medicinal qualities.
By the time of the Western Zhou Dynasty, tea was used as a religious offering. During the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), tea plants were quite limited and only royalty and the rich drank tea not only for their health but also for the taste.
As more tea plants were discovered during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907), tea drinking became more common among lower classes and the Chinese government supported planting of tea plants and even the building of tea shops so everyone could enjoy tea.
Also during the Tang Dynasty, tea spread to Japan by Japanese priests studying in China.
Tea finally arrived in England during the 17th century when King Charles II married a Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza. The Queen made tea the drink of royalty and soon tea became a popular import to Britain via the East India Company.
In attempts to turn profits during the tea smuggling period, the East India Company began exporting the tea to America. The American tea was also taxed heavily and contributed to the cause of the Boston Tea Party.
The Perfect Tea Brewing :
Even though all teas come from only one species, there are three major varietals:
The China – Small leaves and generally thrives at higher altitudes.
The India (or Assam) – Larger leaves and generally thrives at lower altitudes.
The Hybrid – Kind of in-between the Chinese and Indian.
Tea Processing:
Tea processing is five basic steps; some teas don't utilize all of these steps, while other teas repeat them several times.
Basic processing is Plucking, Withering (allowing the leaves to wilt and soften), Rolling (to shape the leaves and wring out the juices), Oxidizing (see below) and Firing (ie: Drying).
The most crucial part, what defines the categories of tea, is Oxidizing. Oxidation occurs when the enzymes in the tea leaf interact with oxygen, after the cell walls are broken apart. This can happen quickly, through rolling, cutting or crushing, or more slowly through the natural decomposition of the leaf.
"Oxidation" is still referred to by some in the tea industry as "fermentation." This stems from an earlier belief that what was happening to the tea leaves
Sometimes, tea is sold as a blend of some combination of the four main types listed above. Teas can also be flavored with oils or scented withflower petals during the processing stage. They can also be combined with fruits and spices.
The History Of Tea:
Basic processing is Plucking, Withering (allowing the leaves to wilt and soften), Rolling (to shape the leaves and wring out the juices), Oxidizing (see below) and Firing (ie: Drying).
The most crucial part, what defines the categories of tea, is Oxidizing. Oxidation occurs when the enzymes in the tea leaf interact with oxygen, after the cell walls are broken apart. This can happen quickly, through rolling, cutting or crushing, or more slowly through the natural decomposition of the leaf.
"Oxidation" is still referred to by some in the tea industry as "fermentation." This stems from an earlier belief that what was happening to the tea leaves
Sometimes, tea is sold as a blend of some combination of the four main types listed above. Teas can also be flavored with oils or scented withflower petals during the processing stage. They can also be combined with fruits and spices.
The History Of Tea:
The history of tea is fascinating and offers great insight into the history of our world. Since tea was first discovered in China, it has traveled the world conquering the thirsts of virtually every country on the planet.
One legend claims that the discovery of tea occurred in 2737 BC by the Emperor of China. For several hundred years, people drank tea because of its herbal medicinal qualities.
By the time of the Western Zhou Dynasty, tea was used as a religious offering. During the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), tea plants were quite limited and only royalty and the rich drank tea not only for their health but also for the taste.
As more tea plants were discovered during the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907), tea drinking became more common among lower classes and the Chinese government supported planting of tea plants and even the building of tea shops so everyone could enjoy tea.
Also during the Tang Dynasty, tea spread to Japan by Japanese priests studying in China.
Tea finally arrived in England during the 17th century when King Charles II married a Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza. The Queen made tea the drink of royalty and soon tea became a popular import to Britain via the East India Company.
In attempts to turn profits during the tea smuggling period, the East India Company began exporting the tea to America. The American tea was also taxed heavily and contributed to the cause of the Boston Tea Party.
The Perfect Tea Brewing :
A great cup of tea starts with high quality tea leaves. Make sure your leaves come from a quality tea garden and aren't dust (leftovers after tea has been processed).
Heat water to the temperature recommended for your tea using a convenient hot water heater or a stovetop kettle.
Once water is heated, steep your tea for the recommended time (it varies by tea) in a teapot Add rock sugar or honey if you prefer and then pour tea into your favorite tea cup. Enjoy!
My personal favorite is green tea, with black tea coming up as a very close second, but I cannot say I have had much oolong tea or white tea to compare sufficiently.
Heat water to the temperature recommended for your tea using a convenient hot water heater or a stovetop kettle.
Once water is heated, steep your tea for the recommended time (it varies by tea) in a teapot Add rock sugar or honey if you prefer and then pour tea into your favorite tea cup. Enjoy!
My personal favorite is green tea, with black tea coming up as a very close second, but I cannot say I have had much oolong tea or white tea to compare sufficiently.
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