It's tea time

In India, anytime is Tea time. Guess what do people consume the most after water as beverage? No awards here- its Tea.

The story of how a Camellia sinesis (botanical name of tea plant) shoot with twin leaves and a bud became the most popular beverage after water is a romantic one. A Chinese emperor accidentally discovered it when a few teas fell into a pot of boiling water, rendering it flavoured and energetic. From carrying innumerable history in its’ wake like The Boston Tea Party to being part of diverse cultures & being reflected in literature like the Tea Party in Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland, Tea is a super beverage.

India, Kenya, China & Sri Lanka are world leaders in Tea exports. In terms of annual consumption, Ireland leads the charts.

Mainly depending on the time of processing, tea can be classified as White, Black, Green and Oolong.

the difference comes from how fresh leaves of tea plant are processed and their level of contact with oxygen. During oxidation, tea leaves undergo natural chemical reactions that result in distinctive colour and taste. Ideally, tea is a healthy tonic because of absence of sodium, fats, carbonation or sugar; hence it is almost calorie free. Tea promotes fluid balance in the body and contains natural antioxidants. Tannin which contributes to taste and pungency of tea also holds for the health benefits of it.

The Most popular types of tea include

Black Tea- Rich in anti-oxidants Theaflavins and Thearubins. Contain approximately 40 mg caffeine per cup.

Green Tea- There are many sub-varieties like Sencha, Genmaicha, Gyukoro & Matcha (Japanese teas), Gunpowder, Longjing (Chinese teas). They are rich in catechins antioxidants and contain 30 mg caffeine per cup.

Oolong Tea- Flavour of Oolong tea varies from sweet, honey like, milky to roasted.

White Tea- Leaves are picked tender and young and contains more amount of Antioxidants than any other variety. White tea is good for cancer prevention, and also assists weight loss.

Having read the above, the following are preparations rather than types of teas. Have a sip of tea while you read.

Herbal Tea

They are herbal infusions, popularly known as Tisanes. Tisanes are brews from herbs, floral parts, fruits and roots. Chamomile tea for instance induces sleep.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea originates from South Africa and is quite popular in the African continent and Middle East. Again, Rooibos is not extracted from Camellia sinensis, but from the roots and twigs of Rooibos. The preparation is caffeine free. The tea is has a sweet and nutty flavour and aids in digestion.

Darjeeling Tea

One of the costliest tea in the world, the Darjeeling tea is cultivated at Darjeeling region in India. The tea leaves have a distinct flavour. Darjeeling tea is known by sobriquets like “Queen of all teas”, “Champagne of all teas” etc.

masala Chai

Black tea decoction, sugar and milk combine to make masala chai. Masala means spices. Indian tea is flavoured using variety of spice options like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves and pepper. For a change, sugar can be replaced by jaggery or honey. Consuming tea has been a part of Indian culture for ages.

Iced Tea

It all began in 1904 in St. Louis world fair, when Richard Blechynden, one of the participants could not sell his hot tea owing to hot summer. He experimented introducing the iced tea to his visitors and that was the eureka moment for him and the world. Since then Iced tea became not only popular, but also a multibillion dollar industry. Iced tea is also available in cans and tetra packs.

Flavoured Teas

The natural flavour of tea is twisted by addition of few commonly available as well as exotic ingredients. Flavouring brings the special aroma and makes the tea milder and refreshing.

Lemon Tea

Lemon tea is quite popular around the world. Black tea is inoculated with lemon juice to pamper the tongue with hot flavoured Lemon tea.  Lemon juice itself is rich in antioxidants and forms a great combo with tea to boost immunity, fight cancer, aid weight loss, and burn fat and cure common cold and flu. This tea is perfect for the lazy mornings.

Peach Tea

Peach flavoured tea is one of the most popular teas across the world. Peach tea suits being served at beaches, swimming pool and clubs as afternoon tea, although it is preferable at any part of the day. It is usually consumed cold or iced and served sweet.

Rose Tea

Black tea is simmered with rose petals to derive this concoction. Rose tea is ideal for a date, romantic evening or along with candle light dinner.

Cinnamon Tea

Adding Cinnamon to the boiling tea leaves renders it strong and spicy. This is preferable during cold winters for any time tea cravings. Cinnamon with its’ own properties to fight cold makes it a great sip.

Orange Peel Tea

Adding Orange peel while the tea leaves are boiled adds a tang to it. The fruity flavoured drink can be consumed cold as well as hot.

Jasmine Tea

Adding floral parts of Jasmine with tea leaves brings in the anti-ageing properties present in the jasmine plant. The light flavoured Jasmine tea is laden with antioxidants that neutralize the free radicals occurring in the body.

Mint Tea

Addition of mint infuses the juices from mint and yields a tempting mint tea. Known to calm stomach and refresh moods, mint tea is consumed hot. It is a natural stimulant with less amount of caffeine and palatable.

Likewise addition of Lavender or basil spikes the tea to achieve an incomparable ecstasy.