What Is Green Tea?

Unlike oolong and black tea, green tea is made from Camellia sinensis leaves that have not been withered and oxidised.

Learn more: Green tea originated in China, and since then, its production and manufacture have spread to other countries in East Asia.

• Antioxidants in green tea can help protect cells against damage.
• These antioxidants have been linked to a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases.
• Caffeine in green tea can help improve alertness and cognitive function.

Green tea has a milder flavour compared to black tea and is described as having a grassy, vegetal, or nutty taste.

How Do I Develop a Taste for It?

Developing a taste for green tea can be a gradual process. Start with milder varieties like lemon honey or lemon green tea, adjust brewing parameters such as temperature and steeping time, and try flavoured options if plain green tea doesn’t appeal to you.

Gradually increase the strength to find your preferred flavour, pair it with complementary foods, and keep an open mind while exploring its unique qualities.

With patience and experimentation, you may develop a taste for green tea and appreciate its distinct flavours and potential health benefits.

Is Green Tea Good for Health?

Green tea is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Green tea contains caffeine, which can help improve alertness and cognitive function.

Here are the health benefits of green tea:

Reduces the risk of cancer: Green tea contains catechins, which are antioxidants that have been shown to reduce cancer cells. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea are less likely to develop certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

Lowers the risk of heart disease: Green tea contains catechins, which can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea are less likely to develop heart disease and stroke.

Helps with weight loss: Green tea contains caffeine, which can help boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea are more likely to lose weight and body fat than those who don’t drink green tea.

Improves brain function: Green tea contains caffeine and L-theanine, which are both linked to improved brain function. Caffeine can help improve alertness and cognitive function, while L-theanine can help improve mood and reduce stress.

May protect against Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease: Green tea contains catechins, which have been shown to protect brain cells from damage. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

May protect against type 2 diabetes: Green tea contains catechins, which can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar levels. Studies have shown that people who drink green tea are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

Types

India is known for its rich tea culture, and it produces various types of green tea. Here are the popular types of green tea found in India:

• Darjeeling Green Tea is one of the most popular types of green tea in India. It is grown in the Darjeeling region of West Bengal, India. It has a delicate, sweet flavor and is described as having a “honey” or “jasmine” aroma.
• Assam Green Tea is another popular type of green tea in India. It is grown in the Assam region of Assam, India. It has a stronger, more robust flavor than Darjeeling green tea.
• Nilgiri Green Tea is a type of green tea that is grown in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. It has a smooth, mellow flavor and is described as having a “citrus” or “fruity” aroma.
• Kucha Tea is a type of green tea that is grown in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. It has a strong, earthy flavor and is described as having a “peppery” or “spicy” aroma.
• Bancha Green Tea is a type of green tea that is made from the lower leaves and stems of the tea plant. It has a grassy, vegetal flavor and is described as having a “wheaty” or “hay” aroma.
• Genmaicha Green Tea is a type of green tea that is mixed with roasted brown rice. It has a nutty, popcorn-like flavor and is described as having a “toasty” or “smoky” aroma.

Each region’s unique climate, soil conditions, and processing techniques contribute to the distinct flavors and characteristics of their green teas.

How to Make Green Tea

Quick & easy, these steps will guide you on how to make a perfect cup of Goodricke Green tea.

For this guide, we are using our Symphony Lemon & Honey Green Tea

• Boil water: Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil. The ideal water temperature for brewing green tea is around 175°F (80°C). You can let the water cool for a few minutes after boiling to reach the desired temperature.
• Measure the tea leaves: Depending on your preference and the specific green tea variety, use approximately one teaspoon of loose green tea leaves per cup of water. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• Preheat the teapot or cup: Rinse the teapot or cup with hot water to warm it up. This helps maintain the temperature of the tea during brewing.
• Steep the tea: Place the green tea leaves in the teapot or a tea infuser. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let it steep for about 1–2 minutes. Steeping time can vary depending on the type of green tea and your preferred strength. Avoid steeping for too long to prevent bitterness.
• Strain and serve: After the desired steeping time, remove the tea leaves by straining the tea or removing the infuser. Pour the brewed tea into cups or mugs.
• Optional: Add honey or lemon- If desired, you can add a small amount of honey or a squeeze of lemon to enhance the flavor of the green tea. However, it’s recommended to taste the tea without any additives first to appreciate its natural flavors.

Green Tea Grades

There is no single grading system for green tea, as different countries and regions have their own standards. However, there are general terms that are used to describe the quality and appearance of green tea.

Whole leaf: This refers to tea leaves that have not been broken or crushed. Whole-leaf green tea is considered to be of the highest quality.

Broken leaf: This refers to tea leaves that have been broken or crushed. Broken-leaf green tea is less expensive than whole-leaf tea, but it may not have as strong of a flavor.

Fanning: This refers to the smallest pieces of tea leaves. Fannings are used to make iced tea or to add flavor to other drinks.

Dust: This refers to the smallest pieces of tea leaves. Dust is used in tea bags.

Green Tea and Weight Loss

Green tea is a popular beverage that has been linked to a number of health benefits, including weight loss.

One study found that people who drank green tea for 12 weeks lost more weight and body fat than those who drank a placebo beverage. Another study found that green tea extract helped to reduce body weight and waist circumference in people with obesity.

Here are tips for using green tea to help you lose weight:

• Drink green tea regularly. The more you drink, the more likely you are to see results.
• Drink green tea in the morning or before workouts. This is when your body will likely use caffeine and catechins for energy.
• Don’t add sugar or milk to your green tea. These can add calories and make it less effective for weight loss.
• If you are taking medication, talk to your doctor before drinking green tea. Green tea can interact with medications.

With the right nutrition and regular exercise, green tea can be a tailwind on one’s weight loss journey.

Caffeine Content in Green Tea

Green tea contains caffeine, although in varying amounts depending on factors such as the type of tea, brewing method, and steeping time. On average, an 8-ounce (240 ml) cup of green tea can contain around 20–45 milligrams of caffeine. It is important to note, however, that these figures can fluctuate.

Compared to other common sources of caffeine, like coffee or black tea, green tea has lower caffeine content. For instance, an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine, while the same amount of black tea may have around 30–60 milligrams.

Several factors influence the caffeine content in green tea. For example, younger tea leaves contain higher caffeine levels than mature leaves. Additionally, the brewing parameters, such as water temperature and steeping time, can affect the caffeine extraction.