Tea
101: Unveiling Some Little-Known Facts About Tea Tea has been an indispensable part of our lives for thousands of years. Every culture has its own unique relationship with tea, and with a wide variety of teas, there is much to learn and explore. Despite its ubiquitous presence, there are still some little-known facts about tea that may pique your curiosity. Let's delve into them and expand our knowledge of the world of tea. 1. Not all tea leaves are green The color of the tea leaves you brew is determined by how the leaves are processed. Green and white teas are not oxidized, while black and oolong teas are partially or fully oxidized. However, did you know that the Camellia sinensis plant, from which all tea is made, produces leaves that are naturally a dark green color? The green tea that we are familiar with is made by steaming or pan-frying fresh tea leaves to prevent oxidation and preserve their natural green color. 2. Tea has more caffeine than you think Many people believe that tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but this is not entirely true. While the caffeine content in tea varies depending on the type of tea and how it is brewed, a cup of tea contains about half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. However, if you compare the dry weight of tea leaves to coffee beans, tea actually has more caffeine per gram. 3. Tea can be aged like wine Tea is often thought of as a drink that is best consumed fresh, but some types of tea can get better with age. The aging process can cause the flavor of tea to become smoother, deeper, and more complex. Oolong, pu-erh, and white teas are most commonly aged, with pu-erh being the most famous aged tea. To age tea, it is stored in a controlled environment with low humidity and moderate temperature. The longer the aging, the more expensive the tea becomes, much like a fine wine. 4. Tea bags were an accidental invention The first tea bags were created by accident in the early 20th century. A New York tea merchant named Thomas Sullivan sent samples of tea to his customers in small silk bags. Instead of opening the bag, they dunked the whole thing in hot water, and thus, the tea bag was born. Sullivan soon started producing tea bags, and they quickly became a popular way to brew tea. 5. There is an official tea sommelier certification A tea sommelier, also known as a tea master or tea expert, is someone who has been trained in the art of tea tasting and appreciation. The Tea and Herbal Association of Canada offers tea sommelier certification courses, which cover tea culture, tea production, tea history, and tasting techniques. The certification is recognized globally and can lead to a career as a tea consultant, educator, or expert. Tea has a long and rich history, and there are always new things to discover about it. From its processing to its aging to its cultural significance, tea is a drink that can be enjoyed and appreciated in countless ways. So next time you sip on a cup of tea, take a moment to appreciate the little-known facts behind this beloved beverage.
