Drinking tea is an old tradition, as the first records date back to the 3rd century AD. It originated in southwest China where it was a medical drink. Today we have a culture of drinking tea in some regions, as they hold on to their rituals regarding tea preparation and consumption. Hence, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Ireland are on the top of the list for tea drinking. Since early childhood, we have all known it as we have enjoyed tea, but some flavors aren't so typical. So let's take a look at some unique top ten teas.
10. Seven-Color Tea
Eye-catching seven-color tea comes from Bangladesh
Also known as seven-layer tea, this rainbow drink comes from Bangladesh. Romesh Ram Gour got the idea as he noticed that different tea flavors have different densities. Hence, the trick is to slowly pour diverse tea types on top of one another, creating layers.
The drink's creator keeps the recipe a secret and doesn't make a bunch of money from it, as he still sells his seven-color tea from two street tea shops. Although he refused to reveal the ingredients, those who tried it say it has three different black teas, green tea, spices, lemon, and condensed milk.
9. Horchata Lojana
Horchata Lojana is responsible for the long life of the Loja region residents
Ecuador’s Loja province has a special herbal mixture called horchata lojana. Hence, according to the locals, the drink is responsible for its residents' long, healthy life. With a floral, herbal taste heightened with a hint of sour lemon and a lot of sugar, this vivid hibiscus-colored tea is a favorite drink during the day.
The ingredients are a traditional family recipe and passed from one generation to another. Hence, all herbs are grown locally and picked by local women. It has 16 basic herbs, such as lemon verbena, purslane, basil, and bloodleaf. However, the botanist has identified up to 70 different herbal elements.
8. Pu'er
The tea lovers say that Pu'er is like no other tea
Originating from China's Yunnan Province, sun-dried, fermented leaves shaped like a cake cost tea lovers thousands of dollars. This tea was probably created by accident, as a long time ago, the sellers using a South Silk Road would wrap the dried tea leaves in bamboo and hit the road. On their way, the tea would be exposed to sunshine, heat, and rain, making the fermentation process start on its own.
Today, this exclusively Yunnan-made good is valued as a wine, as the older it gets, the pricier it becomes. Therefore, the year-old Pu'er was sold for $150,000, which was the price for 500 grams.
7. Russian Tea
Russian tea has originated in the United States
Although the name suggests Slavic origin, this is a western beverage with no links to Russia. The recipe's origin is the southern United States and dates back to the late 19th century. However, the only connection with Russia can be that they used to serve tea with lemon and sugar.
Hence, Russian tea is the sweet, spiced hot beverage, but typically with black tea, fruit juice (orange, lemon, or pineapple), cinnamon, and cloves. Today, this sweet tea is still a favorite in the South of the United States, especially around Christmas.
6. Ranovola
Ranovola is a burnt rice tea from Madagascar
Since Madagascar is among the least developed countries, the locals are practical and reuse their food to its full extent. So from this pragmaticism, they made ranovola. This is a burnt rice tea made as a solution to two problems. First, water needs to be boiled before drinking. Second, the bottom of the rice pot is often crusted and hard to clean.
Therefore, they boil the crusted pot, clean it, make water safe for drinking, not waste any and get the ranovola tea. The golden-colored burnt rice tea has a mildly toasted flavor, and it's believed to have anti-diarrheal effects. It can be consumed hot or chilled.
5. Yaupon Tea/Cassina Tea
Yaupon Tea was a drink of native Americans'
Yaupon Tea, also known as a cassina, was a holly-based tea of native Americans'. After Columbus, this tea was set aside for a long time, and yerba maté tea (similar to yaupon) took its place. However, lately, it's making a comeback.
Cassina tea has a mild floral taste and is the only caffeinated plant native to the US. Moreover, it contains plenty of antioxidants, supposedly decreasing inflammation and benefits brain function. Hence, it's understandable why many farmers started to grow yaupon plants again, as, at the same time, restaurants added Yaupon Tea to their menus.
4. Yak Butter Tea
Yak Butter Tea is served to the guests as a sign of hospitality
Tibet is the origin of the yak butter tea, which is offered as a sign of good hospitality to the guests. It is often compared to the soup since it has a slightly salty taste, giving power to the farmers to work outdoors in high altitudes. Moreover, it's frequently consumed during breakfast as preparation for a long and hard-working day.
Making yak butter tea means to cook pu'erh black tea in water for a half-day, pour it into the bottle with the yak butter and a bit of salt, then shake it. Hence, it has a structure similar to a thick oil.
3. Chocolate Tea
The Caribbean Chocolate Tea is a category for itself
Chocolate Tea, the Caribbean cocoa drink, is a tea and a hot chocolate, and at the same time, neither of those. Hence, this is not even tea, as no leaves are being used in the process. So this is a category for itself, as every hot beverage served with breakfast is called tea in the Caribbean.
To make this delicious chocolate tea, you need to boil cocoa, add nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, and even a bay leaf. Afterward, add coconut milk and sweeten it with condensed milk. While spices are distinct from island to island, nutmeg and cinnamon serve as the base.
2. Cheese Tea
Adding a cheesy, creamy topping to tea can be quite tasteful
Cheese tea is the youngest on our list, as it originated from Taiwan in 2010. Later on, it became popular across Asia, especially in China, as Chinese youth like to drink on the way home after partying all night. Basically, this is an ice tea topped with a foamy mixture of cream cheese, milk, whipping cream, and salt. The base is usually matcha, black, or oolong tea.
Some vendors like to add chocolate and different types of fresh fruit to the tea. However, the consumers usually have it without additional flavors. So we are expecting that it will get popular worldwide so we can taste it for ourselves. Until then, you can make one at home.
1. Yuenyeung
Yuenyeung is the perfect mixture of coffee and milky tea
According to some, a perfect combination of coffee and tea is called Yuenyeung. This drink was allegedly invented in Hong Kong, although there are some disputes regarding it. Nevertheless, yuenyeung combines black coffee with milk tea, blended in perfect creamy harmony. It can be served hot or cold, as the taste is the same. The drink is so popular in Hong Kong that they host an annual competition for the best yuenyeung maker.
This tea is so delicious that even Starbucks stores in Hong Kong and Macau endorsed a frappuccino version of the drink. Moreover, this creamy delight has a children's version without caffeine.
As you can see, the tea making and the ingredients vary across the globe. So, if you don't like the classic tea that you have been drinking from early childhood, you might try some from our top ten list. After all, tea is still one of the most consumed drinks worldwide, and no one can dispute its health benefits.
What is your favorite tea flavor? Have you tried some tea from our list? Please, hit the comment section below and tell us your thoughts.
Cover photo: TopTens.fun/Midjourney