
Tea Origins – Discover the origins of your cuppa and why Matcha Green Tea might be worth another look
Julia BłoszykShare
Afternoon Tea
We all associate tea with the British 5 o’clock tradition: a pot of tea accompanied by a light meal consisting of small sandwiches, cakes, and pastries. However, this is not where tea originally gained its popularity.
The history of this beverage actually comes from China and reaches back to 3000 BC. Tea became a national drink of China by the end of the 1st century, which later on got popularised by Japanese Buddhist monks who brough tea to their own country and contributed to the development of the traditional Tea Ceremony.
Tea Ceremonies
The traditional Chinese tea ceremony (Gong Fu) is based on a skilled technique of steeping loose tea leaves at a specific temperature and amount of time, depending on the type of tea, to obtain unique, sensational aromas. It is usually used in social gatherings as a bonding experience and a form of relaxation.
In Japan, we come across Chanoyu – a more ritualised practice - involving the preparation of matcha brew with the use of special utensils and whisking techniques. This ceremony provides a spiritual experience when the host and guests appreciate the generosity of others and the beauty of their surroundings in silent contemplation over a shared brew of tea.
Types of tea and their use
Tea is consumed on both formal and casual occasions all over the world. Different teas have a range of benefits depending on their type – from energy support, immune support, digestive properties to relaxants and blood sugar regulators – giving tea its space in the medicinal world. The benefits and flavour of a certain tea type depend on its processing method and oxidation.
White tea – has a delicate, sweet and floral tasting profile. Its minimal processing allows it to preserve a good amount of antioxidants giving it anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it’s been shown to improve lipid metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity.
Green tea - this fresh and grassy unoxidised type of tea is consumed all over the globe. It has been shown to have anticarcinogenic and antimicrobial properties, as well as providing cardiovascular protection.
Oolong tea - shares its origin with green and black tea and finds its use in the Gong fu ceremony. This type of tea undergoes oxidation, which gives it a deeper flavour than green tea, yet not as strong as fully oxidised black tea. It shares some of the antioxidants found in green and black tea and finds its use in protecting from cellular damage and ageing.
Black tea - fully oxidised and fermented – contains less polyphenols than other less processed types of tea. Yet, is a great source of L-theanine and caffeine – giving you a boost of energy and improved focus. It can also support cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol levels and help in weight management.
Matcha
Drinking matcha has been gaining a lot of popularity across Western countries in the past decade. It is not only a new trend; matcha (powdered Tencha green tea) is a special type of tea with exceptional health properties. As we ingest the entire leaf, matcha is packed with extra antioxidants and pro-beneficial compounds compared to other green teas. It contains more caffeine – contributing to energy support without the crash thanks to L-theanine – responsible for reducing stress and improving focus and cognitive function. Additionally, matcha contains EGCG – a kind of catechin which contributes to the support of your heart, skin, brain and healthy weight.
It’s best to choose high-quality loose-leaf teas and premium-grade Matcha from a trusted source, ensuring it has been traditionally processed to preserve its rich antioxidant content and unique flavour profile—something tea bags and cheap matcha varieties simply lack.
With the above in mind, it's by no coincidence that we've included Matcha in our unique Emerald Nutrition formula. So if you’re not a fan of Matcha on its own but still want to enjoy its benefits, Emerald Nutrition delivers 250mg of Matcha per serving, providing essential phytonutrients with every sip.