Lei cha

Lei cha

Lei cha (Chinese: 擂茶; pinyin: léi chá; literally "pounded tea") is a Hakka tea-based beverage or gruel consisting of a mix of tea leaves and herbs that are ground or pounded together with various roasted nuts, seeds, and grains. The tea is drunk for breakfast or on cold winters as a tasty and healthy restorative. Lei cha is very popular in Taiwan, Southern China, Malaysia as well as any locales with a substantial Hakka diaspora population.

Traditionally lei cha is a savory brew; in contemporary interpretations it is often consumed as a sweet drink.

Production

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.

Though any type of tea leaf can be used, the most popular and common are either Green tea or Oolong. For ease of use, sometimes matcha is used. Roasted peanuts, mung beans, and sesame are the most commonly used seeds and nuts in Lei cha, however other types may be used. Such as:

• Cooked or puffed rice
• Roasted soybeans
• Lentils
• Lotus seeds
• Pinenuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Wheat

The ingredients are ground in a food processor or with a mortar and pestle until it is reduced to a powder resembling fine cornmeal. The powder is then placed into a serving bowl and hot water is stirred into it such that a thin soup-like beverage is produced.

External links

• History and cultural significance of Lei cha
• Description of Lei cha and its benefits (Chinese)
• Lei Cha and its accompanying dishes