Green tea sounds almost magical in its widely researched medicinal qualities. It is thought to fight both cardiovascular disease and cancer. It contains polyphenols and antioxidants that may reduce inflammation and catechins that may kill bacteria. Although some doubters question the medical data, I am willing to drink it just in case any of those benefits pan out. It also gives me the opportunity to use the many lovely teacups, tea bowls and tumblers I have collected over the years. My problem with green tea is that I don’t love the taste.

Some people, my husband and son included, really like the taste of green tea. Unfortunately, I don’t. Until I find an organic green tea I like (and I am determined), my solution is to use one green tea bag and one teabag of a fruity herbal tea. What I end up with is a fruity, tasty brew which I find pleasing. If I make a potful, I add ice to the second cup and enjoy it cold. Because green tea has caffeine (although about 1/3 that of coffee), for an afternoon cup I make sure to use a decaf green.

There are so many types of green tea and such a huge range of flavorings that I might just spend many years trying different ones. My son likes sencha (basic and grassy) and genmaicha (made with toasted rice) while my sister prefers matcha, the powdered version used in tea ceremonies and in baking. So far, I find I enjoy an organic passion fruit green but I’ve barely scratched the surface. I’m hoping it is an acquired taste and that I will soon start to like it more as I drink more of it. Fighting off potential illness with a few cups of green tea a day? Why not try?