China has been exporting tea to 90% of the world's market. Chinese teas are known for their superior quality especially when it comes to taste, texture, and flavour. Among the most commonly consumed beverages, tea ranks first amongst others. Chinese teas are best served with Chinese tea sets since they create a synergistic effect that enhances the experience.
Tea has become a part of life for most cultures, but it is said that most tea trees from other countries have their origin in China. People from different cultures call tea in different names. In China, tea is called "cha", more like "tsa-a" in the Philippines. Russians on the other hand, call their tea as "cha'i", pronounced as "chaye".
Japan started its love for tea during the 6th century while the American and Europeans discovered this aromatic beverage only after the 17th and 18th century. People from different parts of the world enjoy the relaxing attributes of tea, but it is beyond doubt that the passion for tea started in the Yixing town of China.
Teas can be classified in different ways, but the commonly used classification is on how they are made.
1. Green tea: The only variety of tea that can keep its natural color even after brewing is the green tea. Green teas that yield the perfect tea leaves are the following: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng from the mountains of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.
2. Black tea: Teas that are fermented before they are baked are classified as black teas. These teas are also known as "red teas" by tea lovers. The best tea leaves for black teas are: Suhong of Jiangsu, Qihong of Anhui, and Dianhong of Yunnan.
3. Wulong tea: Wulong teas are popular in the south-eastern parts of China that includes Taiwan, Guandong, and Fujian. Wulong tea is simply a mixture of black tea and green tea.
4. Compressed tea: Compressed tea or "brick tea" is a variety of black tea that is compressed into a certain shaped to be stored and transported commercially to a large number of consumers. Brick teas are made in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.
5. Scented tea: This type of tea mixes fragrant flowers with tea leaves to create an aroma that is unique to teas. The most commonly used flowers are magnolia and jasmine.
Teas are best served with tea sets since they preserve the natural flavor of tea. Tea sets are high quality, durable set of dishes that are used for afternoon tea or a formal tea party. Most of these tea sets are made of porcelain, bone china, or silver.
In China, the most popular type of tea set is made of Yixing clay. Historically, teas were believed to be brewed from these Yixing clay pots and are served to the guests after it has been cooled enough to drink. The Yixing tea set is named after a town in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China.
In assessing a quality of a pot, there are a number of things that a tea enthusiast should consider. Tapping the body of a pot with another pot is a simple test to determine its quality. If the light tap creates a metal like sound, then the pot is of good quality.
A different way to assess the quality of a clay pot is to fill it up with water then close its lead. If the water flows smoothly out of the pot, it tells us that the pot is made to serve its purpose.
The Yixing tea pots are also known for their ability to retain the flavour of tea. When a tea is brewed using the Yixing pot for a long period of time, a coating is created, and this coating preserves the natural flavour of tea. Washing the pot with soap will wash away the coating, this is the reason why these types of teapots should only be washed with water and air dried.
It is undeniable that tea has become a part of life for most people. Teas can be brought in a variety of mixes and flavours. Most teas taste best when they are served in their appropriate tea sets. Chinese tea sets, specifically the Yixing clay pots, are best with Chinese teas since they do not only preserve the flavour of tea, but the tradition of Chinese tea as well. - 30294
Tea has become a part of life for most cultures, but it is said that most tea trees from other countries have their origin in China. People from different cultures call tea in different names. In China, tea is called "cha", more like "tsa-a" in the Philippines. Russians on the other hand, call their tea as "cha'i", pronounced as "chaye".
Japan started its love for tea during the 6th century while the American and Europeans discovered this aromatic beverage only after the 17th and 18th century. People from different parts of the world enjoy the relaxing attributes of tea, but it is beyond doubt that the passion for tea started in the Yixing town of China.
Teas can be classified in different ways, but the commonly used classification is on how they are made.
1. Green tea: The only variety of tea that can keep its natural color even after brewing is the green tea. Green teas that yield the perfect tea leaves are the following: Longjing tea of Zhejiang, Maofeng from the mountains of Anhui, and Biluochun of the Jiangsu province.
2. Black tea: Teas that are fermented before they are baked are classified as black teas. These teas are also known as "red teas" by tea lovers. The best tea leaves for black teas are: Suhong of Jiangsu, Qihong of Anhui, and Dianhong of Yunnan.
3. Wulong tea: Wulong teas are popular in the south-eastern parts of China that includes Taiwan, Guandong, and Fujian. Wulong tea is simply a mixture of black tea and green tea.
4. Compressed tea: Compressed tea or "brick tea" is a variety of black tea that is compressed into a certain shaped to be stored and transported commercially to a large number of consumers. Brick teas are made in Hunan, Hubei, Yunnan, and Sichuan provinces.
5. Scented tea: This type of tea mixes fragrant flowers with tea leaves to create an aroma that is unique to teas. The most commonly used flowers are magnolia and jasmine.
Teas are best served with tea sets since they preserve the natural flavor of tea. Tea sets are high quality, durable set of dishes that are used for afternoon tea or a formal tea party. Most of these tea sets are made of porcelain, bone china, or silver.
In China, the most popular type of tea set is made of Yixing clay. Historically, teas were believed to be brewed from these Yixing clay pots and are served to the guests after it has been cooled enough to drink. The Yixing tea set is named after a town in the eastern province of Jiangsu, China.
In assessing a quality of a pot, there are a number of things that a tea enthusiast should consider. Tapping the body of a pot with another pot is a simple test to determine its quality. If the light tap creates a metal like sound, then the pot is of good quality.
A different way to assess the quality of a clay pot is to fill it up with water then close its lead. If the water flows smoothly out of the pot, it tells us that the pot is made to serve its purpose.
The Yixing tea pots are also known for their ability to retain the flavour of tea. When a tea is brewed using the Yixing pot for a long period of time, a coating is created, and this coating preserves the natural flavour of tea. Washing the pot with soap will wash away the coating, this is the reason why these types of teapots should only be washed with water and air dried.
It is undeniable that tea has become a part of life for most people. Teas can be brought in a variety of mixes and flavours. Most teas taste best when they are served in their appropriate tea sets. Chinese tea sets, specifically the Yixing clay pots, are best with Chinese teas since they do not only preserve the flavour of tea, but the tradition of Chinese tea as well. - 30294
About the Author:
S. Cheng is a lifestyle magazine editor situated in Beijing, China. She has a fascination for Chinese Tea Sets and many other chinese style of living. Check out her site about the Chinese Tea Sets here.
