Chinese green tea has been around for a recorded three thousand years, and has been providing folks with great flavor and plenty of health benefits...long before they even knew what most were!
In Chinese medicine, this brew was used to battle many conditions, and is still used today as both a helpful preventative and cure. Such conditions range from the common cold to more serious health issues such as the development of cancer. However, there is no current scientific research that suggests any tea will totally beat cancer, but there is research that revealed it can certainly help prevent it.
However, there is more to this special type of tea than just battling cancer! Below we will quickly explore other aspects this great beverage has to offer aside from just health.
Common Types of Chinese Green Tea
When some folks think about tea from China, they may not realize that there are hundreds of varieties of this beverage. There is more to it then that little bag that sits at the bottom of Chinese food take out...there is no one variety! Below, we will only look at two very common teas...or else this article would be long indeed!
First, we have "Dragon Well", a well-known variety. The leaves of Dragon Well are broad and flat, no longer than the average finger nail, and is very similar to the Japanese green tea, "Sencha". The aroma and flavor of this beverage has a smooth mellow note with mild grassy undertones. When brewed correctly, a pale green liquor is revealed which sometimes has a bit of sweetness, especially once the palate adapts.
Then we have "Pi Lo Chun", also known as "green snail spring". This tea gets it name due to the fact that the leaves are curled into what looks like little snails, just like the way some Taiwanese oolong teas are rolled. When steeped, the leaves open up revealing a very clean taste that is more delicate than Dragon Well. There is also a hint of sweetness and its light taste is perfect for newcomers introducing themselves to loose Chinese green tea.
Of course there are many more, but the above two are the only two types that are more widespread. All the other varieties are unique to each of the hundreds of individual tea farms and estates that produce them. Generally, each receives its own special "name" and remains exclusive to that specific farm, way of processing, and final preparation on how the tea is shaped, whether it be rolled by hand or by machines.
Many different sizes, flavors, colors, and prices are associated which each specific tea. As mentioned...there is no one!
Why Loose Leaf Is Important
Brewing Chinese green tea using loose leaves over ordinary bags is a must in order to achieve full flavor and the most benefits! With bags, a large percentage of the essential oils dry up leaving little room for aroma, taste, and health. However, this is not the case with loose leaf brewed tea, granted if the leaves are steeped within 6 to 8 months of the flush. Remember, even loose leaves go bad with time.
Bag brewed beverages can give a bad first impression on the subtle nature Chinese green tea offers. Sure the color will be brilliant, but the taste will be bitter, fuzzy, and very grassy...all which may be a big turn off for newcomers. Sadly, one would believe this is what all green tea is like, and would have missed out on the true superior flavor loose leaf is known for! The way it is meant to be enjoyed. Unfortunately this is the case for most Americans since over 90 percent of folks prepare their tea by using bags.
Some Health Benefits
There is a wide range of benefits from consuming tea, some which include:
1. Lowered cholesterol and blood pressure
2. Younger and healthier looking skin
3. A stronger immune system
4. Help with weight loss, (along with proper dieting and exercise)
5. Aids with stopping the development of certain tumors
6. Can even lead to a healthier smile by abating plague
Every week, new literature is published covering the many health aspects this beverage has to offer. Of course preparing loose leaf style as mentioned above and drinking several cups a day (not just one) on a daily basis is what will ultimately determine exactly how much of these benefits folks can reap.
However, when it comes down to it, Chinese green tea should be enjoyed both for the aroma, flavor, plentiful varieties, culture, social enjoyment, as well as the health benefits!
Aside from the Chinese green varieties, we also have white, oblong, and black, all which lead into hundreds of more varieties to explore! This is why loose leaf tea becomes such a great pleasure for most who enjoy it. With loose tea, there will always be a new variety to discover!