As soon as a tea lover, at all times a tea lover!
We’ve heard many individuals say this and have additionally seen many go gaga over this beverage. The truth is, the time period teetotaller – derived from the tendency to drink tea as a substitute of alcohol, was introduced into existence in 1833, however the time period ‘coffeetotaller’ doesn’t exist. Ever puzzled what’s so magical about this easy beverage?
Tea comes from the plant known as Camellia Sinensis and is now probably the most popularly consumed beverage on this planet after water. There are greater than 100,000 tea estates in India that produce a few of the greatest teas within the nation, of which 70% is consumed domestically, and the remainder exported. Making India the second-largest exporter of tea globally after China and one of many largest customers too. No marvel tea is the nationwide drink of India!
Tea in India is also called ‘Chai’ derived from the phrase ‘Cha’, which is the Chinese language phrase for ‘tea’. The three foremost tea rising areas in India are Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiris.
Varieties of tea present in India
1. Assam tea
Because the identify suggests, that is black tea leaves, cultivated in Assam and identified for its sturdy malty flavour. The Assam tea is derived from our homegrown tea plant selection – Camillia Sinensis Assamica.
Assam tea is exported worldwide and is well the preferred variant in our nation. These tea leaves even have a number of well being advantages – they assist improve psychological alertness and helps forestall lung and ovarian most cancers.
2. Darjeeling Tea
Darjeeling tea is one other exporters’ favorite. The Darjeeling tea is derived from a tea bush selection, introduced into India from China by the British, referred to as Camillia Sinensis Sinensis. The variant is known for its distinct aroma and style. The Darjeeling tea helps forestall and soothe gastric ulcers and as properly aids in stopping weight problems.
3. Nilgiri tea
Originating within the Nilgiris or the southern a part of the western ghats, this tea can be largely exported as a result of its sturdy flavour, aroma and darkish color. Nilgiri tea can be derived from the Camillia Sinensis Sinensis tea bush dropped at Southern India by the British. A number of the well being advantages of this tea are that it helps cut back weight, improves oral well being, and helps battle diabetes.
4. Inexperienced tea
One of many extremely consumed sizzling drinks in India, inexperienced tea is called the healthiest beverage on earth due to its antioxidant values and different vitamins that assist reverse illnesses like ldl cholesterol. Inexperienced tea has an earthy style that may assist uplift one’s temper and act as a refresher.
5. White tea
White tea is the purest and least processed tea with a light-weight color and flavour. It’s normally thought-about a ‘delicate’ tea with a candy style. Much less processed the tea leaf is, the better the antioxidant in it. Since white tea is the least processed, it has most antioxidants, much more than inexperienced tea.
The recipe for tea or chai varies from area to area in India. Every place has its distinctive type and style. Listed below are a few of the several types of tea discovered within the nation based mostly on their recipes.
Butter tea
Butter tea is popularly drunk in hilly areas like Ladakh and Sikkim, the place it’s also referred to as Gur-Gur Chai. In Tibet, this tea is called Po Cha. It’s historically created from tea leaves, butter (created from yak milk), water and salt. They’re normally served in small earthen cups and are relished with native Himalayan bread.
Kahwa
A speciality of Kashmir and a private favorite, the Kahwa is an unique tea created from boiling water and spices like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, and dried rose petals. The tea leaves are added to the water in the direction of the tip, for the color. Slivers of almond are added to the tea, together with a splash of honey.
Kahwa is historically ready in a copper kettle referred to as a Samovar, by which sizzling coal is positioned to maintain the tea heat on a chilly winter day.
Midday chai
Additionally consumed in Kashmir, the Midday chai, also called Sheer Chai, is pink in color. It’s made by boiling tea leaves, cardamom, and baking soda till the pink color is achieved. This tea is normally made by including milk, salt and bits of almond and pistachio to it. Midday chai can be consumed in lots of components of Rajasthan and Nepal.
Masala chai
A favorite amongst most, masala chai is made by boiling black tea leaves in water together with milk, sugar and spices akin to ginger, cardamom and cinnamon. Ginger tea and Cardamom tea are a few of the variants of Masala chai served within the nation – an ideal companion for these chilly winter mornings or wet days.
Amrut Tulya tea
Amrut Tulya – actually that means ‘in comparison with nectar’- is normally consumed in Maharashtra, particularly Pune. It’s made by boiling recent ginger, crushed cardamom and tea leaves in water. The Amrut Tulya tea is historically ready in a brass vessel.
Natural tea
Natural tea discovered right here will not be precisely tea. It doesn’t comprise any tea leaves and is present in three varieties.
• Rooibos tea
This natural infusion is created from the South-African pink bush and is a pink colored beverage. It is available in numerous flavours and might be had sizzling or iced.
• Mate tea
Mate is a wild shrub from Argentina that provides us a robust, coffee-like flavoured tea.
• Natural infusions
These are teas created from pure herbs, fruits and flowers.
• Blooming teas
Also referred to as Artisanal or Flowering Tea, these teas bloom when steeped in sizzling water. Tied by hand, these flowering buds begin to open up as soon as within the water.
So, in case you are a tea connoisseur, tell us which amongst these is your favorite. And when you’ve got not been ingesting tea, however have your curiosity piqued after studying about it, then do attempt a few of these fantastic variants and tell us about your expertise!
Have a tea-full day!
