Tea is such a universal drink that it seems to have accompanied humankind forever. However, although humanity has known it for a long time, it has only recently been drunk in Europe. There are many types of tea, and each of them requires a slightly different treatment to give its best. This also involves inspiring rituals and ways of serving the infusion. How to properly brew and serve tea?
The legend of tea
First, it is worth establishing what tea actually is. Contrary to appearances, this is not so simple, because manufacturers use this name for infusions made from dried fruit, flowers, or herbs. This category of beverages also includes, for example, Rooibos. Each of them has its specific brewing and serving method, which is included with the packaging.
Real tea is an infusion from parts of a plant of the genus Camellia, once called Thea. It is said that in 2737 BC, its leaves fell into a vessel with hot water for the legendary Emperor Shennong, who was delighted with the infusion and ordered his servants to brew it. There are many types of tea, but they all belong to the Camellia/Thea group, growing in South and Southeast Asia. The names of this beverage in many languages come from its original name. This includes the Polish word herba-ta.
The first Chinese historical mentions of tea come from the 10th century BC from Chinese books. From then, it took as long as 1800 years for the Chinese to share this secret with the Japanese and give them tea plant seeds! Mongols and Tibetans also drank tea - all around the 5th and 6th centuries AD. However, it was not there, but in Japan, that the most elaborate tea brewing ceremonies were created, which are respected and cultivated in an almost unchanged form to this day. The so-called "tea way" is a philosophy connected not only with brewing leaves but also with architecture, drawing, and music. In China itself, these rules are simpler, more divided, and dependent on the region of the country, and in Mongolia, rituals did not appear at all.
Tea circulated throughout Asia, where ideal conditions for its cultivation exist - sunny weather and heavy rains. Indians loved it, and Arabs also respected it. In both cultures, the name was similar to the word "chai", which still exists today as a term for this infusion in some languages. However, it was not until the 16th century that the Russians, who were conquering Siberia, and Christian missionaries traveling the world encountered tea. Tea finally reached European tables in the 17th century thanks to the Dutch, the English, and the aforementioned Russians. It probably reached Poland from France, but it only became widespread there 300 years ago!
It's hard to imagine a world without tea, which is why it's hard to believe how short its "career" has been on European tables (especially since Poland is its fourth largest consumer in the world). Perhaps this is why there are no local ceremonies associated with its brewing. It is worth learning how to properly brew tea, depending on the type, to extract as much flavor and aroma from it as possible. By observing how it is done in other cultures, you can develop your own daily tea rituals.
Types of teas and brewing temperatures
Types of teas can be divided by the color of the infusion and the form of the plant elements used. Proper tea brewing eliminates unwanted aftertaste, allows the release of desired substances such as tannins, caffeine, or theophylline, and preserves those that have a positive effect on the body.
The most popular black tea is steeped in boiling water for about 3-5 minutes. It is a mistake to wait for the water to "settle" and to leave the tea leaves in for longer - this greatly affects its final taste. High water temperature is also used to brew red tea, or Pu-Erh. This takes three minutes, and the tea leaves can be used several times.
Green tea, in turn, should be steeped in hot water, the temperature of which does not exceed 80oC. Proper brewing requires leaving the leaves for 2-3 minutes, pouring out the liquid, and steeping the leaves again for 2-3 minutes. The second infusion is indeed the most delicious.
Yellow tea is not very popular in Poland. It is steeped in water at 80oC for 1-3 minutes. The tea leaves should not be thrown away - they are used repeatedly, most often three times, each time steeping at the same temperature, but for 1-2 minutes longer. Only when the plant no longer imparts flavor should new leaves be used. The same rule applies to excellent white tea, whose brewing temperature is 85oC and brewing time is 5-7 minutes.
There are also varieties of fermented teas, such as oolong. They are usually steeped at 90oC for 3 minutes, and the leaves are also used multiple times, each time extending the brewing time by a minute or two.
The highest quality tea comes in leaf form - straight, twisted, or rolled into balls. They are brewed in teapots or strainers; only then does the infusion go into tea glasses. It is important that the vessel is simple, allowing the color to be assessed, flaring upwards, and resistant to high temperatures – like the flared Basic glasses. Although mugs are preferred for this drink in Poland, during receptions and social gatherings, each guest should receive an identical tea glass. This is the most elegant way to serve it. Dried flower buds, which expand under the influence of hot water, should be placed directly into the teapot. It looks beautiful – so it's worth brewing them in front of guests.
The next stage of leaf processing is broken tea, which can be found both in some tea bags and in loose form. Instant teas, on the other hand, are leaf crumbs – dust sieved after breaking. Although it is generally a low-quality drink, in some cases pulverization is even expected. This is what distinguishes matcha, which is powdered green tea. It is used in the food industry. Traditionally, however, it comes from Chinese tea ceremonies.
Inspirations from tea ceremonies
Many cultures have their rituals that add magic to such a common activity as brewing and serving tea. Some also drink it in combination with spices, milk, or citrus fruits. Each method is extremely interesting and tasty.
The Chinese believe that enjoying the aroma of tea, silence, and company is equally important. For the Japanese, peace, reconciliation with nature, simple arrangements, and the host's respect for guests are essential. The Turkish way of brewing tea requires great patience and an individual approach - the essence of the tea can be prepared according to one's own needs. The biggest tea lovers in Europe - the British - have their "tea time", an important moment in the middle of the day, allowing them to break away from duties, enjoying the infusion and afternoon tea. Indian masala chai, full of milk and exotic spices, warms you up while calming you down.
See also: Warming teas for autumn and winter.
Despite its caffeine content, tea has been traditionally used for thousands of years as an element of meeting, escaping everyday life, calming emotions, and free flow of thoughts. It is worth remembering this when reaching for another cup of hot brew – both alone and among friends.
Get inspired: How to make iced tea at home?