Green Tea Buying Guide
healthier alternative.
Health Benefits
Not only is
green tea has undergone much less processing than black, so most of its antioxidants and organic compounds have remained intact. Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols and powerful antioxidants, which are thought to fight against some harmful neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
* Green tea is often employed as an herbal remedy and natural enhancer for a number of minor health problems like acne, plaque and tooth decay.
* Frequent imbibers appear to have lower risk for a wide range of diseases, from simple bacterial or viral infections to chronic degenerative conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke and osteoporosis.
* Skin and beauty products containing green teahave become increasingly popular on the market.
Green Tea Varieties
Green tea is typically enjoyed without milk or sweeteners, though those trying it for the first time may want to add a little honey.
A few tips:
* Your local Chinatown is a great place to track down quality
green tea blends.
* Do not use fully boiling water, as
green tea is more delicate than black. Try to grab the kettle off the stove just before the water hits a boil, then start brewing.
*
Green teas should only be steeped for a maximum of one to three minutes.
More About Matcha
If you're having your own Japanese tea ceremony, you'll need this vibrantly colored powdered
green tea.
* '''Origins''': In creating this hightextured leaflets that have had more time to develop.
* '''In the shade''': For the most vibrantly green color, tencha leaves are never dried in direct sunlight. While tencha leaves were traditionally dried outside in the shade, today this process is done indoors.
* '''It's an art''': When it comes to grinding matcha into its trademark powder, anything less than the correct equipment and technique will cause matcha to become "burnt" and suffer adulterated quality.
* Oxidation is the enemy of matcha. Exposure to oxygen degrades the quality and turns the powder a dull, brownish-green shade.
* It's generally considered best to consume matcha tea within six months after its packaging date as the beverage is known to quickly lose its flavor.
* Like green tea, matcha is consumed without milk or sugar.
Prior to its use, the matcha powder is passed through a special container constructed from a sievethis is to eliminate clumps.
Traditional Japanese Tea Service
For the Love of Green Tea
So many kinds of green tea.
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