Green Tea has had devoted drinkers for thousands of years. In fact, there is evidence that green tea was a popular beverage nearly 5,000 years ago in some areas of China and India. There must be something special about a beverage with such staying power. In fact, there are many reasons to drink green tea – and a delicate, rich flavor is just one of many. Many people drink green tea for its potent health-promoting properties. What’s better than enjoying a satisfying drink that’s good for you? Not much! After all, taking care of yourself – both body and soul - can be difficult in the course of our rushed, busy lives. But a simple cup of freshly brewed tea is easy to prepare and enjoy.
Some of the health benefits of green tea include:
- Prevention of some forms of cancer.
- Neutralizing free radicals and prolonging the life of healthy cells.
- Reducing the impact of bad (LDL) cholesterol.
- Increasing the production of good (HDL) cholesterol.
- Increasing metabolism and improving the body’s fat-burning process.
- Curbing the appetite.
With so many health benefits, it’s easy to see why Green Tea is becoming increasingly popular. But what many people don’t realize is that Green Tea is also beneficial to your mental health and mood. Coffee, soda and energy drinks all contain high amounts of caffeine. While green tea does have caffeine, it only has about 1/4 the amount that coffee does, so it isn’t going to get you "wired" like coffee can. While you may enjoy the energy "rush" you get from caffeine, it isn’t all that good for you - and can make you jittery and make concentration difficult.
On the other hand, Green Tea has lower caffeine levels and is best served as a warm or hot beverage. It’s soothing, calming our jangled nerves and encouraging a few moments of respite in our busy days. Even the act of preparing green tea properly encourages relaxation and calm. For the Japanese, the tea ceremony is a refined, graceful ritual built around sharing green tea with others. The wisdom of the tea ceremony is in its gestures and slow movements - to truly enjoy the taste and aroma of the tea and the moment, participants have to be fully "in" the moment.
Preparing Green Tea Properly
We can’t enjoy the heightened sense of calm and ceremony that the Japanese do every time we make a pot of green tea, but if we prepare the tea properly, we will be taking a few moments out of each day to relax and slow down. This is because green tea is delicate and requires proper brewing and careful watching in order to release the maximum flavor without bitterness. Green tea is also rich in aroma, with each kind of tea having its own unique scent that is a part of the pleasure of brewing the tea. Prepared properly, green tea has a delicate, full-bodied taste that can’t be compared to any other kind of tea.
Green tea leaves are delicate. They are steamed, not fermented like black and oolong teas are. The steaming preserves the antioxidants that are lost during the fermentation process. For this reason, you should be sure you purchase green tea only in small batches - freshness is essential to proper taste, and green tea leaves will dry out and lose their flavor if kept to long. Buy only a few ounces at a time and store in an air-tight container that won’t let light in. Most green tea is loose-leaf, although you can get some in tea bags. The loose leaf is generally superior in quality and allows the tea leaves to "bloom" when steeping for maximum flavor.
To Brew an Excellent Cup of Green Tea:
1. Use filtered or spring water.
2. Measure about 3 grams of tea for 5-7 ounces of water. You can adjust to suit your preference.
3. Heat your water to just below boiling, then let cool briefly. It should be only about 170°F. The water shouldn’t be as hot as it is for black or oolong tea, or you will end up with bitterness.
4. Add loose tea leaves and brew for 30 seconds to two minutes to start. Adjust to fit your taste; some specific green teas will require a longer infusion.
5. Never shake or stir the tea while brewing.
6. Most tea leaves will settle to the bottom of the pot, but you can strain your tea if you like.
7. Savor the aroma as you pour your tea into the cup.
8. Enjoy!
Notice that the brewing process requires you to monitor your tea closely - it doesn’t take long, and you need to be aware of the water temperature. This is part of what makes drinking green tea such a treat - you can’t set the pot on the burner then go off to fold laundry or send a couple of emails and neglect your tea! Make the process of making green tea a relaxing moment in your day. Invest in a true Asian teapot designed for green teas, buy the loose leaves from an Asian market and take the time to sip your tea slowly, savoring the flavor and aroma. You’ll be improving your health and soothing your soul at the same time!
You can find mass-marketed green teas in most stores, but avoid these if you want the best flavor and most health benefits. Good green tea is from the first harvest, although there are many fine second harvest teas as well. Check the label - it should tell you when it has been harvested. Packaged, vacuum sealed green tea lasts only six months from when it was packaged, and only about two months once it has been opened, so never buy in bulk or try to "stock up."
All teas come from the same plant, the Camellia Sinensis. The differences in taste and aroma are due to the various regions and the way the tea is steamed and processed. Some excellent teas to try include:
Sencha
A very good second harvest green tea. The flavor is subtly earthy and aromatic. Brews to a bright, lime green.
Dragon Well
Subtler, lighter flavor that is slightly nutty. This is China’s most popular tea.
Matcha
One of the finest teas made in Japan. The leaves are finely ground into a powder for use during the Tea Ceremony. Made from the leaves and buds of first harvest.
Kabusecha
A first harvest tea with a pleasant, grassy aroma and flavor.
Pi Lo Chun
Woodsy flavor with a touch of apricot and a wonderful, sweet aroma.
There are many other varieties of tea, so try several until you find the taste that suits your own palate. You’ll soon look forward to your daily cup of tea as a calm moment in the midst of your busy day.
By L. Hilliard | VEESH Writer | MAR.17.08