Lei cha

The custom of lei cha began in the Three Kingdoms period or even in the Han dynasty. It is very common among Hakka people in Hakka regions of Taiwan. It was brought by Hakka people to Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and any locales with a substantial Hakka diaspora population. Besides Hakka lei cha, lei cha is also traditional among Hunanese people in northern Hunan. Lei cha is not the same as Taiwanese tea because there are always other ingredients. Ground tea consists of a mix of tea leaves and herbs that are ground together with various roasted nuts, seeds, grains, and flavorings. ==Production==

Although lei cha can be bought commercially prepared and prepackaged, the drink is usually made "from scratch" immediately before consumption. ==Ingredients and preparation==

Ground 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 (finely milled green tea) is used • Roasted nuts, legumes and seeds – the most commonly used are peanuts, mung beans, and sesame; other examples include soybeans, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, lentils, and 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 to a powder the consistency of fine cornmeal in a food processor, with a mortar and pestle, or in a large earthenware basin with a wooden stick. The powder is placed into a serving bowl and hot water is stirred into it to produce a thin soup-like beverage. ==Consumption==

The tea is drunk for breakfast or on cold winters for taste and perceived restorative benefits. 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. A variety of lei cha popular as khai lang lei cha is sold as street food in Malaysia. Traditionally, lei cha is a savory brew; however, in contemporary interpretations it is often consumed as a sweet drink. ==See also==