BairdWhen it comes to traditional Chinese beverages, few drinks are quite as famous or beloved as Catherine Tea, also known as Guo Hua Cha. This delightful herbal infusion carries with it centuries of culture and tradition, making it one of the most popular and widely appreciated teas across the world.
Named after a Buddhist nun named Zhihe from the Song dynasty in China, this beverage has been enjoyed since it was first brewed in 1098 AD.
What is Catherine Tea Made of?
Catherine Tea is made by combining various herbs and spices together in a vessel – usually a large clay pitcher – atop a hot charcoal fire. After boiling for some time, the mixture is then carefully strained through cloth mesh or perforated bronze screens before being poured into jugs and served.
During this process, each herb’s flavors infuse into the tea, creating an incredibly varied flavor profile with every cup. The typical ingredients used to make catherine tea include star anise, cassia bark, cardamom pods, licorice root, cinnamon sticks, and dried orange peel.
The flavor of Catherine Tea
The flavor of Catherine Tea can be described as sweet and fragrant, with notes of spice that linger on your tongue long after you’ve finished drinking.
The combination of these herbs also gives the tea many health benefits, such as helping with digestion, improving circulation, and calming an upset stomach. Because of its delicate aroma and pleasant taste, it makes a great addition to any meal or snack while providing numerous medicinal advantages too.
Traditional Importance of Catherine Tea
Catherine tea has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly those related to mental health. It is believed that the combination of herbs found in the blend can provide calming effects on mood, reduce anxiety levels and help alleviate symptoms associated with depression.
Studies have been conducted on animals which show that St. John’s Wort specifically may be able to reduce levels of serotonin in the brain, thus improving mood levels.
In addition to being a popular beverage choice among regular tea drinkers all over the world, Catherine Tea is also traditionally enjoyed during special occasions such as weddings or festivals in China, where it is said to bring people closer together due to its strong sense of relaxation and comfort which comes from drinking this delicious brew.
Overall there’s no doubt that Catherine Tea has earned its place amongst some of the world’s finest beverages thanks to its unique flavor profile along with its health benefits and cultural significance – making it an absolute must-try for anyone who enjoys traditional Chinese cuisine or just wants something refreshingly different!
Conclusion
There are numerous advantages associated with drinking Catherine tea on a regular basis, especially when taken alongside other healthy lifestyle practices such as eating nutritious food and getting enough exercise each day.
While more research needs to be done on the full extent of its potential benefits, it appears that this herbal blend could make a positive difference in terms of boosting overall physical and mental well-being!