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Chinese Tea Variations |
Chinese tea tradition
has long history,
appearing more than a thousand years ago as a specific drinking ritual.
As Chinese were the first to discover the delicious taste and fragrance
of tea leaf, it isn't surprising they brought to perfection the art of
tea making. According to a Chinese saying, Chinese tea – or
ch'a
– as an integral part of everyday life, as well as rice,
fuel,
vinegar, sauce, soy and salt. Chinese tea drinking ceremony is one of
the most famous ethnic traditions in the world, without changing
through the centuries.
The first compendium on Chinese tea was composed during the mid-Tang
Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) by a certain Lu Yu – who entered the
Buddhist monastery at the early age, but returned to secular life when
he grew older. That was Lu Yu who summarized all Chinese tea experience
and cooking
techniques
of the previous generations. At that epoch Chinese tea was divided into
four grades depending on its quality. For instance, Guangzhou and
Pengzhou refer to the premier grade, while Luzhou and Muzhou are from
the third one. Later, Chinese tea culture was greatly developed during
the Song and the Ming Dynasties. This way Chinese tea was widely
popularized, achieving even neighboring countries, like Japan and
Korea.
Chinese tea was first brought to Europe by the Dutch East India Company
at the beginning of the 17th century. Very soon Chinese tea drinking
has become an indispensable British ritual. Following etiquette, the
nobility had tea in well-defined hours, keeping different strict pules.
Thus, tea-parties implied a certain dress code and thorough selection
of the topic for conversation.
Today Chinese tea is spread all over the world, featuring exquisite
fragrance and refined taste. The most renowned Chinese tea varieties
are black tea, green tea, flower tea and red tea. As for such sorts as
Kudin tea, white tea, yellow tea, and Oolong tea, they are much
appreciated by Chinese tea connoisseurs.
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