Lavender and vanilla green tea
This drink combines two quality Chinese green teas, such as Chun Mee and jasmine tea, with the enveloping aromas of lavender and vanilla. A delicious and pungent blend, for an green tea that does not give up on intense and strong flavours. Its anti-stress and soothing qualities are perfect in winter, especially when sweetened with lavender honey.
These ingredients are combined with orange and lemon peel for a citrus touch. In addition to the sweet vanilla, which spreads in the air and balances the natural astringency of the tea.
Properties and benefits
The base of this infusion is made up of dried leaves of Chinese teas, Chun Mee and Jasmine tea, which offer different characteristics, despite being both green teas. Chun Mee is different from other green teas, less vegetal and more astringent, full bodied, with a tart and slightly smoky flavour. These notes give a particular taste and an intense aroma, which combines well with lavender. Its astringency makes it suitable for pairing with vanilla, and it is excellent for enhancing the aromas of the other ingredients.
The element of jasmine tea also enhances this fragrant aspect of lavender green tea and vanilla, creating an intoxicating scent. Its smooth and refreshing taste balances that of Chun Mee. It is an green tea that contains tannins, catechins, theine (caffeine) and vitamins that benefit our well-being. It has diuretic, digestive and energetic properties. The theine or caffeine contained in green tea can help increase energy and alertness levels, but without the negative effects of excess of these alkaloids, as in coffee. This tea, in particular, has a small amount of caffeine (Chinese green teas are lighter than Japanese ones). In this regard, the amino acid L-theanine, a unique component that can help reduce stress and anxiety, promoting rest and relaxation.
This tea also has characteristics that enhance relaxation, thanks to the infusion of lavender. This plant helps reduce anxiety and stress states, improve sleep. Vanilla with a beneficial scent is added to the two ingredients of green tea and lavender to relieve tension, relax body and mind and reduce blood pressure.
Its calming effect is known in aromatherapy, and as herbal tea it can facilitate a peaceful sleep in a natural way. Both vanilla and lavender have fragrances that can also act on good mood, stimulating the brain to release soothing endorphins. Furthermore, the combination of green tea and lavender maintains the well-being of the gastrointestinal system and relieves stomach-related problems.
As a winter infusion, this lavender and vanilla green tea is a natural remedy for colds, with a calming effect on the body, against nose and throat irritations. Historically, green tea was considered a natural anti-inflammatory, and also useful for fighting the bacteria present in the stomach and intestines. Together with lavender, it becomes a The flavonoids present in green tea can help maintain good oral health, and give a fragrant breath.
Origins and History of cultivation
An ingredient is Chun Mee tea, originally from the Chinese province of Jiangxi and now also produced in other regions. The leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are steamed (often in a pan) and then dried. After withering, the leaves are rolled up and then slightly folded into a particular shape, reminiscent of small eyebrows.
Chun Mee, in fact, means precious eyebrow. It is popular in China but also in some African countries, where it is used to make mint tea. Jasmine green tea, or Jasmine tea, is part of a longer process to give the tea leaves the scent of jasmine flowers. It is a precious kind of fragrant tea, with a history of more than 700 years.
The traditional process of jasmine green tea transfers the fragrance from flowers to green tea, by stirring for several times (3 to 9 times, even more for some special grades). The fresh flower, just in bloom, is used to release the fragrance, and the tea leaves from the spring harvest. These teas are mixed with lavender and vanilla, with a criterion that amplifies the beneficial and aromatic potential, with a rare and innovative infusion.
Plant and flowers
Camellia sinensis is an evergreen plant of the Theacea family. It grows upright and bushy as a shrub,up to about 9 meters. However, it is usually pruned and kept at a height of 1 meter to facilitate the hand-picking of the tea leaves. It is suitable for areas in full light or full sun, with plenty of water, moist and well-drained soil. Most plants produce white flowers, although some show pink undertones.
In the autumn of each year, the plant is covered with small flowers while in the spring and summer small pods of seeds and leaves appear. Lavandula belongs to a genus that includes about 30 species of plants of the Lamiaceae family.
Lavenders are small evergreen shrubs with grey-green leaves. The purple flowers are arranged on spikes and produce small hazelnut-like fruits. It is a plant native to the Mediterranean area, and the various species of lavender have been cultivated in herb gardens for centuries for their fragrant leaves. The dried flowers were used to perfume wardrobes, for aromatic baths, to flavor drinks and desserts.
The fragrance of the plant is due to oil glands found in flowers, leaves and stems. Vanilla, of the genus Vanilla, is one of the tropical climbing orchids of the Orchidaceae family. It has a flavoring agent extracted from vanilla pods. Usually, the pods are the fruits of Mexican vanilla (Vanilla planifolia), Tahitian vanilla (V. tahitensis), and occasionally West Indian vanilla. The plant is native to Central America, and was already used by the Aztecs to flavor xocoatl, the chocolate drink. It is used to flavor foods and in perfumery.
Nutritional values of green tea lavender and vanilla
This tea contains tannins, catechins, the alkaloid theine (caffeine) and various vitamins. The content of antioxidant polyphenols is important, including EGCG Epigallocatechin gallate, and the amino acid L-theanine. In addition, it provides substances with a calming effect such as linalool, geraniol, it also contains limonene, vanillin and other substances such as vitamins and minerals.
How to prepare lavender and vanilla green tea
The tea is obtained by placing in a cup (250 ml), about 3-5 grams of the infusion preparation with lavender and vanilla. Water at a temperature of 80 °C. Leave to infuse for 2 to 3 minutes, before drinking the green tea infusion.
Lavender and vanilla green tea: side effects and contraindications
Although the consumption of green tea has no particular contraindications, it is advisable not to exceed the doses, to prevent the caffeine contained from causing undesirable effects. Side effects of excess caffeine include agitation, anxiety, nervousness, stomach problems, rapid heartbeat.
Lavender and vanilla green tea also contains catechins which in large quantities could reduce the absorption of iron from food. For those suffering from anemia and iron deficiency it is good to pay attention to the consumption of green tea. Caution is also advised for pregnant and breastfeeding women.