Many interesting tea customs have developed over the centuries.
In India, for example , you might drink tea with a lot of milk , sugar,
cinnamon, and cardamom. The Burmese soak tea leaves in oil and garlic
and eat this mixture with dried fish. In Thailand, people chew tea leaves seasoned with salt and other spices.
In Iran, perfumed tea is a favorite. It is made by leaving flowers or herbs in
the tea container for several days. In Morocco, tea is prepared in a brass
or silver teapot to which sugar and mint are added. Then the tea is served
in small glasses with mint leaves. If guests accept an offer of tea ,
they are expected to drink at least three glasses.
Regardless of where or how tea is prepared and served , many people
consider it to be an important part of their social life. Having
a cup of tea provides a reason for getting together and sharing
a moment of conversation. Tea many no longer be considered
a sacred cure for all illnesses, but it is a remedy for both the body
and the sprit in our sometimes frantic lives.