by V. Chow

April 28, 2007

       The origin of tea began around 2737 B.C. in China.  Emperor Sh’eng Nung took a journey outside of his kingdom, he was resting by a tree.  It is accustom to drink boiled water for hygienic reason.  A dried leaf from a near by tree fell in his hot water turning it to a brownish color.  The Emperor drink it and found it refreshing.  There began the long history of tea that is loved by many of us today.   

      Tea sales is inching up to coffee sales in the United States.  It is a refreshing drink hot or cold.  Tea didn’t begin with so many flavors we have today.  As a matter of fact, it was taken as a medicine until 618 A.D.  The tea plant, Camellia sinensis has many uses.  At one time, the Chinese created over 200 uses to treat different illnesses.  Tea has a high antioxidant capacity—green tea more so than black, having been through less processing.  Its antioxidants appear to reduce the risk of cancer and improve cardiovascular health.  We are used to drinking coffee to stay awake.  Drinking tea does not have the same effect.  It is soothing and calms the nerves.

       It is amazing that one plant, Camellia sinensis, can produce a variety of teas – black, green, white and yellow.  The finest teas are from picking the two young leaves and a bud.   The plant is no more than three feet tall.  Depending on where it grows and how it is processed, the leaves can turn into 3000 kinds of teas being sold worldwide.  Herbal teas are not considered true tea as the leaves and flowers are from other plants.

     “Teatime” is an enjoy ritual around the world.  It is a drink that takes time to brew.  You can relax and savor the taste.  The image of tea is refined and elegant.  The traditions of tea are in many countries such as British tea, Japanese tea ceremony, Chinese Gu-fu chai, India tea, and others.  We all take our tea just a little differently.  As many types of latte, espresso and coffee we created, there are even more flavors of teas and ways to enjoy them.