All Green Teas

Green tea, a product of the Camellia sinensis plant with minimal oxidation, holds a cherished history and deep cultural importance in countries such as China and Japan. Its distinctive flavor profiles, ranging from grassy and vegetal to sweet and floral, have garnered increasing popularity in the West. Along with its delightful taste, green tea's potential health benefits continue to captivate the interest of tea aficionados worldwide.

Brewing Instructions:

Use one teaspoon of tea per 8 ounces of water. Generally, use 180°F water (not boiling) for Chinese tea and 160°F water for Japanese green teas. Steep for 2-3 minutes. Higher-quality green teas may require cooler water and shorter steeping times. Start by following the specific instructions provided with your tea. Until you are familiar with it enough to know what you like!

History:

Green tea has a long and storied history spanning nearly 5,000 years, with China and Japan playing central roles in its development and cultural significance. In ancient China, green tea was initially used for medicinal purposes before evolving into a beloved daily beverage. It was during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) that Chinese tea culture began to flourish, and the famous poet and tea connoisseur Lu Yu wrote "The Classic of Tea," an influential treatise on tea cultivation and preparation. In Japan, green tea was introduced by Buddhist monks returning from China during the 9th century. By the 12th century, tea had become an integral part of Japanese culture, with the development of the Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, highlighting its revered status in society.

Possible Health Benefits:

Green tea has been linked to various health benefits, such as reduced mortality due to cardiovascular disease, lower prevalence of cognitive impairment, improved cholesterol levels, weight management, and alleviation of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These benefits are attributed to its high levels of polyphenols and other antioxidants.