There are many beverages available for residents of New Zealand, as new products are imported from other parts of the world, and some drinks enjoy their moment in the sun of being seen to be fashionable. Drinking liquids is a highly important way to rehydrate and be done regularly, whichever selection is made.
There is an increasing number of cafes and pop-up shops becoming visible across the country tempting customers to try their drinks and snacks. The menu sheet can offer so many options that it might be difficult to decide which one to select, whether it be tea, coffee, or something sweeter. Green tea remains one of the most popular choices, which is not surprising as it has refreshed for centuries. Let us have a look at the history of green tea and why it has remained in vogue.
Green Tea has played a part in the culture of several Southeast Asian nations over the centuries since it was originally invented in China. Since first steeped in 2737 BC, the tea has made a huge impact, quite possibly partly through the mythical era when the country was reigned by Emperor Shennong adding something extra to its attraction. Legend has it that the emperor on his travels stopped to rest and leaves from a burning tea twig fell into his cup. He was said to have enjoyed it so much that he had it made for him from that time forward by members of his convoy.
While that wonderful tale remains to be believed by millions of loyal Chinese subjects, another theory is that the leaves were chewed by the people who grew it across the region as a form of recreation around 3,000 years ago. It wasn’t until much later that the leaves were mixed with hot water to create a refreshing brew. Whichever of the origins is true, the people of the time were certainly onto something as it is still enjoyed today around the world.
Tea ceremonies were part of everyday life during the Tang dynasty, as tea drinking was enjoyed by the masses. This is the time when it is believed that the steaming the leaves began to be processed and gradually refined as the decades passed. The reason for the steaming is that it stops the process of enzymatic oxidation, thus retaining the natural green colour of the leaves rather than them darkening.
Japanese tea masters became involved, as they used a process which saw the processed whole leaves being infused in hot water to create sencha green tea. Today, the tea’s popularity is down to the several health benefits that are believed to derive from it, and its easy availability when sourcing an online supplier that has a vast range of different teas of the highest quality who will deliver to any address in New Zealand and Australia.
Green tea has a fascinating history and remains as popular today as when it was first developed in China, not least for its fantastic taste, and many health benefits.
