茶, Tea, Teh, Tey, Cha, Chai…..

Who would have thought that Tea would influence the economical, political and global changes of the world. Tea was first introduced by China. Later, similar tea leaves were discovered in India and Sri Lanka. Today’s blog is about Chinese Tea.

To the Chinese, Tea is a part of their ancient culture. It is also used in traditional and ceremonial occasions. It is offered as a sacred beverages to the Gods and appease the ancestral spirits. Tea is also served as a mode of respect, goodwill, acceptance, blessing and friendship. It is presented at births, weddings and burial ceremonies. In every Chinese household, it is an accepted courtesy to serve tea to visitors and honored guests on entering houses.

In the Tang Dynasty, tea was brewed with other ingredients, as a result; they lose their original flavour. Later upon the advice of LU YU, the great sage of Tea; compressed tea leaves were crushed before brewing which resulted in discovering its true essence.

Later in the Sung Dynasty, Curing techniques were refined and tea leaves were crushd and placed in bowls before boiling water was poured over it. This infusion of heat and tea leaves brought out the distinctive taste of the tea.

During the Yuan & Ming Dynasties, tea was produced in loose form instead of the old compressed cake form. Crushing the leaves became unneccesary. Tea was brewed directly using the loose leaves.

From the Ming to Qing Dynasty, tea was brewed in small clay teapots, which continues to this day.