Chinese Tea Basics That You Have To Know

Worldwide, people drinking Chinese tea are on the rise. However, if you are new to the Chinese tea, what are some common facts that you have to know about this worldwide drink?

Here are some of those basics that will make a great addition to your knowledge about Chinese tea. We hope this will allow you to better enjoy and appreciate your Chinese tea.

As the national drink of China, tea has been around for over 4,000 years. To help you better understand how far back its history, the Chinese civilization is only 1,000 years older.

A popular Chinese legend says that the discovery of tea by Shen Nong-one of China’s most famous mythological figures-was more by luck than by fate. One day, Shen Nong noticed some leaves were blown into his pot of boiling water and produced a lovely, refreshing drink.

As the homeland of tea, China boasts itself with some of the world’s oldest tea plantations, where tea trees have been growing for over 2,700 years.

Undoubtedly, these tea trees are a national treasure and was carefully protected.

Today, China produces 8 major classes of Chinese tea branching out hundreds of varieties. They are, namely, green, oolong, black, red, yellow, white, compressed, as well as flower-scented Chinese teas.

Of those varieties, it’s great to try Longjing(green), Da Hong Pao(oolong), Maojian(green), Pu’er(compressed), and Shuixian(oolong), some of the most popular Chinese tea in the market. The teas are greatly sought after by tea lovers worldwide.

The Chinese teas, though in great variety, are actually harvested from one single species of plant: the Camellia Sinensis.

This plant favors acid soil and a warm climate. Evergreen, the shrubs of Camellia Sinensis grow leaves that are often 4-15 cm long and 2-5 cm broad. The tea leaves to be processed are those young and tender ones.

The processing of the leaves determines the types of Chinese tea. Green tea is dried under the sun in order to bring out a natural flavor, while oolong tea is fermented long and hard for a deep and crisp taste.

Medical researchers say that the Chinese tea has been known for being good to your health. It prevents high blood pressure, allows you to lose some extra pounds, and make you look younger than you really are.

Know these basics, and you will be a better acquaintance to Chinese tea than your neighbor!