Java Teas

A Glimpse Into the World of Java Teas

First planted by the Dutch East India Company in 1684. The seeds had originated from the Camellia sinensis var. sinensis variety, initially transported from Japan.

While a handful of Tea gardens developed, the Dutch realised that the cultivar used wasn’t easily grown in the soil and climate of Java. The colonists instead obtained and planted seeds from the Camellia sinensis var. assamica variety. 

It turned out that the Assam Tea plant, first found in India, flourished in the local environment. As a result, production of these then newly-established and since dubbed Java Tea leaves expanded significantly.

By the outbreak of the Second World War (1939-1945), Indonesia was the fourth-largest producer of Tea; however, the conflict led to a considerable decline.

A resurgence of the industry kicked off in the 1980s, which today is as strong as ever. Now, in fact, Java, alongside the rest of Indonesia, exports nearly 170,000 tons of Tea per year.

This mostly takes place in the West Highlands, a mountainous region with rich volcanic soil and tropical climates. The best harvest tends to be during the summer months, primarily that of Java Black Tea. 

What Does Java Tea Taste Like?

To say that all varieties of Java Loose Tea taste similar would be a disservice to their unique qualities, from their regional origins to their characteristics. Java Orange Pekoe Ciater, for example, which comes from the Ciater Highlands of western Java, is a Black Tea with fruity notes.

Java Green Tea ‘PS’ Sunda Purwa, meanwhile, is a deep, grassy and refreshing Green Tea from the Ciwidey Estate. 

Caffeine Content

The distinctiveness from brew to brew extends to caffeine content. Black Tea, which is the most processed type, tends to have about 45-mg of the stimulant per 8-oz cup.

Green Tea, which, after White Tea, is the least processed variety, usually has no more than 30-mg per serving. Regardless, both will likely influence your energy levels, thereby enabling you to get out of bed in the morning. 

Java Tea Benefits

If flavour and caffeine kicks aren’t enough, things could get better still with Java Tea health benefits. This is not the stuff of conjecture and speculation but fact, backed by the latest scientific research.

Indeed, preliminary research (emphasis on “preliminary”) has found correlations between this and improved kidney health. There is even the possibility of it combating gout. And that’s not all. 

Weight Loss Potential

Evidence from a Green Tea weight loss study, published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, appears promising. It discovered that participants who drank four cups of any Green Tea daily, Java Tea included, experienced a drop in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.

Whoever said your favourite beverage couldn’t help you fit into your favourite pair of jeans again? 

For Acne and Skin Conditions

Java Black Tea can maintain your skin’s vitality and youthful look due to its abundance of antioxidants. Its polyphenols and Tannins in Tea, for instance, can boost the rejuvenation of skin cells.

Its catechins and flavonoids, on the other hand, might prevent skin infections and aid with conditions such as acne. There is also the chance of it having anti-ageing properties to help fight wrinkles!