Tea: History, Health Benefits and Brewing Techniques
Are you one of the millions of people around the world who drink tea? This ancient preparation dates back to 2737 BCE, when the wandering Chinese emperor Shen Neng discovered leaves in his water and drank the infusion with delight. Our Tea Web Guide offers you a wealth of information through links to the best sites for all things tea. Learn about the history of tea, its different types, various brewing methods, how to have it delivered to your home and the health benefits of tea drinking.
Expand All Guide SectionsThe History of Tea
For thousands of years, people have enjoyed the flavor of white, green, oolong and black teas. The following links explain the history of tea in various areas of the world.
Insights for the History of Tea
- The history of tea is closely tied to the types of tea grown in specific locations. If you want to learn more about certain forms of black, green or white tea, go to the “Types of Tea” section of this guide.
- To learn more about the history of tea, read “Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West,” a book that explores tea’s cultural and political impact over the centuries.
Top Sites for the History of Tea
For a general overview…
2basnob.com
presents the history of tea in a timeline. The long list of dates encompasses the emergence of tea drinking and tea culture across the world.
Stash Tea
lays out the history of tea, organizing its evolution by culture. Scroll to the bottom of the text for details about tea gardens, the Russian tea tradition, tea trade in the Orient and more.
For the history of tea in China and Japan…
Green Tea Lovers
offers histories of tea specific to China and Japan. Read about tea’s introduction in China and then “Tea History: Japan” to learn about the Japanese importation of tea from China.
For the history of tea in India…
TeaMuse
presents “The Origins of Indian Tea,” an article that outlines the development of the East India Company and examines how tea farming and brewing developed in India.
For a history of tea in Britain …
United Kingdom Tea Council
presents the “History of Tea” from a British point of view. Although the article covers tea’s Asian origins and history, there’s a strong focus on British tea drinking.
The BBC
offers this feature on tea and its importance in British life. Read about the history of British tea customs.
For a history of tea in the Americas…
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
presents an essay entitled “Coffee, Tea, and Chocolate in Early Colonial America.” Read about the role of tea in colonial America and link to photos of silver tea service items from the museum’s collection.
Types of Tea
Different regions and climates give rise to different types of tea. Use the sites below to get acquainted with the major varieties of tea, where they come from and the best way to brew them.
Insights for Types of Tea
- Although you’ll find advice here on how to brew the different varieties of tea listed below, visit the “How to Brew Tea” section for additional advice.
- Because infusions and tisanes aren't made with tea leaves but rather with herbs, flowers and dried fruit, they aren't officially considered teas. See the “For herbal teas, infusions and tisanes” subsection below for specific examples.
- Different types of tea have varying amounts of caffeine. For a brief look at the topic, visit Stash Tea’s analysis of caffeine content in tea and other beverages.
Top Sites for Types of Tea
For a summary of different types of tea …
StarChefs
gives a basic overview of types of tea and how they are harvested. Descriptions of each tea also detail how the brew should taste.
Food-Info.net
outlines a variety of tea types, including specialty leaves. Teas are arranged alphabetically with a brief report of the regions and flavors that categorize each blend.
For white tea…
White Tea Guide
examines the history and varieties of white tea. Find brewing tips under “White Tea Tips” and see the “White Tea Buyer’s Guide” before you make a purchase.
For green tea…
WorldsHealthiestFoods.com
discusses the health benefits and history of green tea. The article is lengthy but gives a detailed overview of the background and benefits of green tea.
For black tea…
BlackTea.com
covers black tea from around the world, including China, India and Turkey. Learn about black tea from each region, including the flavors and brewing process of each.
For oolong tea…
The Oolong Tea
Web site covers the history, varieties and health benefits of oolong. Use the little orange arrows on the top right of each section for additional information.
For herbal teas, infusions and tisanes …
Mi Yerba Mate
explains yerba mate and the tea drinking custom of South America. Buy products or visit “What is Yerba Mate?” to learn about the beverage.
TeaMuse
presents the history and culture of Rooibos, an herbal infusion from Africa.
CustomizeYourMug.com
provides a list of some of the most popular herbal teas and tisanes. Descriptions highlight the health benefits and flavors of each infusion.
Who knew?
Bubble Tea Supply
introduces bubble tea, a sweet, tea-based beverage from Taiwan that includes black balls of tapioca.
How to Brew Tea
There’s more to brewing tea than simply boiling water. The following sites show you how to brew tea and can clarify which pot and brewing method will suit your tea-drinking tastes.
Insights for How to Brew Tea
- If you need more information about brewing times or methods for specific types of tea, revisit the sites listed above for the particular tea type that interests you.
- Remember that certain teas need different water temperatures to brew properly. If you want to get your timing exactly right, use a thermometer and a timer.
Top Sites for How to Brew Tea
In Pursuit of Tea
has an extensive section on how to brew tea and prepare for a tea ceremony. The explanations are detailed, and geared toward those concerned with brewing with the utmost precision.
Planet Tea
gives detailed directions for brewing white, green, black, oolong, herbal and chai tea. Get specific steeping times, along with descriptions of how much tea to use per volume of water.
The Fragrant Leaf
provides information on how to preheat the pot and measure leaves and water, and lists steeping times for different tea varieties.
Where to Buy Tea Online
The Internet has made it easier than ever to buy tea online. Use the following sites to stock up on blends, or to buy pots and cups.
Insights for Where to Buy Tea Online
- If you see tea displayed in glass jars at a brick-and-mortar store, steer clear: Exposure to light damages the properties of tea leaves. Be sure to store your own tea properly.
- If you want to get the full flavor of tea, brew it with loose leaves. Tea in a bag usually cannot fully expand the way that loose leaves in a pot can.
Top Sites for Where to Buy Tea Online
Adagio Teas
sell many varieties of loose-leaf tea, along with bagged tea, iced tea, teaware and other “extras.” Find lots of unique resources, such as discussion boards for tea lovers and a map of more than 2,000 tea rooms across the country.
Harney and Sons
sells green, black, oolong, white and herbal tea. Select from loose-leaf tea, teabags or tea in sachets. Don’t miss the company’s tea blends, which combine various flavors to make unique combinations.
Teas Etc
sells many varieties of basic teas, as well as Pu’erh tea, flowering tea and organic teas. Create an account to get recommendations and reviews specific to your tastes.
Health Benefits of Tea
Although people have believed in the health benefits of tea for millennia, modern science has only recently focused its attention on the physical properties that make tea so nutritious and beneficial.
Insights for the Health Benefits of Tea
- Although there are many benefits to drinking green tea, have a look at this article from ScienceDaily, which touts the advantages of white tea over green tea.
- If you’re taking medication, or have health issues or food sensitivities, consult with your doctor before you begin drinking tea in large quantities.
- If you want to learn more about overall nutrition, visit findingDulcinea’s Nutrition Web Guide.
Top Sites for the Health Benefits of Tea
Tea Association of the U.S.A.
has a lengthy discussion on the health benefits of tea. Navigate the article by selecting links at the top of the page.
University of Maryland Medical Center
provides an overview of how green tea can be used medicinally. The article explores the benefits and potential negative effects of green tea.
WebMD
presents “Antioxidants in Green and Black Tea.” Read up if you want to know about what polyphenols and flavonoids can do for your waistline, skin, inner organs and cholesterol.
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