We have been getting a "moderate to heavy" snowfall, which began yesterday and is due to continue today. Despite promises that it would be neither fluffy nor super wet, the first inches were decidedly heavy-wet. Not fun to shovel, yet so beautiful. Between shoveling stints, I reached again for the 2021 Korean Green Tea Luxury … Continue reading Hadong Mt. Jiri Green Tea, South Korea
The Decline and Renewal of Tea in Korea When tea is part of a country's culture early on, it's interesting that it can fade from popularity. But such was the case in Korea, when Confucianism displaced Buddhism. Ramifications were culture-changing. The Choson Dynasty made a big push to eliminate Buddhist influence in all aspects of … Continue reading Boseong Green Tea, South Korea
Receiving new tea—especially something you've never tried—is always exciting! Last month, my daughter and son-in-law surprised me with a gift set of green tea from Teas Unique of South Korea. Although tea has been grown in Korea for ages, I've had only South Korean tisanes (ginger, ginseng, citron, and barley), and one actual tea, the … Continue reading Korean Green Tea
Research is exciting! It's also generally very slow. Although the incredibly fast development of the COVID-19 vaccination may lead us to believe that science moves quickly—and it certainly did in this case—the usual course is far more plodding. Take the studies into how and/or whether drinking tea produces tangible and measurable health benefits. This sort … Continue reading Is Tea Helpful after Heart Attack or Stroke?
"Decaffeinated" with "tea" is an ill-suited pair in my mind. Because no, I can't live without caffeine (my family will attest to this). Still, there are several flavored decaf black teas that I've found quite acceptable. But what about classic teas, those teas without flavor additives? Can those withstand the decaffeination process? Decaf tea itself is … Continue reading How Does Decaf Tea Compare to the Real Thing?
Do you have a favorite cup, and if so, what makes it your favorite? My dad has a favorite coffee cup based on its shape and how the lip curves in just the right way. My husband's favorite is simply the one that holds the most liquid! Back in the 700s, during China's Tang Dynasty … Continue reading Do You Need a Green Teacup for Green Tea?
Continuing my informal guide to selecting tea—having gone through the caffeine/no-caffeine decision and having looked at low- and no-caffeine options (see New to Tea? Start Here)—we're now looking at the types of tea that come from one plant, Camellia sinensis. And asking whether you want white, green oolong, black, or fermented? And do you want … Continue reading New to Tea? Start Here (Part 2: White and Green Tea)
Wouldn't it be nice if a cure or treatment for COVID-19 were something simple, something already sitting in our homes just waiting to be discovered? Something as simple as a cup of tea? Well, reality is rarely uncomplicated or easy, especially when it comes to fighting viruses that are tough, adaptive, and tenacious. So if … Continue reading COVID-19 Research Includes Tea
With coronavirus COVID-19 a global pandemic, medical and science personnel worldwide are in the forefront as we all await news about treatment, cure, vaccine, anything promising. Many aspects of our lives are on hold as we worry about the health of those we love, and as we wonder how businesses will survive, how employees without … Continue reading Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, a Look at Tea and Stress
Mr. Takatomo Katagi comes from a long line of tea growers in Japan's Asamiya region of the Shiga Prefecture. The seventh-generation head of Katagi Kokaen tea garden, Mr. Katagi is building on his family's legacy. Some forty years ago, his father converted the garden to organic production. As Mr. Katagi explains, "Unlike vegetables, tea leaves … Continue reading Making Houjicha with Tea Grower and Tea Master Takatomo Katagi
It's More Than Tea 