7 Popular Types of Tea in the World
1-Milk Tea
Milk tea is a type of tea that is made by combining tea (usually black tea) with milk. It originated in British colonies in the 19th century and has since become popular in many countries around the world. Milk tea can be served hot or cold and can be flavored with various syrups or toppings, such as boba (tapioca pearls).
There are different types of Milk tea available, like the famous Bubble milk tea which is made with the addition of chewy tapioca pearls, also known as boba, to the tea. The tea is usually sweetened with sugar or honey and is often served with a straw.
Additionally, Milk tea also have different variations like Thai milk tea which is a popular iced tea beverage originating in Thailand and made with Ceylon or Assam black tea, sweetened condensed milk, and spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom.
Indian & Pakistani Milk tea is another variation, it is made with a blend of tea leaves, milk, and spices like cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
How to make milk tea /Recipe
Here is a basic recipe for making milk tea:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons of loose-leaf black tea
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar or honey (optional)
- ice cubes (if you want it iced)
Instructions:
- Bring water to a boil in a pot on the stove.
- Remove the pot from the heat and add the tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
- Remove the tea bags or strain the loose-leaf tea.
- Add sugar or honey (if using) and stir until it is fully dissolved.
- Add milk to the tea and stir.
- If you want iced milk tea, pour the tea over a glass filled with ice cubes.
- Enjoy your milk tea hot or cold!
Note: You can also add different flavors like vanilla, caramel, or chocolate by adding syrups. You can also use different types of milk like almond milk, soy milk or oat milk for variation.
You can play around with the ratios of milk and tea to find the perfect balance for your taste. You could also add more or less sugar/honey according to your preference.
2-Green Tea
Green tea is a type of tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is one of the most popular types of tea in the world and is known for its delicate flavor and health benefits.
Unlike black and oolong teas, which are fermented, green tea is made by steaming or pan-frying the leaves shortly after they are harvested, which stops fermentation and preserves the leaves’ green color and natural flavors.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from free radicals. It may also help lower the risk of certain types of cancer, improve brain function, and promote weight loss.
Green tea can be enjoyed plain or with a small amount of honey or sugar. It is also a common ingredient in many different types of tea blends.
To brew green tea, you will need green tea leaves, hot water (around 150-160°F), and a teapot or infuser.
- Heat the water to the appropriate temperature.
- Place the leaves in the teapot or infuser.
- Pour the hot water over the leaves.
- Steep the tea for 2-3 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
- Remove the leaves and enjoy your tea.
You can also make iced green tea by brewing the tea, letting it cool and adding ice cubes to it.
Does Green Tea have Caffeine ?
Yes, green tea does contain caffeine. The amount of caffeine in green tea can vary depending on several factors such as the type of green tea, the brewing time, and the water temperature. On average, a cup of green tea contains approximately 20-30 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than a cup of coffee (which typically contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine).
It’s worth noting that decaffeinated green tea is also available, it’s made by removing most of the caffeine from the leaves before they are processed. Decaffeinated green tea will have a much lower amount of caffeine, usually around 2-5 mg per cup.
If you are sensitive to caffeine or have trouble sleeping, it is recommended to avoid drinking green tea in the evening or limit your intake.