What is Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is among the most common kinds of tea found in Chinese restaurants. They are left to oxidize up to half the normal oxidation time for black tea. As such, oolong tea possess milder flavor when compared with black tea. Also, it is important to note that the oxidation period for oolong tea is longer than that for green tea.
Are herbal teas similar to green tea?
Since herbal teas do not originate from the Camellia Sinensis, they do not fall into the category of those that are truly tea. Tisane is the name tagged beverages formulated from herbs. So, herbal teas are not really “tea”.
Is it true that tea oil emanate from the tea plant?
That is certainly untrue. Tea tree oil is employed in the treatment of injuries, bites from insects, feet of sports men and women, stings and many other related body challenges. Tea oil comes from Australia- precisely the Melaleuca Alternifolia tree. With that we are safe to conclude that tea tree oil is not in any way related to tea plants Is there any tea farm in the United States?
The answer is a yes. Presently, there is one on an Island seated 20 miles from the South of Carolina. Also, American Classic tea has been enjoyed since 1987. This is made possible by the help of Charleston Tea Gardens. Charleston is the only tea producer in the U.S. and they are located on the Island of Wadmalaw. It is said that tea is harvested on the 127 acre island from May till October. There is also provision for tours. You can take a look at their website for more information, www.charlestontea.com.
What does Red Tea mean?
Black tea is same as red tea. The only difference is that the Chinese call it red tea. However, recent years have seen to it that when someone calls red tea, he actually means Rooibos (normally pronounced Royboss), or better still, red tea; which is gradually being popular around the United States. It is grown in South Africa alone and has no caffeine content. However, it is rich in minerals and vitamins. Actually, this so-called red tea is not tea, perse. It is known to originate from a plant called Aspalathus Linearis. The leaves of this plant turn red when being processed (this is how it got its name).
Also, their leaves are shaped like a needle. Red tea has pulled up a high fan base in the U.S. primarily due to its sweet taste. Red tea is a healthy drink for nursing moms and pregnant ones alike. You can also use Rooibos in the treatment of skin irritation, too. Little wonder the Japanese call it long-life tea.
What then is White tea?
For white tea, the processing period is below that obtained with green tea. Its leaves are harvested even before the buds come open. Moisture content is taken away from the leaves before they are properly dried so as to leave no room for oxidation. The major difference in processing white tea is that it is a bit more costly as it comes with too many manual processing. It is speculated to bring more healthiness than green tea; although this has not been properly researched yet. Never brew white tea with boiling water; rather, let the water be at a lower temperature. White tea contains the least amount of caffeine among teas, and do have a sweet taste to compliment. You will read more about caffeine on chapter 5.
Which country makes the most tea?
India, and not China, produces the highest amount of tea all over the world. It is said that about one-third of tea consumed all over the world is produced in India, followed by China, Sri Lanka; with Kenya being the African country with the highest tea production in the continent.
Why do my favorite tea taste same even when I hear there are differences?
Things like weather condition can affect the overall taste of tea. So producers would always incorporate a blend into the tea so as to make it retain the normal flavor after being brewed by the end-user. There are standards set for blending teas so that the taste is retained. The setting of this standard is not an easy task, though.
What about concerns about pesticides inclusion into tea?
This is quite tough to answer as we know pesticides are employed to take care of the many enemies of tea. It is noticed that some producers user more of these chemicals than others. However, some countries are turning to natural methods and cutting down on these chemicals.
Can I get Organic tea?
You can get organic tea in the market. For some producers, growing tea organically entails stoppage of fertilizers, pesticides and other known chemicals. This simply means that to grow organically, things such as pest eating insects are used to deal with pests.
It is a wise move on the side of producers to restore the soil after a given period of time. This is something that tea growers would live to find hard doing. Environmental pollution affects the overall growth tea. Pollutants in the air can carry trapped particles that would be destructive to the welfare of the growing tea.
Concerns for the healthy growing of tea are of the essence. For that reason there are organizations floated to inspect, monitor and give approval to products produced organically. This organization makes sure that the selling of organic products are done with a seal of approval on their behalf.
How well are people working on tea estates catered for?
It is important to understand how well tea workers are being catered for. Generally, tea workers are properly paid. Sometimes, concerns about industry policy changes, amongst other things, can lead to you lack of quality treatment of workers at the time.
Fair Trade
This is a community of tea pickers, distributors and end-users. It is geared toward decent living conditions for all registered members. A percentage for every sale is due the worker. The certifying Fair trade body in the United States is called TransFair USA. Always search for the Fair Trade Logo anytime you want to buy tea packages.
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