(HealthCastle.com) Tea drinking was an established tradition in China many centuries prior to its introduction to Western civilization, and China is credited with tea's introduction to Japan by the Japanese monks who had traveled to China to study.

Tea culture in China is held in high regard, and tea is often considered one of the seven necessities to begin one's day. Tea drinking is celebrated daily in the many traditional Chinese tea houses that dot the streets of Chinese neighborhoods, and tea is prepared and consumed in a variety of ways for a variety of special circumstances. The most informal method of brewing and enjoying green, black, and oolong teas is simply adding hot water to a pot containing the selected variety of tea leaves. More elaborate brewing methods and teaware are used in tea-tasting situations and during tea ceremonies where tea drinking is a way of connecting families and expressing gratitude to elders. Our editor Gloria Tsang knows first hand of the importance of tea drinking tradition during Chinese weddings. Tea ceremony is a cultural tradition where the newly-wed couples present a small cup of hot tea to the parents and elders in the family. "Sipping the tea symbolizes approval of the marriage", said Tsang.

Whether a casual or formal Chinese occasion, tea is regularly consumed as a favorite beverage and continues to be an important component used in Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese cuisine.

Nutrition Info of a traditional tea in China: 1 cup of tea = 0 kcal