When was Tea First Introduced?
The history of tea is a fascinating topic, and the roots of it trace back to China. The earliest records of tea date back to Ancient China. The Chinese started drinking tea more than 3,000 years ago and some historians say that Emperor Shen Nong was the inventor of Tea because he boiled water in water-tight vessels to produce an infusion. In the 12th century during the Song Dynasty, a new method of processing tea was developed by farmers near what is now Hangzhou. They started picking and drying leaves from the plant before they fully matured. This new way of making tea made it much easier to transport because it was more compact and it increased its shelf life tremendously by reducing its water content drastically. Tea’s popularity spread beyond China by travelers around the world who would drink the beverage in their home countries. It eventually made its way into Europe during the 17th century where it became a popular drink among aristocrats.
Reasons you Should Drink Tea
Tea is one of the most popular drinks in the world. There are many different types to choose from, each with their own taste but there are also many different health benefits as well. Tea can contain caffeine depending on which type you drink but it can also prevent cancer or be a weight loss aid; it has been shown to act as an antidepressant too. Different types of tea provide different health benefits. Green tea is known for its ability to improve metabolism and boost energy levels. Black tea is a potent antioxidant and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
What are the Different Types of Tea Available?
Pu Er Tea – King of Chinese Teas
Pu Er tea is a type of fermented black tea that is produced in Yunnan province, China. It is also known as “Pu Erh tea” or “Tie Luo Han.” The aging process for Pu Er tea varies depending on where it is aged. The history of Pu Er tea goes back to the Tang Dynasty and it was also the first time the drink was cultivated by humans. Pu Er Tea has been called “the king of Chinese teas” and “China’s national drink.”
The most common form of aging Pu Er Tea happens in the environment of Yunnan Province, China. This allows for a slow oxidation process that can take anywhere from six months to fifty years. Pu Er Tea has been scientifically proven to have many health benefits as well as produce a calming effect on those who drink it, making it an excellent drink for after a stressful day.
Black Tea or is it Red Tea?
Black tea is a type of tea that is made by brewing the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant in hot water. Black tea is commonly referred to as “red tea” in China because of its distinctive color. This type of tea was originally exported from China to Europe and North America, but now it has spread throughout the world.
Black teas are generally divided into those that are lightly fermented or those that are fully fermented, but these divisions do not refer specifically to color or taste. These types are also called green, oolong and black teas respectively. They can all be drunk with sugar or milk added for taste, and they come in a variety of flavors depending on where they are from – such as Assam, Darjeeling and Ceylon black teas.
If you want to know about the different types of tea, check out our other article as well: A Guide to Understanding Pu Er Tea and Different Types of Tea.