4.3. What is Tea for the British?

Tea is the national drink of the British.

Britain imports about 20% of all the world^’s tea. It was introduced to Britain in 1657 by Catherine of Braganza, King Charles II’s wife and became so popular that special ships («chippers») were designed to bringing it quickly from China.

The English custom of afternoon tea goes back to the late 18^th century, when Anne, wife of the 7^th Duke of Bedford, decide that she needed tea and cakes to bring back her strength around 5 p.m.

The British drink more tea than any other nation-about 4 kilos a head, or 1,650 cups of tea a year.

Most people in Britain drink tea with black leaves, but now herbal teas, which do not contain caffeine, are becoming more popular.

The British way of making tea is special. There are some strict rules how their tea is made.

• The teapot must be warmed before the tea is put in.

• The water must be boiling properly.

The right quantity of tea – ‘’ one spoon for each person and of the pot’’ – must be used.

• Tea must be brewed for three minutes.

The drinking of tea is the opportunity for the British to rest for a few minutes.

‘’If you are cold, tea will warm you,

If you are heated, it will cool you,

If you are depressed, it will cheer you,

If you are excited, it will calm you.’’

Укажите какие из высказываний являются верными:

1. Tea is the national drink of Chiness.

2. If you are cold, tea will warm you.

3. Most people in Britain drink herbal teas.

4. The British way of making tea is special.

5. Britain imports about 30% of all the world^’s tea.

5.3. The Joys of juices

Fresh fruit and vegetable juice drinking has become much more widespread in recent years. Many people start each day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, while others harvest their own crops of fruits and vegetables to press themselves , or follow diet regimes that are based on juices.

The Health Benefits. Most fresh fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of the antioxidant vitamins, beta carotene and vitamins C and E. These nutrients, research suggests, help to neutralize the harmful effects of the body`s free radicals, which have been linked to again, heart disease and cancer.

Juices can also make you feel healthier because they contain plant enzymes that and aid digestion. It is even claimed that juices and able be alleviate many common complaints each as more throats and insomnia. But fruit juices much as people and citrus juices naturally contain about 10 per cent sugar and, if consumed frequently throughout the day, will cause tooth decay.

Making Your Own. Although juices do not pack as much of a punch nutritionally as the raw, fibrous fruit or vegetables, they are often tastier. Carrot juice is a notable example.

Juices are also a good way to boost your vitamin intake. In most cases a glass of fresh juice provides several times the recommended levels of vitamins and minerals, and because they water - based the body will excrete any excess.

Freshly squeezed juices are better than the shop-bought variety because vitamin C diminishes with time and with exposure to air. They are also more likely to be free of any additives. Citrus fruit can be squeezed by hand, but with a juicing machine you can make a variety of traces of insecticides and fertilities.

Ready – made Juices. Many manufacturers add preservatives or additives to packaged or boiled juices. Often, however, these are naturally occurring plant by – products and not necessarily harmful. By far the most common added ingredient in juice is refined sugar.

If you buy ready – made juices or the frozen concentrates, read the label to make sure that they have no added sugar or colorings especially of you are giving them to children. For younger children, even pure fruit juices should always be diluted many juices are quite acidic and can damage young teeth or cause diarrhea if children drink them at fruit strength.

Укажите какие из высказываний являются верными:

1. If you buy the frozen concentrates, read the label to make sure that they have no added sugar or colorings.

2. Many manufacturers add preservatives or additives to packaged or boiled juices.

3. Freshly squeezed juices are free of any additives.

4. Juices contain plant enzymes that and aid digestion.

5. Many people start each day with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.