A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Tea Definition

Not only do we sell top quality teas wholesale or retail from around the world, but we make it fast and easy to understand precise definitions and meanings of worldwide teas and tea terms with our free online tea dictionary and Google search feature.

Tea is a beverage made by steeping processed leaves, buds, or twigs of the tea bush (Camellia sinensis) in hot water for a few minutes. In the case of Mathca green tea powder, it is briskly whisked into hot water until frothy. The processing can include oxidation (fermentation), heating, drying, milling (powdered tea) and the addition of other herbs, flowers, spices, and fruits.

There are four basic types of true tea: black tea, oolong tea, green tea, and white tea. The term "herbal tea" usually refers to infusions of fruit or of herbs (such as rosehip, chamomile, or jiaogulan) that contain no C. sinensis. (Alternative terms for herbal tea that avoid the word "tea" are tisane and herbal infusion.) This article is concerned exclusively with preparations and uses of the tea plant C. sinensis.

Tea is a natural source of methylxanthines such as caffeine, catechins (like ECGC), and theanine (see Physiological Effects and Alpha Brain Activity below). It has almost no carbohydrates, fat, or protein. It has a cooling, slightly bitter and astringent taste. However, powdered teas like Matcha contain fiber in the beverage because the whole tea leaf is utilized.

The tea tree or bush, its leaves, and the beverage made from these leaves. The plant ( Camellia sinensis, Thea sinensis, or C. thea ) is an evergreen related to the camellia and indigenous to Assam (India) and probably to parts of China and Japan. In its native state, it grows to a height of about 30 ft (9.1 m), but in cultivation it is pruned to 3-5 ft (91-152 cm). The lanceolate leaves are dark green; the blossom is cream-colored and fragrant. Today tea is consumed by more people and in greater quantity than any beverage except water. The flavor of tea is due to volatile oils, its stimulating properties to caffeine , and its astringency to the tannin content (reduced in black teas by the fermentation process). In all parts of the world, tealike beverages (sometimes called tisanes) are made from the leaves or flowers of a wide variety of other plants, often for their medicinal properties.

China, where state farms are being supplanted by private ones, remains the largest tea grower of the world; elsewhere, tea is usually grown on plantations. Tea culture requires a protected, well-drained habitat in a warm climate with ample rainfall. The leaves are picked by hand, principally during flushes (periods of active growth), the most desirable being those near the growing tip. They are prepared by withering, rolling, and firing (i.e., heating).

The many kinds of tea are usually named for their color and grade (the best teas using only the two terminal leaves) or for their district of origin, e.g., Darjeeling and Lapsang. Teas are sometimes scented by exposure to fragrant flowers, e.g., jasmine. Brick tea is made from tea dust or inferior tea pressed into blocks. Black teas (e.g., pekoes, souchongs, and congous) differ from green teas (e.g., imperials, gunpowders, and hysons) in having been fermented before firing; oolongs, intermediate in color and flavor, are partially fermented. Green teas are produced chiefly in China and Japan; black teas in China, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya; and oolongs in Taiwan.

Although there are only a few basics tea types like green, black, white, red and Oolong, there are a vast variety of terms related to tea grading and classifications too. Another reasons for a large amount of tea words related to tea is they originate from many regions and plantations within countries like China, Japan, Taiwan or Sri Lanka (Ceylon). Many estate teas exist within districts of India, especially, and these teas are defined according to the estate they are cultivated in. You will find a vast number of them difined within our tea dictionary and glossary. There are also various herbal tisanes confused for tea causing confusion amongst the average westerner. Tea blended with herbs ads to the variety of names too. Island Teas makes it easy to find definitions you are searching for in the broad range of tea terms alphabetically or with the Google search tool within our encyclopedia like website.

The numerous natural chemical properties and nutrients found in tea prevent many diseases like, cancer, obesity, tooth decay, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, impaired immune function, rheumatoid arthritis, infection and more. Read about the benefits from drinking tea.

Physiological Effects - The calming effect of green tea may seem contradictory to the stimulatory property of tea's caffeine content but it can be explained by the action of L-theanine. This amino acid actually acts antagonistically against the stimulatory effects of caffeine on the nervous system. Research on human volunteers has demonstrated that L-theanine creates a sense of relaxation in approximately 30-40 minutes after ingestion via at least two different mechanisms. First, this amino acid directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. Second, L-theanine is involved in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA influences the levels of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, producing the key relaxation effect. Studies show Theanine also aids in the improvement of memory and can enhance the learning curve of individuals.

Alpha Brain Activity - The brain emits weak electrical impulses (brain waves) that can be measured on the surface of the head. The predominant frequency of electrical impulses correlates with different types of mental states and activities. Brain waves are classified into four categories (delta, theta, alpha, and beta)    each with an associated mental state. Delta is seen only in the deepest stages of sleep. Theta is seen in light sleep and drowsiness. Alpha is present in wakefulness where there is a relaxed and effortless alertness and Beta is seen in highly stressful situations and where there is difficulty in mental concentration and focus. It is well known that alpha brain waves are generated during a relaxed state and therefore alpha waves are used as an index of relaxation.

A quick reference to the most common tea terms.

Also read our online tea guide to learn the best ways to make various teas and find fantastic healthy tea recipes. We also reveal the history of tea throughout China, Japan and Europe, as well as, answers to many frequently asked questions about tea. It is our hope that you will enjoy our fine teas and understand how to make better choices as a tea consumer.

During the year 2007 we will be writing a book of recipes to help inform the public to be more creative with cooking healthy with tea. If you have any suggestions or ideas you would like us to include in our book, please submit your tea recipe.

---