Fragrant Jade GABA Green Tea

After harvesting, Fragrant Jade GABA Green Tea leaves are placed in nitrogen-enriched vacuum chambers, thus 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 crafted leaf tea with different shades from green to brown and a unique aroma in a mix of sweetness and fruity crispness reminiscent of apple.

In this case, the product had enough time to reach a high concentration of GABA but, at the same time, maintain an almost totally green leaf. Thanks to the producer’s care, the level of oxidation has remained so low (about 10 percent) that this tea can be considered more like a green than an oolong, the type that is usually processed to make GABA tea.

The particular combination of green tea’s characteristics and the GABA factor may help those who dislike 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 leaves looking vaguely crumpled, like a mix between balling and rolling. 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 liquor has a bright, golden hue.

Tasting Notes

GONG FU CHA

The first infusion of Fragrant Jade GABA green tea 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 gaiwan infusion increases the sweetness even more, as the main fruity note gives way to a hint of pure sugar, almost like candy, and then to mild vegetable notes of first fruits, such as baby peas, baby carrots, and fresh fava beans. With the third and subsequent infusions, the fruity component returns, again very sugary and almost syrupy: notes are of candied cherry and glazed white grapes, with a finish of plum syrup.

WESTERN

Fragrant Jade GABA green tea is definitely a tea that lovers of sweet flavors will fall in love with: Western-infused, 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, are perceived just afterwards. It closes with a very light vegetable finish, still on the sweet notes of corn, baby carrots and baked pumpkin. The body is round and leaves almost a sugary veil at the bottom of the throat. The persistence, very sweet, is of medium duration.

Place 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 brewing technique you can, with 5 grams of leaves, do multiple infusions and have the most complete tasting experience of your tea.

After a quick rinse of the leaves with water at a temperature of 80°C, proceed to an initial 30-second infusion. 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 according to 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 brewing time is over. The brewing time recommendations, however, can also be slightly adjust by your personal taste in order to obtain a strong or more delicate cup of tea.

Store 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 all times, GABA teas provide some antioxidants and useful minerals, along with a healthy lifestyle, to slow cellular aging.