Japanese Green Tea. Different Green Tea Review Video
Japanese green tea offers a huge spectrum of diverse brews, ranging from very light and grassy to deep and roasted. Join Christine Savage as she delves into the subtle and not so subtle differences of Japanese Green Tea.
Nov 19, 2008
Japanese Green Tea. Different Green Tea Review Video
Green Tea. What Is Green Tea Video
Green Tea Video
Green Tea is not fermented or oxidized. Learn more about green tea with tips from a tea lounge owner in this free tea brewing video.
Types Of Green Tea. Green Tea Benefits
Types Of Green Tea. Green Tea Benefits
1) Gunpowder green tea
Gunpowder tea comes from China and comes in the form of small pellets that open up when placed in hot water. It has a slightly smoky flavor which many people enjoy. This tea is also high in fluoride which may help to reduce dental caries.
2) Bancha green tea
Bancha tea has a slightly stronger, more astringent taste than most higher-end green teas. It’s one of the least expensive green teas and is the most common green tea consumed in Japan. It also has the distinction of having one of the lowest caffeine contents of the green teas, which makes it suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine. Despite being low in caffeine, it retains the polyphenols and other components that are associated with the health benefits of green tea.
You can also get a subtype of bancha green tea known as genmaicha which is a blend of bancha tea and toasted rice. This type of tea has a somewhat nutty flavor due to the toasted rice. Another type of bancha green tea is hojicha made of roasted green tea leaves. It also has a distinctively nutty flavor.
3) China green tea
China green has a more subtle flavor than gunpowder or bancha and is a good standard, everyday tea.
4) Sencha green tea
Sencha tea is made from smaller, more delicate leaves than those used for the lower priced bancha which gives it a more refined flavor. This tea has a natural sweetness which is brought out by steeping it at a slightly lower temperature of around 160 degrees Farenheit. It’s a green tea that the Japanese are most likely to serve their guests. Sencha also may have the most health benefits since it has the highest concentration of polyphenols.
5) Matcha green tea
This is the type of green tea used in the traditional Japanese green tea ceremonies. Matcha tea comes in the form of a fine green powder which is added to hot water and stirred with a bamboo whisk to dissolve the powder before drinking. It can also be incorporated into a variety of recipes including lattes, cookies, and ice cream.
6) Gyokuro green tea
Gyokuro tea is considered to be one of the highest grades of tea available and may not be offered at your local tea store, although it can be purchased online. It’s made from the first flush leaves and tends to have a greener color than most other forms of green tea with a sweet, slightly vegetative flavor. It’s considered to be Japan’s best green tea, and some types of gyokura may sell for as much as a thousand dollars a pound, although it can be found at more reasonable prices.
The next time you visit your local tea store, you won’t be so confused by the different types of green tea available to you. Try a variety and you’ll get the wonderful health benefits of green tea without ever getting bored!
Bancha Tea. Benefits of Ban Cha Tea
Bancha Tea. Benefits of Ban Cha Tea
Bancha tea is a japanese green tea that is highly suitable for children. This is inexpensive and low in caffeine.
This japanese green tea has a slightly toasty and woodsy taste, containing only a trace amount of caffeine.
Interestingly, this tea has a mellow flavor and a yellowish brown liquor. Indeed, it is considered an everyday drink.
The flavor can be intensified with longer brewing depending on your taste and preference.
Don't be fooled by the simplicity of bancha because it contains a hefty amount of calcium, vitamin A, niacin, and iron.
Bancha is a pungent tea made from the large coarse, older leaves that are pruned from the tea plant at the end of the season.
Bancha has two subcategories:
1) Hojicha - this is made from roasted bancha leaves. The result is a toasted, earthy aroma, and a light-golden colored brew.
2) Genmaicha - this is a mixture of bancha leaves and fire-toasted rice. This light brown brew has a savory, grainy, slightly salty taste.
Bancha tea is frequently described as "three-year tea" because the leaves up to three years old are harvested.
This tea is particularly recommended in a microbiotic diet.
This japanese green tea has a slightly toasty and woodsy taste, containing only a trace amount of caffeine.
Interestingly, this tea has a mellow flavor and a yellowish brown liquor. Indeed, it is considered an everyday drink.
The flavor can be intensified with longer brewing depending on your taste and preference.
Don't be fooled by the simplicity of bancha because it contains a hefty amount of calcium, vitamin A, niacin, and iron.
Bancha is a pungent tea made from the large coarse, older leaves that are pruned from the tea plant at the end of the season.
Bancha has two subcategories:
1) Hojicha - this is made from roasted bancha leaves. The result is a toasted, earthy aroma, and a light-golden colored brew.
2) Genmaicha - this is a mixture of bancha leaves and fire-toasted rice. This light brown brew has a savory, grainy, slightly salty taste.
Bancha tea is frequently described as "three-year tea" because the leaves up to three years old are harvested.
This tea is particularly recommended in a microbiotic diet.
Aug 22, 2008
How Natural Is Green Tea?
How Natural Is Green Tea?
Green tea leaves have for many years been used throughout Asia continent as a natural medicine for poor digestion, body aches and pains, headaches and general improved wellness.
Very little processing is required to produce green tea. In most cases the leaves are dried immediately after harvesting or briefly treated with steam prior to drying. There are a few types of tea that are also lightly roasted. Because of this minimal processing, the leaves keep their green color and more importantly they keep the very valuable ingredients that contribute to their healing properties. Green tea leaves contain caffeine, tannins, essential oils, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as fluoride, zinc and potassium.
Green tea is naturally found to be rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are used by the body to protect cells from free radicals (unstable molecules found in our cells) damage. Too much damage, over time, could lead to diseases which includes cancer. As part of our body cell renewal, antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and this results in the neutralization these molecules. Drinking green tea frequently has been linked (confirmed by research) with the prevention of cancer; it lowers high blood cholesterol, prevents harmful blood clotting and acts to minimize the risk of strokes.
Green tea is very good for arthritis sufferers because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
As reported earlier, Green Tea has some caffeine which helps invigorate and improve concentration.
Green tea is also antibacterial. The tea contains the trace element fluorine whichs helps to fight tooth decay. It is suggested that just one cup of tea a day will be beneficial in the prevention of decay. Green tea is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser.
Many Naturopaths recommend green tea to cleanse the body. It is a useful addition to all types of detoxification diets. It contains no calories, no carbs and is referred to as the 'fat eater' in China due to its cholesterol-lowering properties.
Green Tea is fantatic for quenching your thirst, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day - either hot or cold. Sometimes lemon juice is added, or the tea is poured over ice to produce a really refreshing drink.
How to prepare Green Tea:
Very little processing is required to produce green tea. In most cases the leaves are dried immediately after harvesting or briefly treated with steam prior to drying. There are a few types of tea that are also lightly roasted. Because of this minimal processing, the leaves keep their green color and more importantly they keep the very valuable ingredients that contribute to their healing properties. Green tea leaves contain caffeine, tannins, essential oils, proteins, vitamins, minerals and trace elements such as fluoride, zinc and potassium.
Green tea is naturally found to be rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants are used by the body to protect cells from free radicals (unstable molecules found in our cells) damage. Too much damage, over time, could lead to diseases which includes cancer. As part of our body cell renewal, antioxidants attach themselves to free radicals and this results in the neutralization these molecules. Drinking green tea frequently has been linked (confirmed by research) with the prevention of cancer; it lowers high blood cholesterol, prevents harmful blood clotting and acts to minimize the risk of strokes.
Green tea is very good for arthritis sufferers because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
As reported earlier, Green Tea has some caffeine which helps invigorate and improve concentration.
Green tea is also antibacterial. The tea contains the trace element fluorine whichs helps to fight tooth decay. It is suggested that just one cup of tea a day will be beneficial in the prevention of decay. Green tea is also ideal after dinner as a palette cleanser.
Many Naturopaths recommend green tea to cleanse the body. It is a useful addition to all types of detoxification diets. It contains no calories, no carbs and is referred to as the 'fat eater' in China due to its cholesterol-lowering properties.
Green Tea is fantatic for quenching your thirst, and can be enjoyed at any time of the day - either hot or cold. Sometimes lemon juice is added, or the tea is poured over ice to produce a really refreshing drink.
How to prepare Green Tea:
Put one level teaspoon of tea leaves per cup; then Boil your water and then let the water stand for a couple of minutes - allowing it to cool slightly. Pour the water over the green tea and leave the tea to brew.
Brewing the tea for 2-3 minutes will give you a mild tasting but highly stimulating tea.
Brewing the tea for 4-6 minutes yields a less stimulating and stronger tasting tea.
Important: The caffeine in green tea may cause heart palpitations in some sensitive people. To reduce the amount of caffeine in your tea, put one teaspoon of leaves in your cup, pour a little bit of hot water over it and allow it to stand for 30 seconds then strain. Now use the leaves to prepare your tea as usual - or of-course buy non-caffeine Green Tea, which is available in many health food stores.
Brewing the tea for 2-3 minutes will give you a mild tasting but highly stimulating tea.
Brewing the tea for 4-6 minutes yields a less stimulating and stronger tasting tea.
Important: The caffeine in green tea may cause heart palpitations in some sensitive people. To reduce the amount of caffeine in your tea, put one teaspoon of leaves in your cup, pour a little bit of hot water over it and allow it to stand for 30 seconds then strain. Now use the leaves to prepare your tea as usual - or of-course buy non-caffeine Green Tea, which is available in many health food stores.
By: Keith Woolley.
Herbal Tea Remedies
Herbal Tea Remedies - Everything You Need To Know!
Herbal teas have been around almost as long as humans have had access to hot water and herbs, which has been a rather long time. Tea has been known in places like China for centuries, and archaeologists believe that even prehistoric man made teas for drinking and soothing ailments.
It is also clear that the uses of water infused with herbs have long been known in tribal cultures around the world, and have been handed down throughout the generations in almost every society. Herbal teas have traditionally held a very important place in natural medicine, before science was able to diagnose and treat with antibiotics and other modern methods. Those who had the knowledge of herbs and how to make herbal teas were highly respected, as their teas had the ability to greatly aid those who suffered from various ailments.
Herbal teas are still very useful today, especially for people who want to limit their chemical intake, and enjoy nature's methods of healing.
From sleeplessness, to period pain, to detoxify the body and help clear the mind, herbal teas have multiple uses. You'd be surprised what effects even common herbs can have on your body. For example, the nettle plant is known to have a positive effect on the bones, skin, nails, and hair. Parsley can help if you're bloating or retaining water, and peppermint is an excellent aid to the digestion.
It is not just ailments of the body that herbal teas can help with, but some are also excellent for the mind. If you are feeling stressed, a tea made from chamomile and rosehips can help you to feel more relaxed. There are also teas containing the herb valerian, which can help you to sleep. Herbal teas can even aid with weight loss. An infusion of blackberry leaves, myrtle leaves, sage, juniper berry and nettle leaves can help you flush your system and control the urges to snack and eat all the time.
Of course, herbal teas are no substitute for medical attention. You should never try and use an herbal remedy when you are seriously sick. Most practitioners agree that herbal teas are an excellent supplement to treatment, and a great preventative, but they will not cure your ills alone. You should also exercise caution when trying new herbal teas, as some people are allergic to certain herbs, and you may have a nasty reaction.
Apart from these common sense measures, you should feel free to enjoy the great tastes and positive effects that herbal teas have. Try blending your own if you're feeling adventurous, or purchase some from the health store. Many experts believe that herbal teas are best made from loose tea leaves, but there is certainly nothing wrong with using herbal tea bags if the convenience suits you better.
Drinking herbal tea is an excellent way to maintain your health, experience new tastes, and be part of a legacy that has stretched throughout human history.
It is also clear that the uses of water infused with herbs have long been known in tribal cultures around the world, and have been handed down throughout the generations in almost every society. Herbal teas have traditionally held a very important place in natural medicine, before science was able to diagnose and treat with antibiotics and other modern methods. Those who had the knowledge of herbs and how to make herbal teas were highly respected, as their teas had the ability to greatly aid those who suffered from various ailments.
Herbal teas are still very useful today, especially for people who want to limit their chemical intake, and enjoy nature's methods of healing.
From sleeplessness, to period pain, to detoxify the body and help clear the mind, herbal teas have multiple uses. You'd be surprised what effects even common herbs can have on your body. For example, the nettle plant is known to have a positive effect on the bones, skin, nails, and hair. Parsley can help if you're bloating or retaining water, and peppermint is an excellent aid to the digestion.
It is not just ailments of the body that herbal teas can help with, but some are also excellent for the mind. If you are feeling stressed, a tea made from chamomile and rosehips can help you to feel more relaxed. There are also teas containing the herb valerian, which can help you to sleep. Herbal teas can even aid with weight loss. An infusion of blackberry leaves, myrtle leaves, sage, juniper berry and nettle leaves can help you flush your system and control the urges to snack and eat all the time.
Of course, herbal teas are no substitute for medical attention. You should never try and use an herbal remedy when you are seriously sick. Most practitioners agree that herbal teas are an excellent supplement to treatment, and a great preventative, but they will not cure your ills alone. You should also exercise caution when trying new herbal teas, as some people are allergic to certain herbs, and you may have a nasty reaction.
Apart from these common sense measures, you should feel free to enjoy the great tastes and positive effects that herbal teas have. Try blending your own if you're feeling adventurous, or purchase some from the health store. Many experts believe that herbal teas are best made from loose tea leaves, but there is certainly nothing wrong with using herbal tea bags if the convenience suits you better.
Drinking herbal tea is an excellent way to maintain your health, experience new tastes, and be part of a legacy that has stretched throughout human history.
By: Munya Chinongoza
Green Tea Differs From Black Tea
Green Tea Has More Antioxidants Than Black Tea
Processing green tea differs from the way black tea is processed. Antioxidants in the tea leaves are nearly exhausted after black tea is processed whereas in green tea, almost all of its antioxidants are left in the leaves after processing.
Antioxidants in an apple
Antioxidants are active when an apple is sliced. You must have noticed that after slicing an apple, its flesh slowly turns into brown. That is because the apple's flesh is reacting to oxygen when it is exposed to air. This reaction produces free radicals and could create a chain reaction.
All fruits have antioxidants. Different types of fruits have different types of antioxidants. This is nature's defense for the fruit from oxidizing.
Let's get back to the apple. When free radicals are formed in the exposed flesh, the antioxidants in the apple quenches these free radicals to prevent a chain reaction. All of the exposed area of the flesh reacts to oxygen and therefore all these areas forms free radicals which are then quenched by the apple's antioxidants. Chain reaction cannot continue to the inside flesh as antioxidants quench these free radicals.
The discoloration you see in the exposed flesh are the result of molecules which reacted to oxygen. Scrape off that layer and you will see what the antioxidants in the apple has accomplished. It stopped the oxidation from going further inside the flesh.
Black Tea Processing
The following are the basic processing of black tea.
1. Harvesting
2. Withering - the leaves are spread and left to dry.
3. Rolling - the leaves are twisted and rolled either by hand or machinery. This process breaks or cracks the surface of the leaves exposing it to oxygen.
4. Oxidation or fermentation - the leaves are left to dry for several hours until it is about 80% dry.
5. Drying - the leaves further dried by applying heat without burning the leaves. This stops the oxidation process.
Just like the apple when the membranes of the leaves cracked in the rolling process, it exposed the insides of the leaves to oxygen. The free radicals produced are quenched by the antioxidants inside the tea leaves. Therefore those antioxidants that quenched the free radicals are already spent and will not be available in the finished product.
Green Tea Processing
This process differs a little bit from the way black tea is processed.
1. Harvesting
2. Withering
3. Drying
As you can see, the steps that can oxidize the leaves, rolling and oxidation, are omitted leaving the antioxidant content of the leaves almost intact.
Which do you prefer?
Now that you have seen the difference in processing and the final outcome of antioxidant content, what do you prefer? Tea with more antioxidant content? Others prefer the stronger taste of black tea against the milder taste of green tea. Others prefer green tea because of its healthful benefits.
How to get more antioxidants from tea
Our body can absorb only a small percentage of the antioxidants in tea. By combining it with citrus juices or vitamin c, our body's absorption of the antioxidants in tea can multiply more than 5 times.
By: Feel Good Article Source: www.articlesnatch.com
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