Tea is served all around the world, but in counties such as China and Japan it is a ceremony that is at the centre of their culture.

Cha Dao is the name given to the art of preparing tea in China, which involves preparing the brew in a clay teapot. The leaves are rinsed first in the pot with a little hot water.

Depending on the type of tea, this is to remove any dust particles or to loosen the leaves to release the full flavour.

Once rinsed, hot water – not boiling or it will affect the end result – is added to make the tea. It is traditional for the tea maker to pour the tea into small porcelain cups, filling them each halfway. Friendship and affection, the Chinese believe, fill the remaining part of the cup. Once each guest has a cup, it is customary to smell the tea, pour it into a drinking cup and sip it three times. The tea maker must ensure each cup of tea tastes the same.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony, Cha-no-yu, is influenced by Buddhism. Cha-no-yu will often be held in a wooden or bamboo teahouse and there are a number of rules to follow, including being calm before entering the house, washing your hands, drinking from a certain side of the cup and placing it down in a particular way in front of you. It is a peaceful and reflecting experience.