A beverage or medicine made by infusing or decocting the dried and prepared leaves of specially grown or wild plants such as shrubs, herbs, flowers, and roots.
A tea or infusion is the extraction of the plant’s water-soluble bioactives. Medical herbalists recommend leaving the plant to infuse in the boiled water for 15 minutes, covered to prevent evaporation of volatile ingredients. A standard daily infusion for plants used as foodstuffs is 1 ounce (30 g) fresh (or 0.71 ounce/20 g dried) plant material per 2 cups (500 ml) boiled water daily.
An infusion made by pouring boiling water over a measured quantity of dried plant material and leaving it for a while to steep.
The dried leaves of a plant used to make a hot drink.
A hot drink made by pouring boiling water onto the dried leaves of a plant.
The foliage of a shrub belonging to the camellia family, primarily cultivated in diverse regions of the Orient, undergoes several drying and processing techniques to prepare it for the brewing process. These dehydrated and processed leaves are collectively referred to as tea leaves. The brewed liquid, extracted from these tea leaves, is commonly known as tea or infusion. Occasionally, a broth such as beef tea, is also used as a beverage in place of the more traditional tea leaves.
Enter the realm of a tropical evergreen shrub, revered for its enchanting presence. The dried leaves of this botanical wonder hold the key to a cherished beverage, meticulously crafted through the infusion of boiling water. The nuances of this beverage are bestowed by a multitude of factors, such as variations in soil composition, climatic conditions, and the meticulous art of firing the leaves. This majestic shrub finds its nurturing grounds in regions including China, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan, each lending its unique touch to the world of tea cultivation. The first whispers of its existence graced the shores of Europe during the illustrious seventeenth century, forever captivating the palates of those who encountered its captivating allure.