After harvesting, the leaves of Fragrant Jade GABA Green Tea are placed in nitrogen-enriched vacuum chambers, initiating the process that will significantly increase their gamma-aminobutyric acid content. After several hours, the leaves are subjected to oxidation blocking by heat and finally dried.
The result is a wonderfully processed leaf tea with varying shades of green to brown and a unique aroma in a mix of sweetness and fruity crispness reminiscent of apple.
In this case, the product has had sufficient time to achieve a high concentration of GABA but, at the same time, maintain an almost totally green leaf. Thanks to the producer's attentions, the level of oxidation has remained so low (about 10%) that this tea can be considered more like a green than an oolong, the type that is usually processed to obtain GABA teas.
The particular combination of green tea characteristics and the GABA factor might help those who do not like more tannic and full-bodied flavors to approach this type of gamma-aminobutyric acid-rich product.
Tasting - Sight and Smell
Fragrant Jade GABA green tea has medium-sized leaves in a mix of colors ranging from bright green, forest green to reddish brown (indicative of the minimal oxidation of this tea). The shape is very reminiscent of that of a Bao Zhong, with processing that leaves the leaf looking vaguely curled, like something between a crumple and a roll. Once infused, their aromas overwhelm with a wave of sweetness: caramel, frosted fruit, malted cookies, toffee, and a very fleeting hint of floral on the finish. In the cup, the liqueur has a bright, golden hue.
Tasting Notes
GONG FU CHA
Fragrant Jade GABA's first green tea infusion has a delicate, sugary character: it opens with fruity, candied hints reminiscent of a crisp apple covered in frosted sugar, which is followed by a sweet corn note and finally a vaguely vegetal closure. The second infusion in gaiwan further increases the sweetness, as the main fruity note gives way to a hint of pure sugar, almost like candy, and then to mild vegetal notes of first fruits, such as baby peas, baby carrots, and fresh fava beans. With the third and subsequent infusions, the fruity component returns, still very sugary and almost syrupy: notes are of candied cherries and glazed white grapes, with a finish of plum syrup.
TO THE WEST
Fragrant Jade GABA green tea is definitely a tea that lovers of sweet flavors will fall in love with: infused in the West, it brings out notes of cotton candy and molasses right away, as well as strongly malty hints. Fruity notes, reminiscent of glazed apple, caramelized plum, and candied nuts such as fig, come through just afterwards. It closes with a very light vegetal finish, again on the sweet notes of corn, carrots and baked squash. The body is round and leaves almost a sugary veil at the back of the throat. The persistence, very sweet, is of medium duration.
Location of origin
Ming Jian, Nantou County, Taiwan
Infusion method of Fragrant Jade GABA Green Tea
We strongly recommend infusing Fragrant Jade GABA Green Tea in the traditional Chinese method (Gong Fu Cha) with a gaiwan with a capacity of about 150 ml. Following this preparation, with 5 grams of leaves, multiple infusions can be made that are useful for best tasting all the flavors of the tea.
After a quick rinse of the leaves with water at a temperature of 80°C, proceed to an initial infusion of 30 seconds. Keeping the water at the same temperature, you can then continue to exploit the same leaves by adding more water and increasing the infusion time by 5 seconds each time (30 - 35 - 40...).
This tea has a longevity of 5 infusions.
For a more classic preparation in the Western style, we recommend 3 grams of leaves (about 2 teaspoons) in a 200 ml cup with water at 80°C for an infusion time of 3 minutes.
For a better tasting experience, we suggest that you strain the infusion as soon as the infusion time is over. Our suggested infusion times, however, can also be slightly modified to your liking to achieve a more or less intense taste.
We recommend storing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Benefits of GABA tea
Teas with a high concentration of GABA have a particular relaxing effect on our body. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), in fact, is a neurotransmitter that our body already synthesizes and uses in cases when there is a need to reduce excessive arousal of the nervous system.
GABA teas therefore, due to their mild excitatory effect, can be drunk without problems at any time of the day, even by the most sensitive people. In fact, some caffeine is still present in the leaves, but its effect is almost nil due to the high concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid.
In addition to being suitable at any time, GABA teas provide some antioxidants and minerals that are useful, along with a healthy lifestyle, in slowing down cellular aging.
