Questions & Answers

Tea is any infusion obtained from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, and therefore, it contains theine/caffeine. The leaves undergo various processes of drying, oxidation, and in some cases fermentation before being consumed. It is important to mention that not everything referred to as tea is actually tea; for example, chamomile tea, linden tea, mint tea, valerian tea, and hibiscus tea, to name a few. All of the above are herbal infusions because they do not contain the leaves of Camellia Sinensis and, consequently, do not have theine/caffeine. Exceptions to this rule are guarana, yerba mate, and guayusa due to their high caffeine content.

There are many legends, from the Divine Farmer (Shennong) to Bodhidharma, that attempt to give us an idea of how and where this beverage originated. However, if we stick more closely to history and botany, we discover that the tea plant is native to China. Historical records indicate that tea has been used in China for over 4,500 years, and its name, Camellia Sinensis, translates from Latin as 'Camellia from China.

From the same tea plant (Camellia Sinensis), six types of tea are produced. These are: White Tea, Yellow Tea, Green Tea, Black Tea, Oolong Tea, Pu-erh Tea. Keep in mind that these are just the types, but there are vast quantities of varieties within each type, depending on the country. Even within the same region, the options available can vary. Some places focus on the specific production of one type, while others may choose to produce more than one type.

As the name suggests, a tea pet is a faithful companion for all your tea sessions. Tea pets have their origins in ancient China; there are not many records or documents explaining the reason for their origin, but it is believed that they began as a tradition that has been adopted and endured over the years. Tea pets started as small figures made of Yixing clay, which is known for being porous and for its ability to enhance the flavor of infusions.

Like any pet, a tea pet requires love and care, but this is done a bit differently than with a regular pet. Feeding: You can 'feed' your tea pet by pouring the water used to warm the teapot and cups before serving tea over it; once your infusion is ready, you can also give it a little splash. Over time, the appearance and aroma of your tea pet will change, serving as a constant reminder of your adventures in the world of tea.

While it's true that tea pets began as a 'wild' tradition from a dynasty, over the years, meanings have been attributed to the pieces based on their shapes. For example: Fu Lions: Symbols of protection and good luck. Birds: Symbols of serenity and wisdom. Cats: Symbols of happiness and prosperity. Dragons: Symbols of strength and protection.

This is a half-truth; sometimes, some black teas contain more caffeine than other types, such as white or even green tea. However, factors such as the cultivar, harvest season, type of picking, and other external factors can affect the caffeine content.

Tea provides health benefits, such as antioxidants and improvements in cardiovascular and cognitive health. However, it should not be considered a miracle solution. The effects can vary depending on the type of tea and the biological aspects of each individual. It is essential to maintain realistic expectations and complement tea consumption with a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle habits. Consulting health professionals and relying on solid scientific evidence is crucial for a proper understanding of the benefits of tea.