When we think of tea, we associate it with Japan, England, or China, and some of us even with cold or even warm weather. Yet this wonderfully flavorful beverage can be enjoyed year-round. The reason isn't even important, but simply because the pleasure of a cup is simply wonderful.
"If you are cold, tea will keep you warm. If you are hot, it will cool you. If you are depressed, tea will cheer you up. If you are agitated, tea will calm you down." - William Gladstone (British politician).
Where does the tea come from?
The origin of tea is shrouded in myth and legend . From Chinese emperors to Portuguese princesses, its history is as rich as its taste. It is believed that green tea originated in China 5,000 years ago. At that time, the highly developed civilization was ruled by an emperor named Shen Nung. He demanded that drinking water be boiled for health reasons.
The legend of the Chinese emperor's journey
One windy day, when the emperor and his entourage stopped to rest and refresh themselves, a few dry leaves from a nearby bush fell into his cup of boiled water. The water turned dark brown. The emperor didn't want to taste it immediately, but first gave it to his soldiers and waited for the results.
He was fascinated by the strong smell and eventually tried the new beverage himself. The Chinese emperor was delighted by its aroma and soon felt the refreshment that this "new discovery" brought. And so, according to legend, the first cup of green tea was consumed.
The magic of green tea and its preparation
Green tea was originally prepared in a very different way than today. The leaves were steamed, kneaded in an oven, formed into small bricks, and dried. These "bricks" of tea were later boiled with rice, ginger, salt, orange peel, spices, milk, and sometimes onions. This method of preparation still exists today in Mongolia and Tibet.
Tea was brought to Japan from China by Japanese monks in the early Middle Ages. It immediately became a popular beverage among priests and aristocrats. Its preparation was characteristic of the Chinese Sung Dynasty. At that time, the tea leaves were ground in small stone mills, then the powder was poured over with hot water and mixed with a small bamboo whisk.
Based on this ritual, the Japanese later developed their own special tea drinking and preparation ritual. Since then, green tea has enjoyed great popularity in Japan and has developed into a semi-religious social tradition.
In Japan, there are still schools where children learn how to prepare and serve green tea. Centuries later, the use of this plant spread and became popular worldwide. Turks, for example, enjoy the black variety, as do Indians, with the difference that they usually consume it with milk or various aromatic spices.
If history is life's teacher, then it clearly shows us that tea is a special and beneficial beverage. Tea was revered by emperors, consumed by nobles, and also by the common people.
Wars and battles were fought over this miraculous beverage. And finally, today we have a variety of tea blends and flavors to choose from. We just have to decide which one we like best.
A few rules to get the best out of it
- Don't add the green tea directly to boiling water. This will destroy its beneficial catechins .
- Avoid the caffeine-free version: Decaffeination causes further nutrients in green tea to be lost.
- Add some lemon: It helps in the absorption of some nutrients.
- Don't cut corners! Choose good premium tea: it contains more nutrients!
What is the best time to drink green tea?
When it comes to drinking green tea, some times of day are better than others. Here's an overview!
Tip 1:
Drink green tea between meals : A cup of green tea between meals is very beneficial. Drinking it about two hours before or after a meal can also maximize nutrient and iron absorption.
Tip 2:
Drink green tea before your workout: As we already know, it can boost our metabolism. It can also give you an energy boost thanks to its caffeine content. All of this makes it a great drink to have just before your workout.
Tip 3:
You should never drink green tea that's been left out overnight . This can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, which can lead to serious health problems. It also loses its flavor. So, best to stay away!
Fun facts about green tea
Did you know that green tea's popularity began with a truly terrible hangover? Centuries ago, a Japanese shogun named Sanetamo (1192–1219 AD) suffered from a hangover so severe that everyone around him thought he was going to die.
A monk named Myoan Eisai made him some tea and "saved" him. Afterward, Sanetamo became a tea lover and began spreading the drink throughout Japan.
So if you still don't have green tea in your kitchen, you should get some after this story! And for those of us who aren't keen on its taste but still want the benefits it offers, there's another option – green tea extract supplements!
"As we wash ourselves outside with water, so we wash ourselves inside with tea." - Old Chinese proverb
Photos by Shutterstock-1770462452, JodieWangss
Pic by Shutterstock-265400270, grafvision
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