Botanical Name: Camellia sinensis

Common Name:

English: Tea
Unani: Chaai, Shaahi, Shaayi
Also, known as: Tee, cha, Te, Thé, Chay, Tè, Da, Chai, Sa, The, Chay, Chah, Thaeyilai

Origin: China

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:

Green tea leaves grow on a shrubby plant. Chinese tea is a much-branched shrub of about 3 to 4 meters high with relatively small to medium leaves. It is believed to have originated somewhere in Southeast Asia and western China. Since recorded history, camellia has been taken as a tea in China. It is being cultivated since so many years now. It is still uncertain that what is exact origin pointed for the tea leaves. All the different kinds of tea, including Green, Black, White, Oolong, and Pu-Erh, come from the same plant which is Camellia sinensis. Considering the difference in flavor and fragrance between black and green tea, the fact that these beverages come from the same plant is amazing!

If we talk about other types of tea like white tea, that comes from the new buds that are steamed or dried. On the other hand, Green tea leaves are steamed and dried. Black tea leaves are rolled, fermented, and dried. The oolong tea leaves are partially fermented and dried. These all types of the teas are depending upon how they are fermented.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified health care practitioner before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medicinal drugs.

All data on this site is for educational use ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This data is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Black Tea - China