How Tea Began
History tells us that tea has been around for at least 3,000 years. We know that is was first grown in China and China still produces some of the best tea today. The best Oolong tea is grown in Taiwan. Japan is best known for its green tea.
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?
Tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis or Thea sinensis plant. Tea is usually made with hot water. Most people just call the leaves that make tea, tea leaves. The name tea is also the name for a lunch type meal served in the middle of the day in which tea is served with a variety of dishes.
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.
Within these three main types of tea exist many variations.
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 is a drink made by steeping an herb in water that is hot.
2. Tisane which in French means any herbal drink.
Tisane most often is made from one or more of the following herbs: rose hips, lemon verbana, fennel, and peppermint. There are many tea companies that specialize exclusively in tisane teas.
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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