The economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are projected to grow at a slower pace in 2023 compared to the previous year, in the face of lower oil and gas earnings and a global economic slowdown, according to the new World Bank Gulf Economic Update (GEU). The GCC is expected to grow by 2.5% in 2023 and 3.2% in 2024. This compares to the region’s remarkable GDP growth of 7.3% in 2022, which was fueled by a strong increase in oil production for most of that year.   The weaker performance is driven primarily by lower hydrocarbon GDP, which is expected to contract by 1.3% in 2023 after the OPEC+ April 2023 production cut announcement and the global economic slowdown. However, robust growth in the non-oil sectors, which is anticipated to reach 4.6% in 2023, will dampen the shortfall in hydrocarbon activities, driven primarily by private consumption, fixed investments, and looser fiscal policy in response to 2023’s relatively high oil revenues.   The latest issue of the World Bank’s GEU states that this year’s more modest growth is nonetheless buoyed by the structural reforms undertaken in the past few years. Improvement to the business climate and competitiveness, and the overall improvements in female labor force participation in the GCC countries, especially in Saudi Arabia, have all paid off, though further diversification efforts are still needed and is underway.   This issue of the GEU, titled "The Health and Economic Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in the GCC" focuses on how non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become the leading cause of mortality and morbidity, accounting for close to 75% of all deaths and disability in the region. Of these deaths and disability, more than 80% are attributed to just four main NCD categories: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory diseases.   The report also highlights the substantial cost of NCDs to the economies of the GCC countries. A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Economics, a collaborative effort between experts at the World Bank and key stakeholders from across the GCC, estimated the direct medical costs of seven major NCDs to be around $16.7 billion in 2019 alone. The same study found that NCDs also impose substantial indirect costs to their economies, through the adverse impact on human capital. The losses to workforce productivity alone cost the GCC economies more than $ 80 billion in 2019. With an aging population, and with it the prevalence of NCDs, these costs are only expected to grow in the future.   Addressing the health and economic burden of NCDs in the region requires addressing the underlying risk factors that cause NCDs in the first place. Central to those risk factors are the modifiable behavioral risk factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical exercise, and the use of tobacco and sugar products. Environmental risk factors such as air pollution are also important. Air pollution levels in the GCC are currently far above OECD averages.

  The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Arabic: مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية), also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC; Arabic: مجلس التعاون الخليجي), is a regional, intergovernmental, political, and economic union comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The council's main headquarters is located in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. The Charter of the GCC was signed on 25 May 1981, formally establishing the institution.   All current member states are monarchies, including three constitutional monarchies (Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain), two absolute monarchies (Saudi Arabia and Oman), and one federal monarchy (the United Arab Emirates, which is composed of seven member states, each of which is an absolute monarchy with its own emir). There have been discussions regarding the future membership of Jordan, Morocco, and Yemen.   During the Arab Spring in 2012, Saudi Arabia proposed to transform the GCC into a "Gulf Union" with tighter economic, political and military coordination, a move considered to be intended to counterbalance Iranian influence in the region, however objections were raised by other countries. In 2014, Bahraini prime minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said that current events in the region highlighted the importance of the proposal. The Peninsula Shield Force is the military arm of the GCC, formed in 1984

7 Most Popular Teas In The Middle East That You Must Try       Everyone loves tea in the Middle East, and, as far as I’m concerned, there’s no right way to make your perfect cup of tea. Whether you love it strong or prefer it weak, it’s your tea or more exactly your comfort and well-being in a cup.    Serve it in a traditional cup, bone china cup, or a mug, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that with just a few ingredients, you’re up for a life-changing experience.    Let me introduce you now to the most popular aromatic and herbal teas in the Middle East that you can easily make at home:   1. Mint Tea    mint tea from a tea pot    Arab people have enjoyed mint tea for centuries. It’s a herbal tea easily made by infusing mint leaves in hot water. Also, it’s great for calming an upset stomach. If you love mint, you’ll love the aroma and flavour of this tea.    Ingredients: 2 cups of water 15 fresh mint leaves with stalks Directions: Fill a teapot with water and fresh mint leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes to release the exquisite flavour of the mint. Once the water changes colour into a pale green/yellow, it’s ready for you to enjoy. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Remove the leaves from the liquid. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired. Place a mint leaf into each cup to garnish.   2. Cinnamon Tea   cinnamon tea in a traditional Arabic glass with no handles   Cinnamon tea has always been very popular in the Middle East. It’s simply delicious and easy to prepare and offers a wide range of health benefits. Traditionally, cinnamon is infused in black tea or English breakfast tea.   Ingredients: 2 cups of water 2 tea bags (black tea) or 2 teaspoons of loose black tea 2 cinnamon sticks sugar or honey to sweeten a handful of roughly chopped walnuts  Directions: Fill a teapot with water, add tea bags and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3-5 minutes. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Remove the tea bags and the cinnamon sticks. Serve it hot. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired. Top with chopped walnuts.   3. Z-hourat Tea   Zhoorat-a blend of aromatic herbs and rose petals.   Z-hourat is a popular herbal tea enjoyed mostly in Lebanon and Syria and made from a blend of aromatic herbs and rose petals. This tea is the perfect combination of rich herbs, fragrant smells and goodness. Z-hourat blends are readily available to buy throughout the Middle East. You can also buy them here.     Here’s what you need to recreate my homemade blend:   Rose petals (dried) Lavender flowers (dried) Hibiscus flowers (dried) Chamomile flowers (dried) Thyme leaves (dried) Sage leaves (dried) Mint leaves (dried) Balm mint leaves (dried) Combine equal amounts of the above-listed ingredients and store them in an airtight container. This blend will last up to 6 months.   Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of z-hourat blend 2 cups of boiling water Directions: Combine z-hourat tea and water and then bring it to a boil.  Remove from heat and allow to infuse for 5 – 10 minutes. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Strain the flowers and herbs from the liquid. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.   4. Lemon Verbena Tea    Verbena herbal tea in a tea pot   If you love herbal teas, you’ll enjoy the fragrant lemon verbena tea. The flavour is zingy, lemony, and absolutely delicious. The lemon verbena plant is a woody shrub with light green leaves and small white or lilac flowers and has many health benefits including its immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.    My family purely drink it because it has a delicious lemony flavour. You can also add lemon verbena leaves to your black tea.    Ingredients: 2 cups of water 8 fresh lemon verbena leaves  1 black/English breakfast tea bag (optional) Directions: Fill a teapot with water, fresh lemon verbena leaves and a teabag. Boil for approximately 5 – 7 minutes. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Remove the leaves and the teabag from the liquid. Serve it hot. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.   5. Lemongrass Tea   Green tea   Lemongrass tea is, in my opinion, usually best as a herbal tea with no black tea added to it. Only the outer part of the lemongrass is used for the tea. Wash and cut it into 8-10 cm pieces using a pair of scissors. If you’ve never tried lemongrass tea, try this simple recipe at home:   Ingredients: 2 cups of water 1 cup lemongrass (fresh, washed, and cut) Directions: Fill a teapot with water and lemongrass. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and boil for a further 5 minutes. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Strain the stalks from the liquid. Serve it hot. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired.   6. Sage Tea   Fresh sage leaves added to black tea   Sage is often added to black tea but you can easily keep it herbal. It’s naturally caffeine-free so you can enjoy it any time of the day. Sage tea belongs to the mint family, and therefore, this plant infused in hot water boasts refreshing, delicate, and earthy flavours. Ingredients: 2 cups of hot water 2 tea bags or 2 teaspoons of loose black tea 8 fresh sage leaves 2 lemon peels Directions: In a teapot, pour hot water over the sage leaves, tea and lemon peel mix. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Remove the tea bags, lemon peel, and sage leaves from the liquid. Serve it hot. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired. 7. Marjoram Tea Marjoram tea is quite an acquired taste. It has a soft and sweet but slightly bitter flavour. It’s unique as a tea so you’ll either love it or hate it from the first sip. Also, marjoram tea is full of minerals and vitamins that will keep your body healthy and safe from illness. Ingredients: 2 cups of boiling water 8 fresh marjoram leaves Directions: In a teapot, pour hot water over the marjoram leaves. Cover and let it infuse for approximately 5-10 minutes. The duration depends entirely on how strong you wish your tea to be. Remove the leaves from the tea. Serve it hot. Sweeten with honey or sugar if desired. All the above teas can be made with dry herbs. Keep in mind that you won’t get the same aroma and flavours as you would from fresh herbs. For every cup of water, add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs. Combine in a teapot and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, allowing it to infuse for 5-7 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

HEALTHY HEALTHY TEAS IN WINTER WINTER YOU SHOULD TRY     1. What are the health benefits of herbal tea in winter? In winter, hot drinks are chosen by many people to help warm the body and dispel the cold. In particular, healthy herbal teas in the winter are a popular choice with the following benefits:   - Helps retain heat and warm the body.   - Enhances antioxidants, improves resistance and protects the body against flu, cold or cough as well as attack from other disease-causing viruses.   - Helps to significantly reduce mental fatigue, stress, bring a better sleep. From there, the body will also get a feeling of relaxation and comfort.   Herbal tea has the effect of warming the body, relieving fatigue and stress   Herbal tea has the effect of warming the body, relieving fatigue and stress   - Support for digestive activities and contribute to effectively reduce stomach pain.   - Improves blood circulation as well as helps regulate blood sugar.   - In addition, it also has the effect of beautifying the skin, supporting the process of weight loss, reducing excess fat.   2. Suggest healthy herbal teas in winter Here are suggestions for healthy herbal teas in the winter that you should try to make the most of the benefits they bring.   2.1. Ginger tea     In the cold weather of winter days, enjoying a cup of ginger tea will help you warm up effectively. Along with that, it is also beneficial for the respiratory tract, contributing to improving cold symptoms as well as having a good anti-bacterial and sinus-clearing effect. At the same time, this tea is also good for the health of the stomach, improving problems such as bloating, poor digestion.   However, should consider the amount of ginger tea used in a day, should not be abused to avoid facing unwanted side effects.   Ginger tea is beneficial for the respiratory tract, can improve cold symptoms   2.2. Mint tea     Peppermint tea is an herbal tea that has good effects in the prevention of many diseases.   Specifically, the ingredients in mint leaves are rich in B vitamins, potassium and calcium that help strengthen the body's immune system. From there, it helps the body to be able to cope with some common diseases such as colds, flu, dry cough, etc. Along with that, it also helps the digestive system to be strengthened, causing attacks. Respiratory and gastrointestinal spasms are reduced.   It should be noted that this tea is not suitable for certain subjects such as young children, people with high blood pressure or people suffering from diabetes.   2.3. Chrysanthemum tea     This is also one of the frequently chosen winter healthy herbal teas. Specifically, drinking chrysanthemum tea will have the effect of reducing stress so that the spirit is relaxed and the quality of sleep is also improved. Along with that, this tea will also contribute to help you improve headaches, dizziness as well as prevent colds, flu, high blood pressure, ...   Drinking chrysanthemum tea helps relieve stress, relaxes the mind   2.4. Green tea     Green tea is also a familiar drink for many people possessing good health benefits. A cup of hot green tea on a winter morning will help your body warm up and feel more alert.   However, you should not drink too much green tea during the day to avoid experiencing insomnia, fatigue, heart palpitations or affected digestive activity.   2.5. Atiso tea Regular drinking of artichoke tea can bring you deeper and better sleep. At the same time, with an abundant amount of fiber in artichoke flowers, it also supports the health of the digestive system.   Not only that, the presence of many antioxidants in this tea also aids in slowing down the aging process in the body. Besides, the antioxidants cynarin and silymarin contained in it can help restore liver function.   Artichoke tea has the effect of supporting the health of the digestive system     2.6. Lemongrass tea     In winter, when combining honey, cinnamon, lemon and mint leaves with lemongrass tea, it will be effective for you to treat colds and coughs. It also helps keep the body warm, clears the nose and throat, and soothes coughs.   Along with that, lemongrass tea also possesses antifungal, antibacterial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a type of tea that can help you deal with and overcome unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, etc.   2.7. Honey cinnamon tea     In addition, you can also choose to use a cup of honey orange cinnamon tea on cold days. This is another healthy herbal tea that has a delicious combination of cinnamon, orange and honey with good benefits.   It both helps dispel the cold of winter while helping to improve the body's resistance, good for the digestive system, support weight loss and effectively prevent flu and sore throat.  

Arabic coffee   is a version of the brewed coffee of Coffea arabica beans. Most Arab countries throughout the Middle East have developed distinct methods for brewing and preparing coffee. Cardamom is an often-added spice, but it can alternatively be served plain or with sugar     Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar  Inscribed in 2015 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity     Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies and considered a ceremonial act of generosity. Traditionally, coffee is prepared in front of guests. Coffee-making begins with the selection of beans, which are lightly roasted in a shallow pan over a fire, then placed into a copper mortar and pounded with a copper pestle. The coffee grounds are placed into a large copper coffee pot; water is added and the pot is placed on the fire. Once brewed, it is poured into a smaller coffee pot from which it is poured into small cups. The most important or oldest guest is served first, filling a quarter of the cup, which can then be refilled. Common practice is to drink at least one cup but not exceed three. Arabic coffee is made and enjoyed by men and women from all segments of society, particularly in the home. The sheikhs and heads of tribes who serve Arabic coffee in their meeting spaces, elderly Bedouin men and women and owners of coffee trading shops are considered the main bearers. Knowledge and traditions are passed on within the family through observation and practice. Young family members also accompany their elders to the market to learn how to select the best coffee beans.

Compare Arabica and Robusta coffee       In terms of fruit and seed shape, Arabica coffee fruit has an oval shape, each fruit has two kernels that are also oval, the groove between the seeds is often wavy. Robusta coffee beans are round, each kernel consists of two coffee beans that are also round and bright yellow-brown, the groove between the beans is usually a straight line, the beans are smaller than Arabica coffee beans.       In terms of color, at the same roasting temperature, Robusta beans are always darker than Arabica. When used for espresso extraction, Robusta beans have a low oil content (10-11.5%), which helps to stabilize the crema layer after extraction.   In terms of taste, caffeine is the ingredient that creates the bitter taste in coffee. Arabica has a mild bitter taste because the caffeine content in Arabica beans is only 1-2%. Robusta coffee is a bit more bitter because the caffeine content in Robusta beans accounts for 2-4%. In addition, Arabica coffee beans also contain more lipids (about 60%) and sugar concentration is nearly twice that of Robusta. This compound plays an important role in the roasting process, helping to form aromatic substances that affect the taste of coffee, so Arabica is aromatic, sour and has a richer taste than Robusta.   Arabica and Robusta coffee, which is better?   It is difficult to say which type of coffee is better because each type has its own unique flavor, not mixed and depends on each person's taste and perception.   Those who like deep lightness will prefer Arabica coffee while those who like strong, refreshing flavors will choose Robusta coffee.   The scent of Arabica is ethereal and delicate, suitable for women's taste, while the boldness and bitterness of Robusta conquer men and coffee lovers.     However, to create the most delicious cup of coffee, converging enough bitterness, acidity and passionate aroma, we can mix both types in certain proportions, depending on each person's taste. .   If you like coffee that is more bitter and aromatic, you can apply a blend ratio of 30% Arabica and 70% Robusta. If you like coffee with a sour taste, on the contrary, the blend ratio is 30% Robusta and 70% Arabica. If you like to balance bitterness and sourness, mix in a 1:1 ratio.   Taking advantage of the advantages in flavors of Arabica and Robusta, combining them together will help you create unique and perfect coffee cups in your own way.

Dates Medjool       Medjool dates are a variety of dates that are loved for their natural sweetness. They are larger, darker, and have a more caramel-like flavor than other regulars like Deglet Noor.   Native to Morocco, the Medjool date is derived from the date tree (Phoenix dactylifera) and is now grown in warm regions of the United States, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.   They are usually sold dry but are not dehydrated, making them soft and sticky. Their sugars become denser as they dry, which adds to their sweetness.   Compared to other common varieties like Deglet Noor, Medjool dates contain significantly more calcium.   Although people watching their blood sugar may need to moderate their intake of dates, one small study found that these nuts have a low glycemic index (GI) and do not cause an increase in blood sugar. large increase in blood sugar.   However, Medjool dates are high in calories in a small serving. For this reason, you may want to check your intake.   Dried fruits, including raisins, dried apricots, and prunes, contain more calories per serving than fresh fruit because they have less water.   Most of the calories in Medjool dates come from their sugar.   Medjool dates are rich in natural sugars, fiber, and several vitamins and minerals. Like other dried fruits, they contain a lot of calories in a small serving.   Medjool dates offer a number of health benefits.   Can protect your heart The fiber and antioxidants in Medjool dates can help protect your heart.   Fiber can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and keep your arteries clean, reducing your risk of heart disease. Just 2 dates (48 grams) contain more than 3 grams of fiber.   One test-tube study found that Medjool and other date varieties lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque buildup can eventually block blood flow, leading to a heart attack or stroke.   Medjool dates are also a rich source of antioxidants, which help fight damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Both their carotene antioxidants and their phenolic acids have been studied for their beneficial effects on heart health.   Supports healthy digestion Fiber is essential for promoting healthy digestion and regular bowel function. In fact, getting enough fiber in your daily diet will help form stools and prevent constipation (13).   Eating enough fiber can also reduce the risk of digestive diseases like colorectal cancer.   In a 3-week study, 21 people ate 7 dates (168 grams) per day and significantly improved their bowel movements compared to when they didn't eat dates.   High antioxidant Medjool dates boast a number of antioxidants, which can protect your cells from oxidative damage that can lead to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and brain disease.   The substances present in Medjool dates include flavonoids, carotenoids and phenolic acids, which have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and brain-protective properties.   One study of dried fruit found that dates have the highest antioxidant content when compared to figs and prunes (19).   Other Potential Health Benefits Natural fuel for your body. Medjool dates provide a large amount of carbs in a small serving. Carbs are your body's main source of energy.   May support bone health. Medjool dates contain small amounts of calcium and are a good source of potassium, manganese, and copper, all of which are important nutrients for bone health.   May protect brain health. Animal studies link the antioxidants of dates with lower levels of inflammatory markers and reductions in brain plaques associated with disease.

British Tea Culture   Tea was first introduced to Great Britain in the 1600s and it didn't take long for the British to develop a strong taste for the drink. In the centuries since, the British tea culture has been going strong. Tea is now associated with the British lifestyle as it is enjoyed on a daily basis by people of all walks of life.   British-Style Tea     Ordinary tea drinking does not involve any formalities or fancy teaware. For everyday tea, the British simply boil water in an electric kettle and pour the water over a black tea bag in a mug. After the tea brews for a few minutes, the tea bag is removed. Fresh milk (never cream) is usually added as well as sugar, although many Brits take their tea with only milk and no sugar. Biscuits or cake may be eaten with tea.     The British prefer various types of black tea, including those from India, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), China, and Africa. Black tea blends are popular, especially full-bodied blends with a strong flavor that can stand up to milk and go well with a big English breakfast.   The tea bag has become a popular and convenient way to enjoy tea in Great Britain. British brands like Twinings, Tetley, and Lipton are popular in the world tea market.   What is a "Cuppa?" A "cuppa" is short for a "cup of tea." It is a popular saying in Britain tea culture, as in "It's time for a cuppa!" This term dates back to the early 1900s.     Formal Tea For a formal tea, as in a tea party or a proper afternoon tea, tea sets made of fine bone china, porcelain, or silver are used. The set includes a teapot, cups and saucers, a creamer for holding milk, and a sugar bowl, all carried on a tray. All the pieces of a proper English tea set will likely have a matching pattern.     Cream Tea Cream tea in British tea culture refers to a pot of tea served with scones, clotted cream, and jam. It does not mean that cream is added to the tea. Traditionally, the jam is strawberry, the cream is thick and dense, and both are piled high on the scone.       British Tea Traditions The customs of British tea culture have changed over time, but tea remains Britain's most popular beverage.   Elevenses This refers to a snack consisting of tea or coffee and a finger food like biscuits or cake. It is taken mid-morning so the names refers to the time of day (11 am).     Afternoon Tea Afternoon tea is a snack or light meal served with tea in the late afternoon. It began among wealthy women in the 1800s, but the ritual of afternoon tea soon spread to hotels, tea rooms, and tea gardens across Great Britain.       The food served typically includes small sandwiches and sweets. A formal afternoon tea, like those at hotels and elegant tea rooms, has fancy desserts presented on tiered stands. While most British do not have the luxury of enjoying a formal afternoon tea on a regular basis, it is common to take quick tea breaks during the work day.   High Tea In British tea culture, high tea refers to the evening meal and typically includes food like meat, bread, vegetables, and hot tea. Historically, high tea was a necessary meal for the working class while afternoon tea was a social event for the upper class.     Tea Gardens - tea dance In the mid-1700s, tea gardens became fashionable and tea was part of an afternoon or evening of entertainment. At these "garden parties," tea was served to accompany the dancing and socializing. This is also where the term "tea dance" came from.       Tea Rooms and Tea Shops Tea rooms (or tea shops) are places for relaxing, socializing, and enjoying an afternoon tea. Tea rooms originated as places for women to meet and mingle outside the home. Although tea rooms have given way to the more casual coffee houses and cafes in recent decades, they can still be found throughout the UK.     A Brief History of Tea in Britain The British East India Company was formed in 1600 and monopolized trade between Britain and the Far East. At that point, tea had been introduced to Europe but was still an oddity in Great Britain. That changed when Charles II married Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess who loved tea. Thanks to her, tea became the "in" drink among monarchs and the wealthy class.   British East India placed its first order for tea from China in 1664. Although it was originally a drink enjoyed only in privileged circles, it's popularity soon spread to the entire population. By 1750, millions of pounds of Chinese tea were imported annually.   In 1834, East India lost its monopoly on tea trade with China. Soon after, merchants began using fast clippers to speedily transport tea from China to Britain. The faster merchants began using fast clippers to speedily transport tea from China to Britain. The faster the tea could be transported, the more money could be made. In the mid-1800s, the British started importing tea from India as well, starting with Assam and then spreading to other regions and later Sri Lanka.    

Top 10 tea producing countries in the world 2022     Tea is the second most consumed beverage, after water. Tea is produced from the leaves or buds of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The origin of tea dates back to 2700 BC in China. Later, this drink was brought to Europe and then all over the world. Nowadays, drinking tea has become an indispensable activity in the daily life of people in many countries.   Camellia sinensis, the main source of tea leaves, is grown mainly in tropical and subtropical climates. Conditions are available in many parts of Asia. Therefore, it is not surprising that there are 8 countries in the top tea producing countries of this continent.     1. China     China is the birthplace of tea and tea culture. The country has also occupied the No. 1 position in terms of tea production and supply for decades. China's tea export market is huge, mainly in Europe, America and Asia. Chinese tea has the aroma, taste and characteristics of tea. The country is famous for its variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, Pu'er tea, yellow tea, and flower tea.   China owns more than 2,000,000 hectares of tea plantations, mainly distributed in Yunan province, Fujian province, Hubei province, Sichuan province and Hunan province. These regions are ideal for tall tea farms. Growing and producing tea in China is an important part of the country's economic development.   With mild and stable weather, China has ideal conditions for tea cultivation. In addition, human resources and geography are two factors contributing to the growth of tea production in the country.   2. India     As China's neighbor, India is known as the 2nd largest tea producer globally. The British introduced tea plants to India for the first time by the British in 1824 to compete with neighboring China's tea-producing monopoly. However, with a billion tea drinkers in the country, more than half of tea production in the country is for domestic consumption. In India, tea plants are mainly grown in Darjeeling, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nandu, Kerala and Karnataka. Ten thousand tea gardens are distributed across the country, with more than 600,000 hectares of tea growing land. Basically, Assam is the largest tea producer in the country, with around 52% of the total tea produced in India coming from the State.   3. Kenya     Kenya is the only African country to make the list of the top 10 global tea producing countries. In terms of tea farming, it is estimated that there are more than 500,000 Kenyan farmers growing small-scale tea across the country, with about 236,000 ha. The tea tree is distributed in well-known regions, including the Kericho region, the Nyambene Hills and Nandi. While Kenya is in Africa, it is located near the equator so there is plenty of sunlight and optimal conditions for growing plants.   4. Sri Lanka     Sri Lanka is famous for its "Ceylon tea", which is unique in terms of aroma, taste and even brewing. The country ranks fourth on the list. In particular, Sri Lanka's tea production accounts for 2% of total production. When talking about tea in Sri Lanka, people talk about legitimacy because the country is the world's largest exporter of this tea.Most of the tea farms are located in Sabaragamuwa, Nuwara- Eliya, Dimbula, Ruhuna, Uva, Uda Pussellawa and Kandy, with 200,000 hectares of tea plantations.   5. Vietnam     With a tropical climate and high mountain plains across the country, Vietnam occupies the 5th position in the list of leading tea producing countries in the world. Vietnam's tea market is very wide and constantly expanding, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and America. Domestic tea drinkers often prefer simple teas, with green tea being the most popular. In addition, Vietnam is famous for lotus tea, which is made by wrapping green tea leaves in a lotus flower and leaving it overnight for the leaves to have the fragrance of the flower. Lotus tea has a unique aroma, taste, and cultural traits associated with this national flower found all over the country.   Tea farms in Vietnam are mainly concentrated in the northern provinces such as Ha Giang, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, ... and the Central Highlands regions such as Lam Dong. Vietnam has more than 120,000 hectares of tea land, with a large number of highly skilled farmers cultivating and harvesting tea leaves for production.   In addition, Vietnam has also become one of the world's largest black tea exporters to many markets around the world in recent times. Vietnamese black tea has many different varieties, based on the size of the tea leaves, the origin of the plantation and the processing machine. Tea is also unique in taste, flavor and alcohol.   6. Türkiye     Türkiye's tea production is located in the Northeastern Black Sea Region, with 84,000 hectares of tea plantations. Tea cultivation is distributed in specific regions, including Rize Province, Trabzon Province, Artvin Province, Giresun Province and Ordu Province. Among them, Rize produces more than 66% of the tea in Türkiye, making it a giant tea plantation in the country. Turkey has different weather features in different parts of the country, but the Kaçkar Mountains and location near the Black Sea create the ideal climate for tea plantations.   7. Indonesia     Besides Vietnam, Indonesia is one of the Southeast Asian countries named in the list of top 10 tea producing countries. Most of the teas produced here are black and green teas from the Indian varieties of Assam whose plantation is located in Wonosari in East Java. Indonesia owns more than 110,000 hectares of tea farms across the country and ensures a stable supply for domestic and export markets.   8. Japan       Japan is famous for its ceremonial tea, the most prominent of which are green tea consisting of green Sencha and green Matcha. This year, the total output of tea produced in Japan is 90,000 tons, ranking 8th on the list. Japan has 43,000 hectares of tea land, most distributed in Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima Prefecture, Mie Prefecture, Miyazaki Prefecture, and Kyoto Metropolitan Prefecture, where climate and geographical conditions are ideal for growing tea. Tea has a great cultural significance in Japan and has become an indispensable drink for many Japanese and their rituals.   9. Iran     Tea was first introduced to Iran in the 15th century, thanks to the expansion of trade along the famous Silk Road. Although the first tea crop was planted in 1899, the country now has about 18,000 hectares of tea growing land, ensuring sufficient supply for the domestic market and even for export.   10. Argentina     Argentina is the largest tea producer in the Americas and the only South American country in the top 10 tea producing countries. Tea in Argentina is a hybrid of black and green tea, grown mainly in the provinces of Misiones, Corrientes, Formosa, Chaco and Tucuman. In particular, Argentina is famous for Yerba Mate, which has a strong and bold flavor. With nearly 40,000 hectares of tea plantations, Argentina is a significant supplier of tea in the Americas.

Irresistibly delicious with ST25 rice snacks   ST25 rice creates many delicious meals for Vietnamese families. To change the taste, some of the world's best rice snack recipes will be introduced in today's article.   1. Origin of rice ST25 As the champion of the "World's Best Rice 2019" contest in the Philippines and the runner-up of the contest of the same name held in the US in 2020, ST25 rice (Soc Trang 25) - the world's best Vietnamese rice by engineer Ho Quang Cua's creation has been increasingly asserting its position and bringing the Vietnamese rice brand closer to friends in the international market. At the same time, this type of rice has also become quite familiar in the meals of Vietnamese families because of the deliciousness, aroma, and flexibility that this rice brings, creating great meals.   ST25 rice was honored as the best rice in the world   ST25 rice is grown in rotation on large rice-shrimp fields with a strictly controlled process, without the use of any additional protective drugs to avoid affecting the quality of the product. Therefore, Soc Trang 25 rice is a clean and safe rice for users. In addition, rice also contains many nutrients, beneficial vitamins, and low sugar, so it is suitable for all subjects to use.   2. Strange with fried cheese rice from ST25 rice Rice is an indispensable dish for Asian people in general and Vietnam in particular. In addition, greasy cheese has also made many people fascinated in recent years. Today's recipe will introduce a dish that is a unique combination of pure white rice grains with the fatty taste of cheese to create an irresistible snack. That dish is fried cheese rice.   Fried rice with cheese from rice ST25     Prepare materials:   200gr of the best ST25 rice in the world Roasted sesame Spring onion Mozzarella 1 horny chili 100g minced pork Salad Condiments: cooking oil, ketchup, seasoning, mayonnaise, deep-fried flour   Doing:   Step 1: Cook rice Put the rice in a bowl, wash it with clean water 2 times to filter out all the dirt (Note: don't wash the rice thoroughly and many times because it will lose the vitamins and nutrients in it). Next, put the rice in the pot and pour water in the ratio of 1 rice and 0.9 water, add a little salt to prevent the rice from sticking to the pot and cook when the rice is cooked. When the rice is done cooking, put the rice in a bowl and let it cool. Rice is cooked from ST25 rice for flexible, soft, smooth rice grains, fragrant pineapple leaves smell very delicious, and at the same time, it will be easy to roll up to shape.   ST25 rice for rice is soft, flexible and has an attractive natural sweetness   Step 2: Prepare ingredients Ground meat you marinate with ½ teaspoon seasoning, a little pepper, a large spoon of filtered water. Green onions bought and washed, the white onion head is chopped, and the green leaves are cut into small pieces, set aside. Finely chopped chili peppers, remove seeds.   Step 3: Multiply Heat a pan with a little cooking oil, add the onion head and sauté it until it is fragrant, continue to add the ground meat and sauté until cooked, then add chopped scallions, chili peppers and stir well, turn off the heat. Mix the stir-fried filling with roasted sesame and ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese, add a little seasoning to taste.   Step 4: Shape and fry rice Form the rice into balls, then flatten them and put the cheese mixture in the middle, then roll them into balls or shape them to your liking. Next, you mix ½ of the deep-fried flour with about 70ml of water, stir until dissolved. Roll the rice balls through the mixed flour, deep fry in hot oil until golden brown, then remove to drain the oil.   Roll the shaped rice through the deep-fried dough   Step 5: Presentation Put the cheese rice balls on a plate, add a little ketchup and Mayonnaise (can be replaced with chili sauce or ketchup if you like) on top, garnish with a little salad to make the dish look more eye-catching. This dish is both simple, easy to make, and will definitely be an attractive snack for you.   Crispy fried rice from ST25 rice is delicious and attractive   Enjoy fried rice made from rice ST25    "Breathe in" delicious compliments with burnt rice with sour and spicy sauce from ST25 rice Burnt rice - a familiar dish of Vietnamese people. It can be combined with many dishes such as braised pork chops, onion sauce,... The following section will guide you to a new recipe of elder rice with strange spicy and sour sauce to change your taste.     Materials needed:   50g rice ST25 50g glutinous rice 30ml coconut milk 100g peeled shrimp Spring onion Seasoning: salt, sweet and sour chili sauce, spicy chili sauce, fish sauce, seasoning, sugar   Carry out, conduct, commence:   Step 1: Cook rice Wash ST25 rice and glutinous rice, cook in a rice cooker with coconut milk, a little salt and filtered water to make the rice more fragrant, sweet and fatty.   Step 2: Create a shape When the rice is cooked, put it in a mortar to make it flexible, then wrap and roll it with cling film, about 2cm thick and cut into circles or squares as you like.   Shaping for burnt rice dish ST25   Step 3: Fry the rice Heat a non-stick pan on the stove and add a little oil, fry each piece of rice until both sides are cooked evenly, golden crispy, then remove to a plate.   Step 4: Make the sauce Put the pan on the stove, add a little oil, wait until it is hot, then add the red onion and saute. Next, add shrimp and sauté quickly over high heat for about 1 minute. Then, add scallions, season with a little salt, 1 tablespoon sweet and sour chili sauce, 1 tablespoon hot chili sauce, a little fish sauce, seasoning seeds, sugar and mix well until the mixture is slightly thickened and fragrant. turn off the stove.   Step 5: Enjoy the ST25 rice cooked rice dish Put the pieces of burnt rice on a plate, drizzle a little hot sauce on top and you can enjoy it. The combination of crispy burnt rice, mixed with spicy and sour sauce creates an irresistible "explosive" delicious taste.   Fried rice with pineapple         Preparation materials:   2 cups of rice made from the best ST25 rice in the world 1 pineapple 100g fresh shrimp (squid, minced meat,...) as you like 2 chicken eggs Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, green beans Condiments: sugar, seasoning powder, cooking oil,... Minced onion, minced garlic, ground pepper, tapioca flour   Process materials: After the rice is cooked, stir the rice evenly so that the rice is spread evenly to help absorb the spices during the frying process Pineapple cut lengthwise ⅓ and hollowed out. Keep the shell for garnishing rice, the intestines are diced Chickpeas, cleaned and diced shrimp Lettuce and washed tomatoes for garnish later   Cooking pineapple rice dish Fry minced onion and minced garlic, then add shrimp, peas, and pineapple, stir-fry until cooked and put in a separate bowl Put 2 eggs in a frying pan and stir until the eggs are crushed to the size of a pomegranate Next, add the remaining minced onion and minced garlic to fry until fragrant and then add the rice. Next, add in the ingredients that have been processed earlier, stir well and season to taste depending on your taste.   Finish the dish Put the rice in the hollowed out pineapple part and decorate with some lettuce, tomatoes to make it eye-catching and immediately enjoy this delicious, unique and attractive fried rice dish.   Put the rice in the hollowed out pineapple part and decorate with some lettuce, tomatoes to make it eye-catching and immediately enjoy this delicious, unique and attractive fried rice dish.