Tea Rituals for the Tea Dieter
Tea is the second most popular drink all over the world. There are hundreds of varieties of tea in the same way that there are a variety of ways by which tea is served in different countries and for different occasions. Here you will find tea rituals for the tea dieter that is used in different countries from the east to the west.
Chinese Tea Ceremony
China, where most of the tea varieties we know of originated, is well known for its tea rituals and preparations, some of which date as far back as the 8th century. During the 8th century, tea preparation was a bit tedious because of the many steps involved.
Back then, the tea leaves were first steamed, then broken, and the other ingredients were added before turning it into a loaf. Seasonings were then mixed with the loaf and lightly roasted over a fire before being grounded between sheets of fine paper. The grounded loaf was then placed in a pot of boiled salted water and a tablespoon of cold water is added. When the tea particles had settled, the tea was then served in cups with milk and onions for flavoring.
Present day Chinese tea rituals are different in a way because they do not have to go through the process of preparing the loaf. One very important feature of a Chinese tea ceremony is that the server should be a master of the art and that all the tea served per round and per cup should taste exactly the same as the first round.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
In Japan, the tea ceremony is traditionally performed by geishas who are considered as the descendants of Japanese tea masters. Geishas learn the art of serving tea in special schools where they are educated and undergo rigid training. For the tea ceremony, tea is prepared by adding hot water to tea powder in a special bowl. The tea is then stirred using a special tea whisk until foam appears on the surface. Japanese tea is never served with sugar or flavoring. Instead, it is served plain and paired with teacakes.
Indian Tea Ceremony
In India, tea is mixed with 2/3 water, 1/3 milk and sugar to taste and then boiled. After boiling it is left to steep for about five minutes, then strained using muslin cloth before being poured into cups and served. In some areas of India, the white tea mixture is served flavored with seeds.
Russian Tea Ceremony
Russian tea is made and served in three different teapots holding three different kinds of tea at a time. These teapots are placed one on top of the other. At the very bottom, a large decorated container or a samovar holds the hot water needed for diluting the tea to their required thickness.
European Tea Ceremony
The European tea ceremony is quite simple. First the tea is measured, 1 spoonful for every cup. Then the tea is added to boiling water where it is allowed to steep for 4 to 6 minutes infusing the water with its rich flavor before it is poured into cups. A strainer is used to catch the loose tea particles.
The English sweeten their tea with honey or sugar and flavor them with milk, lemon or rum depending on the choice of the drinker.
The Hungarians add sugar or honey to sweeten their tea and like the English they flavor their tea with rum, lemon or wine.
The Dutch also add sugar or milk to their strong tea.
Whichever way you take your tea whether hot, warm, cold or iced, you will notice how tea is truly a relaxing beverage. From the time you start preparing the tea to the time it is poured and enjoyed, there is a feeling of serenity, warmth and relaxation.