China's tea industry first flourished in Bashu, and then spread to the east and south, even throughout the country. In the Tang Dynasty, it spread to Japan and Korea, and was introduced to the West after the 16th century. Chinese tea leaves, tea trees, tea-drinking customs and tea-making technology were spread to the world with the development of cultural exchanges and commercial trade between China and foreign countries. It was first introduced to Japan and Korea, and then spread to Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka and other countries via the southern sea route. In the 16th century, it spread to European countries and then to the American continent, and then to Persia and Russia from the north.
The word "tea" in various Western languages ??mostly originated from the pronunciation of "tea" in Xiamen, Fujian, a maritime trading port at that time, and in the Guangdong dialect. It can be said that China gave the world the name of tea, the knowledge of tea, and the cultivation and processing technology of tea. Teas from all over the world are inextricably linked to Chinese teas, directly or indirectly.
Joseph Needham, a British expert on the history of Chinese science and technology, once said: "Tea is China's fifth contribution to mankind after the four great inventions of fire, papermaking, printing, and the compass." Tea thrives on people, and people With the name of tea. Now more than 50 countries on five continents grow tea, and 120 countries import tea from China. Most of the world's more than 5 billion people like to drink tea, and tea and tea culture cover the whole world.
United States
The United States is called the kingdom of coffee, but about half of the people drink tea, which is amazing. In the U.S. market, there are hundreds of Chinese oolong teas, green teas, etc., but most of them are canned cold drink teas. This also highlights that Americans pay attention to efficiency and convenience when drinking tea, and do not want to waste time and action on brewing tea leaves and dumping tea residues. They also seem to be unwilling to have any traces of tea leaves in the tea cup, preferring to drink instant drinks. Tea.
In the United States, tea consumption ranks second after coffee. Americans drink tea differently from Chinese people. Most people prefer to drink iced tea rather than hot tea. When drinking, first put ice cubes in the cold tea, or put the cold tea in the refrigerator to chill it beforehand. The cold fragrance will refresh your nose and the sip will cool your teeth and refresh your mouth. Unfortunately, since this tea is mainly for drinking and cooling, it does not have the taste, warmth, and leisure of Chinese tea, and the mood of drinking tea is also greatly reduced.
UK
Tea is a popular beverage among British people. 80% of British people drink tea every day, and tea consumption accounts for about half of the total consumption of various beverages. The UK does not produce tea locally, but the per capita consumption of tea ranks first in the world. Therefore, the import volume of tea has long ranked first in the world.
British tea drinking began in the mid-17th century. In 1662, Princess Catherine of Portugal married Charles II of England, and the tea drinking custom was brought to the royal family. Princess Catherine regarded tea as a bodybuilding drink and was known as the Queen of Tea Drinking because she was addicted to and worshiped tea. Due to her advocacy and promotion, the trend of tea drinking became popular in the court, and then spread to princes, nobles, noble families and even ordinary people. common people.
The British like to drink black tea, especially milk black tea and lemon black tea with strong and mellow taste. Along with this, tea ladies, teahouses, tea parties and tea-drinking dances that reflect Western colors have appeared. At present, most British people drink tea from 10 am to 5 pm. If a guest comes in, it is usually only during this time that tea is served to the guest. They pay special attention to drinking tea in the afternoon, which originated in the mid-18th century. Because the British attach great importance to breakfast and despise lunch, they do not eat dinner until after 8 pm. Due to the long time between morning and evening meals, people feel tired and hungry. For this reason, Anna, the Duke of England's Lady of Fiddleford, invited everyone to drink some tea at around 5 pm to refresh themselves and satisfy their hunger, which was highly praised. Over time, afternoon tea gradually became a custom that continues to this day. Nowadays, afternoon tea is served in British eating places, public entertainment venues, etc. On British trains, there are also tea baskets containing tea, bread, biscuits, brown sugar, milk, lemons, etc. for passengers to drink afternoon tea. Afternoon tea is essentially a simplified meal, usually only a cup of tea and a plate of pastries. The content will only be rich when entertaining distinguished guests.
France
France is located in western Europe, facing the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Since tea was introduced to Europe as a drink, it immediately attracted the attention of the French people. Later, after several rounds of publicity and practice, the French people's yearning and pursuit of the lovely Chinese tea was inspired, and French tea drinking gradually spread from the royal family and the leisure class to the people, becoming an indispensable part of people's daily life and social interaction. .
Nowadays, the French people’s favorite drinks are black tea, green tea, scented tea and Tuocha.
When drinking black tea, it is customary to use brewing or cooking methods, similar to the British custom of drinking black tea. Usually, a handful of black tea or a small bag of black tea is put into a cup, poured with boiling water, and then mixed with sugar or milk and sugar. In some places, fresh eggs are mixed with the tea and sugar is added to make a drink. It is popular to add lemon juice or orange juice to bottled tea; some even add gin or whiskey to the tea to make a refreshing cocktail.
The French drink green tea and require that the green tea must be of high quality. The way to drink green tea is the same as the way to drink green tea in West Africa. Generally, sugar cubes and fresh mint leaves are added to the tea soup to make a sweet and refreshing drink.
Scented tea is mainly served in Chinese restaurants in France and among Chinese living in France. The way they drink scented tea is the same as how people in northern China drink scented tea. They are used to brewing it with boiling water in a teapot, usually without adding seasonings, and prefer a clear drink. The French, who love tea and fragrance, also have a strong interest in scented tea. In recent years, especially among some French young people, they have become interested in flavored black tea with floral, fruity and leafy aromas, and it has become fashionable.
Tuocha is mainly produced in southwest China. Because of its special pharmacological functions, it is also favored by some French health-preservers, especially middle-aged and elderly French consumers. Every year, it is imported from China. 2,000 tons, including bagged Tuo tea and Shantuo tea. In addition, in Paris, France, people like to take tea baths very much. Wrap the tea leaves, eucalyptus leaves, and seaweed in soft chiffon and put it in the bath, and a faint fragrance of tea will overflow.
Pakistan
Pakistan was originally a part of British India, so drinking tea has a British flavor. Most people are accustomed to drinking black tea, and the most popular one is milk black tea. Usually once in the morning, lunch and after dinner, some even up to 5 times. Most of them use the samovar cooking method, that is, first boil the water in the kettle, then add the black tea, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Then use a filter to filter out the tea residue, then pour the tea soup into the teacup, add milk and sugar Mix thoroughly and drink immediately. In addition, there are also a few that do not add milk and replace it with lemon slices, also called lemon black tea.
Herdsmen in the northwest highlands of Pakistan and near the border with Afghanistan also like to drink green tea. When drinking green tea, add more sugar and a few cardamom to increase the refreshing taste. Most Pakistanis are accustomed to serving milk and black tea when entertaining guests, accompanied by sandwich biscuits, cakes and other snacks. It has the flavor of a cup or two of morning tea in Guangzhou, China.
Russia
Drinking tea is part of Russian life. Russians like to drink tea, but like all meat-eating nations, they like to drink black tea, mainly black tea. end. As early as the second half of the 19th century, Russia was the largest buyer of Chinese tea. At that time, 75% of China's tea exports were sold to Russia during the Tsarist period. In the Chinatown neighborhood in the center of Moscow, there is a 19th-century Chinese Tea Shop with carved dragons and painted buildings, which can witness the prosperity of the tea trade between the two sides at that time