Theanine and Spring Green Tea

Theanine (or L-theanine), an amino acid found in green tea, is most commonly known for calming and meditative effect on body. Some people experience improved mental function and relaxation, and reduced anxiety level after drinking green tea. Theanine is typically found at higher concentration in early spring harvest than in summer and fall harvest.

Many Zen practitioners in Zen Buddhism often drink a cup of green tea before starting meditation. This is an old tradition in Japanese Zen school to serve a cup of green tea while preparing for Zen meditation. Caffeine from green tea keeps us awake and alert while theanine calms our minds.

Theanine is produced in root and transported to leaves

While zen monks are not particularly picky about their green tea, spring harvest green tea is known to contain higher level of theanine. Theanine (also known to scientists as γ-glutamylethylamide) is naturally produced from glutamic acid and ethylamine and stored in the root of tea plant in winter period when the tea plant slows its vegetative growth. Upon arrival of warmer spring weather, tea plants transport theanine from the root to the new spring buds. This is why you find higher level of theanine in early spring harvest.

Once theanine enters leaf, it is quickly broken down into tea catechins and polyphenols, glutamic acid and ethylamine under sun exposure. Glutamic acid is also a type of amino acid which is used for protein synthesis in tea plants.

Forests and mountains are good for theanine rich green tea and peace of mind

Theanine concentration of green tea remains higher in shade and cool weather. Shade reduces break down of theanine by reducing sun exposure. Cooler temperature also slows down theanine break down. These are all common features of famous tea regions. Famous tea regions are often found in mountainous area with abundance of rain, deep fog and cool mountain weather. They are also accompanied by forests and low sun exposure.

Not only theanine synthesis is high in spring, but also theanine break down is reduced to favorable weather and climate conditions in the spring harvest season. We believe farming with nature helps produce naturally theanine rich green tea while keeping peace of mind and inner calmness.