A recent report by the Tea Council of the USA credits the green tea market segment with having grown a hundred fold in the past decade, now representing some $200 million in sales.  This remarkable trend apparently coincides with the current fascination by the American public with all things Asian on the culinary scene.

There was no green tea involved in the Boston Tea Party, because the Brits who colonized these shores based their fondness for tea on the black variety.  Both black and green tea are made with leaves from the same plant native to Asia, Camelia sinensis.  The difference lies in the processing.  Black tea results from the oxidation, or gradual withering of leaves, while green tea is achieved by steaming fresh picked leaves. 

While black tea was popularized by its relaxation benefits, green tea is gaining momentum from research touting its health attributes.  Recent studies by reliable medical groups in both the U.S. and Europe credit green tea’s benevolence in relieving or preventing cancer, bone deterioration and heart disease.  These ailments are less common in Asia, where green tea dominates consumption.  

Coffee, Tea or Thee? 

As any Starbucks patron will likely testify, Americans prefer coffee as a refreshment, but none can claim it aids health or the prevention of ailments.  Tea in both black and green varieties is second only to water in global consumption.  The Chinese are credited with starting it all several millennia ago.

While green tea edges black in the flavor department, with a rather bland taste, black has a wider range of distinct flavors, each gaining their characteristics from the regional climate and soil in which the mother plant was raised.

Check out the USA Tea Council web site: teausa.com and revel in all the benefits this beverage can bring into your life.

OMED: This may be an even better source.  All the Tea in China.

©2003 Oregon Magazine