Lychee Black Tea: A Sweet And Fruity Delight

## History and Origin of Lychee Black Tea

 

Lychee tea has a long history that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), when lychee was a favorite fruit of the imperial court. Lychee was considered a symbol of royalty and wealth, and was often used as a tribute to the emperor. According to legend, one of the Tang emperors, Xuanzong, was so fond of lychee that he ordered his concubine, Yang Guifei, to eat it every day. He even dispatched fast horses to transport fresh lychees from southern China to the capital, Chang'an, for her.

 

Lychee tea was created by roasting lychees with black tea leaves, which imparted the fruit's fragrance and flavor to the tea. This method of scenting tea was also used for other fruits, such as longan and osmanthus. Lychee tea became popular among the aristocrats and literati, who enjoyed its sweet and smooth taste.

 

## Production and Processing of Lychee Black Tea

 

Lychee tea is mainly produced in Guangdong and Guangxi provinces, where lychee is widely cultivated. The best quality lychees are harvested in late spring and early summer, when they are ripe and juicy. The lychees are then peeled and dried in the sun or in ovens, until they become shriveled and brown.

 

The black tea leaves used for lychee tea are usually from Fujian or Yunnan provinces, where they are grown at high altitudes and have a rich and mellow flavor. The tea leaves are picked in early spring, when they are tender and fresh. They are then withered, rolled, oxidized, and dried, following the traditional process of making black tea.

 

The final step of making lychee tea is blending the dried lychees with the black tea leaves. This can be done by either mixing them together in a large container, or by placing them in layers in a bamboo basket. The basket is then covered with a cloth and stored in a cool and dry place for several days or weeks, allowing the tea leaves to absorb the aroma and taste of the lychees.

 

 

## Benefits and Uses of Lychee Black Tea

 

Lychee tea has many benefits for health and wellness, as it combines the nutrients and antioxidants of both lychee and black tea. Lychee is rich in vitamin C, potassium, copper, and polyphenols, which can boost immunity, lower blood pressure, prevent anemia, and protect against oxidative stress. Black tea contains caffeine, theanine, catechins, and flavonoids, which can enhance alertness, mood, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.

 

Lychee tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on personal preference. It can be brewed with boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, using about 3 grams of tea per cup. It can also be brewed with cold water for several hours in the refrigerator, resulting in a more refreshing and smooth drink. Some people like to add sugar, honey, lemon, milk, or cream to their lychee tea, to enhance its sweetness and creaminess. Others like to mix it with other ingredients, such as rose petals, jasmine flowers, or tapioca pearls, to create different variations of flavored tea.

 

Lychee tea is a wonderful beverage that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is especially suitable for afternoon tea or dessert time, as it can satisfy your sweet tooth without adding too many calories. It can also help you relax and unwind after a busy day. Lychee tea is a sweet and fruity delight that you should try at least once in your life.

 

Check out our more articles on Chinese tea culture and learn about the GM tea industry.