Chinese fruit tea, also known as “guo cha” in Chinese, is a popular drink in China and other parts of the world. It is a type of tea that is infused with fresh or dried fruits, resulting in a flavorful and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold. In this article, we will take a closer look at what Chinese fruit tea is, its history, the different types of fruits used in the tea, and how it is prepared.
What is Chinese Fruit Tea?
Chinese fruit tea is a type of tea that is infused with fresh or dried fruits. The tea is brewed using a base tea, which can be green, black, oolong, or white tea, and then combined with different types of fruits, such as apples, oranges, peaches, strawberries, and more. The fruit is typically sliced or cubed and added to the tea to steep, which allows the flavors to infuse into the tea. The result is a delicious and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold.
History of Chinese Fruit Tea
Chinese fruit tea has a long history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). At that time, people would combine tea with fresh fruits and herbs to create different flavor combinations. The tea was also used as a medicinal remedy, as it was believed to have healing properties. Over time, the tea became more popular as a refreshing beverage, and people began to experiment with different fruits and tea blends to create unique and delicious flavors.
Types of Fruits Used in Chinese Fruit Tea
There are many different types of fruits that can be used in Chinese fruit tea, each with its own unique flavor profile. Some of the most popular fruits used in the tea include:
Apples: Apples are a popular fruit used in Chinese fruit tea. They are sweet and slightly tart, and their flavor pairs well with many types of tea.
Oranges: Oranges are another popular fruit used in the tea. They add a bright, citrusy flavor to the tea and are often paired with black tea.
Peaches: Peaches are a sweet and juicy fruit that add a delicious flavor to Chinese fruit tea. They are often paired with green tea.
Strawberries: Strawberries are a popular fruit used in Chinese fruit tea. They add a sweet, fruity flavor to the tea and pair well with many types of tea.
Pineapple: Pineapple is a tropical fruit that adds a sweet and tangy flavor to Chinese fruit tea. It is often paired with green or black tea.
Preparing Chinese Fruit Tea
Chinese fruit tea is easy to prepare and can be made in many different ways. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 tea bag (black, green, oolong, or white tea)
1 cup sliced fruit (apples, oranges, peaches, strawberries, pineapple, etc.)
Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
Boil 2 cups of water in a saucepan.
Add 1 tea bag of your choice (black, green, oolong, or white tea) to the water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
Remove the tea bag and add 1 cup of sliced fruit to the tea.
Let the fruit steep in the tea for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired flavor is achieved.
Strain the tea into a cup and sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired.
Chinese fruit tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a type of tea that is infused with fresh or dried fruits, resulting in a flavorful and healthy drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold .