Latest news with #GreenTea
Japan Today
5 hours ago
- Business
- Japan Today
Why does Häagen-Dazs Japan have two different types of green tea ice cream, and do we need both?
By Casey Baseel, SoraNews24 Like many of Japan's sweets suppliers, Häagen-Dazs Japan is continually rotating special limited-time flavors into its lineup. Their newest, which went on sale July 22, is Gyokuro, named after the green tea of the same name. Now if you're thinking 'Wait a second, I could have sworn I'd seen green tea Häagen-Dazs in Japan before this,' don't worry, you haven't been having dessert delusions. Not only does Häagen-Dazs Japan already have a green tea flavor, Green Tea (or 'Guriin Tii,' as it's pronounced in its official in-Japanese rendering) is one of their permanent flavors. In other words, the new Gyokuro flavor hasn't pushed Green Tea out of convenience store/supermarket freezer cases. Right now, Häagen-Dazs Japan has two different green tea flavors on sale, and that made us curious as to just how different they actually are. First, though, just what is gyokuro? As defined by the Japan Tea Central Association, gyokuro is a green tea made using leaves harvested from plants grown under covers to shade it from the sun for roughly 20 days, with the covers made of materials such as reeds or cloth and put in place when the ichibancha (first-harvest) buds begin to show. As you can probably guess, this delicate cultivation adds time and expense to the production process, but the smaller, pricier yields are worth it to green tea enthusiasts, who hold gyokuro's extra-deep flavor in high esteem. ▼ A cup of gyokuro tea Gyokuro's premium status is reflected in Häagen-Dazs' ice cream version. Whereas our local 7-Eleven branch was selling the brand's regular Green Tea flavor for 325 yen, the Gyokuro set us back 370 yen, and that's actually less than the suggested retail price of 400 yen. Oh, and the Gyokuro Häagen-Dazs is slightly smaller too, with its tub containing 100 milliliters of ice cream, 10 fewer than the Standard Green Tea's. We started with a visual check. It's a little hard to see in camera-captured images, but when viewed with the naked, tea-loving eye, the Gyokuro Häagen-Dazs is a brighter shade of green than the Green Tea. Since neither ice cream uses any artificial coloring or aromas, we think it's safe to credit the difference to the quality of the powdered gyokuro leaves and gyokuro extract that Häagen-Dazs puts into the new flavor. ▼ Green Tea on the left, Gyokuro on the right Sliding a spoon into each, we didn't notice any contrast in consistency between the too, suggesting that they contain similar ratios of cream as well, so this was feeling like it really was going to come down to a matter of the two types of tea themselves in terms of any differences in flavor. We stared with the Green Tea to establish a baseline, and it tasted like ordinary, average matcha ice cream. To be clear, that's not a criticism. Japan has high standards for sweets across the board, and especially so for green tea desserts, so an ordinary, middle-of-the-pack green tea ice cream is still very, very tasty. However, we wouldn't say that the Häagen-Dazs Green Tea dramatically distinguishes itself from most other authentic matcha ice creams in Japan. But the Häagen-Dazs Gyokuro? Ah, now this was something special! While the difference in flavor is noticeable when drinking a cup of gyokuro compared to standard green tea, we weren't sure if that would carry over to their ice cream forms. It definitely does, though, and the Gyokuro Häagen-Dazs has much stronger tea notes. With the Green Tea, there's an element of sweetness that sticks with you all the way through the flavor profile and lingers into the aftertaste. The Gyokuro, though, gives you just a quick initial sensation of sweetness on the tongue, but by the time you swallow, it's just the rich tea notes that are lighting up your taste buds, with even a touch of umami, we wrote while in our taste-testing notes while nodding in satisfaction. So yes, it turns out there's a reason for the Häagen-Dazs Green Tea and Gyokuro to both exist, since they're both delicious, but in different ways. However, we should note that if green tea desserts don't make up as major a part of your diet as they do ours, the flavor of the Gyokuro isn't going to beat you over the head with its characteristic charms, so you might want to arrange a little green tea ice cream ceremony for yourself and try them both in the same sitting to really appreciate their differences. After all, double desserts are perfectly acceptable if they're part of a cultural experience, right? Photos ©SoraNews24 Read more stories from SoraNews24. -- Häagen-Dazs Japan's 35th anniversary Green Deep Tea ice cream is no ordinary matcha dessert -- Does Häagen-Dazs' Matcha Green Tea Crumble deliver on its high-class name's promise? 【Taste test】 -- Häagen-Dazs Japan brings out new limited-edition Hojicha Latte roasted green tea ice cream External Link © SoraNews24
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Monsoon skin problems and quick tips that help
Monsoon season often brings skin problems like rashes and acne due to humidity and oily skin. To alleviate rashes, sandalwood paste with rose water or vinegar solution can be applied. For acne, astringent lotions, green tea, or a cinnamon-honey paste are helpful. A healthy diet with plenty of water, fruits, and vegetables is also crucial for skin health. Skin problems can occur due to hot an humid conditions during the Monsoons. Here are some problems and the tips that will help. Rashes: Skin rashes are actually very common, especially during summer and the monsoons. For severe itching and rashes, consult a skin specialist. When the skin is oily and sweaty, pollutants tend to stay on the skin, leading to eruptive conditions and rashes. Tips that will help rashes • Mix a little rose water with sandalwood paste and apply on the rashes. Wash off with plain water after 15 minutes. • For rashes that itch, add one tablespoon vinegar to a mug of water and pour it on the affected body area. It helps to relieve skin itching. • Take a handful of neem leaves and simmer on very low fire in 4 cups of water for one hour. Leave overnight. Next morning, strain and make a paste of the leaves. Apply on the face and wash off after 20 minutes. Acne: Acne is one of the most common skin conditions. It is important that the condition be checked from spreading, because it can cause extensive scarring. Consult a skin care clinic or specialist in good time. Acne occurs mainly on oily skin and starts with a blackhead. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Tips that will help acne • After cleansing, apply an astringent lotion to reduce oiliness and prevent blackheads. • Green Tea has an astringent effect. Soak green tea leaves or a tea bag in hot water for half an hour. Cool and strain. Apply the liquid on the skin. • Sandalwood paste applied on the acne eruptions also helps. • Mix together one teaspoon cinnamon (dalchini) powder, half teaspoon methi seed powder, lemon juice and a few drops of honey. It should be a sticky paste. Apply it only acne and leave on for an hour. • Add 2 drops of Tea Tree Oil to two tablespoons of water or rose water. Apply this on eruptive conditions. Skin and hair care tips for the monsoon season! For all skin conditions, pay special attention to your diet. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Add the juice of a lemon to a glass of warm water and have it first thing in the morning. Include fresh fruits, raw salads, sprouts, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, curd, soyabean in your diet. If you have any medical condition, seek your doctor's advice before making changes in your diet. Inputs by Shahnaz Husain
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
The Benefits of Matcha—a Green Tea That Does More Than Just Wake You Up
Key Points Matcha isn't just trendy—it's a powerful, nutrient-rich tea that can help your heart, brain, and immune system. Matcha is healthier than regular green tea because it is made from the whole leaf, providing you with more antioxidants and nutrients. It may help lower the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation, and even protect against certain types of cancer. Matcha gives you energy and focus without the jittery feeling, thanks to caffeine and calming no secret that matcha is having a major moment (we're looking at you, matcha lattes), but this Japanese green tea powder is far more than a passing fancy. Whether you're already a dedicated sipper or simply matcha-curious, the health benefits of matcha provide plenty of inspiration for further exploration. Ahead, we connect with nutrition experts to learn more about this superfood's healthful properties and how to reap the most Our Expert Tracy Gensler, MS, RD at Pollock Communications Jamie Mok, MS, RDN, RYT, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and DieteticsRelated: The Benefits of Green Tea, One of the Healthiest Things You Can Drink—According to Dietitians What Is Matcha? Matcha is a super-fine, bright green tea powder that's used to make drinks and culinary creations. It's derived from a Japanese green-leaf tea called tencha—a product of the Camellia sinensis plant that's shade-grown in the southern regions of Japan, then steamed, dried, and stone-milled. The shading of the leaves promotes the production of additional chlorophyll, hence its brilliant hue. The Benefits of Matcha Green tea tastes earthy, grassy, and fresh, since it undergoes minimal oxidation, and it's also considered incredibly healthy. "Extensive research supports the benefits of green tea, an excellent source of bioactive compounds, which help improve blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, helping reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes as well as improvements in cognitive function," says Tracy Gensler, MS, RD at Pollock Communications. Research also suggests green tea may enhance brain function and mood, adds Jamie Mok, MS, RDN, RYT, and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Matcha does green tea one better. Since the green tea powder is made from the whole tea leaf, then dissolved in water, it's more potent than green tea, which is brewed by infusing the leaves, then throwing them away. Matcha has a higher concentration of compounds, including antioxidants and L-theanine, and offers greater anti-inflammatory and brain-boosting benefits than regular green tea. Packed With Antioxidants Matcha's concentration of antioxidants includes polyphenols, largely catechins, which are plant flavonoids found in all teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. It's especially rich in the catechin EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These antioxidants can potentially lower the risk of chronic diseases while supporting overall health. Anti-inflammatory: "EGCG is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that is abundant in green tea, especially matcha green tea, that protects cells from damage and reduces inflammation throughout the body," Mok says. Cardiovascular support: EGCG can help protect against the development of atherosclerosis by benefiting arterial cells and improving inflammatory pathways that trigger the disease, Gensler says. Its potential cardiovascular benefits include a reduced risk of heart-related events, stroke, and overall mortality, Mok says. Cancer defense: "It may also help fight cancer through inhibitory effects on the mitochondria of cancer cells and tumor suppression," Gensler too much EGCG through concentrated supplements (as opposed to tea) can have adverse side effects, including anxiety, abdominal issues, and in extreme cases, liver and Minerals Matcha contains trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, including C, A, K, B2, B3, and B6, as well as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. Bolster nutritional profile: Though relatively nominal, the vitamins and minerals can help, especially when consumed regularly. Vitamin C, Mok points out, is a powerful antioxidant essential for immune support, collagen production, and iron absorption function. "Vitamin A is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health," she says. Caffeine and L-theanine Matcha is naturally caffeinated, containing about 20–44 milligrams of caffeine per gram. The caffeine quotient varies depending on factors such as the amount of powder used, the matcha's quality, and the brewing method. Caffeine comparison: Green tea contains 20–45 milligrams per 8-ounce serving, black tea contains 40–70 milligrams, a 1-ounce shot of espresso contains about 60–80 milligrams, and brewed coffee has 80-120 milligrams. Focus, cognitive function, immune boost: While matcha packs a substantial buzz, it also has the most L-theanine of all green teas, an amino acid also naturally found in black tea and mushrooms. This bioactive compound helps smooth out caffeine's stimulating effects, yielding a more soothing, focused kind of energy. "L-theanine is shown to offer cognitive protection and may directly affect the brain in areas related to attention and problem solving," Gensler says. "L-theanine may also help prime the immune system to help ward off infection and viruses." Caffeine Overload Matcha has multiple benefits—but you can have too much of a good thing. "Caffeine sensitivity and metabolism widely vary between individuals, so it's wise to avoid over-consuming caffeinated beverages like matcha green tea," Mok suggests. Sweet spot: According to the FDA, consuming about 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is generally not linked with dangerous effects for healthy adults. That figure includes all caffeine, like your morning macchiato, so tally your intake before pouring that second cup of matcha. Downside: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to nervousness, restlessness, and sleep disturbances, Mok points out. About Those Lattes Matcha on its own has about 3 to 6 calories per gram, but once you gussy up matcha beverages and matcha-enhanced foods with milk, sweeteners, and other ingredients, the calories quickly climb. Moderation, in other words, is key. "A little bit of cream and sugar can help people enjoy tea beverages and the many health benefits of tea," Gensler says. And the other extreme? "Excess, empty calories can contribute to weight gain, even if they are part of an otherwise healthy food or beverage," she says. Read the original article on Martha Stewart
Time Out
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Starbucks just dropped a new cold brew—and brought back a fan-favorite syrup
Hot on the heels of making their secret menu official, Starbucks has announced the return of its beloved raspberry syrup, ripe and ready to add a taste of summer to your favorite coffee beverage. Starting today, July 29, you can sip on a brand new Raspberry Cream Cold Brew or whatever sweet, fruity coffee combo you come up with. This raspberry revival is just as tasty as the syrup you know and love, with a bright new upgrade. The juicy, sweet-tart flavor is the same, but the syrup is now tinted with a bold sangria hue thanks to the addition of real fruits and veggies. To showcase the return of raspberry, Starbucks is also introducing the brand-new Raspberry Cream Cold Brew. It's made with smooth Starbucks cold brew sweetened with vanilla syrup and topped with a frothy layer of raspberry cream cold foam. The drink balances smooth cocoa flavors of the cold brew with notes of raspberry, making it the perfect summer pick-me-up. Beyond this signature drink, the raspberry syrup is ready to remix your usual Starbucks order, or you can try a few house recommendations: White Chocolate Mocha with Raspberry Syrup: Raspberry brings a fruity twist to creamy white chocolate and espresso, available hot or iced. Strawberry Acai Refresher with Raspberry Syrup: Sweet strawberry, passionfruit and açaí notes are boosted by raspberry, shaken with ice and real strawberry pieces. Iced Green Tea with Raspberry Syrup: Green tea meets mint, lemongrass, lemon verbena and a punch of raspberry. Like hot summer days, this seasonal flavor won't be around forever, so stop by your favorite Starbucks to pick up a raspberry-tinged treat while it lasts.
SoraNews24
6 days ago
- Business
- SoraNews24
Why does Häagen-Dazs Japan have two different types of green tea ice cream, and do we need both?
Green Tea isn't the only green tea ice cream Häagen-Dazs makes these days. Like many of Japan's sweets suppliers, Häagen-Dazs Japan is continually rotating special limited-time flavors into its lineup. Their newest, which went on sale July 22, is Gyokuro, named after the green tea of the same name. Now if you're thinking 'Wait a second, I could have sworn I'd seen green tea Häagen-Dazs in Japan before this,' don't worry, you haven't been having dessert delusions. Not only does Häagen-Dazs Japan already have a green tea flavor, Green Tea (or 'Guriin Tii,' as it's pronounced in its official in-Japanese rendering) is one of their permanent flavors. In other words, the new Gyokuro flavor hasn't pushed Green Tea out of convenience store/supermarket freezer cases. Right now, Häagen-Dazs Japan has two different green tea flavors on sale, and that made us curious as to just how different they actually are. First, though, just what is gyokuro? As defined by the Japan Tea Central Association, gyokuro is a green tea made using leaves harvested from plants grown under covers to shade it from the sun for roughly 20 days, with the covers made of materials such as reeds or cloth and put in place when the ichibancha (first-harvest) buds begin to show. As you can probably guess, this delicate cultivation adds time and expense to the production process, but the smaller, pricier yields are worth it to green tea enthusiasts, who hold gyokuro's extra-deep flavor in high esteem. ▼ A cup of gyokuro tea Gyokuro's premium status is reflected in Häagen-Dazs' ice cream version. Whereas our local 7-Eleven branch was selling the brand's regular Green Tea flavor for 325 yen (US$2.25), the Gyokuro set us back 370 yen, and that's actually less than the suggested retail price of 400 yen. Oh, and the Gyokuro Häagen-Dazs is slightly smaller too, with its tub containing 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) of ice cream, 10 fewer than the Standard Green Tea's. We started with a visual check. It's a little hard to see in camera-captured images, but when viewed with the naked, tea-loving eye, the Gyokuro Häagen-Dazs is a brighter shade of green than the Green Tea. Since neither ice cream uses any artificial coloring or aromas, we think it's safe to credit the difference to the quality of the powdered gyokuro leaves and gyokuro extract that Häagen-Dazs puts into the new flavor. ▼ Green Tea on the left, Gyokuro on the right Sliding a spoon into each, we didn't notice any contrast in consistency between the too, suggesting that they contain similar ratios of cream as well, so this was feeling like it really was going to come down to a matter of the two types of tea themselves in terms of any differences in flavor . We stared with the Green Tea to establish a baseline, and it tasted like ordinary, average matcha ice cream. To be clear, that's not a criticism. Japan has high standards for sweets across the board, and especially so for green tea desserts, so an ordinary, middle-of-the-pack green tea ice cream is still very, very tasty. However, we wouldn't say that the Häagen-Dazs Green Tea dramatically distinguishes itself from most other authentic matcha ice creams in Japan. But the Häagen-Dazs Gyokuro? Ah, now this was something special! While the difference in flavor is noticeable when drinking a cup of gyokuro compared to standard green tea, we weren't sure if that would carry over to their ice cream forms. It definitely does, though, and the Gyokuro Häagen-Dazs has much stronger tea notes. With the Green Tea, there's an element of sweetness that sticks with you all the way through the flavor profile and lingers into the aftertaste. The Gyokuro, though, gives you just a quick initial sensation of sweetness on the tongue, but by the time you swallow, it's just the rich tea notes that are lighting up your taste buds, with even a touch of umami, we wrote while in our taste-testing notes while nodding in satisfaction. So yes, it turns out there's a reason for the Häagen-Dazs Green Tea and Gyokuro to both exist, since they're both delicious, but in different ways. However, we should note that if green tea desserts don't make up as major a part of your diet as they do ours, the flavor of the Gyokuro isn't going to beat you over the head with its characteristic charms, so you might want to arrange a little green tea ice cream ceremony for yourself and try them both in the same sitting to really appreciate their differences. After all, double desserts are perfectly acceptable if they're part of a cultural experience, right? Photos ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! [ Read in Japanese ]
