For those who love green tea, thisfruity and refreshing infusion is a pleasure. The fresh leaves of the tea grown on the Huangshan mountain are harvested, at medium-high or high altitudes.
In the early spring harvest, insert the new unopened tea buds, covered with white down, and a few leaves. The infusion gives this tea a pale green colour, a spring fruity flavor and a soft, persistent orchid aroma with a chestnut note. The overall character of the tea is refreshing, with a soft finish.
What are the properties and benefits of Mao Feng green tea Organic
Being a green tea, Mao feng shares the same benefits as this type of infusion. Thanks to its processing, green tea contains many antioxidants, also making vitamins, minerals and amino acids available; as well as important substances such as caffeine and chlorophyll. The most important beneficial compounds of green tea are the antioxidants, the polyphenols.
One category of these substances, the catechins, have good qualities to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that damages the cells of the body. We know from scientific research that damaged cells can be the cause of aging and health disorders. In particular, EGCG, epigallocatechin gallate, is an important polyphenol found in tea at very high levels.
From these substances derive the soothing properties of green tea against irritations during digestion, and to help the metabolism. EGCG and caffeine can help increase fat burning and stimulate metabolism, for the purpose of a weight loss diet. Green tea should always be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Origins and History of cultivation
Mao Feng has a history of more than 200 years, as a green tea produced from the Camellia sinensis plant. Its name comes from the appearance of the leaves that create it. In Chinese, Mao means "fur or fluff" and Feng means "mountain top". The original cultivation region of this type of tea occurs on Mount Huangshan, while the leaves give a layer of white hair on the surface that resembles an animal's fur.
Not all Mao Fengs are the same, however, given that flavour, aroma and scent depend on many factors, including the type of tea plant, the climate, the soil. The Mao Feng that comes from Huang Shan Mountain in Anhui Province is called Huang Shan Mao Feng. In China, however, today this green tea is also produced in other provinces such as Yunnan, Fujian and Zhejiang (even in other countries as well).
The best Mao feng tea is always harvested in early spring, but it can vary according to the harvest period, the method and the processing technique. Because of this, it can have a different shape and color: from long, slightly twisted leaves to smaller, twisted leaves. Immediately after harvesting, the leaves are dried and then cooked in a pan to stop oxidation and give a slightly nutty taste. They will be rolled (in a micro-roll form) and dried, to become one of the best Chinese teas ever.
In particular, Huangshan Maofeng is considered to be of the highest quality. Symbolically, the leaf of dried leaves is compared to the tongue of a finch. The highest grades use only one bud and first leaf. Other qualities use one bud and two leaves.
Plant and flowers
Camellia sinensis is a shrub grown to produce tea, obtained from the leaves. Two varieties are recognized: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis (Chinese tea) and C. sinensis var. assamica (Assam tea, Indian tea). Natural combinations have helped create versatile varieties for tolerance to different soils and climates.
It is an evergreen and very long-lived plant, which requires care including soil preparation, shading and pruning - above all to facilitate hand-picking of the leaves. It prefers moist but well-drained soils, and sowing is done in autumn and winter, avoiding the monsoons. It displays a white, fragrant flower that blooms from autumn to early winter. The fruit is a capsule with a single seed.
Nutritional values Mao Feng green tea Organic
The components of this tea are mainly antioxidants and nutritional substances, such as the amino acids theanine and arginine. Provides ascorbic acid (vitamin C), vitamin B, caffeic, chlorogenic, and malic acids, as well as alkaloidsme caffeine and theobromine. Contains important polyphenols such as antioxidant catechins (epigallocatechin-3-gallate EGCG, epigallocatechin EGC, epicatechin EC), and small quantities of mineral salts (calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium).
How to prepare Mao Feng green tea Organic
Tea is obtained by placing in a cup (250 ml), about 3-5 grams of the infusion preparation with the Mao Feng leaves. Water at a temperature of 80 °C. Leave to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes, before drinking the Chinese green tea infusion.
Side effects and contraindications
Green tea does not present particular risks but some contraindications and side effects which should be taken into account. For this reason, it is advisable to respect the recommended doses, avoiding that the theine / caffeine contained can cause undesirable effects. Excessive caffeine intake can cause agitation, anxiety, nervousness, stomach problems, rapid heartbeat. Furthermore, green tea contains catechins which, in high quantities, could reduce the ability to absorb iron from food; for those suffering from iron deficiency it is good to pay attention to the excessive intake of green tea. Caution is also advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Caution in the dose is advised for pregnant and lactating women.