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 Scientists Reveal Best Green Tea Chemical Secrets.

For further information about the Longjing Tea, visit Dragon Well Tea - The Complete Guide.

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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.

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