What is Chinese green tea?
1、What is Green Tea:
Green tea is one of China’s main types of tea. It refers to tea leaves that undergo no fermentation and are processed through a series of techniques. Because it is unfermented, it largely retains natural substances from the fresh leaves, containing many beneficial nutrients. Green tea is known for its anti-aging, anti-cancer, and disinfectant properties. Major varieties include Yunwu, Longjing, Que She, and Biluochun, earning it the title of China’s “national drink.”
2、Appearance of Green Tea:
Green tea is named for its appearance: the dry leaves are green, the brewed tea is jade green, and the leaf base is emerald green.
3、Flavor Characteristics of Green Tea:
Green tea offers a refreshing, lively sensation. It typically has a mild bitterness and a subtle sweet aftertaste, with a smooth and delicate mouthfeel. When tasted, it unfolds in the mouth with a unique fragrance reminiscent of fresh vegetation. Initially slightly astringent, it quickly transforms into a comfortable flavor. Compared to black tea or Pu’er tea, the astringency of green tea is mild. Overall, green tea provides a fresh and pleasant taste, offering a cool and refreshing sensation.
4、Nutritional Value of Green Tea:
Green tea contains various active compounds that can eliminate free radicals and protect cells, thereby delaying skin aging. Caffeine in green tea can stimulate the central nervous system, providing a refreshing effect and enhancing productivity, particularly beneficial for those engaged in frequent writing. Low in calories, green tea’s active ingredients can promote fat breakdown and restore blood vessel elasticity. Modern pharmacological studies have found that green tea has antibacterial properties, is rich in vitamin C which aids iron absorption, and is a useful beverage for anemic individuals or those experiencing mild dizziness. Vitamin C helps alleviate damage from heavy metals, making green tea indispensable for professionals.
5、Brewing Green Tea:
Green tea leaves are delicate and require water at approximately 80 degrees Celsius for brewing. The brewing process is convenient: a ratio of 1:100 (one part tea leaves to 100 parts water) can be adjusted according to personal taste. It can be brewed directly in a cup or using traditional Chinese tea utensils.
Top-down method: Pour hot water at 80 degrees Celsius into the cup and add tea leaves from above. (Results in clear tea soup with a mild taste)
Bottom-up method: Place appropriate tea leaves in the cup, then pour in 80 degrees Celsius hot water. (Results in cloudy tea soup with a stronger taste)
For traditional Chinese tea utensils:
Use a covered bowl: Place tea leaves in a covered bowl, pour in 80 degrees Celsius hot water, cover, wait for 10 seconds, and pour out the tea. (Results in a more refined taste)
6、Storage of Green Tea:
To preserve green tea, avoid humidity (ideal relative humidity around 60%). High humidity (>70%) can cause mold and acidity due to moisture absorption. Optimal storage temperature is 0-5 degrees Celsius to prevent degradation of amino acids, sugars, vitamins, and aromatic compounds caused by high temperatures. Avoid sunlight, which accelerates oxidation of tea pigments and esters, degrading chlorophyll into pheophytin.
7、Recommended Tea Utensils for Green Tea:
Recommended utensils include glass cups, glass teapots, covered bowls, and porcelain cups for premium green teas.
8、Pairing Green Tea with Food:
Green tea’s fresh and sometimes slightly bitter taste pairs well with mildly sweet desserts such as muffins, cakes, and biscuits. Avoid overly sweet treats as they can overwhelm the tea’s flavor.
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