Green tea is well known for its antioxidants and health benefits, but how can you tell how much antioxidants and polyphenols you are consuming from your cup of green tea? First, let’s define what all these terms are. Polyphenols, antioxidants, EGCg, flavonoids and catechins,. Antioxidants are molecules commonly found in many natural and synthetic sources. […]
09
Mar
Mar
Gathering A light morning wind blew gently over rows of neatly planted tea, a light mist resting within the ‘ohia canopy. The weather had been calm and dry the night before, the light of the full moon shining intensely across these same fields, pale, white light individually spotlighting each leaf. This was our first morning […]
15
Feb
Feb
Growing up, my grandmother frequently asked me to gather spring water in the coldest month each year. Replying to my complains, she told me that gathered in this way the water would taste good and stay fresh for a long time. The desolated mountain road was often covered in snow with very few people in […]
12
Feb
Feb
The First Flush The first flush is an exciting time for us in the tea fields. We love to witness the undeniable passing of winter’s quiet with the sudden burst of vitality indicative of spring. In Japan, this first tea is called shincha, or new tea crop. In Hawaii, we call it the ‘first flush’ […]
The relationship between wild grown tea plants and pests How modern tea farming amplify the pest and disease problems, What pesticides they use to treat the problems, As a consumer how to avoid heavily sprayed tea There are several ways you can easily reduce your pesticide exposure Buy spring tea – Spring teas are generally less […]
3. What pests and pesticides? The following is a list of typical pests and recommended pesticides in major tea producing area in Japan. This is just to show tea has lots of pest problems. Some minor pests are not even mentioned here to keep it simple. The pesticides are used to prevent pest damage from […]
Pests and disease are inseparable parts of tea farming, thus pesticides to prevent and treat the pest and disease problems. In this series we will look at: The relationship between wild grown tea plants and pests How modern tea farming amplify the pest and disease problems, How and what pesticides they use to treat the […]
It became my routine to make homemade electrolyte drinks weekly on Sunday, my food prep day. Four litres (2 x 2qt mason jars) of electrolyte green tea drink lasts me enough for a week. A homemade electrolyte drink is a great alternative to gatorade or commercial electrolyte drinks for reduced calories and dollar amounts. Also, […]
13
Nov
Nov
What is Caffeine Caffeine is an alkaloid. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, heart muscle and respiratory system. It is diuretic, increases alertness and delays fatigue. Caffeine is naturally found in many plants. Caffeine in Tea Caffeine in tea gives bitterness. Generally more caffeine is found in younger leaves and earlier harvest. Higher quality green […]
13
Nov
Nov
Create a less resistant path and make the habit stick Habit plays a critical role in tea drinking and health. Often an action is carried out because the situation makes it the least resistant path. Like muscle strength, will power is a limited and exhaustible resource. You can plow your way through, but will eventually […]