A warm cup of tea gives a welcoming and cosy feeling. During the cold winter mornings or wet, rainy evenings, a cup of tea is what is required. From being cultivated to cooked, the aroma of tea is decadent. Tea exists in many forms and many types. It's not compulsory that tea has to be hot, many variations of iced tea also exist.
There are 3000 varieties of tea existing in the world but the 6 major types are:
Yellow tea
Black tea
Green tea
Oolong tea
White tea
Post fermented tea
To cultivate this rich and aromatic crop the temperature should vary from 21 to 29 degrees Celsius. Tea requires cool to warm temperatures and at least 5 hours of sunlight. 150 - 250cm rainfall is ideal for its growth. Tea can be grown in a variety of soils but mostly light, friable loam with porous sub-soil is ideal.
India is the 2nd biggest tea-producing nation in the world, producing approximately 1 million tonnes in 2022. The places where tea is cultivated in India are Darjeeling, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala and Karnataka.
Now, my favourite part is the preparation of tea. Tea is prepared in many different ways across the world. From Taiwan's bubble tea to Japan’s matcha and masala chai in India to the dark and fancy tea in Turkish glasses.
Another interesting and surprising fact is that tea is not only used for drinking but also used for other purposes. Some great uses include rinsing, washing and conditioning our hair, softening the wrinkles on our skin, treating acne and soothing sore gums. It is also used in households to clean greasy and dirty pans and in dyeing fabric to give it a colour.
Tea has multiple uses and is a loved beverage by most of the population of the world. People residing in different nations have their own way to drink it and enjoy it. Though it can be hot or cold, it is loved for its rich flavour, aroma and taste.
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