Tea

Overview of Tea

Tea is a popular drink made from the leaves or buds of the tea bush Camellia sinensis. The usual preparation methods for tea imply steeping it in hot or boiling water for a short amount of time, usually a few minutes. The actual word, “tea”, comes from the Chinese language – it is pronounced “te” in the Min Nan dialect. Tea contains caffeine and is prepared for consumption through different processes, usually involving drying, heating and oxidation. Other spices and fruit skins may be added to the tea to enhance its flavor. The term of herbal tea refers to infusions of fruit or herbs, without containing the actual tea leaves or buds.

The basic composition of tea includes caffeine, polyphenols and essential oils. An average serving of tea contains only 1/2 to 1/3 of caffeine of the same serving size of coffee. Tea can be consumed hot or iced, and is, thus, a great beverage product both for cold and hot months. In order to improve storage, tea is often compressed, as it retains its flavor better, in time, than loose-leaf tea. On the other hand, loosely packed tea leaves area easier to use and they have excellent flavor when consumed in a relatively short time after they were packaged. The advantage of loose tea is that it allows each person obtain the tea intensity they like – it can be weaker or stronger tea, depending on how much of it is used.

Tea bags are however the most popular way of enjoying this beverage in the western world. The leaves are packed into paper bags that are steeped into hot water. Although for the majority of the population, the difference between tea coming from a tea bag and loose leafs is insignificant, some tea fanatics prefer to avoid tea bags, as the paper can sometimes alter the taste of the tea.

Tea History

Types of Tea

There are thousands and thousands of different types teas. But all teas will fit into these categories:

• Black Tea
• Oolong Tea
• Green Tea
• White Tea
• Red Tea
• Herbal Tea

Out of these types of tea, we will find thousands of variations!

Tea Production

• Black Tea Production
• Oolong Tea Production
• Green Tea Production
• White Tea Production
• Red Tea Production
• Herbal Tea Production

Selecting Tea

Preparation Methods for Tea

Special Equipment for Tea

Tea Rituals and Ceremonies

People in Tea

Tea Recipes and Tea related Categories