History Tea has formed the essence of Chinese social life and culture for over five millennia.
According to legend, tea was discovered by chance by Emperor Shen Nong during the Five Rulers Era. Leaves from a nearby plant fell into a boiling kettle and the aroma of the brew was so enticing that the Emperor could not resist taking a sip. He marvelled at his own discovery and made the drink a national beverage. The plant was what is today commonly known as Camellia, which grows wild in China.
Tea consumption spread during the ensuing centuries. The first definitive book on tea - Cha Ching ("Tea Classic") - was written during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) by poet Lu Yu. In addition to cataloguing various methods of tea cultivation and preparation, the classic work set rules on the proper techniques for brewing the finest cup. It also, for the first time in history, defined the art of tea drinking.
Tea types According to the lengths of fermentation and the level of treatment, tea can be divided into six principal varieties.
Green Tea is unfermented, produced by steaming fresh-picked leaves. It turns yellowish-green when brewed and has a delicate taste;
White Tea is slightly fermented and achieves a mellow, sweet flavour;
Black Tea is fully fermented before firing. It carries a bright reddish colour and yields a hearty-flavoured, amber brew;
Oolong Tea is indigenous to the Fujian province of China. It is only partially oxidised and produces a cross between green and black tea when boiled. It is bright yellow in colour and has a fruity taste;
Pu'er-type Tea is a variation of green tea, oolong tea or black tea and is fully fermented. When brewed, it turns dark brown;
Scented Tea is a blend of tea leaves and fresh, sweet flowers.
Updated 16 February 2006 Copyright
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According to legend, tea was discovered by chance by Emperor Shen Nong during the Five Rulers Era. Leaves from a nearby plant fell into a boiling kettle and the aroma of the brew was so enticing that the Emperor could not resist taking a sip. He marvelled at his own discovery and made the drink a national beverage. The plant was what is today commonly known as Camellia, which grows wild in China.
