Greetings, steeping scholars of the tea world. Welcome to the third instalment of Chanui’s Tea Time Trivia series. By now, you’ve probably realised there is no end to the strange and fascinating questions that arise when tea hits the search bar.
Let’s dive into the murky waters of tea trivia once more, armed with a kettle and a thirst for knowledge.
1. Where was tea first cultivated?
This again!
Tea’s origin story is as old as time - or at least as old as written records go. The first cultivation of tea is believed to have occurred in the misty mountains of southwest China, specifically the Yunnan province. Legend has it that Emperor Shen Nong discovered tea when a leaf from a wild tea tree drifted into his pot of boiling water. His reaction? Delight. Ours? Eternal gratitude.
We’ve explored several origin stories before, but here’s a new one for you: the tale of Lu Yu, the "Sage of Tea." Raised by monks after being abandoned as a child, Lu Yu developed a deep reverence for tea. His passion led him to write The Classic of Tea, the first comprehensive book on the subject, during the Tang Dynasty. His work elevated tea to an art form and solidified its cultural significance in China. Without Lu Yu, the world of tea might not be as rich as it is today.
A statue of Lu Yu in Xi'an
2. How to make peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is one of our favourites and it’s super easy to make. Here’s how:
1. Use one teabag of Chanui peppermint tea per cup.
2. Boil fresh water and pour it over the tea in your cup or teapot.
3. Let it steep for 5-7 minutes for a full-flavoured brew. Yes that's a long time. Yes it it worth waiting for.
4. Elaborately slam-dunk the teabag into your compost bin.
5. Enjoy in almost any conceivable situation.
Optional: Add a touch of honey if you need something a bit more like a lovely minty meal.
The best peppermint tea in the known universe
3. Does green tea make you poop?
For starters, sorry for being crass but this is one of the most commonly asked questions so we might as well address it head on...
Yes, green tea can have a laxative effect for some people due to its caffeine content and natural compounds like catechins, which can stimulate the digestive system.
So if you're backed up, a warm cup of green tea might just do the trick to get things moving in the right direction.
Moving swiftly on...
4. What kind of tea is sweet tea?
Sweet tea is an icon of the American South, where it’s brewed strong, sweetened generously, and served chilled. Its rise to fame is tied to the region’s hot climate and the abundance of tea imported through British trade routes. Sweet tea’s history overlaps with that of iced tea, which gained widespread popularity at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. On a particularly hot summer, a British tea merchant named Richard Blechynden poured tea over ice to attract fairgoers, creating a refreshing new drink.
Over time, this iced tea tradition evolved in the South, where sugar was added generously to suit local tastes. The result? Sweet tea: a cultural staple served at barbecues, church potlucks, and just about any Southern gathering, symbolising hospitality and comfort in a glass.
For more on the history of iced tea, reads our post: Iced tea: Technological innovation worthy of the World's Fair
5. How do you make orange tea?
Blood orange tea is a bright and zesty option to hydrate and dose you right up with vitamin C. Its natural citrus notes make it perfect for any time of day. We recommend steeping our loose leaf blood orange tea for 4-6 minutes with freshly boiled water. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and entirely caffeine-free.
If you don’t have access to our amazing teabags, you can zest an orange, steep the zest in hot water, and add a touch of sweetener or even a slice of fresh orange for a simple homemade version.
Chanui blood orange is rich in vitamin c
6. How much caffeine is in a tea bag?
The caffeine content of a single tea bag varies depending on the type of tea and its preparation. On average:
- Black tea: 40-70 milligrams
- Green tea: 20-40 milligrams
- White tea: 15-30 milligrams
- Herbal teas: Usually none if it doesn't include any camellia sinensis
7. How long should sun tea brew?
We have to admit - when we first came across this question, we had to Google what the heck sun tea even is. Turns out, it’s a method of making iced tea by placing tea bags in a jar of cold water and letting it steep in the sun for hours.
While it might sound charming, sun tea is actually a pretty bad idea because the water doesn’t get hot enough to kill bacteria, which means you could end up with a jar full of microbial growth. Worst case scenario? A lovely little bout of food-borne illness.
Mmm botulism.
There’s also no evidence that leaving tea in the sun improves its flavour in any way. If anything, you’re better off making iced tea the traditional way - with boiling water - and letting it cool in the fridge. It’s safer, just as delicious, and far less likely to land you in the hospital.
Sun tea - a risk not worth taking!
8. What does chamomile tea taste like?
Chamomile tea tastes like a warm hug in a cup. Its flavour is floral, slightly sweet, and reminiscent of apples due to a compound called apigenin - a natural flavonoid found in chamomile that contributes to its soothing properties.
Perfect for winding down after a long day or imagining yourself gambolling about merrily in a meadow full of wildflowers.
9. How to make tea on the stove
The power's out. Someone nicks your kettle. You're camping.
Sometimes you need to get creative and make a brew on the stove. Here's how:
1. Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Remove the pan from heat and add your tea bags or loose leaf tea (in an infuser, unless you like straining).
3. Let it steep for the recommended time (usually 3-5 minutes).
4. Strain if necessary, pour into your favourite mug, and sip away.
Camp stove brewing
10. Health benefits of jasmine green tea
Jasmine green tea combines the delicate fragrance of jasmine flowers with the health benefits of green tea. Packed with antioxidants, it’s known to support heart health, boost metabolism, and promote relaxation.
Brew our jasmine green tea for 2-3 minutes to enjoy a perfect balance of floral aroma and refreshing taste while helping you live to 150 years old.
The health benefits of tea according to Chanui
Final thoughts
There you have it: another batch of trivia to enrich your tea-drinking experience.
Whether you’re pondering tea’s origins, experimenting with fresh mint, or contemplating chamomile’s apple-like charm, there’s always more to learn. Got a question brewing in your mind? Get in touch and we’ll tackle it in the next volume.
Until then, happy sipping!