大吉岭绿茶

What Is Green Tea?

Green tea first originated in China over 4,000 years ago. It was initially used for medicinal purposes and slowly became a popular beverage. It is said that in the year 2737 BCE, Emperor Shen Nong discovered green tea when the leaves accidentally fell into a cup of boiling water.

Today, green tea is enjoyed all over the world due to its refreshing taste and health benefits. Some of the unique features of green tea are discussed below.

1. Green Colour: Green tea leaves don’t oxidize much during their processing. This helps in preserving their green color and their fresh, grass-like flavor.
2. High in antioxidants: Green tea is rich in catechins which are plant compounds that help to protect our cells from damage.
3. Low caffeine content: Green tea has less caffeine as compared to black tea. This makes it a good option for people who want to enjoy tea without getting jittery.
4. Light flavor profile: Green tea has a light flavor profile which is often described as fresh and grassy. It has subtle notes of sweetness or a hint of astringency, depending on the variety and brewing method.

Why is Darjeeling Green Tea the Best Choice?

Darjeeling Green Tea is enjoyed and loved by people worldwide due to the following characteristics.

1. Unique Climate and Soil Conditions: Darjeeling green tea grows in a special region with cool temperatures and rich soil, which gives it a unique and delicate flavor.
2. Traditional Cultivation and Harvesting Methods: The tea is grown using time-honored methods that preserve its quality and taste, ensuring you get a premium product.
3. Distinctive Flavor Profiles: Darjeeling green tea has a distinct taste that’s fresh, slightly sweet, and floral, setting it apart from other green teas.

From Which Tea Estates Are Our Green Teas Sourced?

Our Green Teas are sourced from our renowned tea estates in Rohini and Darjeeling.

1. 罗希尼茶园 –  Situated in the Kurseong Valley, Rohini Tea Estate covers 146 hectares, with 108 hectares planted with young tea bushes since 1996. These bushes produce exquisite teas, including muscatel teas from the second flush. The estate also features a new factory that meets HACCP food safety standards.
2. 果帕达拉茶园 –  Located in the Mirik Valley, Gopaldhara is one of the highest tea estates in Darjeeling, covering 320 hectares. Out of this, 172 hectares are planted with tea bushes, with more planting underway in high-elevation areas. Gopaldhara is known for producing some of the finest Darjeeling teas.

How Do I Develop a Taste for Green Tea?

If you want to develop a taste for Green Tea, then it is advisable to start with classic green teas like Sencha. Also, you can try different varieties to find what you like best—some are grassy and fresh, while others may be more floral or nutty.

In addition to this, Green tea pairs well with light foods like salads, sushi, and mild cheeses. It also complements sweet treats like lemon cakes or fruit desserts. Avoid pairing it with strongly flavored or spicy foods, as it might overshadow the tea’s delicate taste.

Health Benefits of Darjeeling Green Tea

Green Tea may have some of the reported health benefits as discussed below.

Disclaimer: Gopaldhara Tea Estate neither endorses nor claims these benefits.

• Reduces the Risk of Cancer: Green tea contains antioxidants that may help protect against certain types of cancer.
• Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease: Drinking green tea may improve heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Helps with Weight Loss: Green tea boosts metabolism and helps burn fat, which makes it useful for weight management.
• Improves Brain Function: The caffeine and antioxidants in green tea may enhance brain function and increase alertness.
• May Protect Against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases: Green tea’s compounds may lower the risk of these neurodegenerative diseases.

Bonus: Check out this blog for healthy and exciting green tea recipes that will delight your taste buds!

Types of Darjeeling  Green Tea Available at Gopaldhara

Below are some of the types of Green Teas available at Gopaldhara.

1. First Flush From Rohini Tea Estate

This special and rare Darjeeling Spring Green Tea comes from the Rohini Tea Estate which is one of the youngest tea gardens in Darjeeling. Made in the spring, it uses special Japanese bushes with less tannin. These bushes grow under thick natural shade, which helps the leaves keep their chlorophyll and unique taste. After careful plucking, the whole leaves rest to develop flavor. This is then followed by steaming, drying, and light rolling. Buy Now

2. Autumn Flush Emerald Darjeeling Green Tea

Autumn Emerald Green is a high-quality Darjeeling green tea grown at Rohini Tea Estate during the autumn season. This tea is made from Japanese Yabukita bushes, which have less tannin and offer several health benefits. The bushes are shaded naturally, which helps the leaves keep their chlorophyll and unique flavor. The tea has a smooth, rich flavor with notes of umami, pine leaves, and boiled beans, without any astringency and a lingering sweet aftertaste. Buy Now

3.Japanese Sencha Green Tea

This Japanese-style Sencha green tea is made in the spring from high-quality green tea clones. Plucked from the highest peaks of the Gopaldhara Tea Estate, the young, tender leaves have less tannin, which makes the tea smooth and less bitter. The tea has a delicate light green color with a pleasant vegetal and leafy flavor and sweet honey notes. It has a crisp and refreshing aftertaste without any astringency. Buy now

How to Make the Perfect Green Tea?

Follow the instructions below to make the perfect cup of Green Tea.

Step-by-Step Brewing Instructions:

• Heat Water: Heat water to 175-185°F (80-85°C), just before boiling.
• Measure Tea: Use 1-2 teaspoons of green tea leaves per cup (8 ounces) of water.
• Steep Tea: Pour hot water over the tea leaves and steep for 2-3 minutes.
• Strain and Serve: Strain the leaves and enjoy your tea.

Below are some expert tips to enhance the flavor profile of your Green Tea.

• Use Fresh Water: Always use fresh, filtered water for the best taste.
• Experiment with Time: Adjust steeping time to find your preferred strength.
• Add Lemon or Honey: Enhance flavor with a splash of lemon or a bit of honey.

Also, here are some common mistakes that you should avoid while brewing your Green Tea.

• Overheating Water: Don’t use boiling water, as it can make the tea bitter.
• Oversteeping: Don’t steep too long; it can result in a bitter taste.
• Using Too Many Leaves: Don’t use too many leaves; it can make the tea too strong.

How Green Tea Can Aid in Weight Loss

Green Tea is used as a popular drink for weight loss by individuals worldwide. However, is there any science behind it? Well, let’s find out.

• Metabolism-Boosting Properties: Green tea contains catechins and caffeine, which can help increase your metabolic rate. A higher metabolism means your body burns more calories, even at rest.
• Role in Fat Oxidation and Digestion: Green tea can enhance fat oxidation, which is the process of breaking down fat for energy. It also aids digestion, helping your body process food more efficiently and reducing fat storage.

Tips for Incorporating Green Tea into a Weight Loss Regimen:

• Drink Regularly: Aim for 2-3 cups of green tea a day to reap its benefits.
• Before Workouts: Drink a cup before exercising to boost fat burning.
• Replace Sugary Drinks: Swap out sugary sodas or juices for green tea to cut calories.
• Choose Fresh Brewed: Opt for freshly brewed green tea instead of bottled versions, which may contain added sugars.

Exploring Different Grades of Green Tea

Green tea is graded based on the size and quality of its leaves.

• Whole leaf: Whole leaf tea is the highest quality of green tea. It features large, intact leaves that retain most of the tea’s natural oils and flavors. This results in a delicate, nuanced, and complex taste.
• Broken leaf: Broken leaf tea consists of slightly broken pieces of tea leaves. This produces a robust and slightly stronger flavor than whole leaf tea.
• Fanning: Fanning includes small leaf fragments which are generally used in tea bags. These brew quickly and have a strong, intense flavor. However, they lack the complexity of whole or broken leaf teas. 
• Dust: Dust is the smallest grade, composed of tiny particles often found in commercial tea bags. They brew very quickly with a very strong and often astringent taste. However, they lack the subtlety of higher grades.

FAQ

What makes Darjeeling green tea different from other green teas?

Darjeeling green tea is unique because it comes from the Darjeeling region in India, known for its special climate and soil. It has a distinct flavor that’s often described as fresh, floral, and slightly sweet.

How should I store my green tea to keep it fresh?

Store green tea in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from light, heat, and moisture to keep it fresh and flavorful.

How many cups of green tea should I drink per day for health benefits?

Drinking 2-3 cups of green tea per day is usually recommended to enjoy its health benefits like improved metabolism and better brain function.

Can I drink green tea on an empty stomach?

Yes, you can drink green tea on an empty stomach. It is generally gentle and should not cause any issues for most people.

Is it safe to drink green tea during pregnancy?

In moderation, green tea is generally safe during pregnancy. However, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you.

What is the best way to sweeten green tea without adding sugar?

You can sweeten green tea naturally with a bit of honey, a splash of lemon juice, or a small amount of stevia or other natural sweeteners.