Legend states that the tea was discovered by Chinese emperor Shennong in 2737 BCE. To make sure that his drinking water was clean, he always asked his servants to boil it. One day, while he and his group were traveling to a distant region, they stopped and rested. One of this servants boiled water and a leaf from a wild bush accidentally found its way into the water. No one noticed when the emperor drank it. Apparently, he loved it so much so much that tea has been in existence until today.
There are over a thousand varieties of Chinese tea at present. To make it easier for every one, it is divided into 5 basic classes.
Green Tea
Considered by many as the most popular class, green tea is prepared by drying the leaves to prevent fermentation. These are then rolled to retain their natural flavour. With very low caffeine content, many also regard green tea as the most medicinal of all. Some green tea varieties are Mao Feng, Lung Ching Dragonwell, and Jasmine White Monkey.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea, which means Black Dragon, has a stronger flavour because it is partly fermented. This is a popular class and kind as it is best known to break down fat and flush out the cholesterol from the body. Some of the most popular oolong tea varities are the Red Robe, Gold Turtle, Cassia, and Narcissus.
Black Tea
From its name, you can probably guess that black tea has a darker colour. This is due to the natural oxidation process the leaves undergo before it becomes a social drink. Just like oolong, this is also a good drink to clean the digestive system. Most black tea varieties are named after the region where they are grown—Keemun, Dian Hong, and Ying De Hong.
Considered by many as the most popular class, green tea is prepared by drying the leaves to prevent fermentation. These are then rolled to retain their natural flavour. With very low caffeine content, many also regard green tea as the most medicinal of all. Some green tea varieties are Mao Feng, Lung Ching Dragonwell, and Jasmine White Monkey.
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea, which means Black Dragon, has a stronger flavour because it is partly fermented. This is a popular class and kind as it is best known to break down fat and flush out the cholesterol from the body. Some of the most popular oolong tea varities are the Red Robe, Gold Turtle, Cassia, and Narcissus.
Black Tea
From its name, you can probably guess that black tea has a darker colour. This is due to the natural oxidation process the leaves undergo before it becomes a social drink. Just like oolong, this is also a good drink to clean the digestive system. Most black tea varieties are named after the region where they are grown—Keemun, Dian Hong, and Ying De Hong.
White Tea
Since this tea can only is only available for picking a few weeks in a year, this is considered as one of the most prizes teas in the world. To be considered authentic, the tealeaves of this class can only be found in the Fujian province, China. The process in making this tea is still kept a secret by the Chinese. Some of the white teas available are Longevity White Tea, White Peony, Silver Needle, and Long Life Eyebrow.
Flower Tea
Also referred to as scented tea, this is also made from specific leaf varieties. The only difference is that flower petals are sometimes added. This gives a sweet aroma and flavour. Some examples of flower tea are jasmine, chamomile, chrysanthemum, and rose tea.
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Since this tea can only is only available for picking a few weeks in a year, this is considered as one of the most prizes teas in the world. To be considered authentic, the tealeaves of this class can only be found in the Fujian province, China. The process in making this tea is still kept a secret by the Chinese. Some of the white teas available are Longevity White Tea, White Peony, Silver Needle, and Long Life Eyebrow.
Flower Tea
Also referred to as scented tea, this is also made from specific leaf varieties. The only difference is that flower petals are sometimes added. This gives a sweet aroma and flavour. Some examples of flower tea are jasmine, chamomile, chrysanthemum, and rose tea.