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Line 1: − + − − '''Lei cha''' (擂茶) or '''ground tea''' is a traditional Hakka tea-based beverage or gruel. Lei cha is very traditional among Hakkas in Mainland China, especially Southern China. It is also popular in Taiwan, Malaysia, and any locales with a substantial Hakka diaspora population. The custom began in the Three Kingdoms period. − − It is not the same as Chinese tea because there are always other ingredients. Pounded tea consists of a mix of tea leaves and herbs that are ground or pounded together with various roasted nuts, seeds, grains, and flavorings. − − ==Production== − Although commercially prepared and prepackaged Lei cha can be bought, the drink is usually made "from scratch" just as it is about to be consumed. − − Pounded tea is a varying mix of: − *tea leaves – any type of tea leaf can be used, but the most popular and common are either [[Green tea]] or [[Oolong]]; for ease of use, sometimes [[Matcha|matcha]] (finely milled green tea) is used − *roasted nuts and seeds – the most commonly used are peanuts, mung beans, and sesame; other examples include soybeans, pinenuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, lentils, lotus seeds − *roasted grains – examples: cooked or puffed rice, wheat − *herbs and flavorings – examples: ginger, salt − *Chinese herbal medicine may be included for health purposes − − The ingredients are ground in a food processor, or with a mortar and pestle, or in a large earthenware basin with a wooden stick. The mix should be reduced to a powder that resembles fine cornmeal. − − The powder is then placed into a serving bowl and hot water is stirred into it such that a thin soup |soup-like beverage is produced. − − ==Consumption== − The tea is drunk for breakfast or on cold winters as a tasty and healthy restorative. − − Lei cha may also be taken as a dietary brew. In that case, it is served with rice and other vegetarian side dishes such as greens, tofu, and pickled radish. − − Traditionally, Lei cha is a savory brew; however, in contemporary interpretations it is often consumed as a sweet drink. − − ==External links== − *[http://hakkacenter.nctu.edu.tw/item_4/item_4-4.htm History and cultural significance of Lei cha] − *[http://www.hakka-luicha.com Lei Cha and its accompanying dishes] − − [[Category:Tea]] − [[Category:Chinese tea]] − [[Category:Tea culture]] − − [[de:Leicha]]
Redirected page to Leicha
[[File:Lei cha.jpg|thumb|250px|Leicha (Image source: Wikipedia)]]
#REDIRECT [[Leicha]]