Tea facts for kids

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.
Contents
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-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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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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Tea factory in Taiwan
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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