Green Tea
Green tea has been gaining in popularity recently, as more people catch on to the healthy benefits of drinking and using green tea. There are many varieties of green tea, which come from different places in the world, and what these teas all have in common is that they are all from the Camellia sinensis tree. This Camellia sinensis tree is the same tree from which the tea leaves for the black, white and Wu-Long varieties of tea originate.
Ways to Use Green Tea
People use green tea in different ways, besides the traditional chewing and brewing of the tea. Green tea is prized for its micronutrients, which can significantly contribute to the better health of people who regularly drink this beverage. Ground green tea is also used as a sprinkle for desserts and other foods. Green tea is high in antioxidants and other nutrients that are very good for your body.
Green tea is put into capsules to be taken as nutritional supplements, and green tea is added to concoctions for the skin, hair and bath. Green tea is a popular ingredient indeed, and it is gaining a greater versatility as more people in different industries want to add this ingredient to their products.
Keeping the Leaves Green
The preparation method for green tea allows the leaves to keep their green color and this process also affects the flavor and taste of the beverage. There are five main preparation methods that prevent oxidation in the green tea leaves, and these include methods such as the stir fry, roast, semi-roast or semi-fry, solar dried and steamed methods. The leaves are dried in such a way to prevent the leaves from fermenting, which is what happens with black tea.
Differences Between Green Teas
The many varieties of green teas that you find will have slightly different preparation methods. This difference will vary the qualities of the tea, such as fragrance and strength of flavor of the beverages that result from steeping. Other factors besides processing that influences the quality of the tea leaves are weather, when the product is harvested and the growing zone.
It is best to keep trying green tea varieties until you find a few that you like best. Some flavor options include the stronger taste of the stir fried, semi-roast and semi-stir fried leaves. The roast and both "semi" methods are fragrant and flavorsome. The solar dried method is the closest to being in its original state, since solar drying is a process in nature. You may find a few teas from different regions that are just right for you.
Written By The Tea Lady
The Tea Lady carefully tends to The Official Website for Tea and sends an occasional Tea Newsletter to ardent and casual tea lovers around the world.
