The benefits of green tea have been known for centuries. Why not to take advantage of this healthy beverage?

It is one of the most important beverages in Japan, where it has been consumed for over 1200 years. Nowadays, it is popular all over the world not just because of its taste but also because of its many benefits. The best organic green tea contains catechins which are polyphenols that help prevent diseases and can even slow down ageing process! It also stimulates digestion, is great against mental stress, soothes sore throats and colds, cleanses blood and strengthens eyesight. Plus, is caffeine-free so you don't have to worry about keeping awake at night.

I should start by saying that it doesn't matter if you drink green tea hot or cold, the important thing is to enjoy whatever you are drinking! If you like green tea ice-cold, then go ahead and make yourself a huge glass of refreshing iced green tea.

If you prefer your green tea warm (which I do), don't boil water in a kettle because this will lose many of its positive properties. Simply bring some water to the boiling point in a pot, remove from heat and add the green tea bag. Let it infuse for about 3 minutes before straining into another cup or mug.

To help with digestion try adding some lemon juice into your green tea which also adds an antioxidant boost to this healthy beverage . Another suggestion is to use honey instead of sugar. This will bring an extra antioxidant boost to your cup of green tea, plus it will give it a milder taste.

Is there anything better than waking up in the morning with a nice hot cup of green tea? You don't have to say it… I know that you know that this beverage makes us feel healthier and happier!

Here are some excellent reasons why you should drink the best organic green tea: -

- It fights cancer cells
- Helps prevent heart disease
- Aids weight loss
- It prevents skin aging
- Contains fluoride which strengthens teeth enamel
- Contains tannin which detoxifies the body

The most popular type of green tea is Sencha with its strong grassy flavor, but if you want to try other green tea varieties I recommend you start with Gyokuro or Genmaicha.

Genmaicha is a mixture of brown rice and green tea leaves which makes it taste sweet and nutty. The best way to prepare it is by putting one teaspoon for each cup into a teapot, add boiling water and let infuse for 5 minutes before straining. It can be drunk hot or cold .

-Houjicha is roasted so it has a smoky flavor, but the most interesting thing about this type of green tea is that because roasting destroys its caffeine content, Houjicha contains less caffeine than Sencha making it perfect after dinner! Plus it will prevent your sleep from being affected if you drink it in the evening.

-Gyokuro is a type of green tea produced by covering the plants with sheets before harvesting. This increases chlorophyll and amino acids, giving it a sweet taste and stronger flavor. Make sure to brew this tea for about 1 minute or more to enjoy all its benefits!

I hope that I have made myself clear on how great green tea is and that I've convinced you to include it into your life. Remember: whatever type you like best, be confident and make yourself a cup!

Shinmei is one of the most popular brands of Japanese green tea in Greece so when they asked me if I'd create some recipes using their products, I immediately accepted with pleasure! Here are two of my favorite recipes using their top-quality Sencha and Genmaicha teas.

For the first recipe I used Shinmei's Sencha which has rich grassy flavor. The second one is for Genmaicha which has a sweet nutty tone to it, plus the addition of lemon brings an acidic touch to this tea. Enjoy!

Green Tea Dumplings

(makes 12) *Japanese dumpling wrappers can be replaced with wonton wrappers or egg pasta dough (remember when making pasta at home, keep in mind that one egg = approximately 40g flour).

Ingredients:

• 24 gms green tea powder (Sencha or Gyokuro)
• 300 ml boiling water
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 100 ml cold water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Some sesame oil
• Cooking oil for frying

Step 1: Make the filling by mixing all ingredients in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 2: Take one wrapper at a time, make sure that It's not sticking to the surface you are working on. Dip your finger in some cold water and trace half of the outside edge of your wrapper. This will help create a good seal when folding it into half-moons.

Step 3: Add little bit less than one teaspoon of green tea mixture into the center of each wrapper, then fold them into half-moons and seal with your fingers by pushing on the edges. Step 4: Heat a large frying pan on medium heat, add some cooking oil and fry dumplings until golden brown on both sides (about 2 minutes each). You can serve them as they are or with sweet soy sauce.

Green Tea Tofu Dessert Ingredients:

• 200 ml green tea (use your favorite type)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 420 gms soft tofu
• 2 tbsp honey
• A drop of vanilla essence
• Cooking oil for frying

Step 1: Use a sieve to drain water from tofu then place it in a bowl and mash it up with a fork. Add sugar, green tea and honey and stir until well combined.

Step 2: Heat your frying pan, add some oil then pour the green tea mixture into the pan. Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until all water has evaporated (be patient!). When ready it should be crispy on the outside and moist in the middle.

Step 3: Serve with vanilla ice cream of enjoy it just by itself!

Do you have a favorite green tea recipe? Please share it with us! Have a nice day :) the best organic loose leaf tea is available at Divine Organic Tea.