Chinese Lychee Tea, originating from Fuding City in Fujian Province, is a type of tea known as “liu xun yi ti” tea. It is crafted using the superior Fuding Da Hao tea leaves, specifically the one bud with two or three leaves harvested around the Qingming Festival. The tea gets its name from its resemblance to ripe lychee fruits. The finished product boasts a rich and lasting aroma, a bright yellow-green color, a mellow and durable taste that endures multiple infusions, and leaves resembling the unfolding petals of a chrysanthemum.
Brewing Method
The process of making Chinese Lychee Tea is relatively simple. Begin by peeling and removing the pits from lychee fruits. Pour the lychee into a pot and add an appropriate amount of white sugar and honey to adjust the sweetness. Place the pot over high heat, cook the lychee until soft, and then add malt sugar while continuously stirring. As the water evaporates, the lychee tea gradually transforms into an amber color. When it reaches the desired thickness, squeeze in lemon juice and add the lemon peel to the pot. Once the lychee tea is cooked to a thick consistency, remove the lemon peel and pour it into a bottle while still hot. Allow it to cool before refrigerating.
When whipping up lychee tea, stick to the ingredient proportions. Try to keep everything in harmony—quantity and quality alike. This ensures your lychee tea hits the sweet spot in both flavor and nutrition.
Health Benefits
Chinese Lychee Tea is a highly popular beverage known for its delightful taste and numerous health benefits.
- Clearing Heat and Detoxifying: Chinese Lychee Tea possesses the ability to clear heat and detoxify, effectively alleviating inflammation and toxins within the body. This aids in improving the immune system and overall resistance.
- Moistening the Throat and Relieving Thirst: This tea can moisten the throat and relieve thirst, providing relief for symptoms such as dry mouth and sore throat.
- Stomach Invigoration and Digestion: Chinese Lychee Tea also invigorates the stomach and aids in digestion, promoting gastrointestinal motility and alleviating issues of indigestion and poor appetite.
- Antioxidant Properties: Rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols, Chinese Lychee Tea effectively scavenges free radicals, protecting the body from oxidative damage.
Precautions
While Chinese Lychee Tea offers various benefits, there are certain precautions to consider:
- Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Due to the presence of caffeine and sugar in lychee tea, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid excessive consumption to prevent potential effects on the fetus or infant.
- Hypertension Patients: Individuals with hypertension should monitor their lychee tea intake due to its caffeine and sugar content, as excessive consumption may impact blood pressure.
- Diabetic Patients: Diabetics should also regulate their lychee tea consumption as it contains sugar, which may affect blood sugar levels.
In conclusion, Chinese Lychee Tea is not just a delicious beverage but also a herbal infusion with potential health benefits. Whether you savor it for its taste or for its medicinal properties, incorporating this tea into your routine can be a delightful and health-conscious choice. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.
