Tea brick

Tea brick is a large, rectangular block of tea that has been compressed for storage and aging. Traditionally used in China, Mongolia, Tibet, and Central Asia, tea bricks are made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds, which are harvested, processed, and then pressed into a solid form.

History

Tea bricks have a long history in East Asia, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). They were a popular form of currency in parts of Mongolia, Tibet, and Central Asia, where they were valued for their longevity and ease of transport. Tea bricks were also used as a form of tribute to the Chinese emperors.

Production

The production of tea bricks involves several steps. First, the tea leaves and buds are harvested from the Camellia sinensis plant. They are then withered, rolled, and fermented, a process that helps to develop the tea's flavor. The fermented tea is then dried and sorted before being steamed and pressed into a mold. The resulting brick is then dried again to remove any remaining moisture.

Use

To use a tea brick, a small amount of the brick is chipped off and then steeped in hot water. The resulting brew can be very strong, depending on the amount of tea used and the steeping time. In some cultures, tea bricks are also used in cooking, where they are ground into a powder and used as a flavoring ingredient.

See also

• History of tea in China
• Tea culture
• Tea processing