When it comes to tea, there is no country on Earth that has a greater understanding of the subject than China. The Chinese have been drinking tea for thousands of years. The country loves to drink tea, and they are known for producing some of the most amazing varieties of tea in the world. The following is a guide to the teas that China produces.
Non-Fermented Teas
There are three versions of teas in China that are of the non-fermented variety. They are green teas, yellow teas and white teas. These are the simplest versions of teas available. The leaves are picked from the plant and then dried. They are then packaged and ready to be sold. These non-fermented teas have the lightest flavor of Chinese teas, but they also have the highest caffeine content of the Chinese varieties.
Fermented Teas
These fermented teas are called black teas in China. This is because the teas are tuned a blackish color through warming the teas under high humidity. This warming process turns the leaves black and changes the flavor. After the warming process, the leaves are then dried before they are packaged and sold.
Semi-Fermented
These teas are some of the most popular in China. Also known as oolong teas, semi-fermented teas undergo the same process of heating as fermented teas. However, the process is much shorter, which means the teas retain more of a green flavor.
Aged Tea
This is some of the most expensive and sought after tea in China. Aged tea is first fermented. It is then compressed tightly and stored in a cool cellar for years. The aging process mellows the tea and adds a lot of complexity to its flavor.
Smoked Teas
These teas are flavored by exposing them to wood smoke. There are many varieties of smoked tea. They can be lightly or heavily smoked.
Flavored Teas
These teas are typically made with lower grade teas that will not taste very good without flavoring. They are usually flavored with flowers or fruits. The better varieties of flavored teas are flavored using natural ingredients, while the cheaper varieties of flavored teas are manufactured with artificial ingredients.
Health Benefits of Tea Drinking
The Chinese have used tea in their Traditional Chinese Medicine to cure health problems for thousands of years. Modern research has shown that most teas contain significant amounts of antioxidants, which do have cancer-fighting properties.
Pay for the Good Stuff
People who enjoy the teas that China produces should purchase the more expensive, high-grade teas. They are of much better quality, and they are actually a better bargain in the long run. This is because they last longer and brew much more tea than the low-grade varieties.
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Karen Davis is a yixing teapot enthusiast. She is the founder of brownstoneshopper, an online webstore that has been helping people find information on how to store tea. Sign up for tips at http://www.brownstoneshopper.com/contact
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