There can be a belief that the normal saying describes “all the tea in China”; in fact, the Far East is where loose tea was brewed being a drink and where many of the most popular varieties, including many types of green tea, still result from today. Although cheaper imports were eventually grown in India and Sri Lanka, it is recognised among connoisseurs that the best types, whether black or green, came from China.
Of the black varieties of loose tea that come from China, the most famous may perhaps be Lapsang Souchong. This loose tea gets its distinctive bitter taste from smoking the leaves before brewing them into tea; although the legend says that was discovered by accident centuries ago when a warehouse packed with loose tea that was becoming dry must be moved before it was ready. A soldier had the bright thought of drying the Lapsang Souchong over open fires and the rest is history! Less well-known, but equally delicious, kinds of black tea add the malty Yunnan, somewhat exactly like the higher quality tea from India, Assam, and Keemun which can be brewed with specially produced strips torn in the tea plant.
The Far East is also known currently for green tea herb, including many varieties that have been flavoured with local herbs, spices and even flowers. These are also available as loose leaf, though green tea has become so well received for its health improvements that even many supermarkets start to trade teas bags. The different types include gunpowder, which gets its name in the size and shape of the pellets that happen to be employed to result in the tea, because they look much like old-fashioned lead shot. Oolong tea, meanwhile, is created in a somewhat different strategy to the majority of green tea, but the popular loose tea is usually limped within them because it has similar properties. Green loose tea is often flavoured with jasmine while Sencha is one of the most popular models of teas in Europe for the strong flavour.
China also produces white tea; these teas obtain name since the leaves from the plant they come from resemble small white flowers when dried. White loose tea is commonly sweeter than other varieties which is an excellent source of antioxidants. Pu erh teas certainly are a real speciality which might be barely gaining in popularity outside China. The loose tea is aged for approximately 50 years before being sold, which gives your average cuppa a rich and earthy smell and taste.
Although it sounds very British, Earl Grey tea actually emanates from China and was one in the first types of tea to become popular in the UK. Earl Grey is in fact just standard black tea that’s been flavoured with oil through the Bergamot fruit, which is what provides the drink its unique aroma. Although often drunk black, or which has a squeeze of lemon juice, there is actually pointless never to brew this loose tea stronger and add milk if you prefer.
