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The characteristic difference between red tea and other drinks is a rich scarlet or burgundy hue. When brewed, some varieties get a brick color and are considered "black" in the Russian sense. Unique technologies for processing tea leaves allow these varieties to obtain the best properties of black and green tea.
Hibiscus variety
The most popular red tea in Europe and Russia is hibiscus tea. It is made from hibiscus, which grows in southern latitudes. The bushes have wide leaves and beautiful flowers, and have a powerful woody stem. Since ancient times, this tea has been consumed in Egypt. This variety is grown for sale in India and Sri Lanka, as well as in the regions of Mexico, Thailand, and China.
The brightest properties of hibiscus:
- Helps the body fight alcohol intoxication.
- Regular consumption normalizes metabolic processes and helps burn fat.
- Removes excess fluid from the body.
Hibiscus brews differently than black varieties. It is placed in boiling water and boiled for 10 minutes. There are adapted varieties that are filled with ice liquid and boiled, then infused for about 10-15 minutes.
Important! You can buy hibiscus in bags. To do this, just visit the nearest store. Some Thai and Chinese varieties are sold exclusively online and are considered premium.
Variety "Red Dragon"
Tea "Red Dragon" belongs to elite drinks. This red tea warms up best in winter and has a high tonic effect on the body. The dried leaves grown in the high mountains contain a unique complex of vitamins that protect the immune system. Dry high-quality red teas have a dark brown tint and longitudinally twisted leaves. It is brewed with 90-degree water and infused for 5 minutes. The uniqueness of the brew lies in the ability to use one portion to prepare a drink 3-4 times in a row.
Producers of "Red Dragon", considered the highest quality:
- TM "Chelsea" is a collection of pitahaya leaves and red fruits from Ceylon. Has an attractive sweetish aroma of herbs, the acid is smoothed;
- TM "Dragon" - supplies Chinese teas of high and elite quality;
- TM "Diamond Dragon" is another seller of high-quality red teas from China;
- TM GM is a brand offering premium quality red teas from China;
- TM "Green Panda" - offers high quality large-leaf harvests;
- pressed tea from the Feng Qing factory - an affordable drink from a Chinese manufacturer;
- Organo Gold - branded red teas with fruit flavors.
Oolong variety
Oolong red tea is the same milk oolong tea or "Black Dragon". The leaves for the production of these collections are dried naturally on a bamboo substrate under the bright rays of the southern sun. As a result, bright red-brown leaves are obtained.
Important! All oolongs are sold in the form of swirling leaves, there can be no packaged drinks with "dust".
"Black Dragon" has a rich color, tart aroma with hints of spice. Red milk tea is brewed at a temperature of 80 degrees. Quality manufacturers are Fujian and Yunnan provinces in China, as well as Formosa in Taiwan.
Pu-erh red tea
Almost all high quality Pu'er red teas are grown in China. The drink has a lot of useful properties and has been known for almost 2000 years.Collect it in Yunnan. The brewed tea is characterized by a high strength - much stronger than that of the black collection. It also tastes bitter.
Almost all red varieties help to get rid of body fat, but Puer is the most effective in this regard. It is also characterized by the following properties:
- improved liver function;
- lowering cholesterol;
- stimulating digestion;
- removal of hangover syndrome;
- protection against cancer cells.
"Puerh" is brewed at a temperature of 95 degrees for 3-5 minutes. The addition of sugar kills the benefits of the drink.
Rooibos variety
A popular red shrub drink of the same name. The leaves of the plant look like long needles, and it is grown in South Africa. It is characterized by a large number of useful properties, especially energizing.
This red tea "arrived" in Europe only at the beginning of the 20th century, and even later in Russia. Differs in sweetish, neutral taste and very bright aroma. Since the collection is carried out only on the "black" continent, then it is necessary to buy only those packs on which the producing countries of Africa are indicated.
Red tea the leaf is carefully processed, due to which it has a rich, unique taste and pleasant aroma. Today this type of tea is the most widespread and popular. Throughout the European continent, it is customary to call it black.
The most common types of red tea are:Dian Hong (Yunnan) - This variety originally appeared in the Chinese province of Yunan. The first word of his name Dian denotes a short formulation of his homeland Yunnan, and the second word Hong denotes that this tea is red, because of this, this tea variety has another name, which sounds like Yunnan red tea. This type of tea is elite, it is made only from the highest quality raw materials, and the entire production process requires a lot of work. For its production, only young leaves are selected, on which buds are necessarily present.
When the leaves are collected, they must wilt, necessarily in a natural way, the whole process is carried out under certain temperature conditions in compliance with the humidity level. After the completion of the wilting stage, the leaves are twisted in a special way several times, after which they are dried. Next, the last stage of processing is carried out, in which the leaves are cooked over a small fire.
Jin Ya Dian Hong (Golden Yunnan) - this tea variety is in many ways similar to Dian Hong. However, there is a significant difference - this species is made only from kidneys. This is incredibly healthy, has an extraordinary golden color, and tastes like a light honey aftertaste.
Tsuhin Maofeng (Keemun) - This tea variety grows exclusively in one Chinese region called Keemun, which is located in Anhui province. After preparation, this tea variety has a shade of red and also has a very pleasant aroma of Ottoman fruit flowers.
Gui Hua Hong Cha - it is grown in the Chinese provinces, called Anhui, Fujian, and also Yunnan. This tea is especially popular due to its dark honey shade, sweet taste, which is very similar to apricot.
Hong Mu Dan - This type of tea is produced in a province called Fu-Jian. It is produced exclusively from young buds, as well as from the youngest leaves, they are specially bound in the form of a flower. Brewed tea of this type has a beautiful combination of red and brownish color, it tastes tart velvety.
Lapsang Souchong - it is also very often called "smoked tea". For its manufacture, extremely large and necessarily rough leaves are used, which are twisted and then dried in further processing.After the completion of all these stages, the stage of fermentation begins - the tea is specially heated over low heat. As a result of these actions, the leaves become reddish-brown with a slightly resinous aroma.
Zhen Shan Xiao Zhong - has a very rich and ancient history. It has been made for more than four hundred years in a small village called Tongmu, from the Xiao Zhong tea tree, which grows at an altitude of eight hundred meters. Only the largest leaves are used for its production. Tea has a special production technology, as a result of which it has a dark color and a very pleasant aftertaste.
| Golden villi from Dian Xi # 1 | Dian Hong Jin Hao No. 1. Classical Chinese red tea of the 1st grade, rich reddish-amber color. Refers to expensive elite varieties. The main thing in this tea is its rich palette of aromas and unusual taste, slightly reminiscent of dried fruits and wood. The spicy aftertaste is bright and lasts for a long time. This type of tea is made from young buds and the first leaves. The drink has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, removes toxins, prevents the formation of blood clots. |
| Golden villi from Dian Xi # 2 | Dian Hong Jin Hao No. 2.Tea from the elite class of expensive varieties. It is made from raw materials of the first harvest. Young leaves of a tea bush and unopened buds are collected for him. Taste qualities - subtle and light, with notes of dried fruits and spices. The aroma is associated with a fresh sea breeze with echoes of smoked fruit. It has a tonic effect on the nervous system, strengthens blood vessels, removes toxins. The color of the infusion varies from amber to dark red-brown, depending on the concentration of the infusion. |
| Golden villi from Dian Xi No. 3 | Dian Hong Jin Hao No. 3. Tea with the traditional, familiar taste of good black tea - invigorating, tart and refreshing. Pairs well with lemon or other fruits or herbs (to taste). The color of the infusion is golden brown. Gourmets recommend it for desserts or fatty dishes. It is made from flushes (shoots of a tea bush with several leaves and a bud). |
| Keemun from Yunnan | Keemun from Yunnan. One of the most popular teas among connoisseurs. Differs in a special, delicate and refined taste, a great combination of thick aroma with light astringency, persistent, pleasant and long aftertaste. Produced in Yunnan province from tea bushes, which are remarkable for large, golden buds (tips). It is the tips that color the taste and aroma of tea so brightly. |
| Lapsang Souchong | Zhen Shan Xiao Zhong. Tea with a very long lineage. Produced for over 400 years in the village of Tongmu from the Xiao Zhong tea tree, which grows at an altitude of 800 m. Large leaves are used for this type of tea. Its bright smoky taste, dark color and characteristic half-taste are obtained as a result of a special manufacturing technology. Tea leaves, after roasting at a temperature of 200 ° C and re-rolling, are dried near a pine wood fire, absorbing the smell of tree resin. |
| Qi Men Red Tea | Qi Men Hong Cha - Keemun. Keemun is the most famous and popular tea in Europe. He conquered the hearts of Europeans with the taste of wine and dried fruits, the aroma of honey, cinnamon and pine bark. This tea is an excellent antioxidant and immune boosting drink. Keemun tea contains very little caffeine, which makes it a relaxing drink. The color of the brewed tea is unusually beautiful - ruby-red, which does not change with repeated brewing. |
Red tea Is an elite high-quality tea that has undergone special processing. Europeans mistakenly call this product black tea because of the dark color of dry tea leaves. The Chinese call it correctly, since after brewing the tea drink acquires a rich dark red hue (see photo).
Before being marketed, this type of tea undergoes a strong fermentation. Moreover, the degree of its oxidation can reach seventy percent. Also, this product must undergo pressing and drying, and after all these procedures, the processed pressed tea is prepared for sale.
An interesting fact is that only the tea that is produced in the summer season is considered high-quality red tea, since in the spring, due to the low temperature, its processing is very slow.
The best red tea is produced in China. At the same time, as the story goes, for the first time it was possible to get this product completely by accident. For some reason, the collected tea raw materials were left to dry in the open air. At that moment, the weather changed dramatically: fog formed and the air humidity increased. As a result, the tea pours were too sore, and the Chinese decided to re-dry them so as not to throw away the product. When the finished tea was brewed, the manufacturers were surprised by its delicate, pleasant taste. From that moment on, the production of this product began to develop rapidly.
Types of red tea
There are quite a few types of Chinese red tea. Moreover, each has an individual taste, special aroma and unique beneficial properties.
- Dian Hong - this type of tea is one of the most famous and demanded in China and beyond. For the preparation of this product, only high-quality tea raw materials are used: young shoots and petals. This Yunnan tea is characterized by a rich aroma and a reddish-amber hue.
- Jin Ya Dian Hong - this type of tea differs from the previous one only in that only tea shoots are selected for its creation. That is why, when brewed, the product acquires an unusual golden hue and a persistent honey flavor.
- Qihong Maofeng - actively grown in the eastern part of China. After brewing, the infusion turns bright red and is saturated with an unusual floral scent with a fruity note.
- Gui Hua Hong Cha (Sweet Ottoman) is a very popular type of tea that grows in eastern China, namely in Anhui. The tea leaves when dry have a light brown color and an amazing taste similar to ripe apricot fruits.
- Hong Mun Dan (Red Peony) - to obtain this tea product, only the early shoots and leaves are selected, from which they are subsequently formed into ready-to-use tea flowers. The infusion prepared from these flowers has an attractive brown color and a slightly tart taste.
- Zhen Shan Xiao Zhong (Lapsang Souchong) - this tea leaves are made from the toughest tea leaves. Thin tubes are formed from them, which at first wither slightly, and then warm well over burning pine wood. After such processing, the tea acquires a special smoky smell and red color with a brown tint.
In addition, this tea is divided into xiaozhong, gongfu and fine tea. Thanks to special processing, the first type of this product has an unusual pine aroma and amazing bright color.
As for gongfu tea, it is twisted and elongated tea petals. A drink made from such a brew has a red-brown hue, a sweetish taste and a divine smell.
On the basis of fine tea, teas are often created for more widespread use. It is well known that this type of tea is used for the production of the famous Lipton tea.
Many people make a mistake when such an Egyptian drink as hibiscus is referred to as varieties of red tea. In fact, this herbal infusion does not belong to the category of teas, as it is made from the petals of the Sudanese rose (hibiscus), and there is nothing in common between this plant and a real tea bush.
How to choose and store?
When choosing high-quality red tea, first of all, you should pay attention to the color of the tea leaves: it should be bright and monotonous. The presence of dull shades indicates that the sale of the tea product has long expired. In no case should the tea contain unnecessary objects, as well as dust. You can check this as follows: take a handful of tea leaves and place them on a white sheet of paper. If loose leaf tea turns out to be dusty, then it is at least not of the first grade.
After brewing, a rich aroma should emanate from high-quality red tea, and it is simply impossible not to hear such a pleasant smell. Also, when combined with boiling water, tea petals must be opened. Moreover, they should be intact, and their edges as even as possible.
Good leaf tea has a harmonious taste as well as a pleasant aftertaste, which can vary depending on the type of tea brew.
In order to select high quality red tea, it is recommended that you remember to read the label. It, as a rule, should contain information about the time and place of collection of raw materials. Keep in mind that the petals are harvested exclusively in summer for the production of premium teas.
Store red tea at room temperature. However, before you send the product to the tea cabinet, pay attention to which container it is packed in. If the tea leaves are in a professional airtight bag, rest assured, they will retain their properties in this form for six months. After opening the package, the shelf life of red tea is reduced to thirty days.
How to brew red tea correctly?
"How to make red tea correctly?" - this question worries many who prefer such elite drinks. Unlike other types of tea, this product has several characteristics. First of all, it is advisable to brew it only in a ceramic or porcelain teapot. In this case, it is recommended to pre-scald tea utensils with boiling water. When the infuser is ready, the tea is poured into it. As a rule, one standard teapot requires no more than two small spoons of it. The tea mixture is not immediately poured with boiling water. First, it is lightly covered with warm boiled water and left for a couple of minutes. If the brew is poured with hot liquid immediately, it will lose most of its useful properties. After two minutes, red tea is completely poured with boiling water, after which it is covered with a lid and brewed for two to seven minutes, depending on the type of product used.
Real red tea is incredibly healthy for humans, so it can be drunk all day long. However, it is often recommended to drink such a drink in the morning and in the evening, since it can be used to recharge your batteries for the whole day, and it is also pleasant to relax in the evening.
To make morning red tea, take a teapot and heat well over steam. Then place two small spoons of the tea mixture in it and let it sit for a couple of minutes. After the indicated time, fill the tea leaves with hot water, and after five minutes of infusion, pour the finished strong drink into cups.
To prepare evening red tea, you need to take one small spoonful of tea leaves on a standard teapot. It is advisable to infuse such a drink for no more than three minutes. In both cases, tea is recommended to be drunk without sugar.
If you prefer milk red tea, then dilute the ready-made tea drink with warm milk (proportion 3: 1, respectively). It also works well with additives such as ginger, cinnamon and lemon.
Useful properties, harm and contraindications
All the beneficial properties of high quality red tea are directly related to the special processing process. The oxidation of this product takes place in one step, while ordinary black tea is fermented several times.Thanks to this cooking technology, tea leaves not only retain all the nutrients, but also acquire new ones.
The properties of this product are very multifaceted. It has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the stomach, heart and blood vessels. In addition, such a unique tea has a good effect on the functionality of the brain and beneficial human microflora, as well as increases the protection of the immune system and rejuvenates the skin.
Natural fermented tea has an excellent diuretic effect, which means it has a positive effect on the functioning of the genitourinary system. Due to its antioxidant content, this product is very often used to prevent cancer.
Red tea is incredibly healthy for teeth as it contains fluoride, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents tooth decay. A decoction made from this brew effectively helps with inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.
It is scientifically proven that red tea quickly relieves nervous stress and also lowers blood pressure. It also opens the airways, which means it is useful for colds.
The benefit of such a unique tea mixture lies in the fact that it can be used for weight loss. This type of tea speeds up metabolic processes in the body. This allows you to noticeably lose weight in a very short time. In the table below, we present three of the simplest and at the same time effective drinks, taking which, you can lose at least three extra pounds in five days.
|
Name |
Recipe |
Application |
|
red tea with strawberries |
First, prepare five hundred milliliters of red tea. In a blender, beat fresh strawberries with oats broth (one glass each). Add sweetener (to taste) to the resulting mixture, then mix everything and combine with the previously prepared tea. |
Take thirty minutes before meals. |
|
red tea with ginger |
Dissolve a small spoonful of ground ginger in a glass of freshly brewed red tea. |
This drink should be taken thirty minutes after a meal. |
|
red tea with turmeric |
Combine half a cup of red tea with five grams of turmeric. |
This tea should also be drunk after meals. |
Red tea, like any other type of tea, has some contraindications. It is not recommended to enjoy this drink if you have gastritis, ulcers, atherosclerosis or hypertension. Also, such elite tea can cause significant harm to pregnant women due to its high caffeine content. For the same reason, it is not recommended for young children and the elderly.
The suitable temperature for drinking this type of tea is 50 degrees. Drinking a very hot drink can burn the walls of your larynx. Drinking cold tea produces a lot of phlegm in the respiratory tract. Try to stick to the correct temperature for a delicious drink.
Red tea is a great drink that conquers with its harmonious taste and rich tea aroma from the first sip!
