TEA 
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If there is one beverage that has never failed to turn even the worst morning into
a good morning, then it is undoubtedly tea! Neither has it ever failed to brighten up the
sleepy eyes that do not wish to open, nor has it ever been unsuccessful in bringing a tired mind alive!
No wonder it is the world’s favorite beverage ever since one can remember.
No one knows exactly how, when or where was tea first discovered. However,
according to a Chinese legend, around five thousand years back, it so happened that the Emperor of China who
believed in having only boiled water, noticed a few leaves had accidentally fallen in his water. When he tasted it
tasted extremely good. Thus tea was discovered. Though no body knows if this legend is true or not, China has
always been considered as the birthplace of tea.
In the Asian culture, tea has always played a very prominent as well as important
role. It has been, since centuries, a curative, staple beverage and also a symbol of status. Therefore it is not
very surprising that all legends and stories related to the discovery of tea are related to either royal or
religious origins.
Tea is obtained from the tea leaves that are plucked from
the tea plants. Tea is grown on hills, as tea plantations, in neat rows. The tea leaves are than taken to the
factories (that are mostly situated near the plantations or nearby), and are processed there. The method used and
as well as the quality of the tae leaves largely determine the taste as well as the quality of the tea.
Traditionally tea is classified on the basis of the period or the degree of the
oxidation or fermentation the tea leaves had undergone. These are white tea, green tea, Oolong, red tea/black tea,
Pu-erh, yellow tea, Kukicha , Genmaicha and the flower tea.
Tea may be packed in anyway but the most common types are tea sticks, tea bags,
compressed tea, triangular tea bags, loose tea and instant tea. While preparing tea, additives such as honey,
sugar, milk, lemon or fruit jams may be used. One may also add cream for a more sensuous and overpowering
flavor. Whatever may be added, tea is always a must have all at social functions and gatherings.
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