Tea is one of the most important and widely consumed beverages in the world. Its importance stretches back centuries and the history of tea cultivation has become intertwined with the shaping of Western civilization.
Here we will discuss some details about Chinese tea — its origin, production, types, consumption, etc.
Chinese tea is a high-quality green tea. It has the following characteristics:
- The leaves are long, narrow and curved, with green or yellowish-green color;
- It has very good quality and aroma;
- Yellowish green in color, in the cup, it gives off a special strong fragrance and taste. (Baihao Tea)
Origin
Tea is one of the four great inventions of ancient China (the others being paper making, the compass, and gunpowder). Tea leaves have been found among the remains of a human settlement in the region of modern Changsha in Hunan Province. Chinese legend ascribes the discovery of tea by Shennong, a legendary emperor and herbalist.
The most plausible explanation is that tea was discovered by accident in 2737 BC when some tea leaves were blown into a pot on a boiling fire. It is said that the emperor and his courtiers liked its peculiar aroma so much that they insisted on drinking it every day for health reasons. It was also a mark of distinction that people in the upper social classes added certain rare ingredients when they made their tea (Zhu, 2000).
Tea Culture in China
Tea, in general, is widely consumed, not just for its taste but also for its health benefits and has been consumed for thousands of years by the Chinese. Tea is a very important part of Chinese culture and customs; it is often served with meals as well as at parties.
The Chinese tea ceremony
The Chinese tea ceremony is not just a sign of respect and hospitality, but an art form. What this ancient ritual signifies is a willingness to slow down and enjoy the little things in life. Here, we take a look at the history and importance of this ceremony.
Production and types
Chinese tea is classified into four categories: green tea, yellow tea, black tea and white tea. Its production process is mostly the same but it has different properties. Green tea is produced with fresh leaves picked before the plants have bloomed. Yellow and black teas are produced with withered leaves. White teas are produced with unprocessed or barely processed buds (Baihao Tea)
Consumption
Tea has been an important national beverage for over 3,000 years in China (Baihao Tea). It is a common beverage in China and many other countries.
It is consumed in many types of social situations and on special occasions, such as after dinner at home or with snacks at a teahouse. It is also served to guests during most formal and informal social gatherings (Baihao Tea).
The history of Chinese tea
Tea has been consumed in China since 200 BC and has become a cultural staple. The process starts by harvesting the leaves from a plant, which is then withered, rolled into pellets and dried before being infused with hot water to create tea. There are many varieties but generally, they are classified as black, green or oolong teas.
Chinese tea has been around since the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 B.C.). It is made by steaming and roasting the leaves of the tea plant. This process produces a healthy beverage with a mild flavor and aroma. Chinese tea may have a sweet taste, or it may be similar to brewed green tea.
Some types of Chinese tea may even have a smoky flavor, which is caused by burning the fresh leaves and stems of the plant before making the beverage. This is done to increase the number of antioxidants in each cup of tea that you drink.
Types of Chinese tea
China has been a major producer of tea for thousands of years, according to ancient Chinese historical texts the earliest tea consisted of leaves and stems of plants that were boiled to be drinkable. Later on, they discovered that aging the leaves made them more palatable, resulting in what has been called white tea. Although historically China was not known for its oolong or black teas, today they represent most of the varieties produced in China.
Black
Aside from being one of the most popular types of Chinese tea, Orchids Black Tea is probably one of the oldest types as it was created over 2000 years ago during the Tang Dynasty in the 9th century BC. The most popular of these teas are Chinxi, Black Pu-erh and Keemun.
Black teas are made from fully grown leaves, which have had their natural color removed through withering and oxidization, leaving the leaves a deep red color. The leaves are then rolled in order to break down CO2 pockets for easier infusion. These are dried at high temperatures in ovens. The cup will be light to dark reddish brown with a pungent aroma and taste.It is best served black with milk or sweetener as it can be quite bitter otherwise.
Oolong
Oolong teas are made from a mix of different types of tea leaves that have been rolled and oxidized to adapt to the methods required by oolong tea makers. The primary difference is that oolong teas retain their green color. This tea is usually drunk with milk unless you prefer it without milk or after meals. The majority of people drink these types of teas with milk or as digestive tea. These teas can range from sweeter to more bitter than black ones.
Green
It is the first step in the process of tea. The ancient Chinese would enjoy meeting friends, family and colleagues for a simple afternoon tea. During this time, it was hard to find a good cup of tea as processing techniques were not as advanced as they are now. This type of tea is usually finely grated and can be found in either green or white form.
Also known as Long Jing in Chinese, It is made from the best leaves during the spring months of April to May; these leaves are then rolled into balls and dried before being steamed and served. Green teas are popular with those who prefer more tart teas, often enjoyed after meals but also with milk after meals for a more palatable taste. The most popular of these teas are the Tieguanyin and the Dragon Well.
White
This type is made from fresh tea leaves that have then been dried at low temperatures. This produces a full-bodied and sweet tea with a clean taste. The leaves are then rolled into balls and dried in ovens. It is best served with milk, although it can be enjoyed by itself if you prefer. White teas tend to be more expensive than black or green teas and are often mixed together, such as green white tea or oolong white tea.
Dark tea
Another type of Chinese tea is Dark Tea, also known as Milk Oolong Tea (in English), which is made from tea leaves that are withered and rolled into balls or grains. The process of cooling the tea is a very important step in making this type of tea for the flavors it imparts. After being rolled, the balls are then dried to create a rich mellow taste with a full body and sweet flavor. This type of tea tends to be enjoyed in the evening after dinner. These teas can range from mild to more bitter than other types. It is best served with milk but you can drink it by itself if you prefer as it will not make you sleepy as some other types do.
Yellow tea
This type of tea is made from fresh tea leaves that have then been dried at low temperatures. This produces a full-bodied and sweet tea with a clean taste. The leaves are then rolled into balls and dried in ovens. It is best served with milk, although it can be enjoyed by itself if you prefer. Green teas tend to be more expensive than black or green teas and are often mixed together, such as green white tea or oolong white tea.
Mandarin orange pekoe
Mandarin orange pekoe is a term used to describe the traditional style of “Ceremonial” Chinese teas considered more suitable for meetings and important occasions, mainly when one wants to impress others. The name gives an indication of the kinds of teas found under this category.
Iron goddess of mercy
Iron goddess of mercy tea is a traditional Chinese tea, which is named after an imperial concubine in the Qing dynasty. The term literally means “Tribute Tea”. This type of tea was originally from the area around Gudang, near Dongting Lake in Hunan province, but due to its popularity has been growing all across China.
Pu-erh tea
A type of fermented tea that originated in Southern Yunnan Province in China. This kind of tea uses “certain wild tea leaves” that are fermented under certain conditions for a long time. This is a very popular type of tea in China with an increasing demand in the west.
Oriental Beauty
A type of black tea that has white peony blossoms added to it during the fermentation process. This kind of tea was named after a Chinese opera lady, as one of her most famous roles had to do with this kind of tea.
Tung Ting
A green oolong variety tea was introduced into China by Wuyi Yancha (Rock Tea). It is made from semi-wild arbor-camellia sinensis varieties of leaves harvested from Taihu County, Suzhou District and Jinhua City in Zhejiang Province.
Ling Long
A type of oolong tea that is sipped as a way to cure one of indigestion or whatever ails you. It is believed this tea can bestow good fortune on the drinker because it was believed to counteract other types of negative energy. This tea was first grown in the Ling Mountain area, between Jiangxi and Fujian provinces.
Hotei
This is also another name for an old Chinese monk. In Chinese folklore, Hotei was known for his selling skills and longevity in spite of his hard-living style, bringing happiness to those he met. This kind of tea is named after him.
Gold Spiral
This is a kind of green tea originating from Anxi County in Fujian province. It was first grown in 1907 and was named after its twisted shape, representative of “good fortune”, as well as a long life. The color is golden-yellow.
Tie Guan Yin
Tie Guan Yin is probably the most well-known Oolong tea, it is named after the place where it was first produced and is also known as ‘Iron Buddha’. The leaves are light in color and range from green to dark brown, depending on when it was harvested.
Ti Kuan Yin
This type of oolong was named after the monastery that developed it in Wan An county, Fujian province. It is a rare type of oolong with a delicate taste and the highest price tag among all Oolongs. It is these leaves that are used to make the Chinese Imperial tea, Da Hong Pao.
Diwu Qing Yu
This type of oolong was first developed by Zhong Jinglin in Qingyun county, Fujian province and the tea leaves are of a purple-brown color from harvesting in summer. The tea is named after its meaning ‘Grave Sound’.
Wuyi Rock Tombs Tea
A green tea that has been grown in Fujian province for hundreds of years and is also one of China’s rarest types. Its leaves are small, densely packed and have a good amount of vitamins that make it a great medicine to drink when drinking green tea.
Chinese Herbal Tea
This tea is made from dried herbs or seeds that are crushed to make tea. Some of the most common and well-known Chinese herbs are astragalus, dong quai, ginger, kudzu ( Pueraria lobata ), licorice, lycium, ginseng, and schizandra.
Benefits of Chinese tea
Chinese Tea is an ancient Chinese drink that has many benefits for your health.
- Balance of yin and yang, regulates body fluids
- Promotes skin health
- Improves bone density
- Strengthens immunity system
- Contains antioxidants, which can reduce the risk of cancer by 66%
Chinese Tea’s unique yin-yang balance contains nutrients that can help your overall health improve. One half of tea leaves contain more of the yin properties, while the other half contains more of the yang properties. The leaves provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including:
- Vitamin A (Beta-carotene)
- Iron and iron-containing compounds
- Chromium
- Calcium
- Potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Other nutrients include substances such as:
- Beta-sitosterol (a sterol found in avocado) that helps lower cholesterol levels.
