Tea, which according to the latest historical data was discovered around 2, 600 BC. in China during the time of the mythical Emperor Shen Chung, quickly managed to spread around the world and continues to be regularly present at our table.
Unlike many European countries, where drinking tea is considered quite standard, in Asian countries certain rules are followed in its preparation and tea ceremonies are something sacred.
In our country, often in a hurry in everyday life, we make tea with tea bags, because it is made faster. A Chinese or a Japanese would feel genuine outrage at this. For them, making tea is a ritual. If you do not want to be ashamed, if you welcome your guests from the Far East for tea, here is what is important to know:
The choice of the tea set, which you will use to serve the tea is of great importance. Preferably it is porcelain and the handle of the jug is made of bamboo;
When choosing a tea jug, always make sure that the lid closes tightly, otherwise the tea may spill when served;
In China, tea is made in front of the guests in special rooms that are also used for prayers. Since it's not common to have such a rooms in our country, you can make tea in the kitchen, but you must show the tea leaves to your guests. This is related to the ancient tea ceremony known as Kung Fu;
Never allow yourself to buy tea bags, as this would be a sign of disrespect to your guests. Choose more expensive and aromatic teas, whether black, white, green, light green, red or yellow;
Before brewing tea, be sure to wash the jug, tea cups and tea leaves themselves with boiling water;
Real tea is drunk without sugar, so it is served only if one of the guests explicitly asks you to. However, never add sugar or other sweetener to the jug;
If you have bought small tea cups, such as those used for serving tea in China and Japan, it is good to prepare a second infusion before serving tea, because if you have done well so far, your guests will definitely ask for a second cup of tea.
As already mentioned, there are different types of tea and you need to know them well to use them properly.
Black tea is distinguished by its strong taste and aroma. This is a completely oxidized tea, the process contributes to the emphasis on various flavors of chocolate, citrus fruit or grapes. The brewing time of black tea is 3-5 minutes at a temperature of about 95-100°C.
Green tea - Unlike black tea, it does not oxidize. The various methods of treatment by exposure to dry heat or steam reveal some types of flavors, which can cover a wide range, from strong to fine citrus aroma, as well as flavors of walnut, floral flavors or vanilla. The time for brewing green tea is 2-3 minutes at a temperature of about 75-85°C.
White tea is low in caffeine but very high in antioxidants. It has a delicate aroma due to the minimal processing. Brewing time of white tea - from 5 to 10 minutes at a temperature of 100°C.
More tips for tea
Warm and fragrant tea, which is indispensable in the homes of each of us. We consume it daily and appreciate its healing properties, but also the taste. Many times, however, when we enter a tea shop, we look specifically for the brands we see in the ads.
What we don't know is that some types of tea can have a miraculous effect on our body, while others can cause discomfort. Here's what else you need to know about making and drinking tea.
Don't drink tea on an empty stomach
Drinking tea on an empty stomach, especially if the drink is hot or extremely cold, can affect your health due to the fact that it can change your body temperature. The note also applies to other drinks whose temperature exceeds 62 degrees. They irritate the stomach lining and can slow down digestion. The ideal temperature for drinking tea is when the drink does not irritate you.
Avoid very strong teas
Strong teas, high in caffeine and tannin, which can affect your health, can cause insomnia and migraines.
Don't leave the tea on the hob for too long
If you leave it on the hob too long, the polyphenols and oils it contains enter the oxidation process and make the tea more transparent. This way, the drink loses its aroma and therapeutic effects. Prolonged boiling can also lead to loss of vitamins in tea.
Don't drink tea before meals
In addition to the fact that this can lead to decreased appetite, drinking tea before meals can make it difficult for you to digest. Experts recommend drinking tea no earlier than half an hour after a meal.
Do not use tea to take pills with
Drink medicines with water. Teas have high content of tannin, which adversely affects the digestion of pills. In addition, in some cases, this practice can have side effects.
Drink only fresh tea
The tea you made yesterday has lost its nutritional value and health benefits. Moreover, tea left overnight is only a good environment for bacteria to grow.
Tea can help you be more resilient
Scientists have found that the antioxidants contained in teas, especially greens, increase the body's ability to burn fat. This way you will find that after a cup of tea your muscular endurance increases.
Tea reduces the risk of heart attack
According to scientists, people who drink more tea are less exposed to cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Also, once ingested, tea maintains the proper functioning of blood vessels, reduces inflammation and other cardiovascular effects.
Tea fights cancer
Although it is believed that tea has no benefit in the fight against cancer, recent studies in this area show that oxidants in teas help protect against cancer, especially breast, colon, lung and liver cancer. It should be noted that not everything is based on tea consumption.
Tea takes care of your waistline
Several study participants regularly drank hot tea. As a result, they say they have no problem with their waistline, unlike those who do not drink this drink. Some scientists believe that regular tea consumption speeds up metabolism and reduces the risk of diabetes and stroke.
The tips for making and drinking tea mentioned above are even more appropriate if you are a fan of black, white or green tea. Another important detail is that tea should be drunk regularly, daily and without sugar.
