The origin and history of tea:

Originated in 2700 BC, tea has been known for thousands of years in China. At that time fresh leaves in boiling water was considered a medicinal beverage. However, since the 3rd century AD, tea has become a daily drink which has led to mass tea harvest and processing.

The first published records of how tea was grown, processed and drunk appeared in 350 BC. In 800 BC, the first seeds were brought to Japan and have been growing since the 13th century. In 1610, the Dutch East India Company made the first ever shipment of Chinese tea to Europe. In 1801, people who came from Xiamen, China brought tea cultivation to Formosa Island (Taiwan).

However, from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, tea cultivation spread to Russia, Georgia, Sumatra and Iran, as well as non-Asian countries such as Natal, Malawi, Uganda, Kenya, Congo, Tanzania and Mozambique in Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Peru in South America, and Queensland, Australia.

What is tea? Let’s explore the six tea types and the fermentation process of tea!

There are six major series of tea in Chinese culture. What are the six major series of tea?

Six major series of tea: sorted by the degree of fermentation of tea, from light fermentation to heavy fermentation.

『 Green Tea, Yellow Tea, White Tea, Green Tea, Black Tea, Dark Tea 』

An Introduction to the six major series of teas

Green tea – 6 types of tea
Green tea is the earliest type of tea, which is the only unfermented sort. After the green tea is picked from the tea trees, it goes to the blanching section as high temperature can prevent oxidative fermentation and keep the flavour in the best state of freshness.

Aroma: grass, vegetable, bean, seaweed.

Yellow tea – 6 types of tea
Yellow tea is slightly fermented and has processing similarities as green tea. Additionally, the historical theory mentions that yellow tea was created by mistake whilst frying green tea.

Aroma: soybean, grassy, but not as fresh as green tea

White tea – 6 types of tea
White tea is lightly fermented and dried on a small fire, but not fried or kneaded. This is to remove the white fluff from the tea leaves. There are even cases of white tea being used as Chinese herbal medicine in some literature.

Aroma: floral, fruity, grassy

Oolong tea – 6 types of tea
Oolong tea is partially fermented. The degree of fermentation is between green tea and black tea which has the fragrance of green tea and sweetness of black tea. The colour of brewed tea is yellow-green.

Aroma: honey, floral, fruity, light woody

Black tea – 6 types of tea
Black tea is heavily fermented, which is made without blanching. After withering, the tea leaves lose some moisture, and then they are made into granules or strips. Finally, the fermentation step is carried out.

Aroma: sweet and fragrant, ripe flowers and fruits.

Dark tea – 6 types of tea
Dark tea leaves are dark brown in colour and are entirely fermented, a process which requires more time to make. In China, this variety of tea is often drunk by ethnic minorities in the northwest provinces. It is commonly sold in the form of tea bricks and tea cakes on the market.

Aroma: woody, traditional Chinese medicine

Six types of teas

The types of teas- Green tea
West Lake Longjing, to Japan’s Sencha, Yulu, Biluochun

The types of teas- Yellow tea:
It is scarce with limited availability on the market.

The types of teas- White tea:
Baihao silver needle, white peony, shou mei.

The types of teas-Oolong tea:
Wenshan Paozhong, High Mountain Tea, Dongding Oolong Tea, Tieguanyin, Oriental Beauty Tea

The types of teas- Black tea
Black tea Darjeeling black tea, Wuwa black tea, Qimen black tea, Sun Moon Lake black tea

The types of teas- Dark tea-Pu-erh tea
is most famous in Yunnan

Read more:
Analysis of tea types, do you know the features of the 6 major teas?

Five advantages of drinking tea.

Tea has always been an integral part of traditional medicine and is even called a panacea in many Asian countries. Over the centuries, the Chinese and Japanese have been drinking tea for improving health. It has even been promoted in Western medicine as a treatment for cold and flu symptoms. Drinking tea not only makes people feel better when they are sick but also can protect brain health, improve heart health and even prevent certain types of cancer.

The advantages of drinking tea 1 – Protect heart health

The latest animal research demonstrates that drinking tea has significantly lowered the risk of serious heart diseases such as heart attack and blood clots. Tea contains anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe arterial tissue and also helps minimise the risk of inflammation that can restrict blood circulation leading to blood clots. Furthermore, drinking tea may also help lower high blood pressure and lower cholesterol. One study discovered that people who drank 4 or more cups of green tea a day had a 32%lower risk of heart attack and significantly lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol.

The advantages of drinking tea 2 – Tea promotes weight loss

Due to its chemical composition, green tea contributes to speeding up metabolism and contains amino acids which is a signal for burning stored fat. Green tea also helps retain hydration despite containing caffeine, which means energy and concentration can be enhanced more effectively without becoming dehydrated.

Research indicates that green tea consumption has significant benefits for Asians. Green tea is a calorie-free beverage, thus people can drink as many cups as they want without feeling guilty. Drinking green tea instead of sugar-sweetened sodas and sports drinks can reduce calories and help you boost your fitness goals.

The advantages of drinking tea 3 – Supports mental health

Regular tea consumption has been connected to a lower risk of neurological disorders and lower stress levels. Green tea also protects against cognitive decline associated with brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Tea has a natural calming effect that can reduce stress and assist you to achieve relaxation after a tiring day at work. Antioxidants in tea can eliminate free radicals caused by factors such as pollution. Free radicals lead to oxidation which can damage healthy cells. Oxidation has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and depression. Antioxidants also help flush out toxins from the body that can cause mental health problems. Drinking tea regularly has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall health.

The advantages of drinking tea 4 – Can regulate blood sugar

Drinking tea can contribute to regulating blood sugar which can prevent or control diseases such as diabetes. Black tea has been indicated to lower blood sugar levels after meals for up to 120 120 minutes. Researchers attribute these health benefits to the polyphenols in tea. These polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The advantages of drinking tea 5 – Improve energy

Green tea only contains a small amount of caffeine. Due to the low levels of caffeine found in green tea, it has become a perfect choice for people who prefer to reduce their caffeine intake. The energy-boosting properties of green tea are driven by an amino acid called L-theanine. Therefore, the energy enhancement that green tea brings to the body is longer lasting and more stable than a cup of coffee. You will obtain more concentration and energy without side effects. L-Theanine also increases alpha waves in the brain, helping to improve focus while providing calming and relaxing effects.