A universally popular beverage, tea stems from ancient China. People drink it in the morning, noon, and in many different types of weather. Try some of the most intriguing and unique types of drinks based in tea around the world.
Pu’er
From the Yunnan Province in China comes this ancient and legendary drink. Fermented tea leaves compressed into tea cakes called “bings” have pieces broken off, brewed, and then sipped and savored slowly. Since the fermentation process can last from weeks to decades, pu’er continues to be seen as a rare, and expensive treat. The location adds to the cost with pu’er grown in Yunnan forests , which seems to be worth more than those grown on terraces. Used in Chinese culture to symbolize hospitality, pu’er can be utilized in religious rituals to honor ancestors and wedding ceremonies.
Boba Tea
Becoming increasingly popular all over the world, and not just in Asian countries, bubble tea, also known as boba tea, began as a popular Taiwanese iced-tea drink. This tea originated in the late 1980s and has a base of milk tea with tapioca pearls, small, chewy balls made from the tapioca starch or fruity jelly. Apex has a drink shop specializing in this tea called SipCha if any students want to try this tea. Boba tea remains popular because of highly customizable options, with different tea and fruit juice bases and toppings like lychee, grass jelly, sago, taro, and sweet red beans.
Moroccan Mint Tea
Moroccan mint tea remains synonymous with cultural traditions and friendship. Moroccans treat tea drinking and brewing as a sign of comfort and hospitality. This tea consists of green tea with fresh mint and sugar poured into a small glass. Instructions for pouring this tea remain very specific, as it must be poured from a height of 12 inches in order to create a foamy top, which remains an impressive feat.
Matcha
Another Asian drink gaining popularity in other continents, matcha has a rich culture and delicious taste. The technique for brewing this drink begins with young green tea leaves grinded into a signature bright, caffeinated, green powder. Many ceremonies involve matcha as well, as seen in chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony. First, the Japanese measure the matcha powder with a small wooden ladle called a chashaku. Then, the tea begins to be brewed in a tea bowl called chawan, with water slowly combined and mixed in with chasen, a bamboo whisk. A beautiful and elegant occasion, the ceremony directs attention to aesthetics of both the process and the hands of the host.
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