Red tea or pu-erh is a tea of Chinese origin, not to be confused with Rooibos tea or other infusions such as Karkadè.
Chinese Red Tea, Origin, And History
Chinese red tea, likewise called pu-erh tea, is an assortment of tea created since old times in the southern Chinese territory of Yunnan, lining Tibet. In this way, red tea is obtained from the assortment and handling of the leaves of Camellia sinensis. This plant has been developed for north of 5 thousand years in China, from which different kinds of dark tea are acquired, notwithstanding green and white tea.
This tea, renamed in the West as red tea, is a dark tea, named post-matured because it goes through a long assembling cycle and twofold maturation. In the wake of being matured, the tea leaves are wetted once more and alluded to a subsequent time before being put away in muggy limestone caves, run-of-the-mill of the Yunnan district. At times, red tea leaves stay in caves for quite a while, sometimes as long as sixty years, so red tea is viewed as a fine tea and sold at moderately excessive costs.
What Does Pu-Erh Tea Contain?
As we have seen, red tea or pu-erh tea is a referred black tea. Its leaves, therefore, contain products formed following the oxidation of some tea constituents, such as polyphenols and fatty acids, as well as typical compounds found in tea leaves. Red tea, therefore, contains:
- Catechins;
- caffeine;
- theobromine;
- theophylline;
- L-theanine.
These compounds are responsible for red tea’s earthy and spicy aroma and beneficial properties.
Red Tea
Red tea is a black tea that undergoes a long introduction, giving this tea a flavor that varies depending on the duration of the manufacturing process. There are two types of red tea on the market: ripe and raw.
- Ripe red tea requires refermentation that lasts a few months,
- The reference for raw red tea lasts a few years, so the plain tea variety is considered more valuable and sold at higher prices.
In the two cases, red tea can be sold in free dried leaves or, all the more commonly, in shapes looking like cakes or blocks, obtained by packing the leaves. Around three grams are taken from the tea structure or 3D squares to plan red tea and left to imbue in steaming hot water for two minutes. Before serving pu-erh tea, we commonly continue with a second and afterward third implantation, wasting the water each time.
Chinese red tea can be purchased in shops, gaining practical experience in tea deals or cultivator’s shops, and after buying, it tends to be put away for quite a while by moving it to shut holders from moistness, direct light, and intensity.
Chinese Red Tea And Rooibos: Two Different Products
Chinese red tea and rooibos are different. Red tea is obtained from the collection and subsequent processing of the leaves of Camellia sinensis, a plant from which numerous varieties of tea are obtained.
Rooibos tea, also known as African red tea, does not derive from Camellia sinensis plants but from Aspalathus linearis plants belonging to the Fabaceae family from South Africa. Rooibos tea leaves, after harvesting, undergo processing similar to that of tea but do not contain caffeine and other typical constituents of black, green, and white tea.
Chinese Red Tea, The Properties
The properties of red tea are similar to those of other tea varieties. Pu-erh tea has the following action :
- Tonic-stimulating;
- antioxidants:
- Hypoglycemics:
- hypocholesterolemic;
- astringent.
The properties of red tea are given by its phytocomplex, which is rich in polyphenols and caffeine.
Benefits Of Red Tea
Like other tea assortments, red tea is known for its cell reinforcement properties, which assist with battling the unsafe activity of free revolutionaries, particles accepted to be answerable for untimely maturing, and the expanded gamble of creating constant and degenerative illnesses.
Besides, consuming Chinese red tea could assist with decreasing blood levels of LDL cholesterol, the “awful” cholesterol, with benefits on the cardiovascular framework and further developed glucose levels. Because of the tonic and animating properties of Chinese red tea given by caffeine, this drink can assist with neutralizing sluggishness and work on physical and mental execution in study and work.
Moreover, caffeine can assist with decreasing the storage of new fats and work with the preparation of fat currently present in fat tissue with benefits as far as body weight: this doesn’t mean that you ought to drink pu-erh tea to get in shape. However, the utilization of the beverage could advance weight reduction in individuals who follow low-calorie diets to accomplish their optimal weight. The activity of red tea on lipid digestion could work on liver capability, forestalling fat collection in this essential organ.
Contraindications
Chinese red tea or pu erh tea consumption is considered safe for the healthy population. Still, care must be taken not to drink it in excessive quantities due to the caffeine content, especially in pregnancy and breastfeeding, pediatric age, or in people sensitive to the stimulating effects of this substance.
Excessive consumption of red tea or a simultaneous intake with tonic and stimulant supplements or with coffee or energizing drinks could cause insomnia, agitation, and, in some people, gastrointestinal disorders may also occur. Also, be careful about interactions, as pu erh tea could interfere with some medications, including those used to treat asthma and cardiovascular diseases.
When To Drink Chinese Red Tea
Chinese red tea can be drunk throughout the day, preferably between meals, to prevent it from negatively interfering with the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron. People sensitive to the action of caffeine should not consume red tea in the late afternoon or evening to avoid the drink disturbing sleep.
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