In The Beginning... There Was Tea
Tea has been an item of trade and tribute for at least three thousand years. It was first cultivated and brewed in China, and many of the best varieties still come from China. Some of the finest oolongs in the world are grown in Taiwan. Japan also produces a considerable amount of green tea, most of which is consumed domestically.
The British started drinking Chinese tea and loved it. They began trading tea with other countries. To maximize profits, the British set up big tea plantations in India and cut the chinese out. Sri Lanka and India produce a large amount of the world's supply of tea.
What Exactly Is Tea?
Tea is a drink made by infusing leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis, or Thea sinensis) in hot water. The name 'tea' is also used to refer to the leaves themselves; and it is also the name of a mid- to late-afternoon meal in the British Isles and associated countries, at which tea (the drink) is served along with various foods.
The three main categories are green, black, and oolong. All three kinds are made from the same plant species. The major differences between them are a result of the different processing methods they undergo. Black teas undergo several hours of oxidation in their preparation for market; oolongs receive less oxidation, and green teas are not oxidized at all.
There are, of course, many different varieties within these three main categories.
What Is Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is tea mixed with herbs. Many people, to avoid confusion, do not call Herbal tea "tea" but instead use names like:
1. Herbal infusion with just means a herbal tea that is steeped in hot water.
2. Tisane which is the French word for every type of herbal drink.
Tisane usually has the following herbs: lemon verbena, peppermint, rose hips, and chamomile. Some companies specialize exclusively in herbal blends.
The FDA has increased pressure on companies that make herbal infusions that have some pretty crazy health claims on their packaging. But some herbs do have scientifically proven health benefits. For example, peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach. Keep in mind though that herbs can also cause health problems for example Chamomile can cause an allergic reaction.
Tea has been an item of trade and tribute for at least three thousand years. It was first cultivated and brewed in China, and many of the best varieties still come from China. Some of the finest oolongs in the world are grown in Taiwan. Japan also produces a considerable amount of green tea, most of which is consumed domestically.
The British started drinking Chinese tea and loved it. They began trading tea with other countries. To maximize profits, the British set up big tea plantations in India and cut the chinese out. Sri Lanka and India produce a large amount of the world's supply of tea.
What Exactly Is Tea?
Tea is a drink made by infusing leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis, or Thea sinensis) in hot water. The name 'tea' is also used to refer to the leaves themselves; and it is also the name of a mid- to late-afternoon meal in the British Isles and associated countries, at which tea (the drink) is served along with various foods.
The three main categories are green, black, and oolong. All three kinds are made from the same plant species. The major differences between them are a result of the different processing methods they undergo. Black teas undergo several hours of oxidation in their preparation for market; oolongs receive less oxidation, and green teas are not oxidized at all.
There are, of course, many different varieties within these three main categories.
What Is Herbal Tea
Herbal tea is tea mixed with herbs. Many people, to avoid confusion, do not call Herbal tea "tea" but instead use names like:
1. Herbal infusion with just means a herbal tea that is steeped in hot water.
2. Tisane which is the French word for every type of herbal drink.
Tisane usually has the following herbs: lemon verbena, peppermint, rose hips, and chamomile. Some companies specialize exclusively in herbal blends.
The FDA has increased pressure on companies that make herbal infusions that have some pretty crazy health claims on their packaging. But some herbs do have scientifically proven health benefits. For example, peppermint has a calming effect on the stomach. Keep in mind though that herbs can also cause health problems for example Chamomile can cause an allergic reaction.
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