Hey what tea is all about ???
1 .Tea is prepared from the leaf bud and top leaves of a tropical evergreen bush called camelia sinesis
2.Contain approximately only half the caffeine of coffee.
3.Aids muscles relaxations and stimulates the nervous system.
4.It is grown in more than 25 countries with more than three thousand varieties available today .
5.Requires an acidic soil and warm climate with plenty of rain
6.India is a largest producer of tea followed by Srilanka and China
7.The top two leaves of the plant are picked by hand , smaller and the younger leaves ,the better the tea
8.Tea Production follows two simple method
a.) the hand method
b.) the CTC method or also know as crush tear and curl method .
Types of Tea
1.Green Tea –Leaves which are not fermented
2.Black Tea – Leaves which are fermented
3.Oolong Tea – Leaves which are partially fermented
4.Tisanes- Herbal tea and Herbal infusions tea
Storage of Tea
1.In a dry ,clean and covered container
2.In a well ventilated area
3.Away from excesses moisture
4.Must not be kept near strong smelling food as tea quickly absorbs strong odours
Speciality Tea
1.Ceylon Tea Pale golden tea with a good rich , full, astringent flavour Served with lemon or milk Goes well with sweet breakfast , and afternoon pastry
2.Keemum [china] Has a mild hint of sweetness, which makes it a good evening tea
3.Lapsang souchong [china] It is a dark tea with a smoky fragrance and flavour It is a great accompaniment to salty and spicy dishes , and with cheese
4.Yunaan [china] It is one of china’s noble variety It is full bodied with all illusive floral scent It is nick named “the mocha of china” It Is a great breakfast tea
5.Darjeeling [India] Is a delicate tea with light grape flavour Also referred to as the ‘champagne of teas’ Served as an afternoon or evening tea Two types of Darjeeling tea :- First Flush Darjeeling & Second Flush Darjeeling
6.Assam Tea Is a rich full & malty flavoured tea Suitable for Breakfast Served usually with milk
7.Dimbula high grown [Srilanka] It is one of the famous Srilankan tea It produces tea infusions ranging from full-bodied to light,delicate and fragrant
8.Ruhana low grown [Srilanka] This variety yields a thick ,sweet brew It is consumed without milk
9.Oolong This tea from Taiwan is made from semi- fermented leaves It is best drunk without milk
10.Green Tea A speciality of China and Japan Prepared by subjecting the leaves to fierce heat
11.Earl Grey Tea It is a type of scented tea Named after Earl Grey – the Prime Minister of England under Williams IV Blend of Darjeeling and China Tea Flavoured with oil of Bergamot Usually served with lemon or milk
12.Tisanes Friut Flavoured teas and herbal infusions Often do not contain caffenine Examples Herbal Tea:- Camomile , Peppermint , Rosehip ,Mint Fruit Tea:- Cherry, Lemon, Black currant , Mandarin ,Orange .
A speciality of China and Japan prepared by subjecting the leaves to fierce heat . Tisanes Friut Flavoured teas and herbal infusions Often do not contain caffenine Examples Herbal Tea:- Camomile , Peppermint , Rosehip ,Mint Fruit Tea:- Cherry, Lemon, Black currant , Mandarin ,Orange . A speciality of China and Japan prepared by subjecting the leaves to fierce heat .
Rules for making Tea .
Ensure that the equipment used is scrupulously clean
Avoid using Chlorinated water
Avoid using water that has been boiled before
The general principal for putting in the dry tea so that the maximum heat can be obtained from the boiling water
Heat the pot before putting in the dry tea so that the maximum heat can be obtained from the boiling water .
Make sure the water is boiling on entering the pot
Allow it to brew 2-5 mins to obtain the maximum strength from the brew
Just before serving , stir the tea in the teapot using a spoon ,if tea leaves are left in the pot , use a strainer when pouring .
Other Tea Preparation @Masala Tea Readymade Indian tea inflused in milk with spices e.g. Cardamom,ginger and cinnamon etc @Iced Tea Made with fresh infusion of tea [many guest prefer a green tea infusion for iced tea ]and a fresh mint. Strain the tea in a tall glass over crushed ice. Garnish with fresh mint . Brands of Tea Twingings [Kolkatta] Assam , Earl Grey , English Breakfast , Camomile , Darjeeling Tea . Ceylon Tea [ Watawala plantations, Srilankan ] Low , medium , and high grown tea , Exotic fruit tea Tetley, standard teabags used at Taj
