Amacha

Amacha ( Japanese 甘 茶 ) is a Japanese type of tea made from the grated leaves of the garden hydrangea , more precisely the subspecies Hydrangea macrophylla var. Thunbergii that is widespread in Japan .

The tea contains tannins and phyllodulcin , a sweetener that is 250 times sweeter than sugar. Hence the name Amacha , which translates as "sweet tea". The infusion, however, does not contain caffeine .

The tea is used in Kanbutsue Mass , the celebration of Buddha's birthday in Japanese Buddhism on April 8th.

The tea is also used as a natural remedy because of its antiallergic properties and to combat periodontal disease .

Individual evidence

1. ↑ P. Tomasik: "Chemical and Functional Properties of Food Saccharides", CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2003 ISBN 978-0-8493-1486-5