A great chunk of people has today moved from the habit of drinking CTC tea and switched on to orthodox tea, particularity green tea, and also herbal tea of various kinds. [break]
According to traders, they have observed a great shift in tea culture of in the past two or three years. They said they have observed a large number of people going for tea that just not refreshes them but also hands on various health benefits.
"Until two to three years ago, people didn´t know much about orthodox tea and mainly consumed CTC tea. Today, people are more conscious about their health and hence have started consuming green tea and varieties of herbal and medicinal tea," said Ashok Agrawal of Teenpate Tea Shop at Dharma Path.
"As green tea hands on multiple health benefits such as making skin better, clearing blockages in arteries, and controlling heart problems, it is gaining huge popularity."
He also said green tea is being befriended by a large number of girls as it is believed to contribute in losing weight.
Green tea is by far the healthiest of all teas. Though its leaves basically come from the same plant as CTC tea, the difference in them is that green tea leaves undergo no fermentation and therefore retains more of its properties than their black counterpart. It has lower caffeine level and higher antioxidants level.
Amongst the hordes of green tea varieties available in the market, traders say the one produced in Ilam is more popular.
"Green tea is also available in lower price ranges. But the one tat costs between Rs 800 to Rs 2,000 per kg gives better results. Cheap green tea is not good for health," Agrawal told myrepublica.com.
Trades say about 30 percent of tea lovers prefer orthodox tea such as green tea and an even greater percentage go for various kinds of herbal tea. "Green tea was previously limited to elite groups. Today, everyone seems to be cultivating the craze for it," Agrawal further added.
Green tea that comes with additional flavor of jasmine, also known as Jasmine tea, is becoming popular among people. Jasmine tea costs between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 as it is mainly imported from China. Tea with flavors of vanilla, cherry, banana and many other fruits that are priced about Rs 105 for 25 teabags have also emerged as alternatives to CTC tea.
Ajay Magar of Everest Tea Shop at New Road echoed Agrawal and added that a large number of people have been drinking herbal tea due to its health benefits and affordable price rates in the range of Rs 45 to Rs 75 for 25 teabags.
Available at Teenpate Tea Shop, Dharma Path (Contact: 4220733)
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