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− | [[File:Lei cha.jpg|thumb|250px|Leicha (Image source: Wikipedia)]] | + | #REDIRECT [[Leicha]] |
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− | '''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.
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− | 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.
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− | ==Production==
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− | 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.
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− | Pounded tea is a varying mix of:
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− | *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
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− | *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
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− | *roasted grains – examples: cooked or puffed rice, wheat
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− | *herbs and flavorings – examples: ginger, salt
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− | *Chinese herbal medicine may be included for health purposes
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− | 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.
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− | 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.
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− | ==Consumption==
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− | The tea is drunk for breakfast or on cold winters as a tasty and healthy restorative.
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− | 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.
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− | Traditionally, Lei cha is a savory brew; however, in contemporary interpretations it is often consumed as a sweet drink.
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− | ==External links==
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− | *[http://hakkacenter.nctu.edu.tw/item_4/item_4-4.htm History and cultural significance of Lei cha]
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− | *[http://www.hakka-luicha.com Lei Cha and its accompanying dishes]
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− | [[Category:Tea]]
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− | [[Category:Chinese tea]]
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− | [[Category:Tea culture]]
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− | [[de:Leicha]]
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