Tea is a beverage that has captivated the hearts and palates of people around the world for centuries. With a rich history, documented benefits in peer-reviewed medical literature, and a meticulous preparation process that involves proper temperature and preparation techniques, tea has become more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience that spans time and continents.
Tea is a beverage that has captivated the hearts and palates of people around the world for centuries. With a rich history, documented benefits in peer-reviewed medical literature, and a meticulous preparation process that involves proper temperature and preparation techniques, tea has become more than just a drink; it’s a cultural experience that spans time and continents.
Historical Significance: The history of tea is a fascinating tapestry woven with tales of ancient cultures, trade routes, and global connections. It is believed that tea originated in ancient China, where its consumption dates back to the Shang dynasty (16th to 11th centuries BCE)[i]. Initially used for its medicinal properties, tea gradually became a popular beverage in Chinese society. By the Tang dynasty (7th to 10th centuries CE), tea had become an integral part of social gatherings, leading to the development of tea ceremonies[ii].
Tea’s influence extended far beyond China’s borders. Through trade and exploration, tea found its way to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, and eventually Europe. The British, in particular, played a pivotal role in popularizing tea in the West during the 17th century[iii]. The demand for tea led to the establishment of colonial trade routes and the creation of tea plantations in various parts of the world, shaping the global tea industry as we know it today.
The Art of Proper Tea Preparation: The preparation of tea is an art that requires attention to detail and an understanding of the proper techniques. Two critical factors that significantly impact the quality of the tea are temperature and preparation methods.
Temperature: Different types of tea require different water temperatures to bring out their optimal flavors and characteristics. For example, delicate green teas are best brewed with water that is around 140 to 180°F (71 to 82°C)[iv], as boiling water can result in a bitter taste. On the other hand, black teas and herbal infusions typically require boiling water (212°F or 100°C) to extract their full flavors[v].
Seeping Time: Seeping time is an important factor in pulling out the taste and concentrations of beneficial compounds the tea has been shown to provide. In almost all cases it is the concentration of minerals is where the benefits are found. Studies show that the longer you seep tea, the higher the concentrations of minerals. Two of the most popular seeping times are; (1) Three minutes, and: (2) fifteen minutes. In all cases the longer seeping time, the higher the concentrations of minerals[vi]. However, there can be a negative effect that with the longer seeping times. That we leave for last…
Proper preparation methods involve using the right amount of tea leaves, allowing them to steep for the appropriate duration, and using the right teaware. Oversteeping tea can lead to bitterness, while understeeping may result in a weak flavor profile. Teapots, teacups, and even specialized utensils like tea infusers all contribute to the overall tea-drinking experience.
Medical Insights from Peer-Reviewed Literature: The health benefits of tea have been a subject of interest for researchers and medical professionals, leading to numerous studies published in peer-reviewed medical literature. While tea is not a magical cure-all, certain compounds found in tea leaves have been associated with potential health advantages.
One of the key components of tea is catechins, a type of antioxidant. Green tea, for instance, is known for its high catechin content, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Catechins are believed to have various health-promoting properties, including potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of tea, especially green tea, may be linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.
Additionally, tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is known for its relaxing and calming effects. L-theanine is believed to counterbalance the stimulating effects of caffeine found in tea, promoting a state of focused relaxation without the jitters associated with excessive caffeine intake. This unique combination of compounds contributes to the sense of tranquility often associated with sipping a warm cup of tea.
The Negative Effect of Longer Seeping Times? Just as there is many minerals that have been shown to produce beneficial effects, there are mineral that can do the exact opposite, such as aluminum. If these harmful compounds are in your tea, the longer you seep, the higher the concentration. It must that this study did not take into account other harmful compounds, such as pesticides and such. Further, organic teas had significantly higher levels of lead contamination if left steeping for more than 15 minutes than the regular teas[vii]. Therefore, the wild-crafted would be an obvious choice.
Organic Versus Non-Organic. Is there a difference? In one study, three tea types were tested (green, black and oolong). The organic green tea used showed a higher concentration of toxic compounds that the non-organic. The same study showed that of the remaining tea types (black and oolong), the organic tea produced a lower concentration of toxic compounds[viii]. The lesson of this study? When in the market for tea, find a company that uses a reputable three party testing service that ca provide you with verified results. Preferability, wildcrafted is the best. It has a much higher micronutrient concentration[ix]. Further, with any cultivated tea, you will have a higher concentration of nitrates and oxalates[x].
Conclusion: Tea, with its profound historical significance, documented health benefits in peer-reviewed medical literature, and meticulous preparation techniques, stands as a testament to the interplay between culture, science, and tradition. From its origins in ancient China to its global presence today, tea continues to delight, nourish, and bring people together across the world. As you embark on your tea-drinking journey, remember to pay homage to the centuries of expertise that have gone into crafting this extraordinary beverage, and savor each sip with an appreciation for its multifaceted nature.
[i] https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/content/cultural-selection-diffusion-tea-and-tea-culture-along-silk-roads
[ii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_tea_in_China
[iii] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_in_the_United_Kingdom
[iv] Brown F, Diller KR. Calculating the optimum temperature for serving hot beverages. Burns. 2008 Aug;34(5):648-54. doi: 10.1016/j.burns.2007.09.012. Epub 2008 Jan 15. PMID: 18226454. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18226454/
[v] Kowalska J, Marzec A, Domian E, Galus S, Ciurzyńska A, Brzezińska R, Kowalska H. Influence of Tea Brewing Parameters on the Antioxidant Potential of Infusions and Extracts Depending on the Degree of Processing of the Leaves of Camellia sinensis. Molecules. 2021 Aug 6;26(16):4773. doi: 10.3390/molecules26164773. PMID: 34443362; PMCID: PMC8400668. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8400668/
[vi] Schwalfenberg G, Genuis SJ, Rodushkin I. The benefits and risks of consuming brewed tea: beware of toxic element contamination. J Toxicol. 2013;2013:370460. doi: 10.1155/2013/370460. Epub 2013 Oct 23. PMID: 24260033; PMCID: PMC3821942. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3821942/
[vii] Schwalfenberg, et al id.
[viii] Brown, et al id.
[ix] Chowaniak M, Niemiec M, Zhu Z, Rashidov N, Gródek-Szostak Z, Szeląg-Sikora A, Sikora J, Kuboń M, Fayzullo SA, Mahmadyorzoda UM, Józefowska A, Lepiarczyk A, Gambuś F. Quality Assessment of Wild and Cultivated Green Tea from Different Regions of China. Molecules. 2021 Jun 13;26(12):3620. doi: 10.3390/molecules26123620. PMID: 34199199; PMCID: PMC8231865. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8231865/
[x] Id.
