10 Little-Known Facts About Tea

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Blooming Tea

For nearly five thousand years, people have been enjoying tea. Discovered in China, it is currently one of the most popular beverages worldwide, second only to coffee. Sometimes it’s sipped on the go, and other times it’s prepared in traditional ways, with great ceremony. There are many different varieties to choose from, and there is a lot of history behind this beloved drink as well, much of which you may not know.

1. The Discovery

Originally used for medicinal purposes such as detoxification, it was often chewed rather than being drunk from pretty painted China cups. According to folklore, the beverage was first discovered when the leaves from some tea bushes blew into the water that servants were boiling, to purify it for Emperor Shen Nong to drink. The leaves went unnoticed, and the water was served to the emperor, who was also an herbalist. Upon drinking this accidental brew, which he very much enjoyed, the concept of drinking tea was born.

2. They Are All One

There are several different types, including black, oolong, green, and white. They all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but the difference lies in how the leaves are treated after they are harvested. All tea leaves are withered, rolled, and heated. Different varieties are created depending on the additional steps or in the timing of the steps that are taken before the leaves are packaged.

• Black tea: The most commonly consumed (about 84 percent of totals worldwide), it is also the most processed – but this doesn’t refer to the use of unhealthy sugary or artificial additives. Rather, the leaves are left to ferment until they turn black, then dried and packaged.
• Oolong tea: Follows a similar process to black tea; however, each individual stage is not as long.
• Green tea: Not put through any sort of fermentation process, it is either steamed or pan-fried.
• White tea: The least processed of the four. Picked earlier in the season and made from younger leaves, white tea leaves are typically only left to dry briefly in the sun before being prepared for packaging.

3. Tea or Tisane?

Now that you have learned that there are only a few different types, you may be wondering about all of the other ones that you’re aware of, like peppermint or echinacea. Well, hold on to your hats, people: these herbal drinks are technically not teas at all but rather something called a tisane. Although the word tisane was originally used to describe a drink made from pearl barley, it now commonly refers to any tea-style herbal infusion. And it can be made from nuts, seeds, berries, flowers, leaves, or roots. Fresh or dried herbs like mint and lavender can be used to make a tisane, though you’ll find that all of these brewed or infused drinks are referred to as “tea,” more often than not. You can also combine the two, making flavorful infusions of tea leaves brewed with your favorite herbs and spices, like fruit in an iced tea or cardamom in a steaming cup of homemade chai.

4. Tea and its Caffeine Content

While tea is often seen as a lower-caffeine alternative to coffee, it does indeed contain caffeine. However, the caffeine content can vary widely depending on the type of tea and how it’s brewed. Generally, a cup of black tea contains around half the caffeine of a cup of coffee, while green tea contains even less. White tea typically has the least caffeine of all.

5. Tea and its Medicinal Properties

Tea has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems for its various health benefits. Studies have shown that certain types of tea, particularly green tea, may help improve cardiovascular health, boost metabolism, and even reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.

6. Tea and its Rituals

Tea ceremonies are an integral part of many cultures around the world, including the Japanese tea ceremony, Chinese tea ceremonies, and British afternoon tea. These rituals often involve intricate processes for preparing and serving tea, as well as specific etiquette and symbolism.

7. Tea and its Environmental Impact

The tea industry, like many agricultural industries, can have significant environmental impacts, including deforestation, habitat destruction, and pesticide use. However, there is a growing movement towards sustainable and organic tea production practices to minimize these effects.

8. Tea and its Cultural Significance

Tea plays a central role in the social and cultural fabric of many societies. It is often associated with hospitality, friendship, and relaxation, and is frequently used as a symbol in literature, art, and rituals.

9. Tea and its Flavored Varieties

In addition to traditional teas, there is a wide variety of flavored teas available, including fruit-infused teas, floral teas, and spiced teas. These flavored teas add an extra dimension of taste and aroma to the drinking experience.

10. The Most Expensive Cup of Tea

The most expensive cup of tea in the world is Da-Hong Pao, a rare variety of oolong tea from the Wuyi Mountains in China. This tea is highly prized for its rich flavor and complex aroma, which is said to include notes of orchid, honey, and ripe fruit. A single gram of Da-Hong Pao tea can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making it one of the most sought-after teas among collectors and enthusiasts alike.