Tea is the favorite drink of many people. No event at the table is complete without a cup of tea. Fans of this drink appreciate its refined taste and aroma. Currently, there is a wide variety of varieties of this product on the product market. Many manufacturers offer drinks of the highest quality. Tea is appreciated all over the world. And there are reasons for this.
What it is
Tea is a drink that is obtained by insisting, boiling or brewing tea plants prepared in a special way. Tea bush is a plant of the Tea family, the genus Camellia. For cooking, Chinese Camellia (Camelia sinensis) is most often used.
This product is popular in many countries of the world. In different languages ββand dialects the word "tea" sounds differently: in English - "tea", in French - "thΓ©", in Chinese - θΆ. This drink is loved by people of different ages. And it's not just the unique nutritional value of tea.
A bit of history
The homeland of tea is China. The healing properties of the drink were first discovered by the Chinese emperor in 2737 BC. At first, the Chinese collected wild shoots, then switched to the cultivation of plants. Over time, the preparation of tea has become a cult and traditional procedure.
In Europe, the drink came with the development of navigation in the VI century. The first to drink tea were the Portuguese. Since 1637, tea has gained distribution in other countries. The volume of trade with China a popular product since this time began to grow. At first, deliveries were made by the East India Company. People love the drink because of the special taste and excellent nutritional value of tea. Currently, the largest producers of the product are China, Taiwan, India, Indonesia.
Variety of varieties
Judging by consumer reviews, tea is currently consumed by both children and adults. It has a positive effect on health, helps to reduce weight, increase immunity. This drink can be drunk both hot and cold. Today, tea is classified into several varieties and types. The main varieties of tea are the following varieties: green, red, black, yellow, white.
According to people, black tea is considered the most popular. Other varieties of the drink became widespread at the beginning of the 20th century. A food product may be consumed with and without additives. The classification of tea varieties is as follows:
- Elite varieties. These varieties are produced only from selected young leaves of tea plants, which are cultivated under certain conditions. For example, drinks are considered to be elite varieties: Chinese tea QiHun, Ginseng Oolong tea, etc.
- Top grades. Most often, such drinks meet the quality standard for all indicators. To popular drinks of the highest grade include: tea "Dong Ting Bi Lo Lo Chun", "Pumpkin seeds from Liu Anya".
- Medium grades. This includes drinks from shredded, broken tea leaves.
- Lower grades. Most often, such a drink consists of waste left over from the production of other varieties of tea.
Drinks vary in taste. Most like black tea, which has a sweet aroma and a tart aftertaste. Green varieties have a pronounced smell and grassy taste. Tea of ββthe highest and elite varieties is distinguished by the best taste and high nutritional value. Their cost is higher compared to other drinks. Shredded tea of ββmedium and low grades can have a sharp and sour taste. The cost of such drinks is lower.
Currently, various methods of making tea are known. Every country in the world has its own "signature recipes" for everyone's favorite drink. Many advise adding various spices, herbs, flowers, berries, fruits, etc. to tea. The place and conditions of the growth and processing of tea plants have a great influence on the taste of a food product. Statistics show that the drink gained the most popularity in the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Canada. In these countries, people speak of tea with great enthusiasm.
Components
Tea is enriched with various vitamins and minerals. These include the following basic elements: vitamin B1 - 1 mg, vitamin C - 10 mg, vitamin PP - 11 mg, potassium - 9480 mg, phosphorus - 824 mg, calcium - 495 mg, magnesium - 440 mg, iron - 82 mg. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 1: 0.3: 0.2. The food product contains 30% tannins. The tart taste of tea depends on these elements, the main place of which is tannin. Enzymes and essential oils give a special flavor to any drink. This is what tea is.
The chemical composition and nutritional value of a drink varies depending on the type and variety of tea. The cooking method also plays an important role. For example, the nutritional value of green tea is only 1 calorie. Unique beneficial properties and taste without a gram of cholesterol and harmful toxins! The nutritional value of long leaf teas is commensurate with the quality and cost of the drink.
The properties
The useful properties of tea have been known since ancient times. And this is no coincidence. Tea invigorates, improves mood, strengthens blood vessels. The effect of the drink depends on the variety of tea. The most popular are black and green varieties. They differ not only in taste, but also in chemical composition. The quality of the drink depends on the processing of plants.
Specialists have proven that green tea has greater nutritional value than other varieties. It is he who has a beneficial effect on the body. The drink has a large amount of vitamins, nutrients, antioxidants. It must be present in the human diet. Regular consumption of green tea will help get rid of toxins and reduce weight. The structure of tea consumption by grades is presented in the diagram.
Despite the undeniable qualities, many people still prefer black varieties. Due to the caffeine content, the drink energizes the whole day. The high content of vitamins has a beneficial effect on the whole body. Regular consumption of black tea can improve blood circulation, relieve poisoning. Statistics on the use of tea suggests that the drink was most popular in the UK, Ireland, Canada.
Tea drinking can be turned into a real healing procedure that can restore youth, health and beauty for a long time. And completely invisible to the body! The nutritional value of tea with sugar is 47 calories. Well-known nutritionists recommend consuming unsweetened tea with herbal supplements to reduce weight. The nutritional value of sugar-free tea is only 13 calories. The structure of consumption of different varieties of tea is presented in the diagram.
Some simple tips
According to the results of recent medical studies, reviews of nutritionists have been published that say the same thing: you can drink five cups of weak tea without harm to the body. Tea contains a large amount of caffeine, tannin, which have a unique tonic effect on the body. That is why experts recommend using the product to people who play sports and lead an active lifestyle.
The drink is contraindicated for people with heart diseases, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. There are restrictions on the use of food for pregnant and lactating women.
Entertaining facts
The largest tea plantations are in India and China. Many countries dream of growing tea, but climatic conditions are not always suitable.
In China, black tea is called red because of its peculiar hue.
The most expensive tea in the world is Tao Hong Pao, which occupies an intermediate place between black and green.
Each type of tea has its own unique properties. If there is a great desire to feel an unforgettable aroma, deep and rich taste, it is necessary to cook it in accordance with well-known recommendations. Some ways of making tea have become traditional.
Tea Myths
Currently, there are many myths that have not found any scientific evidence. Experts recommend that drink lovers, upon hearing these statements, disagree with anything:
- The drink is addictive.
- Tea stains teeth yellow.
- Drink impairs vision.
- A cup of tea at night prevents sleep.
- A strong drink contains an unacceptable amount of caffeine.