Chinese White Tea - Completely Different From the English Black Tea With Milk!
By EnJie Song
If you like your tea white with one sugar, you will be confused when served Chinese white tea - it will come as a clear liquid with no trace of milk! I have compiled some information about white tea to help to initiate you.
White tea is one of the six main categories of Chinese teas.
Origins and manufacture:
White tea originated from the Fu Ding area in Fu Jian province, southern China and has been produced for close on a millennium.
There is a tea plant unique to this area called 'Fu Ding Da Bai Cha' (Fu Ding big white tea). Its leaves are strong with a needle shaped tip when unfolded and are covered by small white fur.
White tea is one of the least processed teas. Its manufacturing process is generally divided into two steps: 'withering' and 'dehydrating':
• 'Withering' is highly depend on the weather at the time and may be conducted indoors or out in the sun. The result is a leaf that is no longer "crisp". Yellowed or odd shaped leaves, stems etc are removed at this stage.
• 'Dehydrating' is a process involving application of medium grade heat to remove 95% of the water content.
White Tea production, unlike other tea categories involves no 'baking', 'rubbing' or 'shaping' procedures.
White tea is therefore one of the most lightly processed teas, minimising oxidization and enzyme breakdown. White tea leaves maintain their original white fur covering - which augments the flavour.
White teas are in fact lightly fermented. ( ie claims made that white tea is unfermented are strictly not true)
White teas have been traditionally used in Chinese culture as being food and medicine. Studies have shown it increases the lipoproteinlipase activity in the human body to increase the metabolism rate and decrease the energy intake from food. Other health benefits include: reduced body cholesterol level; cancer preventive; detoxifying; anti-inflammatory; and prevent heat stroke. It also has a high level of Vitamin A.
Preparation:
If available use a teapot made of clear glass, or a drinking glass (heat resistant of course) to allow watch the leaves unfold:
1. Warm the vessel by washing with boiled water.
2. Place 1/2 tea spoon of the tea leaves per cup.
3. Add boiled water and leave (don't put a lid on whilst brewing) for 3-5 minutes before serving.
4. Up to 4 repeated infusions are possibly simply by adding hot water.
Flavoured White teas:
These are usually made of inferior quality teas. The additives are used to mask this lower quality or staleness.( note : when tea becomes oxidized, it results in a bitter taste. Additional flavors such as lemon, spices flower or fruit are then added to overcome this bitterness).
Flavoured white teas have the following additional disadvantages:
1. the original delicate flavor is covered and there can't be appreciated.
2. the additives used are generally cheaper than the white tea, diluting its price and value.
We recommend trying a quality white tea like silver needle white tea without milk (or other additives) of course!
EnJie is the owner of Valley Green Tea: a site promoting premium grade Chinese tea. Her passion involves sharing the enjoyment and culture associated with authentic Chinese tea. EnJie grew up in the Fujian Province of China where white tea is produced. She has the contacts and background to both source quality Chinese tea and provide comment on the related culture.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=EnJie_Song
Tea Effects - Green Tea, White Tea, Black Tea - Which Tea?
Tea Effects - Green Tea, White Tea, Black Tea - Which Tea?
By Diana Frame
Everywhere you look these days you'll find some kind of food, beverage or supplement that contains green tea. Drinking tea is becoming more and more popular as the tea effects on our health are becoming more and more evident. But it's not just green tea that is beneficial, there are more kinds of tea than you can count. Which ones offer the best health benefits?
Tea itself is rich in antioxidants. Black, green and white teas come from the leaves of the warm-weather evergreen tree, Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contain polyphenols, which are responsible for the antioxidant properties in tea. It is these antioxidant levels in tea that, as many studies have suggested, produce its amazing health benefits. Believe it or not, tea ranks as high or higher in antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables. There is a steady stream of research that shows the antioxidants in tea fight everything from heart attack to strokes to some cancers.
(Herbal tea does not come from the leaves of the Camellia plant and, therefore, does not possess the same health benefits. In fact, most herbal teas you find on the market today aren't even really tea, they are merely infusions of herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of plants. Herbal teas are better known for the calming and relaxation benefits.)
So how do you choose which tea is best? If you read up on any of these teas -- black, green, white -- you'll find that they all offer tremendous health benefits. Of course, the information abounds on the amazing health benefits of green tea. A leading expert on longevity has referenced clinical studies that show up to a 30% reduction in heart disease and stroke in those who drink green tea regularly. Research has shown that green tea is a natural cancer fighter. The compounds in green tea called EGCG are shown to stop cancer cells from growing without side effects and without attacking healthy cells.
What about the tea effects of white tea? White tea is quickly becoming the most popular tea today. It is made from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. It retains a higher level of antioxidants than any other tea and has a mild, pleasant taste. It is thought to have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Is black tea as healthy as green tea? Some researchers say yes. Black tea generally has a stronger flavor and more caffeine than the other teas and it was previously believed that the fermentation process for black tea weakened its health benefits. However, now it is thought that black tea offers the same health benefits of green tea, especially when it comes to helping reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
So, green, white, black...it's a safe bet that adding any of these teas to your diet would have a positive effect on your health. Experiment and find which one you enjoy most or switch around for some variety. Tea effects on your health are becoming more widely known and more promising with each study.
Drinking a cup of tea is such a simple and pleasurable way to get amazing health benefits. More miraculous tea effects are being discovered every day. What a great way to improve your health!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Frame
By Diana Frame
Everywhere you look these days you'll find some kind of food, beverage or supplement that contains green tea. Drinking tea is becoming more and more popular as the tea effects on our health are becoming more and more evident. But it's not just green tea that is beneficial, there are more kinds of tea than you can count. Which ones offer the best health benefits?
Tea itself is rich in antioxidants. Black, green and white teas come from the leaves of the warm-weather evergreen tree, Camellia sinensis. The leaves from this tree contain polyphenols, which are responsible for the antioxidant properties in tea. It is these antioxidant levels in tea that, as many studies have suggested, produce its amazing health benefits. Believe it or not, tea ranks as high or higher in antioxidants than many fruits and vegetables. There is a steady stream of research that shows the antioxidants in tea fight everything from heart attack to strokes to some cancers.
(Herbal tea does not come from the leaves of the Camellia plant and, therefore, does not possess the same health benefits. In fact, most herbal teas you find on the market today aren't even really tea, they are merely infusions of herbs, flowers, roots, spices or other parts of plants. Herbal teas are better known for the calming and relaxation benefits.)
So how do you choose which tea is best? If you read up on any of these teas -- black, green, white -- you'll find that they all offer tremendous health benefits. Of course, the information abounds on the amazing health benefits of green tea. A leading expert on longevity has referenced clinical studies that show up to a 30% reduction in heart disease and stroke in those who drink green tea regularly. Research has shown that green tea is a natural cancer fighter. The compounds in green tea called EGCG are shown to stop cancer cells from growing without side effects and without attacking healthy cells.
What about the tea effects of white tea? White tea is quickly becoming the most popular tea today. It is made from immature tea leaves that are picked shortly before the buds have fully opened. It retains a higher level of antioxidants than any other tea and has a mild, pleasant taste. It is thought to have strong antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Is black tea as healthy as green tea? Some researchers say yes. Black tea generally has a stronger flavor and more caffeine than the other teas and it was previously believed that the fermentation process for black tea weakened its health benefits. However, now it is thought that black tea offers the same health benefits of green tea, especially when it comes to helping reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
So, green, white, black...it's a safe bet that adding any of these teas to your diet would have a positive effect on your health. Experiment and find which one you enjoy most or switch around for some variety. Tea effects on your health are becoming more widely known and more promising with each study.
Drinking a cup of tea is such a simple and pleasurable way to get amazing health benefits. More miraculous tea effects are being discovered every day. What a great way to improve your health!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diana_Frame
Chinese Green Tea - A Guide to Purchasing Quality Tea
Chinese Green Tea - A Guide to Purchasing Quality Tea
By EnJie Song
There is a strong association between quality of Chinese teas and their enjoyment. Chinese teas are similar to wine in this regard, with local prices for the same tea varying dramatically based on perceived quality. As an example the local Chinese price for 500 gms of Dragon Well tea (the most popular green), could vary between $US 3 and $US 3,000 (ie a 1000 fold difference) related to perceived quality. (ie similar to the price difference for a cheap bottle of Chardonnay versus a vintage produced in limited quantities by a respected well known brand). Since the local Chinese market is relatively mature with experienced buyers, the local populace generally understands and accepts this - but other buyers, particularly westerners can become confused by the quality differentials within the same Chinese tea type (ie Dragon Well Tea).
Are all teas labelled with 'premium' quality good quality?
Short Answer : No. There are teas on the market labelled 'exotic' and 'authentic' of very low quality, or with inadequate packaging or storage to enable quality retention.
How important is the geographic association with a tea type?
Tea is an extremely traditional product. It takes a long history to refine the art of production particular to a type of tea produced in an area with conditions favouring that tea variety. For example Dragon Well tea is traditionally produced in the Western Lake area in ZheJiang province, which as a tradition of the best plants and natural conditions for this tea plant. Competition between tea producers in the area has attracted the best craftsmen to grow, harvest and make this tea type. Techniques that give an edge are a closely guarded secret and passed down through families. As such, one would not associate say FuJian Province (where the best Oolong teas are produced) with quality Dragon Well Tea.
Indications of quality green tea
Packaging and storage: This is especially important for green teas. High quality teas, exposed to high temperature, air (oxidation), light and foreign order will deteriorate quickly.
Vacuum sealed and refrigerated after production is an indicator of good quality teas. By contrast Green Tea left sitting on a grocery store shelves, even if in a glossy container (and especially if the container is a glass bottle) rarely are of high quality, since tea quality is degraded by exposure to room temperatures and light.
Appearance: Premium quality teas always have the right appearance.
- Leaf shape: differing green tea varieties may have different shapes as a result of tea making processes - strings, flat, needle shape, spiral and ball shape. Dragon Well tea for instance is a flat tea, the tea leaves ought to be full bodied, flat and smooth.
- Tenderness of the leaves: green teas are made of tender leaf tips, not more than one bud, two leaves.
- The abundance of white fur on the back of the leaves is also a good indicator as to the freshness and youth of the tea leaves.
Colour: This also varies with the type of tea. Some quality indicators include glossily/fresh green, dark green or green with "tinny" yellow (such as Dragon Well). Indications of low quality are: a variety of tea shapes/lack of body, leaves of various stages (young and old), dull/dark/lack of gloss in colour.
In summary then, by example, Dragon Well Tea quality is indicated by flat full leaves of consistent size that are a green with "tinny" yellow leaf colour.
Future Valley Green Tea articles will describe specific quality characteristics of other tea types.
Brewed tea and taste/appearance of quality:
Freshly brewed, a good quality tea should yield:
- A clear tea liquid.
- A fresh aroma.
- A refreshing first taste.
- A lingering after taste.
Indications of low quality: the liquid is cloudy (don't confuse with the presence of floating fur from young tea leaves which indicates good quality). a bitter or moldy taste. lack of flavour or freshness.
Hints for purchasing premium grade green tea:
- A quality supplier: quality tea is far more than growing the plants and drying the tea leaves. There is no lack of self claimed 'tea experts', Chinese or otherwise offering 'quality' or 'premium' teas. A naive consumer could be open to large "mark ups" since there is such a wide range of quality on supply. Understand who your supplier is and their connections. - Ask for samples or try small quantities first. Check that the samples match the pictures on the web. - Compare prices based on quality! This may take experience. Price alone does not mean much in a market that has not matured. - There are suppliers using limited amount of teas leaves mixed with much cheaper ingredients, eg. gogi and roses. True quality teas are 'dew from heaven (Chinese tea scripture)' and have no need for additives to mask flavour.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=EnJie_Song
By EnJie Song
There is a strong association between quality of Chinese teas and their enjoyment. Chinese teas are similar to wine in this regard, with local prices for the same tea varying dramatically based on perceived quality. As an example the local Chinese price for 500 gms of Dragon Well tea (the most popular green), could vary between $US 3 and $US 3,000 (ie a 1000 fold difference) related to perceived quality. (ie similar to the price difference for a cheap bottle of Chardonnay versus a vintage produced in limited quantities by a respected well known brand). Since the local Chinese market is relatively mature with experienced buyers, the local populace generally understands and accepts this - but other buyers, particularly westerners can become confused by the quality differentials within the same Chinese tea type (ie Dragon Well Tea).
Are all teas labelled with 'premium' quality good quality?
Short Answer : No. There are teas on the market labelled 'exotic' and 'authentic' of very low quality, or with inadequate packaging or storage to enable quality retention.
How important is the geographic association with a tea type?
Tea is an extremely traditional product. It takes a long history to refine the art of production particular to a type of tea produced in an area with conditions favouring that tea variety. For example Dragon Well tea is traditionally produced in the Western Lake area in ZheJiang province, which as a tradition of the best plants and natural conditions for this tea plant. Competition between tea producers in the area has attracted the best craftsmen to grow, harvest and make this tea type. Techniques that give an edge are a closely guarded secret and passed down through families. As such, one would not associate say FuJian Province (where the best Oolong teas are produced) with quality Dragon Well Tea.
Indications of quality green tea
Packaging and storage: This is especially important for green teas. High quality teas, exposed to high temperature, air (oxidation), light and foreign order will deteriorate quickly.
Vacuum sealed and refrigerated after production is an indicator of good quality teas. By contrast Green Tea left sitting on a grocery store shelves, even if in a glossy container (and especially if the container is a glass bottle) rarely are of high quality, since tea quality is degraded by exposure to room temperatures and light.
Appearance: Premium quality teas always have the right appearance.
- Leaf shape: differing green tea varieties may have different shapes as a result of tea making processes - strings, flat, needle shape, spiral and ball shape. Dragon Well tea for instance is a flat tea, the tea leaves ought to be full bodied, flat and smooth.
- Tenderness of the leaves: green teas are made of tender leaf tips, not more than one bud, two leaves.
- The abundance of white fur on the back of the leaves is also a good indicator as to the freshness and youth of the tea leaves.
Colour: This also varies with the type of tea. Some quality indicators include glossily/fresh green, dark green or green with "tinny" yellow (such as Dragon Well). Indications of low quality are: a variety of tea shapes/lack of body, leaves of various stages (young and old), dull/dark/lack of gloss in colour.
In summary then, by example, Dragon Well Tea quality is indicated by flat full leaves of consistent size that are a green with "tinny" yellow leaf colour.
Future Valley Green Tea articles will describe specific quality characteristics of other tea types.
Brewed tea and taste/appearance of quality:
Freshly brewed, a good quality tea should yield:
- A clear tea liquid.
- A fresh aroma.
- A refreshing first taste.
- A lingering after taste.
Indications of low quality: the liquid is cloudy (don't confuse with the presence of floating fur from young tea leaves which indicates good quality). a bitter or moldy taste. lack of flavour or freshness.
Hints for purchasing premium grade green tea:
- A quality supplier: quality tea is far more than growing the plants and drying the tea leaves. There is no lack of self claimed 'tea experts', Chinese or otherwise offering 'quality' or 'premium' teas. A naive consumer could be open to large "mark ups" since there is such a wide range of quality on supply. Understand who your supplier is and their connections. - Ask for samples or try small quantities first. Check that the samples match the pictures on the web. - Compare prices based on quality! This may take experience. Price alone does not mean much in a market that has not matured. - There are suppliers using limited amount of teas leaves mixed with much cheaper ingredients, eg. gogi and roses. True quality teas are 'dew from heaven (Chinese tea scripture)' and have no need for additives to mask flavour.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=EnJie_Song
Can Green Tea Prevent Lung Cancer?
Can Green Tea Prevent Lung Cancer?
By Natsuko Tsuchiya
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among men and women today. It is a disease that afflicts the elderly though adults are also prone to developing it. Over the years, the number of people suffering from lung cancer has increased which can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of the populace.
The most common cause of the development of lung cancer is directly related to cigarette smoking. Studies show that the risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked over time. Pipe and cigar smoking also causes lung cancer but the risk is not the same as with cigarette smoking.
Cigarettes are primarily to be blamed for lung cancer because tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds with a majority of these chemicals known to be cancer-causing. The two primary cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke are called nitrosamine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Once a person quits smoking however, the risk of developing lung cancer decreases.
Non-smokers can also develop lung cancer if they are exposed to second-hand smoke from smokers. About 3,000 deaths every year are caused by passive smoking. Another cause of lung cancer is the susceptibility of one to developing it. Genetics play an important factor to determine if one is at risk of cancer.
The presence of lung diseases and having a prior history of lung cancer are other reasons why an individual will have a slightly increased risk of developing the cancer. Aside from this, environmental factors such as air pollution are major contributors of lung cancer.
Since the disease is so prevalent nowadays, various treatment methods have been developed to combat it. These treatments include surgery and radiation therapy. But there is a recent development that involving a natural way of treating lung cancer and that is through the consumption of green tea.
A laboratory experiment has been done that tested green tea extracts to human lung cancer cells in a controlled and artificial environment. The cancer cells were placed in test tubes and were exposed to decaffeinated green tea extract. The cells were marinated in the extract for a maximum of three days. The result of this experiment shows that the green tea extract has altered a certain protein in the cancer cells making it stick together and move less. Scientists working on the experiment were not able to tell exactly what in the green tea extract worked to achieve the mentioned result.
And while the study is still not conclusive as to the consumption of green tea to be an effective treatment against lung cancer, it serves as the first step of developing drugs which will simulate the effects of exposing green tea extracts to the cancer cells. Through this breakthrough experiment, there is still hope for a lung cancer cure.
Nevertheless, one will not lose anything in believing that a certain natural remedy works for him. Besides, green tea is one herb that is very rich in antioxidants vital to the well-being of a person and known to combat other diseases as well.
Learn more about the lung cancer and how to control it at http://www.lung-cancer-cause.com/ and http://www.lung-cancer-cause.com/lung-cancer-symptoms/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natsuko_Tsuchiya
By Natsuko Tsuchiya
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death among men and women today. It is a disease that afflicts the elderly though adults are also prone to developing it. Over the years, the number of people suffering from lung cancer has increased which can be attributed to the changing lifestyle of the populace.
The most common cause of the development of lung cancer is directly related to cigarette smoking. Studies show that the risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked over time. Pipe and cigar smoking also causes lung cancer but the risk is not the same as with cigarette smoking.
Cigarettes are primarily to be blamed for lung cancer because tobacco smoke contains over 4,000 chemical compounds with a majority of these chemicals known to be cancer-causing. The two primary cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke are called nitrosamine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Once a person quits smoking however, the risk of developing lung cancer decreases.
Non-smokers can also develop lung cancer if they are exposed to second-hand smoke from smokers. About 3,000 deaths every year are caused by passive smoking. Another cause of lung cancer is the susceptibility of one to developing it. Genetics play an important factor to determine if one is at risk of cancer.
The presence of lung diseases and having a prior history of lung cancer are other reasons why an individual will have a slightly increased risk of developing the cancer. Aside from this, environmental factors such as air pollution are major contributors of lung cancer.
Since the disease is so prevalent nowadays, various treatment methods have been developed to combat it. These treatments include surgery and radiation therapy. But there is a recent development that involving a natural way of treating lung cancer and that is through the consumption of green tea.
A laboratory experiment has been done that tested green tea extracts to human lung cancer cells in a controlled and artificial environment. The cancer cells were placed in test tubes and were exposed to decaffeinated green tea extract. The cells were marinated in the extract for a maximum of three days. The result of this experiment shows that the green tea extract has altered a certain protein in the cancer cells making it stick together and move less. Scientists working on the experiment were not able to tell exactly what in the green tea extract worked to achieve the mentioned result.
And while the study is still not conclusive as to the consumption of green tea to be an effective treatment against lung cancer, it serves as the first step of developing drugs which will simulate the effects of exposing green tea extracts to the cancer cells. Through this breakthrough experiment, there is still hope for a lung cancer cure.
Nevertheless, one will not lose anything in believing that a certain natural remedy works for him. Besides, green tea is one herb that is very rich in antioxidants vital to the well-being of a person and known to combat other diseases as well.
Learn more about the lung cancer and how to control it at http://www.lung-cancer-cause.com/ and http://www.lung-cancer-cause.com/lung-cancer-symptoms/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natsuko_Tsuchiya
Oolong Tea & Weight Loss
Oolong Tea & Weight Loss
By Tracey Jacquot
Oolong tea and weight loss due go hand and hand. The results and benefits from oolong tea are best when the tea is combined with a calorie reduced diet and plenty of exercise.
So just how does oolong work to help you loose weight you ask? Well, that is pretty easy. Oolong is a natural stimulant. Without chemicals or drugs, it promotes an increased metabolism within your body.
Oolong, Wu Long and Wu-Yi Tea have all been in the news as the latest and greatest in the battle of the bulge and are proclaimed to help you loose weight. Well, it is true! These teas have the ability to increase your bodies own metabolism naturally and that in turn lets your body burn off more calories and loose weight.
So which is better - Oolong - Wu Long - or - Wu Yi? Well, guess what - They are all the same tea! Yup the same tea, just marketed under different names.
Oolong is what the original, traditional tea is called. It is a cross between green and black tea, it's oixidization lying somewhere in between giving it it's unique flavor and metabolic boost.
Wu-Yi is the region in China where the oolong of best quality originates. It is actually the Wu-Yi mountain region of China that produces the best of the best when it comes to Oolongs.
And last but not least there is Wu Long - which is a North American term for Oolong tea!
So there you have it, most consumers think that these are three specific types of tea, when they are really just one.
The best oolongs can demand a very high price and do in fact help you to burn off those extra calories and loose weight. So if you find authentic oolong - expect to pay a price.
Oolong tea is a great addition to any diet and exercise regime and this is where you will see the best results. So why not try some today! It is a natural alternative to diet pills and diet supplements.
Form more information on oolong tea and it's benefits visit http:/http://www.crazyfortea.com/oolongteaandweightloss.html
You will find more intersting information and benfits about oolong tea.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracey_Jacquot
By Tracey Jacquot
Oolong tea and weight loss due go hand and hand. The results and benefits from oolong tea are best when the tea is combined with a calorie reduced diet and plenty of exercise.
So just how does oolong work to help you loose weight you ask? Well, that is pretty easy. Oolong is a natural stimulant. Without chemicals or drugs, it promotes an increased metabolism within your body.
Oolong, Wu Long and Wu-Yi Tea have all been in the news as the latest and greatest in the battle of the bulge and are proclaimed to help you loose weight. Well, it is true! These teas have the ability to increase your bodies own metabolism naturally and that in turn lets your body burn off more calories and loose weight.
So which is better - Oolong - Wu Long - or - Wu Yi? Well, guess what - They are all the same tea! Yup the same tea, just marketed under different names.
Oolong is what the original, traditional tea is called. It is a cross between green and black tea, it's oixidization lying somewhere in between giving it it's unique flavor and metabolic boost.
Wu-Yi is the region in China where the oolong of best quality originates. It is actually the Wu-Yi mountain region of China that produces the best of the best when it comes to Oolongs.
And last but not least there is Wu Long - which is a North American term for Oolong tea!
So there you have it, most consumers think that these are three specific types of tea, when they are really just one.
The best oolongs can demand a very high price and do in fact help you to burn off those extra calories and loose weight. So if you find authentic oolong - expect to pay a price.
Oolong tea is a great addition to any diet and exercise regime and this is where you will see the best results. So why not try some today! It is a natural alternative to diet pills and diet supplements.
Form more information on oolong tea and it's benefits visit http:/http://www.crazyfortea.com/oolongteaandweightloss.html
You will find more intersting information and benfits about oolong tea.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracey_Jacquot
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