Brick tea is a special pressed brewing for a drink, which is obtained by insisting, brewing or boiling. In most cases, this product contains coarse and young tea leaves, cuttings, and in some varieties even a small part of the stems. The aroma of such a drink is practically absent, but the taste is a bit harsh and has a bitter aftertaste. Naturally, green tea is aimed at lovers, because for an unprepared person, this drink will be sharp and it seems that it gives off a tobacco flavor.
In this article, we will tell you how to make brick tea. It is worth noting that some connoisseurs of this drink prefer to use it only when cold.
Description
As already mentioned, for the manufacture of green and black tea in this form, the upper leaves of young shoots, cuttings and a small part of the stem are used. In order for the leaves to retain their properties and initial appearance for as long as possible, they are subjected to heat treatment. Using special devices, the leaves are steamed, twisted and dried. An interesting fact is that the most optimal time for collecting tea petals is morning and afternoon.
Green and black tea can be drunk not only in its pure form, but also with the addition of various fruits, for example, strawberries, banana, kiwi or citrus fruits. Some consumers prefer to make brick tea, the photo of which will be presented below, with berries, herbs and spicy spices, for example, cinnamon, cloves and so on.
The composition of this product
Tea contains the following vitamins and substances:
- vitamin C;
- vitamins of groups A, B and E;
- catechins;
- caffeine;
- beneficial minerals;
- potassium;
- fluorine;
- iodine;
- phosphorus;
- calcium;
- pectin;
- tannin.
In green brick tea, a small amount of calories is 1 kcal, and a black drink is 4-6 kcal.
Beneficial features
Scientists have repeatedly proved that in moderate doses, tea benefits our body and helps improve the performance of some systems. In addition, in traditional medicine it is customary to use a special decoction from this product. According to this method, tea dries rashes and irritations on human skin, preventing their further spread. Also, tea broth soaks wounds, burns and cuts.
It is best to eat this product in the morning on an empty stomach. Due to its composition, tea tones, gives energy and causes an influx of strength. In order not to disturb sleep, such a drink is not recommended to be consumed in the evening. Do not forget that this drink has a diuretic effect, so do not drink it before a long walk or trip.
The main positive qualities of green and black brick tea include the following factors:
- restores vitality and energy;
- relieves depression and fatigue;
- participates in the treatment of burns;
- leads the body back to normal with severe alcohol poisoning, nausea or diarrhea;
- removes toxins and toxins from our body;
- cleanses the kidneys;
- normalizes the gastrointestinal tract;
- lowers blood sugar;
- improves brain and heart function;
- strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
- restores and strengthens hair and nail plate.
In addition, green tea is an effective tool in the fight against cellulite and excess weight.
How to make brick tea
The technology for the production of green drink is as follows:
- Fry the leaves on a special drum.
- Hot raw materials are processed in a twisting unit.
- Then it is dried in a stream of hot air and stuffed into wooden boxes, where fermentation continues.
- After about 8-12 hours of fermentation, the leaf darkens and acquires a characteristic aroma.
- The raw materials are dried again.
- Pressed down and sent to the final drying.
And to get black brick tea they do this:
- Roasting and drying are carried out in the sun.
- Raw materials are collected in heaps, moistened and left for fermentation.
- After a few days, the product is checked for readiness and passed through twisting units.
- Steamed and pressed.
Depending on the processing method, the duration of the fermentation and drying process, the color of the finished product can be either green, or orange or brown.
Green tea is not recommended for those people who suffer from diseases of the cardiovascular system, glaucoma or from thyroid disease.
Black and green brick tea: how to brew?
After we told you about the composition, production technology and useful qualities of this drink, we can proceed to its preparation.
To make tea, you must perform the following steps:
- To start, warm up the teapot.
- Then we pour tea into it and slightly rinse and drain the water.
- We again pour hot water and brew tea for about 3-5 minutes.
If you reuse tea leaves, then the brewing time is slightly increased.
We make tea with milk:
- Bring the milk to a boil.
- Pour slices of "brick" and add spices.
- Then filter the resulting drink and at the end put a little ghee.
It is worth noting that breaking the compact with your hands will not work. To do this, use a knife. On the shelves of specialized tea shops we are provided with bars weighing 250 grams, 500 grams, 2 and 5 kg. They began to make such a shape for more convenient transportation.
Brick tea, reviews of which spread all over the Internet, is quite tasty and unusual, you just need to get used to it. Consumers note its slightly pungent taste, reminiscent of tobacco, as well as an affordable pricing policy. There are cheaper varieties, and there are also elite ones. The cost of the latter will be much higher, but the product is worth it.