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Unexpected ways to drink tea! Exploring the world's tea culture and how it differs from country to country
- Introduction
- British tea culture
- Tea in Scotland
- Tea in France
- Tea in America
- Irish tea
- The Chinese tea culture
- Taiwan's tea culture
- Tea in India
- Senegal's tea culture
- Sri Lankan tea situation
- Mongolian tea culture
- The Russian tea scene
- Vietnam's tea culture
- Malaysian tea situation
- Myanmar tea situation
- Indonesia's tea culture
Introduction
When most people think of "tea," they probably think of green tea, oolong tea, or black tea.
They all come from the same tea plant (Camellia sinensis), but the leaves are fermented to different degrees during the manufacturing process to create different types of tea: green tea, oolong tea, and black tea.
In Japan, many different types of tea are enjoyed, including traditional green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and high-quality Chinese tea, which has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Meanwhile, when we look around the world, each country and region has developed its own unique tea culture and drinks its own distinctive tea.
In this article, we will introduce tea drinking habits from around the world.
England
For the British, tea is a deeply rooted part of life, with the habit of drinking tea throughout the day - morning tea in the morning, afternoon tea in the afternoon, and high tea in the evening.
Scotland
Scotland is a tea-producing country that produced the world-famous tea king, Thomas Lipton.
The custom of afternoon tea is also deeply rooted, and the culture of enjoying tea with appetizers and main dishes is deeply ingrained.
France
In France, it is more common to enjoy tea in an elegant space called a "salon de the" rather than in a cafe.
Black tea with various flavors such as rose and bergamot has captured the hearts of French women and has built a unique tea culture.
America
In America, iced tea has become the national drink.
Lemon tea, served with lemon, is also popular, and the custom of drinking sweet iced tea with meals is well established in schools and the navy.
Ireland
In Ireland, tea consumption is higher than in the UK, making it one of the highest in Western Europe.
You can enjoy tea at home or in a pub. Milk tea is the most common, and its rich flavor is deeply rooted in the climate, geography and lifestyle of the Irish people.
China
When speaking of China, many people may think of oolong tea, but in fact green tea is the most commonly consumed tea.
However, unlike the Japanese steamed method, green tea made using a method called pan-fried tea is more common.
In particular, in Guangzhou, there is a custom called dim sum, where people enjoy various types of tea along with dumplings, shumai, and other foods.
Taiwan
In Taiwan, brewing tea is called "tea art," and a beautiful tea ceremony using tea utensils has developed. In particular, the custom of savoring the aroma of tea in a small cup called a "monkouhai" is popular with tourists.
India
In India, it is common to drink several cups of tea a day.
In particular, "chai," made by boiling milk and spices, is a beloved national drink. It is characterized by a complex blend of the aromas of various spices and a deep flavor.
Senegal
In Senegal, a common tea is made by boiling Chinese green tea with sugar.
Pouring vigorously from pot to pot and whisking creates a flavorful tea.
Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, the home of Ceylon tea, milk tea made with sweetened milk powder called "kiri tea" is popular.
The rich milk and the aroma of black tea are in perfect harmony, creating a unique flavor.
Mongolia
Nomads drink solid tea, which is suitable for their mobile lifestyle.
In Mongolia, people drink "milk tea" on a daily basis. This is a soup-like light tea made by boiling black tea leaves of finely shredded brick tea and adding sheep's milk, cow's milk, and salt. Grains and mutton may also be added.
Russia
In Russia, the traditional way to enjoy tea is to boil it in a metal pot called a samovar and sip it slowly over and over again.
Vietnam
Although black tea is the mainstream in Vietnam, "lotus tea" made from lotus flowers has been loved for a long time in Vietnam. Also known as "beauty tea," it is a popular tea among Vietnamese women.
Lotus tea is generally made by infusing green tea with the scent of lotus flowers, and is characterized by its elegant aroma.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, "Teh Tarek" is popular, made by adding condensed milk and sugar to rich black tea and frothing it. It has a lot of foam, like a caffe latte.
Myanmar
In Myanmar, a milk tea called "Lapaye" is common.
Strong black tea is poured over condensed milk, stirred and drunk. There is also a unique way of eating tea called "Lapeso", where the tea is solidified and then eaten.
Indonesia
Black tea is widely consumed in Indonesia, a former Dutch colony. A distinctive feature of black tea is that it is generously sweetened, giving it a rich flavor.