Liquid meditation, this is how the healthiest beverage, Green Tea, is defined by most of the people. Stepping into wellness might come with several benefits. Made from unoxidised Camellia sinensis leaves, these leaves are steamed quickly or, at times, pan-fried immediately so that oxidation can be controlled. This is done to preserve that happy, natural green colour. It has potent antioxidant and flavour properties that may not taste so good, but it has endless benefits.
What does green tea bring for all?
It has antioxidants called catechins, and for centuries, people have been relying on it for its health benefits. Studies suggest it brings a lot of benefits for those who know the right way to consume it. It is said to bring overall well-being.
History of Green Tea
From the farm to your cup, green tea travelled a long distance to reach your cup! Green tea's history dates back 4,000 years, somewhere in ancient China. It started as a medicinal tonic, later became an important part of formal culture, and is performed in several spiritual rituals by Buddhist monks. Widely consumed in several parts of the world, the timeline of green tea will surprise you. Let's explore it and open a few unknown green tea historical chapters.
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According to ancient legends, somewhere around 2737 BC, Shen Nong, the king, is the name behind the discovery of green tea. He is considered as the father of Chinese medicine. It so happened that he was boiling some water to make some medicine, and wild leaves happened to fall into the water and ended up in such magical tea.
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Another story from 618-907 AD during the Tang Dynasty states that green tea started as a medical remedy and became the popular, healthy beverage it is today. Lu Yu came up with his era's hit, The Classic of Tea, or Chajing. It was a popular treatise that depicted a lot about cultivation, ways of preparation, and the taste of the beverage.
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Even the Song Dynasty has a lot to say about the history of green tea. It goes back to 960-1279 AD, when whisking powdered green tea in the finest form took a surge in popularity. This is the present Matcha that people admire so much. In royal courts and Chinese temples, this practice became a code of superiority.
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Japan and tea have always been connected, and green tea was introduced to Japan in the 12th Century AD. Several monks, including priest Eisai, brought several varieties of tea seeds from China to Japan. Green took a very respectable turn in Japan, and people often sought to connect with it spiritually, which further led to the development of the Japanese tea ceremony. Slowly, the Japanese royal court wanted to make it available to the general public as well and began developing Sencha, or loose-leaf green tea.
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Globally, from the 17th century to now, it has evolved. In the 1600s, Europeans tasted green tea for the first time when Dutch and Portuguese traders brought it there. It started as something unique for the aristocracy, but soon gained popularity worldwide.
Most of the early produced tea took the form of black tea for export, but that never took the role of green tea, which is still consumed at a higher rate in East Asia. It is used worldwide. It has a refreshing flavour and is full of antioxidant features.
Origin of Green Chai
You can find green tea coming in several varieties. It originated in China, Japan, or India. In some cases, leaves are shaded and used before harvest, or in pan fried mode.
Different Types of Green Tea
Green tea is available in different forms with different features.
Japanese green teas
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Sencha - It is widely used as a daily drink tea, as it offers a refreshing flavour. People also claim they admire the grassy taste above all.
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Matcha - It is ancient and a favourite of all time because of its vibrant taste. It is made with the fine powder gained from shaded tea leaves. People often mix it into milk or water to enjoy their cup rather than the typical steeping.
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Genmaicha- If you are willing to try something different in your tea cup, this green tea is for you. You are going to taste the authentic blend of Sencha and roasted brown rice. Of course, you will get a nutty flavour in every sip.
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Gyokuro - Have you ever tasted a beverage that gives a deep umami flavour? Yes, it is correct. Besides, it's not even bitter and is regarded as a premium, shaded tea.
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Hojicha - Imagine if someone tells you about a team that has been all the way roasted over charcoal. Yes, the brown hojicha that you sip comes in this fashion. It is brown in colour with a welcoming, warm, toasted flavour.
Japanese green teas are often steamed. While sipping mindfully, you can also enjoy Mao Feng and Bancha.
Chinese Green Teas- Remember, they are Usually Pan-Fried
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Gunpowder - Green tea is often considered as a cup of positivi-tea, but among them, imagine tasting something which is tightly rolled into very small pellets that will slowly unfurl when steeped. You will experience a smoky, bold flavour right from the start of the brewing process.
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Jasmine Green Tea - With the freshness of jasmine flowers and the layering of green tea leaves, you are going to experience scented, healthy tea.
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Longjing or Dragon Well - A surprising fact about this green tea is the chestnut flavour it carries. It is known worldwide for its sword-shaped leaves and its flat, smooth taste.
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Bi Luo Chun - It is made with delicate but curled leaves, and it gives a floral and fruity smell.
Other Popular Varieties
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Darjeeling Green - You can find it in the high altitude hills of India. It has a crisp taste and carries light bodies and a floral flavour.
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Kashmiri Kahwa - It is a classic and traditional blend of green tea with cinnamon, saffron, crushed almonds, and several other ingredients.
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Moroccan Mint - It has gunpowder green tea with a blend of fresh spearmint leaves.
Hidden Facts About Green Tea
Green tea has some facts that cannot be ignored. Some of them are known but are completely ignored most of the time.
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Shade Grown Origin - Some green teas like Matcha, Gyokuro, and more are compulsorily shaded several weeks before they are harvested. It is essential to turn them into premium quality. This process helps in initiating the high production of chlorophyll and L-theanine. Finally, this gives off a sweet and umami flavour.
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Green Tea May Not Be Green - You may be surprised to learn that several popular varieties, like Japanese Sencha, give a vibrant emerald colour. Still, several unoxidized teas are available that turn pale yellow when brewed. So green tea is sometimes not green at all!
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Temperature Matters the Most - You need hot but not boiling water while making green tea, as it may burn the tea completely. Boiled water makes green tea bitter due to excessive tannins. To make the right green tea, you need a temperature somewhere equivalent to 80 degrees Celsius. Do not brew it for more than 3 minutes, and at least 1 minute. It is good to go.
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More caffeine than coffee - Remember earlier monks meditated for a longer duration, thanks to this green tea, which contains 20-45 mg caffeine in a single cup. The amount of L-theanine changes depending on how your body reacts to caffeine.
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Not a Miracle Treatment - Remember, green tea can help with overall well-being, but it cannot stand firm for treating serious diseases. Excessive use may lead to unwanted consequences and must be avoided.
Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
Green tea has existed and survived because of its list of benefits, which is growing. A wise man once said, Finding my inner zen, with every sip at a time. It was said that green tea has held its name for centuries.
Lots of studies have been done, and more are being conducted, and most of them reveal the extra benefits that green tea offers. It has a high level of polyphenols, such as EGCG catechins and L-theanine, which are known to provide powerful antioxidant protection and enhance metabolic rate.
Green tea is derived from unoxidized Camellia sinensis leaves. You will be surprised to learn that it is least processed before use and hence contains all the necessary and healthy antioxidants and polyphenols. Leaves are heated after being picked with the help of pan firing or steaming. It helps in steaming, which is responsible for preserving oxidation and that booming green colour, delivering the fresh flavours at the same time. If you cross the temperature of 185 degrees continuously for 3 minutes, you will get to sip a clear, grassy cup that will have 15 to 48 mg caffeine.
Research is ongoing to prove the superiority of its usage in different diseases.
Mood Enhancement
Together, the combination of amino acid, L-theanine and caffeine might boost memory and cognitive function, leading to a focused and calm mind. It might help with anxiety as well. Many people claimed that when they consumed it regularly, they felt relaxed and more focused in the long run.
Overall well-being is what everyone focuses on, and green tea might prove helpful in managing your overall weight. It is full of caffeine and catechins, which are known to boost meditation immediately. People who intend to have a fit body might incorporate green tea into their daily lives.
Contains Plant Based Antioxidant Compounds
Green tea has polyphenols known as catechins, which might serve as a safeguard against cell damage and prove highly beneficial. Especially EGCG or epigallocatechin-3-gallate is believed to work well in the betterment of overall wellbeing.
May Help With Growing Age Issues
Several health-related issues arise with age, whether knowingly or unknowingly, and L-theanine and EGCG in green tea might come in handy here. You need to understand your body and should take only an adequate amount of green tea.
Might Help With Glowing Skin
Nature has a different way of making you shine, and so does green tea. The enclosed antioxidants and different compounds present in it might clear your inner soul and make your skin shine like never before. You need to understand which green tea suits you well.
Things To Take Care of Before Adding Green Tea To Your Daily Life
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Do not drink too much green tea, as even though it is good for your health, an excess of anything can harm it.
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Pregnant ladies and breastfeeding women should consume it only after consulting with their health specialists.
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People suffering from a serious disease may avoid it unless their doctor approves it.
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If you are allergic to any compound of green tea, you should avoid it completely.
Wrapping Up- Green Tea, Instant Wisdom, Add Water
Enjoy your cup of green tea without a sweetener to extract the maximum benefits. Earth's vibrant, green magic is ready to be served to you. Remember to brew it correctly. If you are looking to buy the right green tea, explore the green tea varieties from The Pahadi Story to taste something unique, directly from the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay if I drink green tea every day?
Most people can enjoy green tea regularly as a part of their diet but what they need to remember throughout is they should consult their doctors if they face any discomfort. Further, three to five small cups of green tea are regarded as fine from a health point of view.
When can I drink green tea?
Though it can be drunk anytime, drinking it during mid-morning or early afternoon really works well, especially if you drink it 1-2 hours before or after meals. This is the right time for the body to absorb its antioxidants, while you can protect your stomach from irritation and prevent iron from being absorbed from the food you eat.
Is it okay to drink green tea on an empty stomach?
Indeed, green tea brings a lot of antioxidants for the consumers, but one thing an expert will never recommend is drinking it on an empty stomach, especially when you have just got up in the morning.
Should I drink green tea hot or cold?
Green tea has been termed as an excellent beverage, but how you drink it is solely dependent upon the way you want it and the result you are looking for. If you are looking for maximum antioxidants and maximum caffeine, it is advisable to try it hot. If you are happy with the natural, smooth, and sweet taste, without trying the bitterness and loads of caffeine, cold brew is something you should shift to.
