Where to travel for unique teas

Tea, that warm cup of well-being that accompanies us in everyday life and offers us unique taste experiences. In this article, we will introduce you to some fascinating facts about teas and recommend places where you could travel to taste the best ones.

Tea tree - Source of exoticism and history

Tea has its roots in China and its history goes back nearly 5,000 years. Legend has it that the Chinese emperor Shen Nung discovered tea by accident when a leaf from a tea tree fell into hot water . Today we find the oldest tea trees in the world in the Chinese province of Yunnan, where Pu Erh tea is grown. According to Chinese doctors:

•         strengthens the body
•         balances the forces of yin and yang
•         contributes to a long and healthy life

If you are planning a trip to China, you should definitely enjoy this specialty.

On the contrary, Tibetan tea is not for everyone. This black tea is very strong and is traditionally served with gee butter and salt . Travelers say that there is nothing worse in the world than hot Tibetan tea, except for cold Tibetan tea. However, during your visit to Tibet, you will discover that the locals drink it in huge quantities and will smile and pour it on you if you drink it too quickly. It is a unique experience, but it requires preparation for an unusual taste experience.

If you go to Tibet, be sure to wear functional clothing that will protect you from the cold and wind. These features are met by hiking clothing that will provide targeted air ventilation, water resistance and reliable protection in adverse weather. The top choice are softshell jackets and hiking softshell pants , which are extremely durable.

A tea plantation in Europe

You can find the only tea plantation in Europe, namely on the Azores Islands . The largest island of the archipelago, Sao Miguel, hosts a 40-hectare plantation called Gorreana, where tea is grown and produced. This plantation is unique in that it faces the Atlantic Ocean, which guarantees special conditions for growing tea.

At the Gorreana plantation, you can watch the tea production process and complete your visit with a tasting. Recommended teas from here include Orange Pekoe black tea and Hysson green tea .

The colorful tea of Africa

African teas offer a wide variety of flavors and one of the favorites is vanilla tea. You can taste this delicious drink during your vacation on the island of Mauritius , especially in the village of Bois Cheri, where tea is grown on fertile high plateaus. This environment is ideal for growing high quality tea.

•         6,700 tons of tea leaves are collected here annually
•         1,200 tons of tea are produced. Its delicate taste will surely surprise you
•         It is fascinating that it has been cultivated here since 1882

The secret of Ceylon tea

Sri Lanka , also known as Ceylon, is a breakthrough country for the tea industry . The tea plants are kept at a height of 1.5 meters and live up to 30 to 40 years. Sri Lanka produces white tea (from small undeveloped leaves on the top, which makes it more expensive), green tea (three to four leaves from the top) and black tea (which is the most difficult to make) . All these teas are steeped more than once, while the white tea is even steeped up to three times. These details give Ceylon tea a special character. If you decide to travel to Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to pick tea leaves yourself and prepare one of the best teas of your life.

If you choose to visit the plantation, always wear sturdy and stable shoes. The best choice is low hiking boots , which fix the foot well and are breathable. Quality outdoor footwear helps you enjoy your trip and gain experiences for a lifetime.

Japanese tea culture

Japan is considered the cradle of tea culture. The city of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture opened the world's oldest tea shop called Tsuen Tea back in 1160. Japan is also home to the world's most expensive tea, gyokuro . This tea is unique because it is grown covered and watered with water with a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees. It is also infused for only a minute . The result is a very delicate taste, reminiscent of plums that have been stored in the ground for 30 years.

In Japan, you can also enjoy the popular tea drink, matcha latte. This tea is prepared by mixing frothed milk with a light green powder, which is mixed in water with a special whisk. It is a healthy drink that contains more caffeine than coffee and plays an important role in Japanese culture.

If you love tea, traveling to countries where tea is grown and prepared can be a great way to discover new flavors and gain a deeper understanding of this ancient beverage tradition. Every cup of tea has its own story, and your travel adventures can reveal these stories one by one. So try the journey of unique teas and discover the magical worlds that are hidden behind this popular beverage culture.

Author: Gabriel Galeštok

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