Asia
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Japan
Chanoyu Tea Ceremony
Japanese matcha is made form green tea leaves. It was made traditionally by grinding the leaves between mill stones. The use of matcha powder makes it unique from the preparation of other teas as it is mixed into water instead of infused.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a spiritual event with its origins streaming from Zen philosophy. The ceremony sees participants remove themselves from the mundane world and seek inner peace though harmony.
Though Matcha is prevalent in many modern Japanese treats and does not require the attention of a tea ceremony. Chanoyu is distinctly Japanese and is the pinnacle manner in which to enjoy both matcha and the essence of Japan.
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Did you know ...
The inventor of the modern tea ceremony was executed by Hideyoshi Toyotomi as he believed it was a jab towards his peasant linage.
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This video explains more about the tea ceremony. Take a look
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Tibet
Po Cha Butter Tea
Butter Tea became popular in Tibet in the 13th century though the history of tea in Tibet dates back earlier. Butter tea was initially used in religious ceremonies and still has a large presence in temples to this day, although now not exclusive to temples.
Butter tea is a regular part of Tibetan life with the citizens drinking up to 60 small cups per day. Po cha is often served as part of breakfast and to guests it’s a social beverage.
The butter in Po cha is traditionally made with yak butter. A high calorific intake is necessary to function at high altitudes. Artic explorers have been quoted to taken inspiration form the Tibetan people and often enjoy butter tea a world away.
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Did you know ...
Butter tea is said to be enjoyed in separate sips the cup must never run dry, so host refill the cup in between sips. Its good manners never to complexly drain the cup.
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There are multiple methods for making Po cha. It is said the highest quality of tea is made by boiling black tea in water for half a day, then skimming and mixing with yak butter. The resultant beverage should have a constancy akin to stew. Now days tea bags and differently available butters are used to get a quick fix.
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India
Masala Chai
Masala Chai holds a special place in Indian culture with each region and even home having a unique recipe to make the drink. As such there is no official recipe for Chai, but there is a set of commonly used ingredients including ginger, cinnamon, cardamon and cloves.
Like China there is evidence to suggest that tea has a long history dating back 5000 years in the Indian region of Assam though this was relatively localised. The British presence caused the prominence of tea to spread across India.
A successful campaign 100 years ago can be said to be the progenitor of the current tea culture. By the time on independence chai was India’s largest commodity and seen as a unifying beverage, shared on all occasions regardless of opinions. Today Chai can be enjoyed anywhere and core part of the breakfast culture
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Did you know ...
Where most chai is made with black tea gunpowder masala if famous for its use of green tea instead to make the drink.
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