Chinese tea

China Tea: Different Kinds of Chinese Tea

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• published: 08 Aug 2012
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Chinese Tea http://youtu.be/6JJAm5P4w1Q China is unarguably the birthplace of tea. Today, there are so many variations all over the globe, although most tea drinkers and experts say that Chinese tea is still the best of them all. The popular drink has been savored and enjoyed by millions for more than a millennia. It continues to be served in different preparations and recipes through a variety of processes for health, special occasions or to just relax at home. The Birth of Tea Chinese tea is said to have been first brewed in 2737 BC by a servant of the Chinese Emperor Shennong when a tea leaf accidentally dropped into a cup of served hot water. There are various documents throughout history showing how tea drinking developed. Tea became wildly popular throughout ancient China, forcing emperors to send troops and servants to different ends of the land for the rarest kinds and even using tea as a form of currency. Tea was also highly valued because of its proven soothing and medicinal effects. Chinese tea was discovered to produce several great effects on mental and physical health, such as boosting digestion, getting rid of wastes and irritants in the body, hastening the healing process, improving blood circulation, improving concentration and focus, elevating mood and relaxing the muscles. There are also special effects of tea, such as quickly getting rid of nicotine from the body, functioning as a diuretic to get rid of excess water and working as a catalyst for certain drugs and ingredients to boost health. Tea Preparations Tea preparations and methods also varied throughout the ages. Some people make crushed and formed teacakes to share during special events like birthdays or the New Year. Others preferred the modern way of roasting the tea leaves instead of steaming. Others also use a variety of items for preparing and serving tea. Different tea sets were manufactured according to the particular preferences of individuals. You will find porcelain wares, earthenware, glassware and even tea sets made of steel or gold. There are also associations with the various types of Chinese tea being served. Monks, fortune tellers and spiritual healers say that tea drives out demons among possessed individuals. Others claim that it's important to drink tea during the New Year or on your birthday for good luck and fortune. The Types of Tea Many of the Chinese tea types available today are from the same plants and leaves gathered centuries ago. The known varieties include black tea, white tea, green tea, oolong tea, yellow tea, red tea, pu-erh tea, jasmine tea, kudin tea and chrysanthemum tea. Different kinds of herbal and medicinal teas are also available. The big fact is all tea originates from one source only - the Camilla Sinensis plant. There are four general types of tea, according to the appearance, source, age and process. These are namely white tea, green tea, black tea and oolong tea. White tea come from tea leaves with buds that are yet to open, causing the white appearance. Green tea is not fermented and stays in the same leaf color. Black tea is fermented and processed so it appears dark or black. Oolong tea appears as a combination of black and green because the leaves are not fully fermented. Scented teas are a special type comprised of petals and flowers instead of leaves. The jasmine tea belongs to this type. Tea can be prepared in different ways by adding other ingredients and changing the duration, method or slight tools of the process. Grading Teas There are also various grades and levels of quality. Centuries ago, these were rated depending on the time and season the leaves were picked, the province where the tea leaves come from and the method of cultivating and growing the tea bushes. There were farmers that specialized in tea plant growing. Until today, experts continue to grade and score the quality and excellence of tea in various settings. There are super premium teas, premier grade teas and second to fourth grade tea. The prices of each will also differ according to quality and source. Even though some variants of tea plants are grown in other areas of the world, many tea enthusiasts and experts say that the original flavor of Chinese tea can only be enjoyed from products directly harvested in particular provinces.