Locals commemorate the Chinese New Year

The East Meadow Public Library enticed residents to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Jan. 23 by inviting Scarlett Morrongiello to share “The Mysteries of Chinese Tea and the Tea Ceremony.” Morrongiello’s father is a Grand Tea Master in China and she grew up learning his extensive knowledge on the history, healing powers and folklore of tea. “This is my passion,” she said. However, Morrongiello moved to America to receive her Masters in Business Administration in finance from Ohio State University.

Morrongiello shared many interesting tidbits on tea and brewed green and oolong teas to share with the residents at the two full sessions on Monday. Here are some of the interesting facts she shared:

• A Chinese herbalist and healer, Shen Nong, learned about the health benefits of tea in 2737 B.C.

• Tea ceremonies place an emphasis on elegance, respect, inner peace, harmony and joy.

• Green tea is known to calm anxiety, prevent cavities and fight cancer cells.

• Oolong tea prevents strokes, high cholesterol and heart disease, and helps with weight loss.

• The pot used to brew tea is significant. Clay pots are best for steeping black teas, pottery for green, oolong and herbal teas and porcelain for green, white and flower teas.

• Eight ounces of green tea is equivalent to the vitamin C in three oranges.

• Tea can only be harvested in the spring.

• Tealeaves can be used as a natural fertilizer in the garden.

• The British popularized adding milk and sugar to black tea.