Transcript Tea powerpointx

Tea
History
 Tea plant cultivation began in China, approximately
4000 years ago
 Discovered by “outsiders” (Japanese) in the 8th century
History
 It was introduced to Europe in the 17th century. The
British spread its use by implementing new growing
areas in India
 The English enjoyed tea so
much that they developed a
meal around it (High tea)
History
 It played an important role in the development of the
USA because its taxation led the the Boston Tea Party
one of the issues that triggered the War of Independence
History
 In 1904, Iced tea was first served at the St. Louis World
Fair
For Your Information
 “Tea” refers to the beverage, leaves are used to make the
beverage or the magnolia related evergreen shrub from
which the leaves come
For Your Information
 All tea plants belong to the same species, but varying
climates, soils etc. create a plethora of different
distinctive leaves
 Processing produces the individual characteristics of
each tea
Black Tea
 Comes from leaves fermented* before being heated or
dried
 Produce a dark, reddish brown brew
 Flavours vary, but most are more assertive than green or
oolong tea
 Graded according to the size of the leaf

* fermentation is when he leaves are left on their own in a climatecontrolled room where they turn progressively darker. The chlorophyll
is broken down and tannins are released. Tannins have been known to
contribute to better health
 This is a picture of what tea leaves look like before and
after they are fermented (English Breakfast Tea)
Green Tea
 Produced from leaves that are steamed and dried but not
fermented
 Favoured among Asians
 Produces a greenish yellow brew
 Flavour is slightly bitter, closer to
the taste of the fresh leaf
 Eg. Tencha and Gun Powder
Oolong Tea
 Produced from leaves that are partially fermented
 Process created teas with flavour, colour and aroma that
falls between black and green tea
 Eg. Formosa, Oolong
Other Types of Tea
 Specialty Teas: Flavoured with various floral or spice
additions. Eg. Jasmine, or Chrysanthemum Blossoms,
Orange or Lemon Peel
Other Types of Tea
 Instant Tea: Consists of brewed tea that has been
dehydrated and granulated
 Often contains sugar or sugar substitute and other
flavourings such as cinnamon, lemon or berry
Other Types of Tea
 Herbal: not a true tea (because doesn’t come from a tea
leaf)
 An infusion of various herbs, flowers and spices
Food Value of Tea
 Scientific studies have shown that black and green teas
increase the body’s antioxidant activity up to 45%.
Therefore it may play a role in reducing the risk of
certain cancers and heart disease
Food Value of Tea
 Also said to have antibacterial powers against cavities
and gum disease
 A plain cup of tea has 0 calories
 10 cups of plain weak tea or 8 cups of strong tea per day
represents moderate caffeine intake (400-500mg), which
is within Health Canada’s recommended limit for most
people