History and science behind green tea
Popular legend has it that an apple falling from a tree and hitting a sleeping Newton on the head gave him insight into the laws of gravity and motion. Well, the story of how tea and its other forms, like green tea, were discovered is not that different. Apparently a Chinese farmer, boiling some water under a Camellia Sinensis tree, took a short nap. Some dried leaves floated in the boiling water and gave off a delicious aroma. The farmer woke up, took a sip, and voila! He made himself the first cup of tea! This was about 4000 years ago and some claim that the farmer was divine. While the truth of this is somewhat doubtful, that the drink is divine is not.
the truth about tea
However, the truth is that drinking tea originated in southwestern China and became popular during the reign of the Tang dynasty. Tea consumption spread to other East Asian countries, and visiting Portuguese priests brought the habit to Europe in the 16th century. Research shows that tea has been indigenous to northern and eastern India for many centuries. Tea-drinking devotees date the use of this drink to the Ramayana, insisting that the Sanjivini herb mentioned there could have been tea. Some even take the story further and argue that even Soma, the divine drink that inspired wise thoughts in ancient India, was in fact tea.
Whatever the story, all types of tea come from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The terminal bud and two young leaves of tea plants are usually collected in early spring and early summer. They are then allowed to wither before being processed for oxidation. During this process, the leaves lose their water content and absorb more oxygen from the air.
Variety is the cup of life.
Different types of teas are the result of different growing conditions, geography, and types of processing.
Black tea: The characteristic dark color of these teas is due to the fact that they have been allowed to undergo complete oxidation. The flavors are pronounced and strong and the caffeine content is comparatively high. Puer is an aged black tea from China with medicinal properties and an earthy flavor.
Dark tea: This type is from the Chinese provinces of Hunan and Sichuan. It undergoes a secondary fermentation process and has a smooth and naturally sweet note. It contains an organism called Golden Flowers due to this microbial fermentation.
Green tea is only partially allowed to wither and oxidize and therefore has less caffeine if brewed at lower temperatures. These teas, with their subtle flavors and aromas and nuances, are a connoisseur’s delight.
Oolong tea is also partially oxidized and has a caffeine content between the black and green varieties. It is characterized by the fragrance of fresh flowers and fruits.
White tea is processed by hand from the youngest buds and there is no oxidation. When properly brewed at a low temperature and with a short maceration time, it has less caffeine and a very subtle and delicate flavor.
organic green tea
India is the second largest tea producer in the world and is famous for Darjeeling and Assam teas. The plant is grown on cool, mountainous slopes. India is the world’s largest consumer of tea and also the largest exporter. Traditional tea cultivation methods have been improved. The new mantra is organic green tea and the farming of other teas. This method is free of chemical and synthetic fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides and benefits the entire ecosystem. It combines tradition, innovation and science with great benefit. Chemical-based agriculture threatens people’s health: cancer, allergies, respiratory disorders, kidney problems, skin and eye irritations can be blamed on this door. The damage to the environment is long-lasting and devastating.
Go Green – Raise a Glass to Good Health
Take a tip from ancient Chinese culture where green tea was consumed as a medicine for its many health benefits.
Tea contains antioxidants that enrich heart health, even more so green tea.
It is an anti-allergen: Tea contains polyphenols and flavanols that help dampen allergic responses. Organic green tea can help suppress appetite and is a safe weight loss aid. It is a good anti-inflammatory and reduces inflammatory reactions in our body. Doctors link many foods to inflammation: depression, metabolic syndrome, fluid retention, and arthritis are just a few.
Green tea can be brewed for shorter times to further decrease the already low caffeine content. Therefore, it is a good wake-up agent, but not harmful like coffee. It is excellent for the skin and hair because it eliminates toxins and improves the elasticity of the skin. Catechins, natural antioxidants, regulate hormonal imbalances and control acne.
For a rejuvenating face mask, empty the contents of 2 used green tea bags into a bowl. Add a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Apply this on your face and allow it to dry for 15 minutes or so. Rinse with lukewarm water. This is great for dark circles and tired eyes too.
Now when you bring the kettle to a boil or turn on the stove, just remember, going green and organic is the best favor you can do yourself when brewing that hot cuppa.
