Chinese tea, types and origins
This article will tell you about the origins of Chinese tea and its different types.
The Chinese are undoubtedly the most knowledgeable people when it comes to tea. The importance of tea in Chinese culture is difficult to overstate. In ancient times, it was used as currency and cash.
The origin of Chinese tea
Although the first mentions of tea are already 5,000 years old, it is not clear when it became brew to make a drink, is still unknown. Ancient Chinese folklore It points to one date when it happened, then to another.
But it all began, they say, when tea plant flowers fell into Emperor Shen Hong's cup of boiling water. The result of the flowers' soaking in the cup pleased the emperor so much that both the flowers and the leaves of the tea plant were later brewed specifically for this purpose.
True, tea was initially used solely as a medicinal remedy. It was noted to be effective in relieving digestive problems. That's why most Chinese prefer to drink it immediately after meals.
The art of drinking Chinese tea began to develop in the 8th century, after Lu Yu's "Classic Art of Tea" was written. Lu Yu, a poet and former Buddhist priest, gave specific instructions in his work on how to boil water for tea, how to brew it, and serve this drink.
For example, water had to be simmered over very low heat, and tea leaves had to be placed in mugs, made of porcelain. The ideal place for drinking tea was a pavilion next to a pond with floating lilies, in the company of a desirable woman. Incidentally, much of Lu Yu's book is still used not only in Chinese tea ceremonies but in the art of tea brewing throughout the world.
Thus, after the publication of Yu's book, tea's popularity spread throughout China. Tea became not only a common drink, but also the subject of legends and poems. Emperors presented it to their most distinguished subjects as gifts. A little later, teahouses were also incorporated into landscape design.
Types of Chinese tea
Many people might be surprised to learn that all types of tea come from the same plant. Despite hundreds of varieties, only four major groups are recognized:
- White teaIts leaves are harvested before the tea plant's buds have fully opened.
- Green teaIt is not fermented during the preparation process, so it retains its natural green color.
- Yellow teaMade from unripe tea buds, it is considered a lightly fermented tea.
– Black tea. Its leaves are fermented during processing, which is why they acquire a darker color.
- OolongThis tea is partially fermented, which is why it has a greenish-black color.
- Pu-erh teaThis fermented tea can be brewed in the simplest way in a teapot (gaiwan).
There's another type of tea—flavored tea. In addition to green and oolong tea leaves, it contains flowers and buds of other plants. The most famous of these is jasmine green tea.
While most of us don't have lily ponds or tea houses, we can all enjoy a cup of tea while sitting in the kitchen or on a bench in the yard.
With just a little practice, anyone can make this tasty and healthy drink.
The origin of Chinese tea
Although the first mentions of tea are already 5,000 years old, it is not clear when it became brew to make a drink, is still unknown. Ancient Chinese folklore It points to one date when it happened, then to another.
But it all began, they say, when tea plant flowers fell into Emperor Shen Hong's cup of boiling water. The result of the flowers' soaking in the cup pleased the emperor so much that both the flowers and the leaves of the tea plant were later brewed specifically for this purpose.
True, tea was initially used solely as a medicinal remedy. It was noted to be effective in relieving digestive problems. That's why most Chinese prefer to drink it immediately after meals.
The art of drinking Chinese tea began to develop in the 8th century, after Lu Yu's "Classic Art of Tea" was written. Lu Yu, a poet and former Buddhist priest, gave specific instructions in his work on how to boil water for tea, how to brew it, and serve this drink.
For example, water had to be simmered over very low heat, and tea leaves had to be placed in mugs, made of porcelain. The ideal place for drinking tea was a pavilion next to a pond with floating lilies, in the company of a desirable woman. Incidentally, much of Lu Yu's book is still used not only in Chinese tea ceremonies but in the art of tea brewing throughout the world.
Thus, after the publication of Yu's book, tea's popularity spread throughout China. Tea became not only a common drink, but also the subject of legends and poems. Emperors presented it to their most distinguished subjects as gifts. A little later, teahouses were also incorporated into landscape design.
Types of Chinese tea
Many people might be surprised to learn that all types of tea come from the same plant. Despite hundreds of varieties, only four major groups are recognized:
- White teaIts leaves are harvested before the tea plant's buds have fully opened.
- Green teaIt is not fermented during the preparation process, so it retains its natural green color.
- Yellow teaMade from unripe tea buds, it is considered a lightly fermented tea.
– Black tea. Its leaves are fermented during processing, which is why they acquire a darker color.
- OolongThis tea is partially fermented, which is why it has a greenish-black color.
- Pu-erh teaThis fermented tea can be brewed in the simplest way in a teapot (gaiwan).
There's another type of tea—flavored tea. In addition to green and oolong tea leaves, it contains flowers and buds of other plants. The most famous of these is jasmine green tea.
While most of us don't have lily ponds or tea houses, we can all enjoy a cup of tea while sitting in the kitchen or on a bench in the yard.
With just a little practice, anyone can make this tasty and healthy drink.
Author of the article: Natalia Semenova "TopCook"
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