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An Overview Of Tea
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Written by: Fred Stiles
Total views: 18 |
Word Count: 409 |
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2009 |
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How Tea Began
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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.
We know that the British were responsible for spreading tea to different countries. The British set up huge tea plantations in India. Today, India, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries produce a large amount of the world's tea.
So What Is Tea?
Most people call the leaves that tea is made out of, tea leaves. The actual technical term for the plant used to make tea is Camellia sinensis. The most common way people drink tea is by putting the tea leaves in hot water. Tea is also the name given by the British to mean a mid-afternoon meal where tea is served with different foods.
There are 3 main types of tea: black, green, and oolong. What most people may not realize is that these 3 types are all made from the same Camellia sinensis plant. What makes them different are how the leaves are processed. With green tea, the leaves are not oxidized. Black tea is oxidized for several hours and oolong tea receives a little less oxidation.
There are, of course, many different varieties within these three main categories.
What Exactly 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, which simply means a drink made by steeping an herb in hot water. (Tea itself is an infusion of tea leaves.)
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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