green tea, a source of enjoyment

Green tea is a hot keyword these days. Many however understand it through the images and articles portraying it as a pale green colour liquid medicine – with a long list of health benefits. Green tea was discovered accidentally and had been consumed in China for 2000 plus years before we started studying its health benefits. Our ancestors drank it because they enjoyed it. Over the long history of green tea consumption in China, more than 300 varieties have been invented and it has become a product of history, culture and art. Green teas are made of the leaves of a simple plant called Camellia sinensis.  The hundreds of varieties, each with its unique natures to mark their own identity are a result of their different: plant species, cultivation environment, harvesting skills and making skills. The final product is a unique leaf beverage with nothing but individualities. There is a culture build around each green tea production and consumption, the final brew looks similar in bright light green, but their aroma, taste, texture and after taste can only be experienced and described individually. The most amazing bit is that all these come from a simple plant leaf – no additives are required. In fact the additives are only used when covering up is needed for the low quality products.  (Very similar premium wines.) To fully benefit from green teas’ rich anti-oxidants, the first step is to lean to enjoy the tea itself.