Tea is that one drink that is enjoyed and appreciated by people everywhere. This aromatic drink is useful in more than one way. Tea is not just used as a refreshment beverage or for its health benefits but is a symbol of togetherness. Many countries and cultures around the world have developed their ways and traditions around the drink.
Let’s go around the globe to different places and their way of tea drinking –
CHINA – Pu’er tea
We cannot talk about tea without including the place that gave tea to the world – China. In the Yunan province of China, the people worship tea trees. Tea is more than a beverage here. For the people of Yunan, the tea forests passed down over generations are an integral part of their tradition.
Some tea trees in the forest are believed to be as old as 1300 years. The Pu’er tea that comes from the place is one of the most prized teas in the world. Grown for thousands of years in the province of Yunan, this tea comes from the tree known as the Wild Old Tea and is fermented for weeks or even decades! The tea is sold as compressed cakes and, some cost a fortune.
ARGENTINA – Yerba Mate
If you want a caffeine boost but want to skip coffee, Yerba Mate is a perfect choice. Coming from Argentina, the Yerba Mate is very popular among the locals. The locals believe that the plant was a gift from God. The locals serve the drink in a gourd and pass it around the group.
SOUTH AFRICA – Rooibos Tea
The Cederberg region of South Africa gives the famous caffeine-free herb, the Rooibos. South Africa is the only country in the world that produces Rooibos. This red, bitter-tasting tea has been grown in the mountains of the Cederberg for centuries now.
TAIWAN – Bubble Tea
Also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, tapioca milk tea, or boba tea or boba, Bubble tea is a popular ice tea that originated in Taiwan in the late 1980s. The specialty of the tea is the chewy tapioca or fruit jelly balls (“boba” or “pearls”) accompanying the milk-based tea that gives the tea a rich silky texture.
MOROCCO – Morrocan Mint tea
In Morocco, tea brewing, serving, and drinking are considered sacred. Tea brewing is considered an art form (atai) and is done by the male members of the family and is passed down to generations. The Morrocan Mint tea combines a base of green tea with fresh mint leaves and sugar. The tea is poured
from a height of 12 inches over a small glass creating a foam at the top of the drink, a symbol that the tea has been brewed long enough.
SOUTH KOREA- Omija cha
This berry tea from South Korea is made from dried Magnolia berries. Omija means five flavored berries, so you can expect to be greeted by a blast of different flavors. This summer tea was primarily used for medicinal purposes.
JAPAN – Matcha tea
The Japanese ground the young green tea leaves into bright green powder, giving them highly caffeinated Matcha tea. The ritual of preparing the tea is highly respected and is considered calming. The Japanese tea ceremony is known as chanoyu, a ceremony consisting of the serving and taking of tea
following an elaborate ritual.
INDIA- Chai
The second-largest producer of tea in the world after China, India is home to over 100,000 tea estates employing millions of tea workers. As home to Ayurveda, India has a well-established system of herbal teas. The Indians knew the benefits of herbs and spices like Tulsi (holy basil), Elaichi (cardamom), Kali Mirch (black pepper), Mulethi (liquorice), Clove, Ginger, etc., and added it to the tea with milk and sugar thus giving the famous Indian Chai.
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