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.

==[[:Category:Tea History|Tea History]]==

==[[:Category:Types of Tea|Types of Tea]]==

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

* [[:Category:Black Tea|Black Tea]]

* [[:Category:Oolong Tea|Oolong Tea]]

* [[:Category:Green Tea|Green Tea]]

* [[:Category:White Tea Tea|White Tea]]

* [[:Category:Red Tea|Red Tea]]

* [[:Category:Herbal Tea|Herbal Tea]]

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

==[[:Category:Selecting Tea|Selecting Tea]]==

==[[:Category:Preparation Methods for Tea|Preparation Methods for Tea]]==

==[[:Category:Special Equipment for Tea|Special Equipment for Tea]]==

==[[:Category:Tea Rituals and Ceremonies|Tea Rituals and Ceremonies]]==

==[[:Category:People in Tea|People in Tea]]==

==Tea Recipes and Tea related Categories==

[[Category:Beverages]]