First of all, where does tea come from?
Tea is made from tea leaves, which come from a shrub species called Camellia sinensis, more commonly known as the tea plant. It is grown mainly in Asia, particularly in China, India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The dried leaves are used to make the drink by infusing them in hot water for a few minutes.
Texts attest to tea consumption in China since the end of Antiquity. It is widespread and valued for its purported medicinal properties. Tea then gradually spread throughout Asia before conquering Europe during the Renaissance. The drink was initially prescribed to combat headaches or digestive problems, then gradually gained popularity.
The different varieties of tea
Black tea, green tea and white tea all come from the same species. After harvesting, tea leaves undergo different treatments to create tea varieties with different flavours. Very delicate, white tea is made from dried young buds. Very lightly oxidised, white tea is thought to retain a large proportion of its antioxidants.
Green tea is directly exposed to heat to prevent oxidation. As it is not fermented, its antioxidants are also better preserved. Black tea, meanwhile, undergoes a fermentation process before being dried. The result is a highly oxidised tea, particularly rich in caffeine. Like coffee, black tea is appreciated for its stimulating qualities.
The purported health properties of tea leaves
Tea leaves contain polyphenols, a family of molecules produced by plants to protect themselves from external aggressions. Polyphenols are notably powerful antioxidants. In 2012, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study involving 75,000 Chinese women who regularly drank green tea. They observed that drinking green tea could reduce the risk of colon, stomach and oesophageal cancers.
Polyphenols are thought to be able to prevent the development of cancers. ECGC, “epigallocatechin gallate”, also found in tea, is thought to prevent the formation of free radicals in order to regulate oxidative stress. Another study conducted by American researchers shows the natural ability of green tea to lower blood pressure. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, it may even reduce cholesterol levels.
Tea is a drink with many benefits that you would be wrong to go without. At Kusmi, it accompanies you from morning to bedtime. Start the day on the right foot with a large bowl of organic English Breakfast, the breakfast black tea. At teatime, take a comforting break with a cup of organic almond green tea. To guide you into the arms of Morpheus, you will not be able to do without Lovely Night rooibos.