All the Tea in China
70Chinese Tea
Chinese tea comes in three main varieties: black (red, in Chinese), green, and floral. The floral teas are usually the lightest, and black tea is the strongest. Some of the flowers that are most commonly used in making Chinese tea include chrysanthemum, jasmine, honeysuckle, and osmanthus. The floral taste is fragrant and often slightly sweet.
Herbal teas are usually used for medicinal purposes. Most herbal teas have a blend of ingredients, and may or may not include actual tea leaves.
Bottled teas have gotten to be very popular in China and other parts of Asia today. Oolong teas, green teas, and many varieties of floral teas are often seen on shelves and in refrigerators in convenience stores all over China today. The drinks may be either sweetened or unsweetened, though traditionally Chinese tea is almost never prepared with sugar (with the exception of some of the floral teas).
There are so many flavors and varieties of tea that it is nearly impossible to list them all. Tea is such an integral part of Chinese culture that a short overview of "tea culture" is nearly impossible to come by. Real connoisseurs can spend a whole lifetime just gaining more and more expertise about tea.
Some Useful Links
- Chinese Tea
a nice article by Wang Xinlei - Bonita's Mobile Blog: Me and Tea
one traveler's experience buying tea in China - Chinese Herbs | Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chinese Herbs Direct - Hundreds of Chinese herbs, traditional Chinese remedies, herbal formulas and teas.
Comments
I always get a little frustrated with the lack of tea selection when I travel back to the US, Malcolm. But I have to admit, it is better than before.
Shelly











Malcolm says:
3 weeks ago
Even for a confirmed coffee drinker, the variety of teas is exciting. So, too, is the fact that their popularity makes teas easier to find at the store.
Malcolm