According to Chinese lore, the first tea infusion was discovered by the legendary Emperor Shennong, who also taught the people agriculture and herbal medicine. The drink was discovered accidentally when wild tea leaves fell into boiling water - when the Emperor tasted it he found it delightful and began the tradition of tea drinking. Written records confirm that the Chinese were drinking this beverage by 1000 BCE, mostly for its medicinal value. By the 7th century CE, tea was drunk as a social beverage for pleasure.
All green and black teas come from the same source, camellia sinensis, the tea tree. The difference in flavor and appearance comes from different methods of harvesting and processing the tea. Green tea is a mature leaf, harvested and pan roasted to preserve the flavor and color. This is the most popular tea in China. Green tea is an important health tonic in Chinese medicine, and is growing in popularity in the Western world. Scientific research has confirmed the antioxidant content of green tea. Antioxidants are sought after to fight the effects of aging and improve the immune system. The mild caffeine content of green tea is energizing, but much less acidic than coffee. Green tea comes in many different grades and varieties. Sencha is a smooth, refreshing Japanese green tea, with a beautiful color and cut to the leaf. Gunpowder is a dark, eye-opening Chinese green tea which is rolled into a traditional pinhead shape. We recommend steeping green tea for 2 - 3 minutes in hot water. Don't boil the leaves! It will become very bitter. Good quality green teas can be steeped several times with the same leaves. Just add a little extra time to each extra brew.
Black tea is most popular in England, Europe, and the United States. Black tea comes from mature leaves, which are then dried in the sun and allowed to oxidize. This process changes the appearance and flavor of the leaves, giving a rich, smooth taste. Many black teas are grown in India, a practice that flourished during the rule of the British Empire, and remains an important activity today. Varieties such as Darjeeling and Earl Grey are traditional British styles of tea that have become very popular in the United States. Black tea has many of the same antioxidants as green tea, though some are lost during the drying process. Still, the health benefits of black tea, especially compared to coffee or soda, are reputed to be excellent. Black tea is versatile, and is the basis of many coffeehouse favorites such as chai lattes - a drink which can be easily made at home by adding some Indian Spice to a strong black tea such as Assam, and then adding milk to the finished brew. For most black teas, we recommend brewing for 3-5 minutes in hot, not boiling, water. Ultimately, the amount of time you steep the tea is a matter of personal preference, and with a little experience you will find the perfect strength for your palate.
Whether you choose green tea or black tea, you will be participating in one of the oldest and most revered cultural practices in human history. Modern technology has yet to improve upon the simple pleasure of steeping leaves in hot water, but it has made tea and tea culture accessible to people all over the world. Exotic and unique teas, once the exclusive province of Chinese kings and emperors, are now available for everyone to enjoy and reap the natural health benefits.
If you are interested in learning more about teas and other hot beverages with health benefits. Visit Phoenix Herb Company
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