A Quick Guide to Processing and Preparation

 

You want to be healthy and beautiful. Most people think that the answer lies with pills and cosmetics, but this is not necessarily true. It is definitely a good idea to turn to the natural methods for maintaining your good health and looks. Drinking green tea is becoming increasingly popular due to the wide range of health benefits it offers. But do you know what it is and how it should be consumed? Read on to find out what green tea is exactly.

Green tea is made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis. The black tea is also made from them. The difference lies in the processing of the two. When the Camellia Sinensis leaves are picked for the production of green tea, they are processed with a technique called firing. The fresh leaves are immediately heated or steamed after picking. Then they are dried. This is generally how green tea is made, even though in some cases further processing is necessary.

Black tea is made in a slightly different way. The fresh Camellia Sinensis leaves are dried using a technique called withering. With this method, the leaves are broken and rolled before they are dried. In this way, a chemical process called oxidation occurs. This does not happen with green tea. As a result, green tea preserves most of its beneficial chemical compounds - antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Black tea, on the other hand, does not.

So green and black tea come from the same plant, but due to the specific processing green tea preserves its nutrients. You can buy the dried and processed product in a number of different forms. You can opt for the standard tea bags, which contain green tea. It is possible for you to get it in leaf form. You will find the dried leaves in a package. You can also get a brewed green tea beverage which is ready for drinking, or you can take green tea in the form of nutrition supplement pills.

There are different types of green tea that you can choose from on the market. They differ in terms of properties and taste. It is up to you to decide on the right green tea for you, depending on your preferences and requirements. Some of the most popular types of tea which can boast a wide range of health benefits and subtle taste include the traditional Macha and Sencha, popular in Japan and Longjing, which is typical for China.

Traditionally, the leaves of green tea are brewed in a specific way and the drink is then served. You will not regret it if you choose this form of preparation and serving instead of the standard tea bags. Of course, you will have to devote some time and effort to brewing. Green tea is prepared through steeping. Hence, you have to fill a tea strainer with the dried tea leaves. One teaspoon of green tea is enough for serving one cup. You have to be careful when boiling the water. You should bring it to the state right before boiling. Generally, the temperature of the water should not be more than 180 F (80 C). You have to place the tea strainer in a cup and then fill the cup with the hot water. You should steep the green tea leaves for no more than 2 or 3 minutes. Otherwise, the tannin present in the leaves will be released and the tea’s taste will become bitter.

Serving green tea is often ceremonial, especially in Japan. You do not have to go to such great lengths. Still, in order to get the best taste and most beneficial results, you should let the brewed beverage cool down for a couple of minutes, before it is ready for consumption. Then you can enjoy its fresh and mild taste.

Scientists have found evidence that the consumption of green tea by the peoples of Southeast Asia has begun some 5,000 years ago. The drink is still extremely popular in these countries and is now gaining popularity in the West. You should definitely consider tasting green tea and drinking it on a daily basis. This will allow you to enjoy its numerous health benefits to the fullest.