What is Teas?

Tea has been enjoyed for centuries so it is no wonder that there are as many different types of teas as there are countries - and then some!Tea is produced in many countries with China and Japan being some of the most recognized. However it has also been produced for centuries in India, Taiwan, Ceylon, Africa and even the U.S.

China is responsible for a great many of the teas both green and black where the high elevations and climactic conditions are perfect for tea growing. However, the labor intensive nature of growing tea which is mostly hand harvested can make it difficult to say the least. One popular tea from China is called Dragon Well and has flat, shiny leaves.

It has a nutty taste and has been consumed there for centuries but now is enjoyed around the globe. Jasmine Balls is another popular variety from China, named or the production process in which the leaves are rolled into balls and surrounded by Jasmine flowers.

One of the most popular Great Britain teas, Keemun tea has been a staple there for over 150 years, but actually has origins in China. Today, however it is more popular with the Brits than in it's own home country. When it comes to different types of teas, Japan has the highest production as it can yield 1500 pounds per acre. However, since most of the tea produced there is also consumed there it might not seem like they have high production rates. Most of the tea is grown in the Shizuoka region and about 98% of it stays in the country.

One of the most popular teas is Sench, a green tea variety, which is served throughout the country and is popular in many restaurants and can also be purchased in most stores for consumption at home. Another popular tea, Gyokuro, is quite high in caffeine. Matcha is a very fine tea - almost like a powder in consistency and was once reserved for ceremonies but is now consumed anytime someone wants a fine cup of tea.

India is another major producer with, perhaps, the most sought after teas both in it's own country and abroad. In fact, their tea is so popular that at times demand exceeds supply. This has forced India to import teas from Vietnam, Indonesia and Kenya to blend with their natively grown tea. They are famous for dozens of different kinds of tea, but perhaps the most well known is Darjeeling tea.

Conclusion:
It wouldn't be fair to talk about different types of teas without mentioning some of the herbal teas which really aren't "true" tea at all since they do not come from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Be that as it may, folks still love to drink Red Rooibos tea which comes from South Africa as wells Yerba Mate tea which hails from South America. And don't forget about herbal teas - too numerous to mention here but, in fact, almost any herb or plant can be dried and steeped in hot water to make a delicious and healing tea.

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