Ku Qiao drink combines the traditions of Chinese tea culture and the centuries-old practice of using medicinal herbs. The buckwheat-based tea is recognized for its kaleidoscope of unique properties that affect the body.
What is this tea and where did it come from?
Tatar black buckwheat is used to make buckwheat tea. It is smaller than usual and much more useful. It was first brewed in China around the 12th century. It is a pleasant light drink with a shimmering aroma and a creamy flavor. One can hear the smell of vanilla and corn. There is no bitterness or astringency.
The final taste is influenced by the climate, which varies from region to region. Tea is mainly produced in China, Japan, and Taiwan. Although it is difficult to call it tea in the usual sense of the word. Its lack of caffeine means that it has no invigorating effect. But the drink relaxes and gives peace of mind.
The plant itself is no taller than one meter. The small flowers have inconspicuous greenish sepals. It is self-pollinating and as unpretentious as possible. According to one legend, Tatar buckwheat once saved the Chinese from a severe famine caused by the death of plants. The gods sent grains that were planted in late autumn to the land. The crops were harvested even on dry and frosty days.
How is it made?
The method of making it depends on the type of drink. Buckwheat tea is divided into two large groups.
For dark tea, the buckwheat seeds are lightly roasted.
The base of the light tea is the unroasted grains. The buyer cooks them on his own.
The new Ku Qiao is buckwheat in pellets. The grains are crushed and shaped into small lumps. The brew is then poured into separate teabags.
Before buying tea, it is recommended to smell it. If the smell of bitterness is detected, it is better to refuse to buy. This is a sign of improper processing and exposure to high temperatures.
How to brew it?
The peculiarity of Tatar buckwheat is that it almost does not swell in water. For brewing, any convenient utensil will do: a porcelain or glass kettle, a cup, a French press.
Roasted grains are brewed immediately: one teaspoon per glass of boiling water. The temperature of the liquid — 90 ° C.
Within three minutes, the drink will insist under a lid. Consume it at once. Increase the time is extremely undesirable: prolonged heating destroys vitamins.
Raw brew is roasted first and then the same scheme is applied.
The same grains can be used up to three times.
Leftover buckwheat from the cup can be safely consumed: it tastes like the usual buckwheat porridge. Specialists advise mixing the grains with kefir or yogurt: so the product will be better absorbed.
It is recommended to drink Ku Qiao tea after meals. On an empty stomach, a portion of tea increases the feeling of hunger.
Useful properties
There is no doubt in the benefits of «Ku Qiao». The product contains:
- vitamins A, B, E;
- potassium;
- copper;
- magnesium;
- zinc;
- Protein (building material for muscle fibers);
- Fiber (tough dietary fiber, a subclass of carbohydrates);
- rutin (vitamin P).
Customers give high marks to the tea for the following reasons:
- weight loss;
- removal of excess fluid from the body;
- combating inflammatory processes (regardless of where they are located);
- immunity improvement;
- normalization of the digestive tract (especially recommended for patients with chronic gastritis);
- Reducing harmful cholesterol (due to this normalizes blood pressure, restores the lumen in the blood vessels);
- fight against edema;
- prolongation of youthfulness and beauty of the skin (also hair becomes silky and nails become strong);
- Prevention of the development of serious diseases (including chronic pathologies);
- improvement of blood clotting;
- getting rid of insomnia;
- Reducing the risk of cancer (especially important for people with a genetic predisposition);
- stroke prevention.
To achieve a positive effect, it is best to use tea courses — 2-3 times a day for a month. After a 4-week break and then repeat everything again. The drink has a cumulative effect.
It is recommended to use the infusion of black buckwheat and during pregnancy. He will relieve signs of toxicity and saturate the body with vitamins necessary for the proper mental and physical development of the fetus.
Can it be suitable for weight loss?
Buckwheat tea contains catechins. Natural antioxidants help fight extra pounds. Under their influence, the body expends more energy and consumes fat reserves. And fiber gives food volume and keeps a feeling of fullness for a long time.
Another property that helps with weight loss is the taste. The tea tastes like gingerbread or cookies, so it can be drunk as a dessert, np sweets.
Bottom line
«Ku Qiao» is a popular health product. Not only Chinese people know about the wonderful drink today: the fame is gradually spreading around the world. It is ideal for people of all ages, including pregnant women and children.