Teas Of The World: China: The Homeland of Tea

A traditional Chinese saying:
'Firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and tea are the seven necessities to begin a day.'

Since the second Chinese emperor Shen Nung discovered tea in 2737BC, the Chinese have set about refining and improving it in every way. The Chinese have perfected the way in which they grow, prepare and drink tea, with variations in all of these matters within the different regions.

Although China discovered tea almost 5000 years ago, it was not introduced in Japan until the 6th Century and in Europe and America until the 17th Century. Now, tea is a worldwide necessity. It is grown in over 40 countries but 90% of all tea produced still comes from Asia and all tea plants in the world were originally from China.

Chinese tea is divided into five different categories depending on how it is made.
1)Black Tea: Called red tea (hong cha) in China. It is fermented before baking.
2)Green Tea: Keeps the original tea leaf colour and has no fermentation in the preparing.
3)Wulong Tea: Half way between black and green tea.
4)Scented Tea: Fragrant flowers such as jasmine are mixed into the tea leaves.
5)Compressed Tea: This is tea that has been molded into a shape, such as a cube. It makes it easy for transport.

There are also different methods of brewing tea in different regions.
1)Chaou Brewing: The chaou is actually a three piece teaware: lid, cup and saucer.

Boil water, or heat to specified temperature for tea
Heat the tea ware with boiling water
Add leaves to line bottom of the cup
Rinse tea leaves and drain
Slip water along the side while pouring into the Chaou
Fill to ~2/3 full
Wait for 30 seconds, Serve

2)Gongfu Chaou Brewing: It uses a small 100-150ml teapot. It is usually used for welcoming guests or for personal use. It is suitable for oolong tea.

The cups used in the ceremony are small and usually white to show the colour of the tea. Sometimes special utensils such as tweezers and sieves are used in the preparation. All of the utensils must be washed in a certain way.

The Chinese Tea Ceremony is very important time of friendship. The ceremony focuses completely on the tea; what it smells, tastes like etc. Each person preforms the ritual of drinking in their own way. It is meant to help you find inner peace.
To say thank you for the tea, the Chinese knock two fingers together. This is a very old custom but still very much practiced, especially in the south.

Tea Drinking is a very respected and traditional custom in China. It is a sign of respect, a family gathering, an apology, to express gratitude and to pass on the tradition.