There was a written legend which says that, tea was discovered by Buddha
(Siddharta Gautama) when one serene day, a leaf from Camellia
sinensis fell into his cup when
he was one time, meditating. He later felt that the concoction made
him feel better. From then, it was adopted by Indians, Chinese and
other Buddhist countries as part of their diet. In China, they drink
this sacred beverage more than water. But, tea remained confined
within the Great Walls.
It is in this time of ours, where man has been found eating different
sorts of food, when people also became conscious of what he takes in
inside his body. Then came out “tea”, a drink older than Christ
himself, which is now becoming an alternative to too sweet, too
acidic and tummy-aggravating carbonated drinks. Although “Coke”
is a pleasurable after-lunch drink, its just too harmful that it can
dissolve a wood nail when soaked overnight. No wonder soft drink
aficionados seek for a healthier alternative.
As a health buff (with Chinese lineage), I prefer tea than any other
beverage. It has many health benefits. Tea has high levels of antioxidants called "catechins". Scientific studies show that the more you drink tea, the more catechins you stack your body as a line of defense. It has antiseptic properties and can be used as mouthwash. It has the "right" level of caffeine, relatively lower than that of coffee, but, high enough to give you the kick you need. Tea also has calcium, for stronger bones and teeth.
Be it iced or hot tea. At first, a bitter taste like that of
a fever medicine registered in my palate, and it tastes like grass. I
can still enumerate the grasses I thought of, as I was comparing what
it tastes like. Then I tried adding sugar and lemon. Voila! The
bitter and grassy taste was masked by hints of sweetness and the
astringent taste of lemon.
But, I later realized that, what I made is more of the popular iced tea
and that made me feel that the experience was inauthentic. So I tried
to lessen the sugar and lemon I add whenever I have my cup. Until
such time, I can drink it plain and simple. That was very rewarding!
I realized that tea was not bitter at all. It is the food I ate. They
are too sweet, too salty or too flavorful that they thrive in
complexity inside my mouth unnoticed, confusing each taste bud.
Each sip in my humble cup gave me that fresh air of bamboos after the
rain. The leaves dance like staircase, blades moving up removing all
my worries and tensions until I reach Nirvana. It felt so light. My
brainwaves starts to align in harmony with nature, the earth speaks
to me and puts me to rest in a bed of mosses. The natural sugar the
leaves have, are hidden, but seem to be discernible. It was a
natural high, until the last drop, and you’ll start pressing the
teabag with the spoon for more. Tea is a curse in one’s mouth!
There are many kinds of tea according to the variety of leaf used. Some of
the popular ones are Black, White, Yellow and Green tea. There is
also a wide array of tea according to process used or herbs infused.
Orange pekoe tea is known for its lively tangerine taste. Jasmine tea
gives that floral and holy attitude. Darjeeling tea is called “the
wine of teas”, because of its fruity taste. Peppermint tea soothes
and relaxes; an elixir for insomniacs. Lemongrass tea is like ginger
and lemon combined with tea, a panacea for hoarse voice. Oolong
(Wulong) tea is plain black tea, a Chinese favorite, while Sencha tea
is steamed green tea, a Japanese favorite. Of course, there are many
herbs, floral and fruit essences you can add to this drink.
Raspberries give that notes of fruits in the autumn, a walk away from
the tropics. Capsicum (chili) in small amounts gives a rush of
stimulating heat, very Mexicano, perfect for the outdoor buff who
needs an immediate warm-up. Lavender is perfect for that afternoon
nap, when cherry blossoms start to fall. You can also add milk or
creamer for an authentic “Nai Cha” (Milk Tea), it tastes
accommodating even when served warm, iced or as milk tea shake with
tea jellies, a heavenly cooler for the scorching hot summer.
The possibilities are just endless! You’ll find your own mix along this
hanging bridge. As long as it has tea leaves, it is tea, otherwise it
is just an herbal infusion. Tea, is your “cup of tea”.
