Tasting green tea, a drink that helps you to feel good
For several centuries now, people have been used to drinking green tea all over the world, and at any time of the day. Today, tea is the second most consumed drink in the world, just behind water and ahead of coffee. Rich in antioxidants, green tea helps protect its consumers from chronic diseases and cardiovascular disorders. It is also available in many variations, in combination with others plants, fruits, nuts or sometimes flavors, to suit all tastes and desires.
What is the origin of green tea?
Teas are world-famous beverages consumed by a wide audience. Among the different varieties that exist, green tea is one of the most popular: To obtain this characteristic color, the natural oxidation of the leaves is stopped after picking.
It is often said that the origins of tea date back to 3,000 years before our era: at that time, the emperor Shen Nung, used to quench his thirst by drinking hot water. One day, even as he was quenching his thirst under a shrub, the leaves of the wild tea plant fell into the water and infused, giving it a delicious taste.
Later, during the Tang Dinasty in China, between 618 and 907, tea became an integral part of certain rites. Poets consumed it regularly, often in powder form, with water and salt. Tea consumed as an infusion developed especially under the ming, between 1368 and 1644. In Japan, if tea has been present since the 7th century, it became in the 15th century an art of living in its own right, in close connection with Zen philosophy.
Then, during the 17th century, when all the countries of the world began to carry out all kinds of commercial exchanges, tea arrived in our Western civilizations. If it is the prerogative of the rich and aristocrats at first, it develops quickly to be consumed by all the population.
What are the benefits of green tea?
Oh green tea! You've probably already heard about its virtues, haven't you?
It is THE health and slimming drink par excellence!
First of all, green tea is very rich in antioxidants polyphenols to be exact. These powerful antioxidants help slow down the aging of cells. It is even said to have anti-cancer properties.
This antioxidant action also promotes oral health and therefore limits the formation of cavities. Green tea is also very effective in promoting blood circulation. Its flavonoid and catechin content reduces the risk of accidents and cardiovascular diseases. It is also an ally for overweight people or those who fight against obesity because it helps to lose fat mass.
Green tea is also recommended to fight against diabetes. It stimulates the liver and the stomach, boosts the metabolism, and of course participates in your daily hydration.
You will have understood, green tea is a real health ally with many virtues in addition to being delicious.
What is difference between green tea and black tea?
Green tea or black tea?
Let's start from the beginning. All teas come from the same plant: Camellia Sinensis. This plant grow in many countries around the world but the main producers are China, India, Sri Lanka and Japan.
After harvest, the leaves are placed in iron basins and heated at a high temperature for a very short time, until steam is released from the basin. This process aims at destroying the enzymes of the leaves and thus avoiding any risk of fermentation. The leaves remain green.
Then, there are two main types of green tea processing:
- Sencha : The leaves can be flattened and tapered during the drying process. This method is of Japenese origin, and depending on the steaming time, we obtain very different teas in taste: from a pronounced grassy taste to an intense taste.
- Gunpowder : The leaves are rolled on itself, it looks like small cannon balls, hence the English name "gunpowder"! It is a Chinese method that preserves all its original virtues, it is green tea par excellence!
But then what is the difference with black tea?
Black tea, as you have understood, comes from the same plant as green tea. The leaves are simply oxidized!
Black tea was born in China, a legend says that its invention would have been discovered by mistake.
However, the true origin of black tea is not very clear. The Chinese would have seen in the fermentation of green tea the possibility to reduce the volume, to increase the conservation time and thus to facilitate the transport. Moreover, Europeans first discovered black tea because it was easier to transport and preserve during long boat trips.
