Get The Best Tea

Matcha and Caffeine

2011-09-19T07:24:00.000-07:00

One of the most common questions we get is, "how much caffeine does matcha have?"
Matcha contains roughly 25mg of caffeine, which is approximately one-third the caffeine of a cup of brewed coffee. This is by most standards a very small amount of caffeine; it is easily tolerated by many people for whom coffee makes them jittery because all of the other components that make up matcha in effect slow down the release of caffeine into the body. It typically takes a good three to six hours for this minimal amount of caffeine to be absorbed into the bloodstream, and yet the wakefulness effects are apparent almost immediately upon drinking it.
In other words, matcha doesn't make you "wired" - it's nothing like coffee. If you're wary of caffeine, you can relax (and matcha will make you relax).

By definition, all "real" teas - that is, teas that come from the plant camellia sinensis, including all black, green, and oolong teas - contain some caffeine. It's built into the molecular tructure of the plant.
Matcha is different from coffee, and from other teas, in one important aspect: the caffeine in matcha works in a synergistic manner with all the other great stuff that matcha contains, including hefty quantities of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids.
This combination of caffeine + phytonutrients + antioxidants + amino acids produces an unusual effect on matcha drinkers: an uncanny ability to focus and be productive over an extended period of a few hours (for some, the effect can last up to six hours). The effect is quite fascinating, and extremely pleasant for most people because there is none of the jitteriness associated with caffeine from coffee.
Because the caffeine molecules in matcha bind to larger and more stable molecules (especially catechins), the caffeine is, essentially, released over time, instead of all at once, as it is with espresso or brewed coffee, into the bloodstream. In contrast to coffee, this timed-release mechanism tends to inhibit any sudden insulin increases, so there is no "crash" associated with quick drops in blood sugar that so many coffee drinkers feel an hour or so after drinking a cup. Nor does matcha stimulate the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, as coffee can.
Our favorite description of the effects of caffeine in matcha comes from Dana Velden, a writer at The Kitchn.com. "The caffeine hit of an espresso can be a bit like having an express train screaming through the middle of your body: a deep, powerful, jittery roar. I find the effects of matcha to be just as stimulating but in a more delicate, refined way, as if a thousand butterflies have descended on my body, beating their wings until I'm lifted, gently but resolutely, a few inches off the ground. (Seriously.)"

Tea Drinking Culture of the 21st Century

2011-09-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

TEA CULTURE
Everyone loves a good cuppa! A hot cup of Tea puts the world to rights; puts a smile on your face and warms your soul after a hard day's slog. A hot cup of Tea washes away sorrows and puts a spring in your step with each loving sip. A hot cup of Tea is a comfort blanket, a medicinal treasure and something our British culture would not be the same without.
Tea drinking dates back as far as 10th century BC where it was historically recorded first originating as a Chinese custom to sip on the brewed leaves. It supposedly broke loose from its Chinese roots and began to influence adjoining Asian regions such as Japan and Korea who abruptly latched on to the Tea growing, Tea brewing, and Tea-drinking phenomenon.
Sometime during the 16th century Tea made its way into the English economy, thanks to King Charles II alliance with Portugal through his marital ties.
The Portuguese maintained well-established trading channels with China through which Tea soon became an accessible commodity that us Brits did not want to do without.
In western civilization Tea first drew breath as a lavish elixir. To sip on this 'liquid gold' was a true honor and one only presented to those of privileged parties. It was drank both medicinally and recreationally, often finding itself poured at special occasions and celebrations (usually drank from expensive china with a pert pinky on show!)
Subsequently through India's flourishing Tea trade and a huge drop in price, by the 19th century Tea became a working-class refreshment and commonly drunk in all households. It no longer held such the regal status that it once claimed ownership to however flourished as a popular pick to have readily available on your kitchen shelves.
We Brits have drunk many a 'cup of char' since the appearance of Tea back in the day. But long gone are those days of brewing your Tetley's or your PG Tips! Tea culture has moved on from a beloved cup of Yorkshire and a fondant fancy...to a new era of health-conscious folk wanting a new lease of life from their leaves.
Oolong, Puerh & Matcha Green Tea are all, but a few, parading the headlines as the new brew in town. Promising to eradicate harmful toxins, aid digestion, weight loss plus much more, these 'Trendy Teas' appear to be the way forward in giving us a clean bill of health while enjoying a soulful sip on these invigorating infusions.
Many Tea brands are all brewing up a storm with their cheeky concoctions, such as Chocolate Tea, Chilli Chai and Crème Caramel! And if that's not enough I have heard popcorn Tea is making its way onto centre stage! A cinematic revolution in Tea culture perhaps?
There's a whole host of holistic Teas that offer up a wealth of diversity and deliciousness helping to cure an array of ailments from A-Z. Tea drinking certainly has risen to refinement once more with the introduction of these modern twists on ancient blends, revamping Tea as the Trendy Tea of the 21st century.

What Is White Tea and How Do I Make Some?

2011-09-19T07:20:00.000-07:00

White tea is made from the very youngest leaves and unopened buds from the top of the tea plant. These buds have fine white hairs along their surface, giving them a whitish appearance. The processing of the harvested leaves is very minimal and quick, they are steamed or fired to keep them from oxidizing and breaking down almost immediately after harvest with very little withering or exposure to air. The lack of processing leaves the high levels of antioxidant catechins present in raw tea leaves intact in the finished white tea, and has a serious effect on the caffeine content.
Tea that has not been oxidized or fermented very much, like white tea and green tea, can be difficult to brew properly, leaving many people believing that green tea or white tea are always bitter. However, brewing loose white or green tea is very easy with a little practice.
Brewing White Tea or Green Tea:

1. Water- water should be hot, but not too hot. Just below the boiling point, at around 80-90 degrees Celsius. Let the kettle sing then sit for a minute or so of silence. It is also very important that you use good water. Spring water is best, but a very clean filtered water will suffice.
2. When pouring the water over the leaves, especially if you are using the leaves a second or third time, it is best to pour the water around the edge of the brewing vessel and the leaves, not directly over the leaves.
3. Short brewing time: It is very important not to brew white tea or green tea for too long. Good whole leaf white or green tea should infuse for no more than 30 to 45 seconds the first time, and 15-30 seconds after that. If the tea has been rolled into tight balls, a longer infusion time of about 1 minute for the first brew will open the leaves up and shorter times of 15-30 seconds can be used after that.
4. Drain the water completely from the leaves immediately. As soon as the tea has colored or reached your desired strength, drain all of the water from the leaves. Make sure to drain them completely, especially if you want to brew the leaves more than one time.
A good white tea, brewed with good water and some rehearsed skill, can have a broad variety of distinctive flavours, but a few things are almost always true of white tea; it usually has a very light taste, with a bit of vegetal sweetness, a twist of maltyness or even pineyness, and a pleasant floral fragrance. Bottoms up!

Green Tea Benefits Vs White Tea Benefits

2011-09-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

All tea has a vast array of wonderful health promoting properties, but the concentrations of different antioxidant phenols, caffeine, and L-theanine vary greatly from type to type of tea. Many people are well aware of the health benefits of green tea, but what about white tea? What are some of white tea's benefits and properties and how do they compare with the benefits of green tea, black tea, oolong, or puer?

White tea is harvested from the top leaves and buds of the tea plant which are covered with very fine white hairs, giving the tea its whitish appearance. It is processed minimally, being steamed or roasted almost immediately after harvest to prevent oxidation of the leaves, leaving most of the chemical components found in the raw leaves intact, more intact than any other tea, even green;

· Catechin- Catechin is the antioxidant phenol that is found in raw tea. The process of oxidation used to create oolong tea and black tea causes the oxidative enzymes in the tea to react with air and various chemicals on the surface of the leaves, thereby creating more complex polyphenols from the catechin.

Because of the lack of oxidation that marks white tea, it has a very high concentration of catechin, higher than any other type of tea. Catechin has been found to bond with cholesterol and remove it from the system and prevent the development of bad cholesterol due to oxidation, as well as retarding the growth of cancer cells and DNA damage caused by exposure to forms of radiation (laptops, cell phones, television, microwave ovens, etc.).

· Theanine- Theanine is a non-protein amino acid that is found more or less only in tea. It is absorbed through the small intestine and passes the blood brain barrier. It creates a sense of mellow well being and calm by directly stimulating the production of alpha waves in the brain. It is also instrumental in the formation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) which assists the body in controlling the flow of serotonin and dopamine.

· Anti-bacterial/Anti-fungal activity- In a study conducted at Pace university, using white tea extract, found that white tea was more effective than green tea(also extracted) in inactivating bacterial viruses like Staphylococcus(like MRSA) and Streptococcus, indicating that white tea might have powerful anti-viral effect against human pathogenic viruses along with its already well known anti-bacterial properties, which can help prevent things like dental cavities and tooth decay caused by bacteria(but don't stop brushing because tea still stains the heck out of plaque!) Dr. Schiffenbauer, a microbiologist who participated in the study said "Our research shows that white tea extract can actually destroy in vitro the organisms that cause disease".

All in all, it's very good news for those of us who enjoy the occasional (or frequent) cup of white tea. Of course, this is only a small list of the benefits of white tea and research is still being conducted constantly, adding to and refining that list. There is a lot more in that pot than a bunch of leaves...

Mystery of Tea Etiquette Solved

2011-09-19T07:17:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days of prim and proper formal tea parties where women wear white gloves and frilly lace dresses. Today's busy woman is looking for fun and entertainment, not stuffy tea etiquette rules.
Formal tea parties can be intimidating affairs to the novice tea drinker or first time attendee. All those vintage decorations, flowers, lace and fancy delicate china can be a bit overwhelming to the modern gal of today. Tea etiquette wasn't taught in business school. What does one do with that little gold spoon? (Stir your tea.) Are those tiny flowers on the sugar cubes for real? (They're made of frosting.) Do you really drop them into your teacup? (Yes.) What does one do with a wet tea bag? (There should be a little teapot shaped dish to put it in. If not, place it on your saucer.) What in the world is a savory? (A tea sandwich.) How do you eat a scone? (Break it in half, spread with jam or lemon curd and Devonshire cream and eat like finger food.)

Even if guests have never attended a tea party before, they can relax and enjoy the fun and food as the focus is on the mystery and not on proper tea etiquette. Devonshire cream is spread while the guests spread fun into the party as they read their script. How to properly eat a scone and the proper folding of a napkin fade in importance as the mystery plot unfolds.
Mystery parties have become a popular new and unique way to provide entertainment for women's gatherings of all kinds. Book clubs, sororities, country clubs, church groups, Red Hatters, tea societies, tea rooms and retirement centers are just a few that offer mystery tea parties as special events.
The popularity of tea is growing as more and more people learn the amazing health benefits of tea drinking. Many coffee bars now offer a variety of tea drinks. Proper tea etiquette is forgotten as steaming hot teas as well as frothy iced teas are served in Styrofoam or paper cups. Fancy little spoons engraved with flowers are replaced with a wooden or paper stir stick.
Tea Houses are popular places to try the many blends of teas and tisanes. There you will find black, green, white or oolong teas from exotic places, with equally exotic names. You can purchase tea in loose leaf form, or in tea bags, as most of us are accustomed to. Tea houses offer a place to try new blends, and provide a place to meet friends, chat or perhaps just sit and read while enjoying a good brew.
The mystery of formal tea etiquette is replaced with casual relaxation over a cup of tea.

Maxine Holmgren is a writer of mystery tea party plans, tea enthusiast, playright and certified personality trainer. She has been active in many community theatre groups as well. Her combined interest in all of these things led to writing hilarious mystery theme tea party plans. The plans can be purchased as a download or hard copy sent by mail at http://www.mysteryteaparties.com