Blue Spider

What is green tea?

All tea plants belong to the same species-Camellia sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. Due to the varied conditions under which tea plants are grown (different altitudes, climate, soils) this produces a wide range of distinctive leaves and flavors. The way the leaves are processed also produce different types of tea - including black tea, green tea and oolong tea.

Tea plants produce a berry, have lots of foliage, and also have a flower like a camellia. The smallest and youngest leaves are harvested by hand, usually every 1 - 2 weeks depending on the altitude where the tea plants are growing. Generally the lower the altitude the faster the plant grows.

Tea plants grow in warm climates. The best teas, however, are produced by plants grown at higher altitudes where the leaves mature more slowly and yield a richer flavor. Depending upon the altitude, a new tea plant may take from 2 1/2 to 5 years to be ready for commercial picking, but once productive, it can provide tea leaves for close to a 100 years.

Green tea is the least processed and thus provides the most antioxidant polyphenols, notably a catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for most of the health benefits linked to drinking green tea. Black and oolong tea is produced from tea leaves that have been fermented and then dried, whereas green tea is steamed and then the leaves are dried. The steaming process is the best for retaining all the goodness within the leaves.

How to Make a Good Cup of Green Tea.

The flavor of tea is enhanced with good quality water, although you should not use distilled water, as tea needs the minerals that are present in water to bring out the tea’s flavors. After boiling the water it should be let stand for 2 - 3 minutes before being added to the tea. The tea should then be left to brew for a further 3 - 4 minutes. Green tea is generally taken without milk or sugar being added.

The Health Benefits of Green Tea Include:

Promotes good heart health

Lowers cholesterol

Reduces heart attacks

Aids in weight loss

Prevents skin damage

Improves circulation

Helps with good digestive health

Soothes stress

Is antibacterial

Helps protect against diabetes

And strengthens bones

Avoid Green Tea if you have kidney disease, a weak heart, an overactive thyroid, a susceptibility to spasms, or a tendency to anxiety or panic attacks.

Whenever you purchase green tea at the store, you typically buy a carton of pre packed tea bags. However, many individuals buy green tea powder, commonly known as Matcha. They buy the powder, which is made up of newly ground leaves, which can be used as an ingredient for cooking, beverages, ice cream and many more. You can purchase Matcha powder at most health food shops and you can even locate green tea powder on online. It is also a many people’s preference to utilize Matcha powder instead of tea bags because the powder disolves in water more easily. If compared to the tea bags and the powder can also be used in food, too.

Using Green Tea Powder in Food

There are many recipes that use Matcha powder. In fact, you can make all kinds of things, not just food. For example, sprinkle the powder onto ice-cream, food, your drinks and many more. It also adds a nice green colour to you recipes. This is unique for parties and special occasions that need food and drinks to be a green color. Many individuals buy green tea powder and experiment with different foods and drinks to decide which variations produce the best results.

The powder has a unique and fresh flavor when added to food and is also a unique way to add colour to the presentation of your dishes. In today’s world green tea ice cream is quite regularly used as a special dessert in both western and eastern style restaurants. Why not try this at home as well?

If you’re unsure where to purchase green tea powder, contact your local health food store or search online. Your local health food shop associate will likely be well versed on the benefits and will probably advise you of several suitable products. If you advise them you’re only trying to locate Matcha powder, and they don’t stock it, ask them if they can order it for you. While not many people know about the health benefits of green tea powder, there are suppliers who are standing by, ready to serve you.

There is a font of information on the internet. On the internet is a haven for forums and websites dedicated to the subject. In addition it is also possible to research recipes that use green tea powder, which is why most people start to use tea powder to begin with.