Green tea taste test - Which one's the best?
Posted on 28 Jan 10:02
Most of us can't get through our day without those milky blends of tea but there's a new kid in town bursting with flavours - green tea. This delicate, clear brew is creating a storm in a teacup owing to its superpowers but not everyone has jumped on the bandwagon yet. When asked, most people say they don't like the flavour of this tea but most times it's because they're buying inferior green teas and are probably brewing them incorrectly!
What is green tea?
Popular in Japan and China, green tea is slowing gaining popularity in the rest of the world because of its health benefits. Unlike other teas, green tea is quickly preserved and heated to prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the same natural process that turns the colour of an apple after you slice it, as it's exposed to oxygen. It is due to this difference in processing that green tea retains the maximum antioxidants and polyphenols that are responsible for its many health benefits.
It is significant to note that most green tea brands do not mention that the tea has caffeine. This may have a reverse effect on people who unknowingly drink green tea at night to sleep better or for a calming escapade.
Green tea benefits - why is it good for you?
The list of green tea benefits runs long - it helps in weight loss, cancer, heart disease,diabetes, reduces bad cholesterol, blood pressure, throat infections, boosts memory and also helps if you're trying to quit smoking! To top it all off, green tea also helps prevent signs of ageing and wrinkles.
How to brew the perfect green tea?
The temperature of the water plays a crucial role in making the perfect cup of tea. If the water is too hot, the tea will be bitter and lose its aroma. It's best to use water that's at a temperature of 75 - 80 degree Celsius. If using tea bags, it should be brewed for 2-3 minutes. For tea leaves it takes longer - about 3-4 minutes.
Selection Procedure
We chose six popular Indian brands and compared the most common flavors amongst them. We made sure these brands are readily available nationwide.
Brands
Tetley, Organic India, Eco Valley, GAIA, Taj Mahal (Brooke Bond) and Mittal's.
Methodology
Specific flavors were compared amongst different brands. Water was heated at a temperature of about 75 - 80 degree Celsius. Tea bags were brewed for 2-3 minutes. We gave the brands an overall score on the basis of these parameters -
Flavour
Was the taste earthy and smooth or was it overpowering?
Bitterness
Did the tea have a natural astringent quality or a bitter aftertaste?
Aroma
Did the aroma make us hold on to our cups a little longer or turn us away?
Drinkable or enjoyable
Was the tea inviting enough?
What is green tea?
Popular in Japan and China, green tea is slowing gaining popularity in the rest of the world because of its health benefits. Unlike other teas, green tea is quickly preserved and heated to prevent oxidation. Oxidation is the same natural process that turns the colour of an apple after you slice it, as it's exposed to oxygen. It is due to this difference in processing that green tea retains the maximum antioxidants and polyphenols that are responsible for its many health benefits.
It is significant to note that most green tea brands do not mention that the tea has caffeine. This may have a reverse effect on people who unknowingly drink green tea at night to sleep better or for a calming escapade.
Green tea benefits - why is it good for you?
The list of green tea benefits runs long - it helps in weight loss, cancer, heart disease,diabetes, reduces bad cholesterol, blood pressure, throat infections, boosts memory and also helps if you're trying to quit smoking! To top it all off, green tea also helps prevent signs of ageing and wrinkles.
How to brew the perfect green tea?
The temperature of the water plays a crucial role in making the perfect cup of tea. If the water is too hot, the tea will be bitter and lose its aroma. It's best to use water that's at a temperature of 75 - 80 degree Celsius. If using tea bags, it should be brewed for 2-3 minutes. For tea leaves it takes longer - about 3-4 minutes.
Selection Procedure
We chose six popular Indian brands and compared the most common flavors amongst them. We made sure these brands are readily available nationwide.
Brands
Tetley, Organic India, Eco Valley, GAIA, Taj Mahal (Brooke Bond) and Mittal's.
Methodology
Specific flavors were compared amongst different brands. Water was heated at a temperature of about 75 - 80 degree Celsius. Tea bags were brewed for 2-3 minutes. We gave the brands an overall score on the basis of these parameters -
Flavour
Was the taste earthy and smooth or was it overpowering?
Bitterness
Did the tea have a natural astringent quality or a bitter aftertaste?
Aroma
Did the aroma make us hold on to our cups a little longer or turn us away?
Drinkable or enjoyable
Was the tea inviting enough?