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.
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