How Tea Processing Takes Place

The tea plant camellia sinensis is a shrub with fragrant white flowers. But the beverage is made from internode, lanceolate leaves and buds. The cultivation takes place at various locations, heights and climatic regions. This produces leaves with vast variety of flavors, shapes and size. The amount of fermentation is responsible for production of green, white or black leaf.     

During the processing after the leaves are plucked the leaves are dried to reduce water content. This process is known as withering. The dried leaves are then rolled using machines or hand. This process enable the leaf to break its cells and release aromatic compounds.  

After rolling the oxidation stage takes over. The amount of oxidation is responsible for type of leaf that will result - green, white and black. The leaves are than fired without causing a burn. This step stops the oxidation process. Hence a varying degree of the oxidation can carried out as desired.  

For processing the black variant the leaves after being plucked are left to dry for a day. The process described above takes place. After the leaves have been properly oxidized to attain the right flavor and color the leaves are sent to the hot air chambers to fix the flavor and stop the oxidation process. By this time the leaves have taken the desired shape and attained the right flavor. Moisture content has come down to two percent and the leaves are ready for packing.     

I case of green tea withering may take place but the rest of the process is skipped. The leaves are subject to pan firing immediately in order to prevent oxidation. The final stage is to roll the leaves and dry them. The amazing health beneficial green tea is ready to be packed. Due to minimum process the green tea retains most of the antioxidants and ploy phenols which are good for health.  

Wagh Bakri is one of the largest tea processing and packing company in India. Like wise there are many such concerns in India that are responsible for delivering the brew to our doorstep. 

History Of Tea

It is said and written everywhere that tea beverage was first discovered whence a leaf fell into a war cup of water. Obviously it was the Chinese Emperor  who happened to be holding the cup. This goes about five thousand years back whence Indus Civilization  was taking roots in the sub continent.

How tea came to India is little known except it was the British who initiated commercial plantation. It is quiet likely that tea plant was found in North East India from ancient times. The brew was perhaps consumed for medicinal purpose by the tribes inhabiting that region.    

The British also created a commercial demand for this hot beverage. They did this by initially distributing free packets of leaves to the Indians. Before the introduction of tea people used to drink milk for breakfast. This changed dramatically and we are now addicted to the brew or rather it has entered our daily habit. 

The dramatic spread of tea cultivation in Asia is well known. China and Japan grow exotic varieties of green leaf while India is known to be a mass producer of black leaf. Nevertheless India grows some exquisite variety of leaves like the Darjeeling, Assam and Nilgiri premium teas.

The country consumes most of the cultivation within itself.  But does export whence the crop is robust. India also exports some fine blends of its premium teas to many countries.

Non Traditional Herbal Drinks

Herbal Teas - Four Kinds Worth Brewing

In the war of the beverages, the traditional tea like the green tea has won the limelight in several areas for being the drink which is full of health benefits and that has to offer a considerable amount of antioxidants. While this happens to be true in most of the cases, let us have a look at the other brews which at times tend to go unnoticed and the benefits and the advantages that they might have for us.

What is Herbal tea?

This brew is not considered to be among the traditional tea. This is so because they are made out of the roots, barbs, leaves, seeds, flowers, stems and fruits of the plants species from where the traditional beverage is obtained. The white, oolong, green and the black leaves are all known to be originated from the species of plant known as the Camellia sinensis and is then oxidized and processed in the four main categories.

Different Types Of Herbal Tea Products

The herbals which are known as the tisanes is known to brew the different cup which in some of the cases happen to be free of caffeine and are loaded with numerous benefits related to health. Below we will have a look at the different kinds of the herbal types which you might wish to consider while brewing.

The Rooibos which is also known as the red bush in its native places happens to be one of the novel herbal and non traditional drink which has gone famous in the markets in the west. With the light nutty sweetly taste and aroma, which also contains abundant antioxidants and while offering no caffeine in the beverage, the bright red beverage may be on its way to be next favorite and is certainly a healthy competitor to the green tea.

Benefits Of Herbal Tea Products

Snapple is known to have started a whole new product line of the particular drink with the name of the red tea. The particular drink is served chilled and is also available in an assortment of flavors. For all those individuals who like it in the traditional form can brew it directly.

The subsequent beverage happens to be the olive leaves. Olive has been known for its beneficial qualities. It is also used for the purpose of frying and baking as it is known to be of great taste as well as superb qualities.

The leaves of the olive are known  to reduce and kill the free radicals that are known to cause cancer and that too at double the rate than that of the green tea. The added benefits of the olive leaves include antibacterial and antiviral properties, lowered blood pressure, digestive aid, and increased energy which is expected out of any drinks.

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Earl Grey Tea Some Facts

A tea blend flavored with fruity peels or rinds define Earl Grey blend.  The most popular is the one in which Bergamot Orange Peel Oil is used incidentally the orange is grown in Italy. Similarly some of the flavorings used are blue cornflower blossoms, pieces of citrus peel in Russian Earl Grey which often contains lemon grass and rooibos in Red Earl Grey. 

Other varieties of this blend are Lavender Lady Grey and Citrus Lday Grey which are a combination of Earl Grey with Lavender and Saville Oranges. Subsequently many variations of this famous blend were created.  

These blends are named after an English Aristocrat called Charles Grey. The creation of this blend is probably a hypothesis some attribute it to an accidental development. Traditionally the oil of Bergamot flavoring is applied to black tea.  

This blend is widely used as flavoring for cakes, pastries, sauces and many kinds of chocolates.  

Tea Production News

The Indian State of Assam produces more than half the tea leaf in India. The rest of the tea production comes from other pockets like Nilgiri in South India and Darjeeling District of West Bengal. The universal changes in weather pattern have also affected Assam which is experiencing longer dry rains and lesser rain fall. 

The intensity of rainfall is now concentrated into short period unlike before whence the rains were more evenly spread. The intense rain is detrimental to the top soil conservation in the gardens.    

These factors are influencing the production cost which is increasing to a point were competitive edge is lost. The pest are also hampering the cultivation albeit the problem can be taken care of by using pesticides.  This problem arises from extended dry periods during the cultivation. 

Read More:  Tea Production in Assam

Ancient Chinese Healing Science Using Green Tea

Unlike the Western Civilization Asian Countries specially the Chinese have been using the green tea brew to heal many diseases. They Chinese have been using this brew for preventing and curing many disease like cancer. 

The consumption of green tea drink and extract has been incorporated in the Chinese lifestyle. The health beneficial brew contains many chemical compounds that benefit humans who consume it. This goes with the regular black tea as well but it is said that during the fermentation some beneficial chemicals are destroyed.   

The usage of  green tea in Chinese System of medicine has been carefully researched in order to discover how this brew or extract fights deadly tumors and dementia. 

The key ingredient EGCG prevents cell damage which is the precursor to cancer. EGCG is five time more effective than Resveratrol that is present in red wine and lowers cholesterol level in humans.The chemical also prevents blood clotting in the circulatory system which is the primary cause of  strokes and heart attacks. The prevalence of EGCG in leaf of green variety is because of steaming which preserves the chemical. In other forms of leaf the chemical is converted into other less beneficial chemicals because of fermentation.      

Hence healthy eating habits, regular exercise along with fresh fruits and green tea are all ingredients for long life and happiness.  

Tea Lounge - Creating a Sense of Comunity

The coffee houses in Jabalpur and elsewhere had a unique character and some still do.  One could laze around for hours and chat along over a cup of coffee and puffs of cigarette (No more puffs now). They became a meeting ground for groups till they where turned into family restaurants.    

Any way this way or that way people still group around in many coffee houses like they used to do in the yesteryear. The coffee house drew and shaped the character of the people who became a community some with a purpose, some with a movement and some just whiling their time away.  

This idea was adopted by the tea lounges that emerged in the recent times. Jonathan Spiel's tea lounge in NY has so impressed the entrepreneur that he was invited by a Kuwaiti businessmen to open a franchise in his country.   

The tea lounges serve many varieties of teas steeped and brewed as per taste. Some also sell exotic loose form of teas to the visitors. Unlike the coffee houses with plain an simple decor the tea lunges are jazzed up to the tee. The fantastic ambiance emulates coffee shops in five star resorts that are the hanging grounds of jet set.    

Wagh Bakri House has been at the forefront of this in India. The tea company has opened lounges in New Delhi & Mumbai. These keep all the promises that they make and are an instant hit with the youngsters. These popular tea lounges in India also serve cookies and light snacks like sandwiches and samosa. There is one more lounge in Mumbai at Bandra and one in Aurangabad City. More such joints are in offing.        

The lounges sell fine tea blends including the masala chai spiced up with cardamom, lemon grass, ginger, cinnamon etc. The snacks list runs large and include traditional items like bhakerwadi, dhokla, khandvi besides paneer puff, chilli paneer roll, sandwiches, hot dog and burger etc.   

Tea: From a Modest Beginning To a Global Phenomenon

So you’re a tea drinker with a good idea of the immense anti-oxidant properties. This ancient brew has cheers for you. It is woderful having this hot beverage to relax yourself at any point of day?

As science confirms many ancient beliefs about tea and the exact nature of anti-oxidants in the leaf. The leaf  began its sojourn along the track of human civilization as a modest infusion. Initially prepared from leaves of Camelia sinensis by Chinese and other Asian natives the brew has gained an enormous appeal. As a beverage of choice amid consumers worldwide they are increasing year by year.. It remains challenged in popularity only by coffee that still remains a favorite in US. But with entry into sections like canned options of iced-tea and combination with liquor continues to gain new flavors with time.

Tea: How It Is Sold

Tea is often sold in packages in different varieties- green, black, white, oolong, pu-erh, etc. You also find variations like organically grown blends, sweetened teas, ready-to-drink versions, canned beverage and  leaves sold in loose form.

The most popular tea in terms of high sales is black, followed closely by green leaf. England and India are the biggest consumers of black tea, followed closely by Europe, Japan, China and US, though China has its own variants that have lighter textures and unique flavors. North America has registered some of the highest growth in iced-tea drinking. This definitely indicates a sure consumer shift and heightened consumer interest in non-carbonated drinks.

Indian or Chinese?

Undoubtedly Indian and Chinese blends holds sway over a majority of global sales volumes. The Lapsang Souchong of China is the most famed amid the numerous other Chinese brands in use. Yunnan is another, grown and plucked from the Yunnan province.

The Indian tea considered best in quality and aroma is one grown in Darjeeling. It is liked for its light and delicate flavor. In contrast the Ceylon leaf is strong with a sharp aroma. Assam tea is strong and shows readiness to blending with other flavors. You find many Assam variants in market in India and elsewhere.

Darjeeling Orange Pekoe and Ceylon broken-orange Pekoe are highly in demand in England. China alone is reported to produce world’s 18 percent production. Parts of Asia like Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia also grow tea as does Kenya and other countries.

Popular Tea Blends

Earl Gray is a blend that combines a black tea with flavor of bergamot. It is smoky and aromatic with just the slightest touch of citrus. Usually Earl Gray is a blend of Indian with Ceylon leaves. Breakfast tea is stronger than Darjeeling and popular blends in this category are the English breakfast, Irish and Scottish Breakfast blends. If you like the aroma of jasmine try Jasmine tea which has a delicate flavor added of green leaf.

Different Tea Choices: Understanding Health Benefits & Flavor Variations

Tea has been one of the oldest beverages drunk up by man for relaxation and comfort. In cold weather a hot brew helps keep body warm and refreshes the mind from the day’s labors. Visit any grocery store and you’re sure to find a lot of tea brands as choices and some herbal infusions claiming to be herbal and healthy.

Do you want regular tea or one with little/no caffeine? Tea that’s classic in its flavor or one that’s infused with myriad other flavors like of fruits, spices or plant parts? You can get the finest blends in packages, loose form and in hygienic bags.

Such is the pull of this deeply flavored leaf that it has entered the cold beverages market with a storm and is fast finding its own niche in form of iced-teas and infused alcohol mixtures.

 Tea: What Is It Really?

You have to remember that only tea made from leaves of Camelia sinensis - a bush that originally grew in Asia and was used by Chinese  in earlier times as digestive tonic.  Other Asians also followed and used the leaves to prepare a hot beverage. .

There are variants of this plant depend on the climates where it is grown, the stage of growth when the leaf is plucked and the leaf size as also the processing it undergoes. So we have tea categorized as white, black, green and oolong.

These also have differing levels of antioxidants and other important ingredients. Green tea for instance has a higher catechin level than what you’d find in black leaf.  But it doesn’t have theaflavins as is found in black tea. Herbal infusions are essentially not considered ‘true’ teas.

 Green Tea: Benefits

The flavor of green leaf is attributed to presence of theanine and its texture is thanks to the catechins present. It is also the theanine that acts as mild relaxant while toning down effects of caffeine that lends a bitter taste to the flavor and helps improve alertness.

 White Tea: Why It Is Good?

White tea happens to have extremely low caffeine levels and is least processed of all the leaves. Great for people wanting to cut down on their caffeine! It is also the least oxidized and helps prevent heart problems, cancers and fight diabetes.

 Oolong Tea: A Digestive Aid

Oolong teas fluctuate in their oxidation levels from 20 to 80% and though higher in oxidation than green leaf have polyphenols which defend body against dementia, cancers and heart issues.

 Pu-erh: Uniquely Processed

Pu-erh tea leaves are the fermented, aged variation of regular leaves which is why it has a high flavonoid content and low caffeine level. Known to break down fats Pu-erh helps your stomach settle down after a heavy meal. You also get a metabolic boost by having this brew. So go on and get energized!