Health - Family - Food

Since most completely pure teas are never the same, almost all teas available today are blends. A fine black tea plucked on a certain date from a particular estate or region will vary from year to year. Each year will have its own unique combination of taste and flavor.

There are two reasons for developing premium tea blends. Number one is to try to create a standard quality for a particular tea. A cost-conscious but quality tea blend can be created by mixing a small amount of high grade tea with a large amount of a lower grade tea. The other reason to develop a premium tea blend is to create a new flavor.

The tea plant, scientifically referred to as Camellia Sinensis, is typically native to the Asian countries of China and India. Wild tea plants can grow as tall as 90 feet, but today they are grown to a height of around three feet for easier access during plant cultivation and harvesting. After the tea has been harvested, all premium tea blends are stored in sealed containers and kept out of direct sunlight to preserve their pungent flavors and aromas.

More than 2000 different kinds of tea exist in the world. While over 25 different countries make it, China, India, Japan, and Nepal are the primary ones. Not only is tea healthy, it also has a good flavor and improves one's spirit.

The three main categories of tea are: Black, Green, and Oolong, each with its own varieties. Black and Green teas originate from the same tea plant, but are being processed differently. Black tea is oxidized for several hours before drying. And Green tea is steamed immediately after picking. Oolong (green/black) tea is also partially fermented to preserve some of the delicate flavor of the black tea. Green Tea has long been known as a health tonic, elixir, and satisfying beverage. Many scientific researches today have proved that fact.

Tea became the beverage of choice throughout China during the years of the Tang Dynasty. Prior to the Suez Canal's establishment in 1869 it was a long arduous journey to get to from China to Europe, taking several months by land or sea and including expectation of lower quality tea upon arrival. There were two types of tea one that came by land routes and was known as 'Caravan' tea, and one by sea known as 'Canton' tea. 'Caravan' was the higher quality and more desirable tea in those days.

Today, tea is a major industry. In addition to premium tea blends, you can buy many tea related products and gift kits that would be greatly appreciated by members of your family, friends and co-workers. For example, themed tea gift baskets, tea and chocolate packages, tea chest and pots, holiday gift baskets, and many other types of tea related gifts are available. To find the perfect tea gift, go online and read some tea blend reviews.