Green tea is a type of tea derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which belongs to the family Theaceae. These leaves are also used to make oolong tea, pu-erh tea, white tea, and black tea, as they all come from the Camellia sinensis family. The common feature of these teas is that they are considered true teas because they are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
The process of making black tea from the Camellia sinensis plant involves drying the leaves slowly over a certain period of time after they are harvested. However, the drying process of green tea is different. Green tea is obtained by quickly roasting and drying the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant immediately after they are harvested. Additionally, green tea has a milder flavor compared to other teas. Furthermore, the soil, climate, and weather conditions in which green tea grows contribute to regional variations in its taste. For example, green tea grown in any region of China will taste different from green tea grown in Japan.
The color of green tea is generally light yellow or light green. In China, green tea is commonly made by pan-frying the leaves, while in Japan, green tea leaves are steamed at high temperatures. The frying method adds an aromatic flavor to the tea, while steaming the green tea leaves results in a more herbaceous and vegetal taste.
The origin of green tea dates back approximately 5,000 years. It was first discovered and consumed in China. Green tea has been an essential beverage for the Chinese people for centuries. It is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine and has been consumed as a medicinal product for many years due to its health benefits. Today, it is widely consumed in various regions, including China, India, Japan, the United States, and South America.
Green tea has numerous health benefits when consumed correctly. As the second most consumed beverage after water, tea plays a significant role in controlling weight. Although green tea consumption has increased in Turkey over the past 10-15 years, black tea is still the most widely consumed type of tea.
NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF GREEN TEA
Green tea contains various antioxidants. It is a zero-calorie beverage, making it a popular choice in the fight against obesity. Green tea consists of vitamins, caffeine, antioxidants, and various minerals.
Green tea contains caffeine, but the caffeine content is much lower compared to highly caffeinated beverages like coffee and black tea. As with most things, excessive consumption of green tea can have negative effects due to the caffeine content. This effect is commonly referred to as “green tea allergy” in the general population. Therefore, individuals who experience negative reactions to green tea are advised to consume it with caution.
Green tea is an important source of antioxidants. The C and E vitamins present in green tea greatly contribute to its antioxidant properties. Additionally, green tea contains vitamins A, B5, B7, and D. The polyphenols found in green tea are known to have beneficial effects on cancer, heart diseases, and inflammation, making green tea consumption important for individuals with these conditions.
BREWING GREEN TEA
Green tea has become one of the most consumed teas in Turkey in recent years. While it is often consumed in tea bags, loose-leaf green tea is also available. Brewing green tea differs from brewing black tea. This is because black tea releases its flavor and aroma into the water when steeped in 90-degree Celsius water, whereas green tea does not. When we steep green tea in water at 90 degrees Celsius, the taste of the tea will be bitter and harsh. Instead, the following method should be followed: First, boil the water and then transfer
it to a teapot or a French press and wait for the temperature to drop. Once the water has cooled to an appropriate temperature, add the green tea leaves to the teapot or French press. Unlike other teas, green tea does not require long steeping times. While other teas are steeped for 10-15 minutes, green tea should be steeped for approximately 2-3 minutes. It is recommended to steep and consume green tea in this way to avoid bitterness and preserve its aroma.
BENEFITS OF GREEN TEA
- It has a significant impact on combating the common cold.
- Green tea is one of the beverages that aid in weight loss. This is due to its positive effects on metabolic activity. Additionally, when used in appropriate doses, the caffeine content in green tea can have a fat-burning effect.
- It helps delay skin aging due to its active ingredients.
- Green tea has been proven to have cholesterol-lowering effects, regulate blood pressure, and have positive effects on the immune system.
- It provides high protection against cancer. Scientific research has shown that individuals who consume green tea have a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to non-consumers.
- Green tea has diuretic properties and aids in detoxification by eliminating toxins from the body.