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There is some confusion between Red Tea and Black Tea. They are in fact, the very same type of tea although the traditional Chinese Teas and the Western Teas are very different in aroma and flavor. Originally the English or Black Teas were identical to China's Red ones, but over time the flavors of the Western Black tea has been altered. In China the tea has remained unchanged and it is this wonderful tea that started the English's love of tea. In China, Tea is never mixed with milk or sugar. Its aromas and flavors are rich and robust with long lasting aromas that should not be covered up with milk or sugar. Although it is the mostly widely drank tea in the world, it has a very small following in China.
A heavily oxidized tea, Red Tea got its name from the reddish copper tint of its leaves and bright red coloring of its liquid. It is not known when the tea was first produced, but it has been found in records dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Originating in Fujian Province, the tea has grown to be the most widely produced and drunk tea in the world. The teas still grown in China have remained unchanged for centuries and are starting to gain a following by connoisseurs wanting a more traditional taste. It is a young tea in terms of Chinese Tea history, but it out produces all others in terms of worldwide popularity.
Processing
Although the exact processing techniques vary, the basics processes are the same. The tea, once picked, is allowed to wither in the sun. Once the Tea Master has decided they have been withered enough, the leaves are then bruised to cause oxidation. The leaves are then put into boxes to oxidize. When the leaves have turned to a dark red-copper color, they are fried and then rolled and shaped until the leaves have taken on their distinctive shapes. The tea is then sorted and graded and packaged. The tea is usually graded on a scale of one to four. Whole leaf teas are considered to be the highest quality and command the highest prices, while broken leaves are graded as of lesser quality and are much more affordable. The leaves in the lowest grading are used in tea bags.
Purchasing Red Tea
Unlike White, Yellow, and Green Tea, this tea has a very long shelf life. If stored properly it can last for years. If you plan on purchasing the tea in a tea shop ask to try it. Look at the dried tea leaves to ensure that they are consistent in size and shape and that the leaves are not broken. If the leaves are broken, or inconsistent, the tea is undoubtedly of poor quality. Also trust your sense of smell. Smell the leaves. They should have a wonderful robust aroma. When drinking the tea, the most important part is whether or not YOU like the tea. Different people have different tastes and although the shop owner might tell you it is the best of this variety, try others. If you like the tea, it is a good tea for you. If the shop is unwilling to let you sample the tea, go somewhere else. There is no reason to not let you sample the tea unless there is a reason. If purchasing your tea online, purchase from a reputable dealer with a firm guarantee. See if the online dealer has direct contact with the tea producers themselves. This will usually ensure that the tea is the best available because the online store and the tea producers know each other.
Storing Red Tea
Although easier to store than other varieties, it is still important to store Red Tea properly. It should be stored in a tightly closed container preferably with little air inside. The container should then be stored in a cool, dry, and aroma free place. Tea will absorb the odors around it, so do not store tea in the kitchen.
Enjoying the tea
It is very easy to over brew Red Tea and some of the teas should only be brewed for a few seconds. When you brew the tea, it should delight the senses and fill your mouth with a wonderful aftertaste that causes you to salivate. Too many times our lives are rushed. We rush through work, rush to get home, and rush to do our shopping. Tea is a wonderful break from the rushing in our lives. Even if for a brief moment, a cup of tea causes all the worries and frustrations of life to dissolve. When drinking tea, stop and just enjoy the tea. These little tea moments, even if for a second are amazing stress relievers. Give it a try and see if it doesn't make your life a little better.
