Green Tea Forum

dirtdigger1969 · Posted: Feb 26, 2007 8:32 am Post subject: Adding Honey to green tea

Does it destroy any of the health benifits of the tea to add a touch of honey to it. I am new to the green tea experience and was a store bought tea drinker until i found Kevins site. Kudos to him .

Shirley · White Belt Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 29 Location: NC

Yes, it may lessen the green tea benefits. Add raw honey after noon time so it'll help you sleep.

Chip · Posted: Feb 26, 2007 1:07 pm Post subject:

Japanese green tea is best plain. It may take a little getting used to straight green tea, but most die hard sencha drinkers do not add anything to their tea since it detracts from the natural flavor and aroma of the tea itself.

I have heard of a study where adding sugar may reduce the benefits of green tea. Honey, I can not say.

Unfortunately in the US, we are fed a constant diet of sweetners and other flavors in virtually everything we eat and drink...we could all do with a little less additives and a good place to start is the tea we drink. What you may find is that the subtle natural sweetness of the tea will become more rewarding and enjoyable.

Maggie45 · Posted: Feb 27, 2007 9:11 am Post subject:

I personally wouldn't add anything to Kevin's fine teas.

As to what Chip says about sweeteners being added to everything, I heartily concur. I have resorted to cooking almost everything from scratch, and read labels on EVERYTHING, and as a consequence very, very seldom buy any prepared foods. Even roast beef from a deli is injected with all sorts of dextroses and gums and who knows what. Same with frozen chicken. I could go on and on but I won't.

Off topic I know, but I just couldn't help myself. Wink

Ryan · Sensei Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 475

I personally would be surprised if honey altered the health benefits of tea... That being said, good tea doesn't need honey!

Though, it's not completely fair for me to say because it's only an opinion. Be that as it may, I can't conceive of putting honey in the quality of tea that is sold at o-cha.

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

Japanese people would be startled to see it. You can do it, but it would be like adding jelly to your hot dog - weird. Then again, they sure do some weird stuff with food in Japan as well. If I see anymore mayonaise on salmon sushi.... gag

dirtdigger1969 · Posted: Feb 28, 2007 7:14 am Post subject: Thanks all

Thank you all for your input. I recieved my package of sencha today and WOW it is so much better than those store bought teas, and i didnt add anything to it Smile

Chip · Posted: Feb 28, 2007 7:23 am Post subject:

...that is cool, man...

streetspirit · Posted: Mar 02, 2007 6:35 am Post subject: Re: Adding Honey to green tea

Personally I find the grassy taste of japanese green tea does not mix well with sweeteners. But I say do whatever suits your taste. Anyway i think a touch of honey would actually taste good with a lighter ice green tea for a quick energy drink after exercising on a hot summer day. I dont have any room to talk, I used to put ketchup on my rice and ate fries with jam Laughing