Top tea tips from the experts

You can’t get away from green tea in Japan. Deeply engrained in the nation’s cultural heritage since the 15^th century, its popularity shows no sign of dwindling in modern-day Japan. Even today, Japanese green tea has its own unique rituals which are celebrated through the tea ceremony, based on the four guiding principles of wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity) and jaku (serenity). And it even competes with soft drinks in vending machines on street corners throughout the country.

Japan produces several different types of high-quality green tea, from ryokucha (traditional green tea), hojicha (roasted green tea) and even super-pure maternity green tea. But no matter which type you choose, you’ll be interested to know that green tea is now increasingly recognised in the West for its wide-ranging health benefits.

Boost your health and balance your body

Let’s take a look at the specific areas where green tea can have a positive impact on your health. Numerous studies suggest that drinking Japanese green tea regularly could:

·         Reduce the risk of developing certain

           cancers

·         Help prevent cardiovascular disorders

·         Strengthen teeth, prevent cavities and

           kill bacteria that cause bad breath

·         Prevent age-related brain degeneration

·         Help control high blood pressure

·         Regulate high blood sugar

·         Lower cholesterol levels

·         Support weight loss by accelerating the metabolism

·         Boost immune system

That’s just what drinking green tea can do for you. Once you’ve finished your refreshing cup of tea, you can still use the brewed leaves in many surprising ways.

Use your tea bags to fight your eye bags

·         Place brewed and cooled tea bags on
           tired eyes and let the tannins reduce
           puffiness and dark circles.

Get rid of nasty smells

·         Let your green tea bags or leaves dry out.

·         Place them in a fridge to absorb strong

           odours from foods like onion and garlic.

·         Scatter dried leaves on your carpet, crush them and leave for 10

           minutes before vacuuming.

·         The leaves will absorb musty odours and refresh your carpet.

Make your furniture sparkle

·         Place two used green tea bags in a litre of boiled water. Let it cool.

·         Dip a cloth into the green tea water and use it to restore shine and lustre to dull wooden furniture and floors.

Those are just a few ways to enjoy and use green tea to improve your health and your home. It’s not always easy to find authentic green tea outside of Japan.

Luckily, we specialise in sourcing the best-quality teas directly from Japan.

Click here to see our range of Japanese green teas and exquisite artisan products to serve them. If you need more advice, just ask – we’re here to help.