JASMINE GREEN TEA

Jasmine Green Tea Photo by killerturnip / CC BY Jasmine Flowers Photo by kevinomara / CC BY Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearl tea Photo by 0121stephen / CC BY China Royal Jasmine Curls tea, Fujian Province Photo by moonlightbulb / CC BY Girl's Ring Jasmine Tea (Nu'er Huan), Fujian Province Photo by chashitsu_lasere / CC BY Tea Ceremony Set in Tea House Photo by 13523064@N03 / CC BY Red Tea Set for Wedding Photo by csss / CC BY Dim Sum with white tea pot on upper right  Photo by roboppy / CC BY Jasmine Green Tea is scented with Jasmine Blossoms Poured onto Green Tea Photo by Daqve Dahl Jasmine Flower Tea Photo by darcymoore / CC BY

OTHER NAMES: mòlìhuā chá or 茉莉花茶(in Chinese) Jasmine Green Tea is scented with aroma from jasmine blossoms to make a scented tea. It is the most famous scented tea in China. [1] VARIATIONS & FLAVORS Typically, jasmine tea has green tea as the tea base; however, other variation such as white tea and black tea are also used. The resulting flavor of jasmine tea is subtly sweet and highly fragrant. [2] Different jasmine green teas are made with different grades of green tea. The best are made with a large ratio of tea buds to tea leaves. These will have a subtler, more delicate flavor than teas made with larger leaves and fewer buds. Highest grade of jasmine green tea is called "Jasmine Dragon Phoenix Pearl." (Photo on left) HISTORY Tea was discovered by accident in 2737 BC China by Shen Nong. Many years later, the jasmine plant was believed to introduce into China from Persia via India during the Han Dynasty. (206 BC to 220 AD) It was not until the 5th century when jasmine flower was being used to scent tea. [3] However, jasmine tea did not become widespread until the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912) when tea started to be exported in large quantities to the West. Today, there are many production places for jasmine green tea such as Fujian, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Zhejiang provinces of China, as well as Vietnam. Among all, Jasmine tea produced in the Chinese province of Fujian has the best reputation. CULTURE Tea has been part of the lifestyle and custom in China for over a thousand years. Tea is often associated with literature, arts, and philosophy. Use of tea is incorporated in tea ceremony, traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese cuisine, Weddings, and daily practice. It is common to prepare tea for family gathering or guests visits as a sign of respect. Tea drinking is also common knowledge for other circumstances such as to express thanks, to apologize, to celebrate, etc. [4] There are different types of brewing method, preparation, and tea wares for different regions of China. In northern China, it is a custom to serve Jasmine tea as a welcoming gesture to guests and friends. Jasmine tea is the local tea beverage of Fuzhou, while jasmine flowers are the municipal flower of that city. In the South, jasmine green tea is popular in dim sum restaurants. While Taiwanese bubble tea is widespread worldwide, “jasmine green tea with tapioca balls” is one of the most popular recipes for bubble tea beverage. HEALTH Jasmine green tea is beneficial to our body if we consume the right amount. According to University of Maryland Medical Center, they recommend adults to drink around two to three cups of jasmine green tea a day. (providing between 240 and 320 milligrams of polyphenols.) [8] Jasmine green tea has a base of green tea, which have many benefits includes: protect your body from cancer: prevent bladder, breast, ovarian, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, prostate, esophageal, skin and stomach cancers   help boost your metabolism lowers overall cholesterol levels raises the levels of HDL, high density lipoprotein   preventing atherosclerosis  promoting alertness and mental awareness **Please note that there is some danger associated with drinking large quantities of jasmine tea during pregnancy. It is also best to avoid drinking it on an empty stomach because it is somewhat acidic and can cause stomach discomfort. [5] MAKING PROCESS Traditionally, fresh jasmine flowers are placed on a tray above a woven tray of tea leaves in a warm room. The jasmine flowers are replaced often to give the tea an ethereal, light aroma and flavor. Then, the tea is dried and packaged to be sold. Another method of making jasmine green tea is to mix green tea leaves with the leftover jasmine flowers. Let it sit and allow tea to be scented. Then separated flowers from the tea before the tea is dried and packaged. Sometimes, a few jasmine flowers will remain in the tea when it is sold. Some jasmine green teas are flavored with natural jasmine essential oil, jasmine natural flavor, artificial jasmine flavor or a mix of flower flavors. [6] PREPARATION For each cup of Jasmine green tea, add one teaspoon of loose tea and steeped with filtered water that is around 190 degrees F or 88C (simmering, not boiling). 3 minutes is usually plenty.  For brewing jasmine pearls:  use more water with only a few pearls per cup For jasmine flowering tea:  one "flower" is enough for a large mug or whole pot of tea. [7]

RUSSIAN CARAVAN

Tea in a Russian Glass Holder Photo by zzmeika / CC BY Camel Caravan circa 1900 Photo by The Powerhouse Museum Map of Regions, 17th century CE  Light Purple: Russia (long narrow area) Bright Yellow: Chinese (left side) Photo by University of Duisburg-Essen

Russian Caravan is one of the most traditional and well-known black tea in Russia. [1] However, Russian Caravan was not quite originated from Russia. It originated and was named after the trading route between China and Russia called "Camel Caravan." TASTE  It is well-rounded with a full, smooth, ever-so-slightly smoky flavor. Russian Caravan is a blend of Chinese teas: oolong, keemun, and lapsang souchong. In the old time, this tea was only transported through the trading route, “Camel Caravan,” which took at least half of a year to deliver. While the tea stays on the route for so long, it acquired a distinctive smoky flavor from the caravan's campfires.  HISTORY Tea was firstly introduced to Russia in 1638 by a Mongolian ruler. [2] In 1679, Russia concluded a treaty on regular tea supplies from China via the 10,000 kilometers long trading route, Camel Caravan. (**Locations of regions were different in the 17th century, see Map on the left side) Due to the harsh climate of Mongolia and Siberia region, traveling time varies between at least half a year to at most 14 months. [3] Because of the long travel distance, travelers needed to camp outdoor with campfires. The smoky campfires eventually alter the flavor of tea along the way to Russia.  Today, Russian Caravan can be easily found and purchased through tea retails such as Peet's Coffee and Tea or Twinings.   PREPARATION       1.       For each cup of Russian Caravan, add 1 teaspoon of tea loose leaf. (Follow direction of your tea if included on package)       2.       Boil hot water and let it sit until temperature lowers to approximate 95 degree C. (200F)       3.       Steep tea for 3-5 minutes with hot water. (approx 200 degree F or 95 degree C) [4]       4.       If desire a stronger tea, steep for an extra 1-3 minutes. *Note that most black tea intends to get bitter if steeping for too long. [5]       5.       Enjoy with jam, lemon, and sweets!

MOROCCAN MINT TEA

Mint Green Tea Photo by zanthia / CC BY Mint Leaves Photo by Kham Tran / CC BY Moroccan Tea Ware: Teapot, Tea Glass, and Serving Tray Photo by wasapninworld / CC BY Moroccan Teapot with Handle Cover Photo by klearchos / CC BY Ornate Tea Glass Photo by winam / CC BY Tea Ritual: Woman poured from a Distance to produce Foam on the Tea Photo by Deeptrivia / CC BY

OTHER NAMES: Touareg tea, Tuareg tea, Mint tea, Maghrebi mint tea, Atay B’naa-naa or Naa-naa(in Arabic) Moroccan style mint tea is not only common in Morocco, but also popular in many Arabian countries, France, Islamic Africa and Spain. The tea uses green tea with mint, which makes it really refreshing. Mint tea is consumed daily in Morocco and is also drunk for special occasions served with traditional engraved teapot and ornate tea glasses. HISTORY Peppermint is one of the oldest plants for medicinal use. [1] From records of Roman and Greek period, it was used as a digestive aid and as a treatment for the symptoms of cough, colds and fever. [2] Tea was introduced to the Maghreb in the 18th century by the English. [3] While the Moroccans grew mint and use it in their dishes, the recipe of mint tea was quickly invented and became the national drink. [4] [5]  The beverage has spread throughout North Africa and integrated as a custom in many North African countries. During colonization of Spain and France in Maghreb, the popular Moroccan mint tea also traveled to those countries. [6] From Spain, the recipe passed to Latino American countries as well. [7] CULTURE In Morocco and other Maghreb countries, mint tea has become part of the culture and is consumed at almost every meal. It is served whenever there are guests or gathering, which makes the tea symbolized as friendship and hospitality. Tea performance, rituals, and ceremonies play important role within their customs too. [8] Traditional Moroccan tea ceremony is called “Atai” and is traditionally prepared by the host or the head of family. Please note that it is considered a great offense not to accept the tea from the host. [9] MOROCCAN TEA WARE Traditional Moroccan tea ware includes a teapot, tea glass, and serving tray. Because teapot is made out of metal, a “handle cover” is used to isolate heat when pouring tea. (See photo on the left) Moroccan teapots are designed and crafted by artisans using materials such as tin, brass, aluminum or silver alloys. Some teapots are stainless steel and therefore safe for placing directly over the fire. [10] Teapots are traditionally decoratively engraved. Depending on social rank, teapots are plated with gold or bear gold motifs and decorations. [11] Moroccan tea glass cups are decorated with delicate motif and patterns. Because of its beautiful design, many people also use it as a candle holder.   INGREDIENTS Moroccan mint tea is usually prepared with a generous amount of spearmint leaves.  [12] Peppermint can be used if prefer stronger cooling flavor. [13] The beverage uses other herbs such as absinthium or wild mint. PREPARATION The method of preparation of a traditional Moroccan tea ceremony (Atai) varies from region to region. Check out one of the methods here. Of course, it can be causally prepared with only a few ingredients: green tea, mint leaves and sugar.        1.      Prepare all ingredients: green tea (tea bag or loose tea leaves) – usually strong Chinese tea like gunpowder, chun mee, or zhu cha), fresh mint leaves in large quantity, and sugar (approximately five teaspoons of sugar for one teaspoon of tea leaves).              2.      First, we need to “clean” the loose green tea with followed direction. (If using green tea bag, ignore this step and proceed to step 3) Add loose tea leaves in a teapot. Add a small quantity of boiling water for approximately 20–30 seconds. Poured out and kept aside. This is the "spirit" of the tea and will be added back after the tea is washed, in order to restore the "spirit" to the tea. The tea is then "cleaned" by adding a small quantity of boiling water. Poured out after one minute (this lessens the bitterness of the tea), this process may be repeated more than once.       3.      Add Mint leaves and sugar. Add hot water that is below boiling water temperature. (between 170 - 185 degrees Fahrenheit, or 76 - 85C) Because green tea is very delicate, brewing it with boiling water will cook the leaves. [14]        4.      After three to five minutes, a glass is served and poured back in the pot two to three times, in order to mix the tea.       5.      Tea is then tasted. Add more sugar if needed. Mix the tea.       6.      Tea is poured into glasses from height in order to swirl loose tea leaves to the bottom of the glass, whilst gently aerating the tea to improve its flavor.