The Supermarket Sleuth | Green tea
Posted on Tue, Jun. 17, 2008
BY GIGI LEHMAN
Tazo China Green Tips ($3.99 per 20 bags)
You've heard of the French paradox -- red wine apparently helps keep the arteries clear despite all those cream sauces and buttery croissants. But how about the Asian paradox?
The term was coined in 2006 by Yale researchers to explain the low rates of heart disease and cancer in countries with high rates of cigarette smoking. One theory: The average 1.2 liters of green tea consumed daily by many people in Asia offers antioxidant protection. (Not an excuse for sipping a cup of green tea during your cigarette break and calling it even.)
Green tea is green because the leaves of Camellia sinensis are not allowed to ferment. It also contains the highest concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols.
For your health, green tea is reputedly golden. The Mayo Clinic website lists 17 ''uses based on scientific evidence'' for green tea -- and rates all of them as a C, meaning the scientific evidence is unclear for the claim.
While the researchers get back to the lab, we sent tasters to their teacups to test three varieties of green tea. Although all were previously green-tea fans, their judgments varied so widely that we decided to dispense with the usual letter grades and just report their comments.
Also, we're not including the usual nutritional information this week because, as far as government-mandated disclosures are concerned, there's not much to report: All contain zero calories, fat, sodium, sugars, etc.
Bigelow Earl Grey Green Tea
Cost: $3.29 per 20 bags
The label says: Perfectly flavored with oil of bergamot.
The verdict: ''Strong and distinguished; aftertaste is bright and refreshing. Perfect with breakfast or after dinner.'' 'Pretty damn good. Earl and green make for an interesting pairing. Doesn't taste `green,' for better and for worse.'' ``Ew! Smelled icky and had no taste.''
Salada Green Tea with Purple Antioxidants
Cost: $2.99 per 20 bags
The label says: Supplement fortified with grapeskins, rooibos (red tea), anthyocyanins and vitamin C. Naturally decaffeinated using only spring water and effervescense. Blueberry flavored. 30 percent daily value of vitamin C in an 8-ounce cup.
The verdict: ''Smelled good. Made me want to taste it. Sweet, non-overwhelming flavor.'' ''Looks like hot Hawaiian punch. But it's quite drinkable. Bold for green tea, and too flowery -- yet comforting.'' ``First sip was delicious and fruity, with a strong hint of blueberries.''
Tazo China Green Tips
Cost: $3.99 per 20 bags
The label says: All Natural. A light and lingering tea with a fine, fresh flavor
The verdict: ''Very light taste, with a lingering smooth finish. Would be especially delicious served cold.'' ''Smells like a dirty guinea-pig cage, but the taste wasn't as bad as the smell. I could drink a cup if I had to.'' 'Simply lovely packaging; simply bitter, medicinal product. Tastes `green' in the way that gives green tea a bad name.''
The bottom line: Green tea may help keep you in the pink. Test a few varieties and see if there's one you like.
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