Mistakes don't always result in misery. In fact, for Shen Nung's servant, accidentally dropping some leaves over a boiling cup of water made him a legend, giving birth to one of the world's most famous drinks - tea.
Before we head to the origins of this brew, let's look at common doubts.
Is it Good to Drink Tea every day?
It is safe to drink tea every day. About 2 cups a day will help your heart health and reduce anxiety. Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong and White Tea are known for their benefits for your heart, gut health and blood sugar if you consume them without added sugar. As they are low-calorie beverages, you don't have to worry too much about gaining weight. However, more than 2 cups could stir up your stomach gasses if you've not had your meals.
What Tea is Best for Health?
Chamomile Tea is the healthiest tea, helping you to fall asleep more easily. Chamomile is a floral beverage of its own that doesn't come in the form of Green or Black Tea. However, all Black and Green Teas are generally good for your health too, but certain herbal infusions prove to be healthier than the original tea leaf itself.
Here are the most common herbal-infused teas you'll find in the market.
Hibiscus Tea - Made with dried hibiscus flowers, this tea is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and helps sleep. It also has amino acids which help stimulate blood circulation.
Ginger Tea - This can be coupled with Black Tea and Green Tea as well. Best for common colds, squeeze in a quarter lemon and a spoon of bees honey to make it a perfect medicinal beverage.
Lemon Balm Tea - Helps digestion and improves mood and sleep. It's also believed to help menstrual pains. It has a slight note of citrus flavour, adding honey would make the beverage more intense.
Jasmine Tea - Usually consumed as a Green Tea, this helps your immune system fight bacteria, soothes acne and speeds up your metabolism as Green Tea is generally associated with weight loss.
Rooibos Tea - Also known as Redbush tea, this is a lesser-known tea infusion compared to the rest but it's considered very healthy. It has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against the oxidative effects of diabetes. Rooibos is caffeine-free, hence it's ideal for a night beverage.
Peppermint Tea - This has no association with Green or Black Tea. Peppermint tea is also caffeine-free. It helps heal an upset stomach, anxiety, headaches and even skin irritation.
Rosehip Tea - Rosehip tea also has no association with Green or Black Tea, and it has a lot of Vitamin C, hence it's best for common colds and other illnesses that require your immune system to be strong. The taste may not please everyone, so it's generally served chilled.
Certain tea manufacturers create fusion Black and Green tea mixes with these herbal, as well as floral and fruit infusions to make them more desirable.
All the above-mentioned teas - Hibiscus, Ginger, Lemon Balm, Jasmine, Rooibos, Peppermint and Rosehip - should NOT be consumed with milk as it'll taint the subtle flavours of the original herb. You could prepare them as a hot beverage or an Iced tea to quench your thirst.
Which is better Tea or Coffee?
Many of you may not want to hear this, but Tea is better than Coffee. Yes, coffee tastes better and gives you a sudden burst of energy with its high caffeine properties, but it's not the healthy route for your body to stay alert for longer. Tea on the other hand is more subtle with its caffeine, and it comes in a variety of herbal, floral and fruit infusions that would also help boost your health.
Is Tea good for your Skin?
Yes. Green Tea specifically is good for your skin as it contains a chemical called Catechins in high amounts. This helps blood circulation and fights free radicals that cause skin ageing. Some studies even believe that applying Green Tea to your face overnight can help reduce blackheads and whiteheads and brighten the skin as it contains a polyphenol called epigallocatechin 3-gallate that helps the skin glow.
Black Tea on the other hand is used for blemishes and to even out skin tone.
Which Tea is No. 1?
Black Tea is considered No. 1 as it takes up to 75% of tea consumed globally. Unlike Green Tea, Black Tea is quite versatile and the flavours aren't as bitter as Green Tea either. Black Tea is the most popular tea around the world, and it can be consumed with milk, making it a delicious beverage and not just a caffeine boost or a herbal medicine.
What is the Unhealthiest Tea?
Comfrey from Western Asia and Kava Kava from the Pacific Islands are considered the unhealthiest Tea/Coffee. While Comfrey may have certain health benefits, Kava Kava is generally considered an alcoholic-like beverage that helps improve mood but has concerns related to nervous disorders.
Some even believe Kava Kava causes liver damage and dehydration. Very few studies have been conducted related to Kava Kava, hence there could be more revelations in the future.
What's the most Expensive Tea?
The Oolong Tea, Da Hong Pao or the Legendary Big Red Rope from China is the most expensive Tea in the world. Cultivated in the scenic Wuyi Mountain of Fujian Province, this tea variety is esteemed as a national treasure owing to its scarcity.
The highest-grade Da Hong Pao tea originates from the renowned "mother tree,". The mother tree has only six specimens remaining on Earth. Remarkably rare, this tea commands an astonishing price of $1.2 million per kilogram.
Is Matcha Green Tea?
Yes, Matcha is a type of Green Tea grown in Japan. Its flavour and tones are more intense than regular Green Teas. As it is ground into a powder, you consume the entire leaf, making it more beneficial than regular green tea. Matcha can be substituted for regular Green Tea, however, it should be brewed the right way. If kept too long, the tea will turn extremely bitter.
Boba Green Tea is generally made out of Matcha as it can be made into a milk beverage or even a latte.
Which Country sells the most Tea?
China sells the most tea across the globe, accounting for up to $2.1 billion in 2023. Kenya ranks as the second highest tea exporter worth $1.2 billion and Sri Lanka, is the third largest tea exporter with $732.4 million. The famous Ceylon Tea is grown in Sri Lanka.
How was Tea discovered?
The Brits are widely known for their most relished evening teas but (not surprisingly) they weren't the ones to discover this magical beverage.
Back in 2737 BC, Chinese Emperor Shen Nung's servant accidentally served him boiling water with herb leaves. The Emperor, intrigued by this unusual combination, decided to give it a try and thus discovered tea. Since then, tea has been circulating along the Silk Route route from the Far East to the Mediterranean.
Tea as a Global Beverage
Chinese tea made its way to Britain in the 1600s, and it wasn't known commonly until King Charles II came to power. His Portuguese queen is said to have enjoyed tea so much that it became a court favourite.
Later, the East India Company became a key player in the tea trade. It was during this period that Europeans realized they no longer needed to rely solely on buying tea from China. Their South Asian colonies, including India and Sri Lanka (known as Ceylon at the time), boasted fertile lands ideal for cultivating tea, particularly black tea.
As a tea lover myself, I'm thankful to the Brits for introducing tea as a beverage and not just a herbal drink. Nowadays, the variety of tea flavours and infusions available is truly astonishing, delighting both the taste buds and the soul.
Types of Tea Used in the British Royal Household
With the recent coronation of the new King and the accompanying tea parties, my curiosity piqued about the type of tea they now indulge in, now that there are so many blends and brands.
The royal household consumes Twinnings Tea, a famous British brand that sources tea leaves from across South Asia, Africa and the Far East.
According to palace insider information, here are the top tea blends that are widely in use in the royal family kitchen;
- Earl Grey
- Darjeeling
- English Breakfast
- Decaffeinated Tea
Origins of Earl Grey - The Queen's Choice
It took me only a few minutes to decide whether to write about this particular blend or perhaps Darjeeling, the King's favourite brew. Deep inside, I knew it had to be Earl Grey.
Not only is it my favourite tea blend, but it embodies simplicity while offering an incredible and out-of-this-world flavour. The best Early Grey blend is made in Ceylon. Now known as Sri Lanka, Ceylon's tea is said to hold a very unique essence compared to other teas.
If you haven't tried Earl Grey, you must try it today! It has one of the most distinct yet classic tea flavours ever curated up till now. It is the perfect warm cuppa to end a stressful day of work.
Earl Grey is Twinning's very own creation, brought to life in 1831 at the request of the then-British Prime Minister, Charles Grey. It's a black tea base blended with Bergamot citrus (this fruit grows where there is plenty of sunlight). Some Early Grey blends come with Jasmine infusions as well.
Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea
Earl Grey is not just a comfort drink, it also has a considerable amount of health benefits, such as;
Reducing cell damage - Both Bergamot and Black Tea are high in antioxidants that can keep body cells alive and healthy.
Decrease blood pressure - Any Black Tea reduces high blood pressure.
Lower cholesterol levels - Bergamot is used for medicinal purposes to lower cholesterol.
Aid digestion and inflammation - Citrus fruits are known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties and Bergamot is no different.
Apart from the benefits, there are also minor side effects. As Earl Grey is high in caffeine compared to other teas, you might have to watch your consumption amounts. If you can handle your caffeine, you're good. But generally, two cups a day is perfect.
Let us know what you think about Earl Grey in the comments! We'd love to know.
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