Did you know the origin myth of tea?
According to a popular Chinese legend, Emperor Shennong was seen drinking a bowl of just boiled water as it was an ordinance then that all his subjects must boil water before consumption. At a time around 2737 BC, a few leaves blew into his boiling water, which changed the colour and taste. Upon taking a sip, the Emperor was taken aback by the flavours and its restorative properties.
Another version of the legend claims that the emperor used to test the medical properties of various herbs and he found tea as an antidote to herbs that were poisonous.
Interesting, isn’t it? Which version did you hear before?
Tantalizing tea facts
The Different Types of Flushes
Tea leaves are harvested at different times of the year. This difference in time is termed as flushes of tea. There are 4-types of flushes that determines the flavours of the tea, such as –
- The First flush – Mid March to April is determined as the harvest period. The tea has a mild astringent and bitter taste and has a light liquor colour.
- The Second flush – The harvesting period is usually during the mid June to mid July. This is why it is often termed the Summer flush. It has a strong and fruity flavour and is bright wine in colour.
- The Monsoon flush – Harvested from September to mid October, monsoon flush results in robust and strong flavoured tea and amber-coloured brew.
- The Autumn flush – This is the final harvesting period and occurs during the months of mid October to mid November. It has a balanced combination of flavour and aroma and gives a light liquor brew.
Difference between CTC and Orthodox Tea
- Leaf – Orthodox maintains the wholeness or the integrity of the leaf while CTC does not depend on the wholeness of the tea leaves.
- Production – Orthodox leaves are never cut or torn while CTC teas are produced in a machine where the leaves are torn or crushed.
- Flavour – Orthodox tea is usually very mild while CTC tea is usually powerful, bold and has pungent astringency with a bright colour.
Difference between Tea Leaf and Fannings
- Production – Fannings are usually half-dust of tea leaves (Pekoe Fannings), while the leaf tea is the unaltered and unbroken leaves.
- Usage – Fannings are good for milk tea or spice tea, while the leaf is used for brews without the addition of milk or additional spice.
- Flavour – Fannings are usually bright and string in flavour while the leaf brews are mild and light in colour.
Difference between Darjeeling tea and Assam tea
- Climate – Darjeeling tea is produced during the cold and harsher climate while Assam tea has short winters, humid summers and rainfall.
- Colour and shape – Darjeeling tea are comparatively smaller than Assam tea and have fine hair and does not change colour when brewed. Assam tea is rich in colour with a deep-amber colour.
- Flavour – Darjeeling tea is spicier than Assam tea. Darjeeling tea is best without the addition of milk, sugar and spice. Assam tea tastes best with milk and sugar.
New Variants
With the change in time, we are no longer restricted to traditional brews. Today you can find more tea flavours like –
- Fruit tea
- Cinnamon tea
- Turmeric tea
- Lemon tea
- Herbal tea
- Clove tea
- Caramel chilli tea
- Paan Cardamom tea
Health Benefits of Tea
- Manages weight
- Boosts heart health
- Controls diabetes
- Wards off cancer
- Improves sleep
- Keeps cholesterol in check
- Increases focus
- Soothes upset stomach
- Fights inflammation
- Boosts immune system
