Tea is drunk all over the world and is the second most popular drink after water. So why is it so popular?
1. Teas are available in different flavors and varieties. In the same way that not all red or white wines taste the same, not all teas taste the same. Green tea is made only from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea is more oxidized and stronger than green tea. White tea dries quickly while green tea is roasted. Oolong tea is a Chinese tea that falls somewhere between green and black tea. Herbal or fruit teas are not strictly teas, but infusions. This means there are many types to choose from and something for everyone.
2. The tea is refreshing and invigorating, but not overpowering or bitter like some coffees can be. The tea is also much healthier than fizzy drinks and can be drunk all day without the known side effects of fizzy drinks.
3. Tea contains much less caffeine than coffee. This means that tea drinkers can enjoy more cups of tea, as it is less stimulating than coffee. Therefore, it is the perfect nighttime drink as it is much less likely to cause sleep problems than coffee.
4. Tea is easy to prepare and specialized equipment is not vital. A cup, kettle, water, and tea bag are the minimum requirements for a cup of tea. However, many people prefer to use a kettle to prepare the tea and will take milk and/or sugar in their tea. Connoisseurs often prefer to use loose tea and a tea strainer instead of tea bags. This is the equivalent of using fresh ingredients instead of having a microwaved meal.
5. Different teas require different brew times and water temperatures. If the time or temperature is wrong, the tea will not taste as expected. This learning process ensures that every cup of tea is worth your while.
6. Although it is traditionally grown in China, India, Japan, Kenya, and Sri Lanka, less obvious countries like Iran, Brazil, and Turkey also produce tea. Tea from each country will taste different due to the climate and the way it is prepared.
7. Tea is well known as a relaxing drink and, when sweetened, can help reduce the effects of shock. This is another reason why people are often offered it if they have been involved in an accident.
8. Despite being grown in hot countries, tea can be used as a hot drink in cold weather. Alternatively, and surprisingly, a good cup of tea is very refreshing when hot.
9. In recent years, the health benefits of tea, especially green tea, have become more apparent. From its use as a weight loss aid to helping lessen the effects of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, green tea could be called a “super drink.”
10. The process of making and drinking tea is rooted in tradition and can be a social event in its own right, and a “cup of tea” is rarely just that. Japanese tea ceremonies are very formal, and the ceremony is almost as much a spiritual event as it is a social gathering. Afternoon tea can range from a cup of something warm and moist with a slice of dry cake in a department store cafe, to a much more luxurious affair including many types of sandwiches, cakes and cookies, and tea served in the finest bone. porcelain in a fancy restaurant.
Now that you know why tea is so popular, why not fire up the kettle and enjoy a cup of the world’s most popular hot beverage?