TEA 101
What is the difference between Black tea anD OOLONG TEA? What do you mean “Dont over-steep”? YOu can reuse a tea bag?!?
The answers to all of your burning questions await.
According to Chinese legend, around 2737 BCE, Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water. Tea became a popular drink in China, especially among the elite. During the 9th century, Buddhist monks brought tea to Japan, where it became integral to Zen rituals, leading to the development of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Tea spread along the Silk Road, reaching Central Asia and the Middle East, introducing the beverage to new cultures.
Where did it all begin?
How are tea leaves processed?
Tea leaves are hand-plucked or machine-harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant. Only the top two leaves and the bud are typically picked. Freshly plucked leaves are spread out to wilt and lose moisture. This makes them pliable and prepares them for further processing. For some teas, leaves are lightly rolled or tumbled to break down their cell walls, releasing enzymes and starting oxidation.
For some teas, leaves are lightly rolled or tumbled to break down their cell walls, releasing enzymes and starting oxidation. Leaves are heated to stop oxidation at the desired level. This can be done by steaming (common in Japanese teas) or pan-firing (common in Chinese teas). They are then rolled to shape and to further break down the cell walls, enhancing flavor release. This can be done by hand or machine. Leaves are dried to reduce moisture content to about 2-3%, ensuring they are shelf-stable. Drying methods include sun-drying, oven-drying, or baking.
Are different teas processed differently?
Green Tea: Leaves are quickly heated after plucking to prevent oxidation, then rolled and dried.
Black Tea: Leaves are fully oxidized, giving them a dark color and rich flavor.
Oolong Tea: Leaves are partially oxidized, striking a balance between green and black teas.
White Tea: Leaves are minimally processed, simply withered and dried.
Pu-erh Tea: Leaves are fermented and aged, undergoing microbial fermentation.
Matcha: Green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder.
IS TEA ACTUALLY GOOD FOR YOU?
Tea offers numerous health benefits due to its rich antioxidant content, particularly polyphenols and catechins, which combat oxidative stress and reduce chronic disease risk. Regular consumption of tea can improve heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, aid in weight management by boosting metabolism and controlling appetite, and enhance brain function through caffeine and L-theanine, which improve mood and focus. Tea's antioxidants may also help prevent certain cancers, regulate blood sugar levels for diabetes management, and promote digestive health with probiotics and soothing effects. Additionally, tea supports oral health by reducing bacterial growth, may improve bone density, contributes to hydration, and benefits skin health with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. Lastly, tea can reduce stress levels, offering a calming effect without drowsiness.
Steeping your tea at the correct temperature (but not for too long!) is key in brewing a smooth and flavorful cup. Follow this guide to know what to do for each kind of tea.
DID YOU KNOW…
Iced Tea: Popularized at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair when a vendor chilled his hot tea to attract overheated visitors.
Tea Bags: Invented by accident in 1908 by American tea merchant Thomas Sullivan, who sent samples in silk bags and customers dunked the bags in hot water.
Oldest Tea: The oldest known cultivated tea tree is about 3,200 years old and is located in Yunnan Province, China.
Tea Consumption: After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. An estimated 2 billion people drink tea every morning!
Tea's Namesake: The word "tea" comes from the Chinese word "cha" or "te," depending on the dialect. Most Western languages derived their terms for tea from "te."
