Tea is considered as the most important drink in the world after water; The history of tea goes back to 5000 years ago in China. This drink was initially used in medicine because of its healing properties. One of the most important compounds in tea is caffeine, which caused relaxing, relieves fatigue and sleepiness. Catechin is another substance that is anti-cancer, reduces blood fat and is anti-viral. Another substance is tannins, which are a type of chemical compounds called polyphenols and antioxidants that act as a defense system against pests. moreover, tannins are effective factors in creating color, taste and aroma of tea. Among the properties of polyphenols, the followings can be mentioned:
• Help to reduce Inflammation
• Help to reduce Cholesterol
• Help to Lower blood pressure
• Help to Prevent blood clotting
Also, tea contains fluoride, which plays an effective role in resistance and health of teeths and preventing their decay
Tea & Culture
Tea is tied to the culture of nations. In some countries, tea has become a special culture and drinking it has a special ritual among which we can mention the tea ceremony in China, which is held with special rituals to cultivate and calm the soul and purify the mind. In Japan, holding a tea ceremony shows the highest respect for the guest and is done in a special room. In England, the evening tea ceremony is held with special rituals in the royal families. In Iran, tea is used in various ceremonies, including two-color tea in courtship ceremonies.
History of tea in Iran
In Iran, like other Islamic and European countries, tea consumption has a long-time history Tea became a universal drink in Iran from the end of the Qajar period and replaced coffee. Tea cultivation in Iran started in 1314 AH by Mohammad Mirza Kashef al-Saltaneh in Lahijan.
Tea growing areas in the world
China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are the major tea producing countries in the world, among which the tea produced in the Assam region of India and Sri Lanka, known as Calcutta and Ceylon tea, is very popular in Iran market.