The Story of Tea (camellia sinensis)
All tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, a warm weather evergreen, which grows in some of the world's most exotic places. Three basic kinds of tea are produced: green, black and oolong. The difference is in how the leaves are processed and the amount of oxygen to which they are exposed.
Green Tea
Green Tea is not oxidized at all - the leaves are steamed, rolled and dried. Depending upon processing, there are a large number of varieties, most of which are produced in China. Below are a few examples.
Gunpowder - each leaf is rolled into a compact pellet and provides a very subtle fragrance and sweet flavor.
Dragon Well - grown in China, this blend has a rich toasty flavor and herbal aroma.
Genmaicha - roasted rice is blended with Sencha tea, creating a richly flavored, visually dramatic beverage sometimes called "popcorn tea."
Gyokuro - also known as "Pearl Dew," it is a rich, herbaceous and highly valued Japanese tea.
Mattcha, Tencha - called Tencha before it is powdered, this is used in the famed Tea Company.
Drink To Your Health
Health benefits of tea have been well publicized. Like fruits and vegetables, tea is an excellent supplemental source of antioxidants and flavonoids, which the body needs for many things including lowering cholesterol, assisting in weight loss and fighting many kinds of cancer.
For those concerned about caffeine, opinions vary widely regarding levels of different teas. The variety of the leaf, brewing method and time all affect caffeine levels in tea. On the average, tea contains less than half the caffeine in coffee. In addition, decaffeinated varieties of tea are widely available.
WHITE TEA
White Tea is sometimes classified by itself, but we have grouped it with the green teas since it is after all unfermented. Varieties of white tea are among the most rare expensive teas in the World! Leaves and buds are picked early in the day at the crack of dawn, before the leaves are fully open and while the buds are still covered with fine white hairs, hence the name.
Although it comes from the same plant as other varieties, white tea is very light and subtle. The leaves are hand-sorted to give them a mellow, sweet taste and a delicate flavor. Varieties include White Peony, Silver Needle and White Cloud.
Enjoy tea and drink till u drop. But, as i always say...be very careful in reading health and diet books...because you Just May die from a misprint.
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