What is tea?
What actually IS tea?
What actually IS tea?
What actually IS tea?
Tea is a beverage made from the leaves of the evergreen shrub known as Camellia Sinensis, which was originally grown as a tree but over time was cultivated into small plants to make them easier to harvest. There is a tree in Yunnan which is over 3,200 years old and is said to be the oldest living tea tree in the world! Yunnan is said to b
Tea is a beverage made from the leaves of the evergreen shrub known as Camellia Sinensis, which was originally grown as a tree but over time was cultivated into small plants to make them easier to harvest. There is a tree in Yunnan which is over 3,200 years old and is said to be the oldest living tea tree in the world! Yunnan is said to be the tea capital due to this and the fact that Yunnan is part of the region where tea was said to have first been discovered.
Tea is the second most popular consumed beverage in the world, just after water, with over 165 million cups being drank worldwide every day. If a tea is not made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, then it is called a tisane or herbal infusion.
There are 2 main versions of the Camellia Sinensis plant (and a secret third one):
- Camellia Sinensis Sinensis – the original Chinese variation, it is a small and shiny leaf
- Camellia Sinensis Assamica – the variation which, as the name implies, originates from Assam, it is a large, thick and bold leaf
- Camellia Sinensis Cambodiensis – a lesser-known variation that combines qualities of the main two, it is also known as the “Java Bush” and isn’t typically used to produce teas
The health benefits
What actually IS tea?
What actually IS tea?
Drinking tea provides numerous health benefits, such as:
-Higher concentration of caffeine than coffee
-High in L-Theanine, an amino acid which regulates caffeine so that it’s released slowly
-High in Zinc, important for cell growth and immune system
-High in Potassium, vital for maintaining body fluid levels
-High in Manganese, essenti
Drinking tea provides numerous health benefits, such as:
-Higher concentration of caffeine than coffee
-High in L-Theanine, an amino acid which regulates caffeine so that it’s released slowly
-High in Zinc, important for cell growth and immune system
-High in Potassium, vital for maintaining body fluid levels
-High in Manganese, essential for bone growth and body development
-High in Fluoride, protecting teeth and gums
-High in catechins/ polyphenols, which act as antioxidants
-Protects against forms of cancer, heart disease and strokes
Factors affecting tea
What actually IS tea?
Factors affecting tea
There are various factors that affect the growth and quality of the tea plants, which typically include:
Terroir:
-Soil fertility – more fertile soil provides more nutrients for the plant
-Where it grows – the country the tea grows in will have a certain climate
-Season and climate – tea generally prefers a warm and humid climate, with
There are various factors that affect the growth and quality of the tea plants, which typically include:
Terroir:
-Soil fertility – more fertile soil provides more nutrients for the plant
-Where it grows – the country the tea grows in will have a certain climate
-Season and climate – tea generally prefers a warm and humid climate, with a lot of rainfall
-Altitude – tea grows slower at higher altitudes, allowing essential oils to build in the teas
-Plucking methods
-Cultivation methods
-Manufacturing methods