Monday, October 8, 2012

Japanese Green Tea

Japanese Green Tea
 

Green tea is a type of tea made solely with the leaves of Camellia sinensis, that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Camellia sinensis includes white tea, green tea, black tea and Oolong tea. Green tea originated from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East. Recently, it has become more widespread in the West, where black tea is traditionally consumed. 

Many varieties of green tea have been created in countries where it is grown that can differ substantially due to variations in growing conditions, processing and harvesting time. Over the last few decades green tea has been subject to many scientific and medical studies to determine the extent of its long-purported health benefits, with some evidence suggesting regular green tea drinkers may have lower chances of heart disease and developing certain types of cancer.  Green tea has also been useful for weight loss management.

Health Benefits of Green Tea 
Green tea has several health promoting properties the most important of which are Catechins. Catechins comprise about 25% of the dry weight of fresh tea leaf, although total catechin content varies widely depending on the tea varietal, growing location, season, and altitude. Catechins are present in nearly all teas made from Camellia sinensis, including white tea, green tea, black tea and Oolong tea. Catechins are also present in chocolate, fruits, vegetables and wine and are found in many other plant species.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in tea. According to Norman Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, epicatechin or EGCG can reduce the risk of four of the major health problems: stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. Thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.
Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants such as Vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E. (Click on link for the detailed analysis of Matcha powdered green tea). 

Green tea also contains anxiety reducing and mood enhancing Theanine, a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in green tea. Theanine is related to glutamine, and can cross the blood-brain barrier. Because it can enter the brain, theanine has psychoactive properties. Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress, may produce feelings of relaxation and improves cognition and mood when taken in combination with caffeine.

To date, the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine. However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee: there are approximately thirty mg. of caffeine in eight ounces of tea, compared to over one-hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
  
 Types of Japanese Green Tea 
  • Matcha (Green Tea powder) - Matcha or Green tea powder allows you to get the full health and nutrition benefit of the whole green tea leaf. Matcha is derived from Gyokuro a green tea that has been grown under 90% shade three weeks prior to harvest. Like other types of green tea, the leaves are steamed to prevent fermentation. Unlike Gyokuro, however, the leaves are only processed to a certain point and are not rolled. Instead, the leaves are processed so that the veins are removed, producing a product known as "Tencha". The Tencha is further refined by grinding, traditionally on a stone mill, resulting in Matcha. Since there are so many steps involved, each adding additional labor, Matcha tends to be the most expensive of all green tea. Matcha is used for the tea ceremony, and also for cooking and various desserts and drinks such as ice cream, gelato and smoothies. The more vivid and green the color, the higher the quality and the fresher the Matcha. 
  • Sencha - means infused tea and is the most common and potent Japanese green tea. 
  • Genmaicha - is a blend of Sencha/Bancha, roasted brown rice and Hojicha. It has a light brown color and rich toasty taste. 
  • Gyokuro - means "Drops of Jade" in Japanese and is considered the "King of Teas. A high prized Japanese Green Tea, which tastes rich. When the tea plants are covered a few weeks before the harvest, they produce a glutamine acid that sweetens the taste of the tea and gives Gyokuro a very special taste. 
  • Uji -  is named after a region in Kyoto and grown only in Uji Kyoto. Uji's flavor is a cross between Gyokuro and Sencha. Slightly sweeter and gentler than Sencha, but with a deeper flavor than Gyokuro. 
  • Fukamushi - This a Sencha tea and one of the most popular Japanese green teas. "Fukamushi" meaning "deep steamed". Fukamushi Senchas undergo longer steam processing than standard Senchas. The longer steam processing allows smooth passage of the stems and leaves which extracts the refined flavor tones. 
  • Tamaryokucha - means coiled green tea because of the shape it obtains after processing. Tamaryokucha is a very select green tea grown in Ureshino, Saga. This tea's flavor is sweet and mild, with strong floral fragrance and flavor. When processed the leaves are steamed then hand rolled to obtain its unique shape. 
  • Hojicha - was first harvested in the Kyoto region of Honshu peninsula in the early 20th century by a tea merchant. The larger leaves of the tea plant are roasted to achieve a very grassy and strong flavor. Hojicha has a low caffeine level and unique aroma.
  • Kukicha - comprises mainly stems and twigs of the tea plant along with the tea leaves. Kukicha is a cousin to Hojicha, the main difference being that Kukicha is not roasted. Kukicha has a mildly nutty and slightly sweet flavor. This tea also has a very low caffeine level similar to that of Hojicha. 
  • Bancha - tea made from coarse leaves that are usually picked late in the season. This tea produces a light yellow hue and a toasty taste. Bancha was the drinking tea for common people in Japan until Sencha was introduced. Bancha is naturally high in vitamin C, and has a moderate caffeine level. 
 
Read more - Sources:  

Videos of Japanese Green Tea
Japanese Tea Ceremony, also known as "Chado" 

The "Chado" is the art of preparing and serving tea. The guiding principles of the tea ceremony, an unhurried and deliberate process, are harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.  The principles require the host to clean the garden, sweep the tearoom, draw the water, build the fire, select and display works of art, prepare the meal and tea, and then serve the guests. The guest observes the rituals of the ceremony and gains a deep appreciation of the host's efforts and it helps to strengthen their relationship.

Where to Get Great Quality Organic Japanese Green Tea
  • SA Japanese Green Tea - superior gourmet green tea due to SA's careful tea selection and expert blending. SA green tea comes from plants grown in Japan's mountains. They use only the highest grade green tea available in Japan.  http://www.sugimotousa.com/ 
  • Gypsy Tea - organic high premium fair trade tea. http://secure.gypsytea.com/Opus-Green-Teas-C94.aspx
  • Teance - provides premium, seasonal whole leaf tea and it emphasizes the enjoyment, health benefits, and the serenity that comes with drinking tea. Teance is named for tea and all of the elegant thoughts associated with it: nuance, ambiance, elegance.  http://www.teance.com/Green_Tea_Lu_Cha_Teance_s/4.htm
  • Teanobi - means the "beauty or the art of tea" - is a small company that offers the finest quality tea. http://www.teanobi.com/
  • Aiya - leading global producer of organic Matcha green tea and premium Japanese teas since 1888. http://www.aiya-america.com/corporation/index.html
  • Samovar Tea Lounge - San Francisco-based tea house that features organic, fair trade tea, and tea service. Samovar offers green tea, black tea and herbal infusions.
    http://www.samovartea.com/html/lounge/about.cfm
  • Teavana -  According to the Teavana website, the Teavana dream began with an idea that people would enjoy fresh, high-quality tea in a place that was part Tea Bar, part Tea Emporium. They wanted to introduce people to the aromas, textures, and beneficial qualities of loose leaf teas while enlightening them with the history and variety of teas available. Teavana's goal is to be a heaven of tea and to offer its customers the healthy lifestyle and wonderful tastes of tea. After considerable research, only those teas with rich flavors and superior health benefits are selected for Teavana. Teavana has over 200 Teavana locations throughout the US and Mexico. http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/green-teas 

 Tea Stories from the Experts
  • Shimo oka san: Mr. Shimooka produces Gyokuro tea and is considered the best tea producer in Japan. He won the extremely prestigious Emperor's Cup for his tea. In the past 50 years, there has only been five awards for tea, and he is one of the recipients. Read what Shimo oka san says about green tea:
    http://www.teance.com/category_s/91.htm
Learn more
Tea News and Events

Disclaimer: The statements regarding the nutritional and medicinal properties of the various foods have not  been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These items are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your own physician for guidance regarding your health and nutrition.
 
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