Tea, a fascinating world full of nuances of taste

Ancient and noble drink, around which myths and legends revolve, it boasts widespread diffusion throughout the world and offers its lovers many different aromas, each with its own peculiarities and virtues: tea.

The English take it strictly at 5, with a bit of milk. In Japan it is at the center of a ritual as ancient as it is known. In China it was used as a medicine for a long time. Buddhist monks praise it for its properties capable of keeping the mind clear and promoting meditation. While for the Russians it represents a moment of gathering when in the evening they gather around large brass containers, the Samovars, and spend the time discussing while sipping the hot drink. Not only that, tea was also the protagonist of one of the most important revolutions in the history of our society, the American Revolution, which began with the Boston Tea Party when the colonists overturned all the English's precious cargo into the sea.

Tea is loved by everyone, therefore, and everyone has their favorite flavor. Often you choose the aroma according to the time of day you decide to drink. Other times you are guided only by your personal taste. The fact is that this drink is widespread throughout the world and in every country there is a tradition that revolves around its consumption.

Numerous legends are told about its origin. The most famous places its birth in China, where some of the best qualities are still selected today. It is said that Emperor Shen Nong had issued an edict which required, for hygienic reasons, to boil water before drinking it. One day while he was resting in the shade of a plant a leaf fell into the boiling liquid, which was transformed into a tea infusion.

Because that's what it's about: precious leaves that magically transform water into an amber-colored drink, rich in taste and flavor. Tea has always been a great protagonist in everyday life. A cup of tea is not simply drunk, it is enjoyed, it is savored. It is an opportunity for a moment of pause, which accords with the serenity of the mind and body.

There are different varieties that are obtained through different processing of its leaves. Different flavors all obtained from the precious camellia plants. Among the best known and most famous varieties we have:

• The Green tea it is obtained from unfermented leaves, traditionally dried in the sun on bamboo trays, which maintain their original color, creating a very light infusion tending towards green. It is rich in antioxidants, boasts digestive properties and is used for the prevention of tumors and atherosclerosis. To enjoy it at its best, it is necessary not to use boiling water, which causes the leaves to release a bitter taste.
• The Tender it is the most widespread variety in the world. Often used in alternation with coffee, as it contains a good percentage of theine. The leaves are obtained through fermentation, which gives it that brownish color. Often, like green tea, it is flavored using different flavors, such as jasmine, citrus, or spices.
• The White tea it is obtained from the buds and shoots before they open. It is the most precious variety of tea there is and some types, such as the famous Yin Zhen, are rare and are only harvested once a year. It is considered an elixir of youth, which draws its strength from the vitality of the plant. It has a delicate aroma and a light color, which gives royalty to such a precious drink.
• The Red tea or Rooibos it is not strictly a tea, but is obtained in the same way. Coming from Africa, it is obtained from dried leaves. It has a very deep color and a particularly strong taste. It is considered very useful for eliminating fat and reducing cholesterol levels.

Whatever your preferences, this precious drink, obtained from the leaves of a special Camellia, need for the right time and place to be consumed. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy our selection at the 'Gusto cafeteria at 28.