Tea facts for kids

Tea leaves steeping in a Chinese gaiwan.

Tea is a popular drink enjoyed by people all over the world. It's made by soaking the dried leaves or flowers of a special plant called Camellia sinensis in hot water. Sometimes, other herbs, spices, or fruit flavors like lemon are added to it. All real teas come from the Camellia sinensis plant.

The word "tea" is also sometimes used for other drinks made by soaking fruits or herbs in hot water. For example, you might hear about "rosehip tea" or "camomile tea," even though these don't come from the Camellia sinensis plant.

Types of Tea

There are two main types of tea that come from the Camellia sinensis plant: black tea and green tea.

How Black Tea is Made

To make black tea, workers first spread the tea leaves out to dry. After drying, the leaves are rolled and broken into smaller pieces. Then, they are placed in a room where they can absorb oxygen. This process, called oxidation, causes chemical reactions that change the taste and style of the tea. Finally, the leaves are dried with hot air until they turn brown or black. Most black tea comes from countries like Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and eastern Africa. When black tea leaves are brewed in boiling water, the drink looks deep dark red. Because of this, another name for black tea, especially in China, is red tea.

How Green Tea is Made

Green tea is made differently to keep its green color. Freshly picked leaves are quickly put into a steamer. This stops them from oxidizing. After steaming, the leaves are crushed and then dried in ovens. India is a very big producer and user of green tea.

Where Tea Grows

Tea is mainly grown in many countries around the world. Some of the biggest tea-growing nations include China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Japan, Nepal, Australia, Argentina, and Kenya.

Tea as a Meal

The word tea can also mean an afternoon meal, especially in countries that are part of the Commonwealth. For example, someone might say, "I am having tea in a short while." This often refers to "afternoon tea," which is a small snack meal. Afternoon tea usually includes sandwiches, cakes, and, of course, tea! This snack time is also called "tea time."

How to Brew Tea

Making a good cup of tea depends on the type of tea you have.

• Green tea should steep for 2–3 minutes in water that is about 79°C (175°F).
• Black tea needs to steep for 3–5 minutes in boiling water.

Popular Tea Blends

Tea blenders mix different types of tea leaves or add flavors to create unique tastes.

• Earl Grey is a black tea that has bergamot oil added to it, giving it a citrusy smell and taste.
• English breakfast is a strong, full-bodied black tea. It's made to taste great with milk and sugar.
• English afternoon tea is a medium-bodied blend that is bright and refreshing. It often mixes strong teas from Assam (India) and Kenya with Ceylon teas, which add a light, lively quality.

Tea in Japan

Shizuoka is the top place in Japan for producing tea. Japan has many different kinds of tea, each with its own special flavor and way of being prepared.

Images for kids

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  Tea bags

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  Qi Lan Oolong tea leaf

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  Cup of tea, Scotland

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  Everything Stops for tea

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  Camellia sinensis Kuntze with two species of butterfly by Nicolaas Meerburgh, 1789

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  Tea plant (Camellia sinensis) from Köhler's Medicinal Plants, 1897

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  A 19th-century Japanese painting depicting Shennong: Chinese legends credit Shennong with the invention of tea.

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  Tea-weighing station north of Batumi, Russian Empire before 1915

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  Tea plantation workers in Sri Lanka, 2009

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  Tea plantation Darjeeling, India

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  Fresh tea leaves in various stages of growth; the smaller the leaf, the more expensive the tea

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  Black tea is often taken with milk

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  Teas of different levels of oxidation (L to R): green, yellow, oolong, and black

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  A strainer is often used when tea is made with tea-leaves in a teapot

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  Masala chai from India with garnishes

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  Turkish tea served in typical small glass and corresponding plate

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  Iced tea with a slice of lemon

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  Indian tea

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  Tea factory in Taiwan

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  Percentage of total global tea production by country in 2013

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  A blend of loose-leaf black teas

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  Da Hong Pao tea, an oolong tea

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  Fuding Bai Hao Yinzhen tea, a white tea

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  Green pu-erh tuo cha, a type of compressed raw pu-erh

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  Huoshan Huangya tea, a yellow tea

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  A spicy Thai salad made with young, fresh tea leaves

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  Dried Elderberries ready to be steeped into tea

See also

In Spanish: Té para niños