Posts tagged tea information
Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea

If you're a tea lover looking for a unique and flavorful green tea, we would recommend trying Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea. This traditional Japanese tea is made by combining high-quality green tea leaves with roasted brown rice, resulting in a nutty and aromatic flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying.

Not only does this tea offer a delicious taste, but it also provides health benefits due to its high levels of antioxidants and the natural benefits of green tea. The addition of roasted brown rice adds a nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness to the tea, making it a perfect option for those who prefer a slightly sweeter tea.

The appearance of the tea leaves is unique, with a mix of green tea leaves and small pieces of roasted brown rice, creating a textured and colorful appearance. The aroma is also distinctive, with a nutty and slightly toasty scent.

To brew this tea, simply steep one teaspoon of the tea leaves in eight ounces of hot water at a temperature of 180°F for two to three minutes. The resulting tea has a light golden color and a nutty, toasty flavor with a slight sweetness from the roasted rice.

Overall, Beantean Tea & Spices' Genmaicha Japanese Green Tea is a must-try for tea lovers who enjoy unique and flavorful blends. This tea provides both taste and health benefits, making it a perfect choice for any time of the day. The combination of high-quality green tea and roasted brown rice creates a unique and satisfying taste that is sure to delight the senses. Try it today and experience the delicious flavor of this traditional Japanese tea!

Why Cold Brew Tea?

Cold brew teas are growing in popularity both due to their refreshing taste and health benefits. This blog will cover some of the health benefits of drinking cold brew teas, how they differ from traditional hot brewed teas, and discuss how the brewing process and temperature play a role in cold brew tea’s potential health benefits.

The health benefits of cold brew tea can be attributed to the antioxidants and phytonutrients found in tea: specifically, catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigens. These antioxidant compounds are responsible for providing health benefits such as enhanced cognitive function and weight management.

One of the most important antioxidants found in tea is polyphenols, which have many health benefits. Cold brew tea contains more polyphenols than hot brewed tea, due to the different brewing processes. Cold brewed tea is typically steeped at low temperatures with little to no heat, whereas hot brewed tea is steeped in hot water, which can reduce the level of polyphenols in the tea. Polyphenols have been found to have potential benefits such as reducing inflammation, preventing damage to DNA, and reducing the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Catechins are another type of antioxidant found in tea, which have been found to provide many health benefits. When catechins are heated, they can break down, which reduces their health benefits. This can be a problem when consuming hot brewed tea, as the heat can reduce the level of catechins present. However, cold brew tea is brewed at low temperatures, which allows the catechins to remain intact. Studies have shown that the catechins present in cold brew teas can reduce the risk of heart disease, improve cholesterol levels, and decrease blood pressure.

Theaflavins are a third type of antioxidant found in tea, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits. Studies have shown that theaflavins can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to chronic disease. Theaflavins have also been found to reduce the risk of cancer and improve liver health. Because cold brew tea is brewed at a lower temperature, the level of theaflavins present is greater than in hot brewed tea, which allows for more of the health benefits from theaflavins to be gained.

Thearubigens are another type of antioxidant found in tea, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits. Studies have shown that thearubigens can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can lead to chronic disease. In addition to this, thearubigens have also been found to have antiviral activities and can improve blood pressure. Thearubigens are more abundant in cold brewed tea than in hot brewed tea, due to the lower brewing temperature.

Overall, cold brew tea is an excellent source of polyphenols, catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigens, all of which are antioxidants that have been linked to a variety of health benefits. The lower brewing temperature of cold brew tea means that the polyphenols, catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigens are less likely to break down, which allows for more of the health benefits to be gained from these compounds. Therefore, cold brew tea is an excellent way to get the health benefits of tea.

Brief History of Earl Grey Tea

One of the most popular types of tea served in tea houses around the world is Earl Grey. This particular tea is distinguished by its aromatic bergamot flavor, which is also often incorporated into various blends of tea. The history of Earl Grey and its origin is a somewhat disputed one, but what is known is that the tea has been around for several centuries.

The first known references to a blend of tea flavored with bergamot come from the early 19th century. In the early 1800s, Canton teas (Chinese green teas) were imported in Europe with bergamot added to reduce the musty taste of the tea. This tea blend was popular among English tea drinkers and spread throughout the country. By the mid-1800s, it had become widely known as "Earl Grey." It is believed to be named after Charles Grey, the second Earl Grey and British Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834.

Charles Grey was given a gift of tea flavored with bergamot by a Mandarin Official, or perhaps by a Chinese Lord, for saving the official's son during the Opium Wars in China. Supposedly, he was so impressed with the aroma and flavor of this particular tea that he requested his own blend to be made. As a reward, the Mandarin Official or Chinese Lord sent him a supply of tea flavored with bergamot, which was then distributed to his friends and family. This eventually spread, and to this day, Earl Grey remains one of the most popular teas in Britain.

The popularity of Earl Grey spread to the United States during the early 19th century as well. In the 1870s, American importers began offering Earl Grey tea, which was quickly embraced by the American tea drinkers. To this day, it remains one of the most popular types of tea in the country.

Since its beginnings several centuries ago, Earl Grey has become widely popular around the world because of its unique flavor and aroma. While the exact origin of this tea may be disputed, its popularity is something that we can all agree on.

Sources:

1. T-Ching. "What's the History of Earl Grey Tea?". July 28, 2020.

2. Bidwell, Dawn. "The History of Earl Grey Tea". November 26, 2019.

3. Vavro, Eva. "The Interesting History Behind the Popular Earl Grey Tea". November 18, 2019.

4. Chatterjee, Nitish. "Know the History of Earl Grey Tea". October 25, 2019.

5. BBC. "Earl Grey Tea". November 21, 2014.

Caffeine in Tea vs. Caffeine in Coffee

Caffeine is a common stimulant found in both tea and coffee, which can be enjoyed in a variety of forms: brewed, espresso, or in capsule form from a single-serve coffeemaker. Caffeine affects the body's central nervous system, providing mental and physical energy and alertness. However, there are some key differences between the caffeine in tea and the caffeine in coffee that affect its stimulating properties.

Caffein found in tea is different than that in coffee.

Caffeine in tea is generally considered to be of higher quality than caffeine in coffee. Tea leaves contain higher concentrations of caffeine, approximately 40-70mg per cup compared to coffee, which contains 20-100mg per cup (CNBC). This makes tea a more concentrated source of caffeine, and therefore more efficient at providing an energizing effect. In addition, tea's unique plant compound, theanine, seems to increase the calming effects of caffeine and reduce the jittery feeling associated with drinking too much coffee (Healthline).

The type of caffeine found in tea may also have a gentler effect on the stomach than coffee's caffeine. Unlike coffee, most teas are not acidic and do not contain oils that irritate the stomach (Bon Appetit). Tea's lower acidity and reduced bitterness can help to combat common digestive symptoms like reflux, bloating, and upset stomach.

Although tea and coffee both contain caffeine, it is clear that there are a few differences that must be taken into consideration when deciding which to enjoy. Tea's higher quality caffeine, coupled with its calming theanine and lower acidity levels, make it a more digestible choice when seeking an energy boost, particularly for those with sensitive stomachs.

Sources:

Bon Appetit. (2017). The Difference Between

Coffee and Tea. Retrieved from https:// www.bonappetit.com/story/difference-coffee-and-tea

CNBC. (2018). How much caffeine is in tea vs. coffee? Retrieved from https://www.cnbc.com/

2018/03/29/how-much-caffeine-is-in-tea-vs-coffee.html

Healthline. (2020). What's the Difference between Tea and Coffee? Retrieved from https:// www.healthline.com/nutrition/tea-vs-coffee#types-of-tea-and-coffee

What Really is White Tea

White tea is one of the most delicate and sought after teas in the world. It is made from the tips or the buds, and youngest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and is a reflection of the traditional tea-making artistry of the Chinese. Unlike other teas, white tea is not broken down or rolled, but rather dried. This gives it a light yellow color and smooth taste, a hallmark of white tea.

White tea is renowned for its health benefits and its subtle taste. The leaves are first handpicked and then immediately dried to retain their natural flavors and characteristics. This is why white tea has such a low caffeine content and high levels of antioxidants. On top of that, white tea can also help improve circulation, protect against cardiovascular and cancer diseases, and increase the body's energy levels and metabolism.

Moreover, white tea contains an impressive array of polyphenols, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against skin damage from the sun. It is also thought to slow the aging process by inhibiting collagen breakdown in the skin. For all of these reasons, white tea has become a popular source of antioxidants and vitamins that can help keep us looking and feeling young.

Given its light and delicate flavor, white tea is ideal for brewing in a teapot and using for a variety of recipes or drinks. Iced white tea with some lemon can be a great summertime beverage, as well as a hot cup of white tea with something sweet such as honey or a splash of cream. In fact, white tea can even be used in a wide variety of cooking recipes, such as salad dressings, smoothies, and sauces, just to name a few.

All in all, white tea is a unique and flavorful beverage that is sure to please anyone lucky enough to indulge in it. Between its subtle flavor and abundance of health benefits, there's no wonder why white tea is becoming increasingly popular all over the world.

How Brewing Temperature Differs for different Types of Tea.
Water temperature is very crucial in making the perfect cup of tea.

Brewing tea to its perfection is like an art. It involves skill, timing, and the right temperature of water to bring out the unique flavors of the various tea types.

Though all types of tea are brewed using the same process, each variety of tea will yield a different flavor depending on the water temperature used in the brewing process.

Brewing Green Tea

Green tea has a mild, slightly grassy taste and requires a cooler temperature of water in order to bring out its subtle flavor. It should be brewed with water no hotter than 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This low temperature prevents the green tea leaves from becoming bitter and ensures that the subtle flavors of the tea will be preserved.

Brewing White Tea

White tea is delicate and has a light, sweet flavor. It is best brewed at a low temperature of between 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower temperature of water allows the tea to steep quickly, which preserves the subtle sweetness of the leaves.

Brewing Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a semi-bitter, slightly smoky tea that is best brewed with hotter water. Water heated to between 185 to 205 degrees

Fahrenheit brings out the complexity of the tea without making it too bitter. Oolong teas brewed with cooler water will yield an insipid flavor with little complexity.

Brewing Black Tea

Black tea has a bold, full-bodied flavor. It is best brewed with water heated to between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. The higher temperature of the water allows the tea to fully steep, bringing out its strong and robust flavor. If brewed with cooler water, the tea can be insipid and lack flavor.

In conclusion, to get the best results when brewing any type of tea, it is important to use the right temperature of water. Green tea and white tea require a lower temperature of water in order to preserve their unique flavor, while oolong and black tea should be brewed with hotter water in order to bring out their complexity. Following these steps will ensure that each type of tea yields the best flavor.