Explore 6 famous tea flavors around the world
Tea is a popular beverage consumed widely in each country. Below are some tea varieties that define the brands in some countries, with health benefits you might not be aware of.
Oolong Tea (China): China is known as the homeland of teas. Among them, Oolong tea is most sought after in the Wuyi Mountains of Fujian Province. The color and aroma of this beverage are determined by the fermentation process, which can vary depending on the growing region or the technique of tea leaf oxidation.
Historically, the beverage would be served at Gongfu tea ceremonies, a custom believed to have originated during the Song Dynasty. The ceremony signifies respect for guests and the land that produces the tea leaves. While guests enjoy Oolong tea, hosts may prepare traditional dishes for everyone to savor.
Mint Tea (Morocco): This traditional beverage is brewed using gunpowder tea sourced from Fujian Province, China. After heating, the tea is combined with fresh mint leaves and sugar. The drink began to be introduced in the 17th century under King Moulay Ismail. It wasn't until the 20th century that mint tea became popular among all social classes. Image: Thespruceeats.
Mint tea symbolizes hospitality and has become an indispensable part of life in Morocco. The preparer pours the tea from a silver teapot into a glass from a height. If foam appears afterward, it signifies that the tea has been successfully brewed. Mint tea is served three times while sitting, each cup bringing a different meaning. Image: Sublimehouseoftea.
Masala Chai (India): Masala chai is beloved by travelers worldwide for its uniquely rich and spicy flavor. The tea is brewed with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs. Common ingredients include cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and nutmeg.
There are many legends surrounding the origins of masala chai. The story may have originated from a king's dream of creating a drink that could cure his people or from an Indian monk who learned local rituals from Chinese farmers. Each person brewing this beverage creates a different flavor profile with their own finesse. Image: Archanaskitchen.
Matcha Tea (Japan): Matcha is a cherished ingredient, commonly found in recipes worldwide. It was once a precious beverage enjoyed only by monks and aristocrats. The drink appeared in Japan in the 12th century, mostly used by Buddhist monks in tea ceremonies. Image: Dfordelhi.
Today, matcha tea is a symbolic drink of cultural pride and hospitality in Japan. Many consider matcha as a "miracle elixir" due to its health benefits, often likened to a precious medicinal source used regularly in daily life.
Yerba Mate (Argentina, South America): This is a renowned tea, distinctive in Argentina and throughout South America. Traditionally, this tea is enjoyed in a gourd, sipped through a metal straw called a bombilla to filter out the residue. Yerba Mate is made from the leaves of Ilex paraguariensis, dried over fire and ground into a powder. Image: Lifespan.
Yerba Mate is often enjoyed when cold. During the first tasting, you'll notice its distinctly bitter taste. However, once acquainted, its rich and bold flavor is sure to captivate many. Due to its high caffeine content, mate tea is a choice of many soccer players during matches to boost energy and
Black Tea (United Kingdom): This is known as one of the most popular teas in England. Originally, afternoon tea parties were exclusively for the aristocracy. However, this ritual has become a cultural hallmark of the country and spread to many nations worldwide. Image: Goodfon.
The British often enjoy black tea with biscuits, cakes, or sandwiches at restaurants or tea shops. To this day, this beverage remains an essential part of daily life in the land of fog.
