Identifying Best Green Tea - UK Study Found Quality Markers in Longjing Tea

A study examined 191 green teas from 6 different countries
discovered why the Longjing tea is widely regarded as best green tea
from China.

Scientists from the UK Institute of Food Research
uses the NMR spectroscopy to analyze the chemical composition of 191
green teas.

They found that Longjing tea contains higher levels
of theanine, EGCG, caffeine and gallic acid compared to the other less
expensive teas.

Traditionally, professional tea tasters examine
the appearance, flavor and aroma of tea to determine its quality.
Increasingly, scientists are turning to chemical measurements to
authenticate the quality of bulk lots of tea.

According to lead
author Dr Gwenaelle Le Gall, the first flush in April or May yields the
best green tea. The youngest leaves and buds are the most expensive.

The best green tea is usually described as "delicate" or "sweet".

Sweetness
is attributed to amino acids, especially theanine, which has the taste
described as "unami" or "brothy", while the catechins and caffeine
contribute to the astringency.

Some factors that are not environmental or process related affect the chemical composition of green tea.

The
size and age of the leaves are actually the main criterion for grading
green tea, and unlike black tea, green tea quality is directly related
to the grading.

Previous studies have found that quality markers of the best green teas are theanine, catechins, caffeine and gallic acid.

Scientists found that Longjing tea contains high levels of these compounds.

Each of these compounds are associated with a host of health benefits.

Theanine
is an amino acid that increases a sense of well-being without the
negative side effects associated with other calming agents.

It
has been found to be a natural stress reliever and mood enhancer.
Studies have found that it increases the brain's ability to learn and
remember.

Catechins and gallic acid are powerful antioxidants.
There
are 4 main types of catechins, Longjing tea has been found to contain
higher level of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and ECG (epicatechin
gallate), the two most portent antioxidants.

Previous studies
have found EGCG to be over 100 times more effective in neutralizing
free radicals than vitamin C and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E.

Many green tea benefits, such as cancer prevention, heart health, diabetes and weight loss, have been attributed to EGCG.

"This
study highlights the value of drinking high grade green tea, which are
usually picked very early Spring," says Julian Tai, founder of
Amazing-Green-Tea.com.

"In the West, most vendors do not know where their Longjing tea comes from, or when the tea shoots are picked."

"We
are very fortunate to be able to work directly with the most highly
regarded Longjing tea garden in China to provide the highest grades at
reasonable prices. Customers feedback on the 2007 crop has been
overwhelmingly positive."

To celebrate the launching of the Ultimate Grade Tribute Longjing
Tea, up to 15% discounts are now available from the online store. 

For further information about the study, visit <a href="http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/best-green-tea.html"
target="_new"> Scientists Reveal Best Green Tea Chemical Secrets</a>.

For further information about the Longjing Tea, visit <a href="http://www.amazing-green-tea.com/dragon-well-tea.html"
target="_new"> Dragon Well Tea - The Complete Guide</a>.

About Amazing-Green-Tea.com
Amazing-Green-Tea
is dedicated to providing the best information in the art and science
of high grade Chinese teas. It is an insider's guide, offering a
perspective coming directly from the best tea gardens in China.

Contact:
Julian Tai
Amazing-Green-Tea.com
+44 ( 0 )1403 756 231
+44 ( 0 )7912 026 346

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target="_new"> http://www.amazing-green-tea.com</a>