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New Tastes in Green Tea: A Novel Flavor for Familiar Drinks, Dishes, and Desserts

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THE WINNER OF THE GOURMAND WORLD COOKBOOK AWARDS in the category of the Best Book in Cooking with Wine, Beer or Spirits for Books

New Tastes in Green Tea is an original cookbook that ushers an underappreciated flavor into the kitchen as a beverage and a cooking ingredient. The range of recipes is startling. Green Tea Latte, Matcha Smoothie, or Iced Matcha au Lait take "the greens" in new directions. Mouthwatering recipes for
gratin, quiche, pastas, and desserts will enliven the adventurous cook's culinary repertoire.

While breaking fresh ground, New Tastes in Green Tea also covers the basics. Author Mutsuko Tokunaga, vice president of the World Green Tea Association, introduces the reader to the most popular types of traditional tea, the fine art of brewing a perfect cup, and the ins and outs of tea lore. Lavish
images by two top food photographers provide the perfect visual accompaniment for making green tea a part of everyday life.

This book arrives at the perfect time. With the growing awareness of the health benefits of this popular beverage, and the emergence of such innovative teas as vanilla hojicha and mango sencha, green tea is finding a place in more and more households. On the health front, the beneficial properties
are almost too numerous to count. It is said to restrict the increase of blood cholesterol, control high blood pressure, lower blood sugar, refresh the body, deter food poisoning, help prevent cavities, fight viruses, and freshen skin.

Whether you are looking for a bevy of palate-pleasing drinks or savory new food recipes, New Tastes in Green Tea is a must-have for anyone seeking to appreciate the versatility and elegant flavorings of one of the world's most healthful beverages.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published March 5, 2004

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Claire.
433 reviews
September 9, 2018
Excellent book for any tea lover who is looking to up their game from a basic understanding of green vs black vs oolong to a far more in-depth understanding of different varieties of Japanese green teas. Walking into this book I knew nothing about Japanese green teas except for sencha, matcha, and Genmaicha but now I know SO MUCH MORE and there are some neat green tea cocktail recipes too
Profile Image for Angela.
402 reviews26 followers
October 14, 2025
Detailed but short, easy to read book about Japanese green tea
Profile Image for Fadoua.
76 reviews37 followers
February 19, 2012
To me, drinking green tea, the Japanese cha, is a daily ritual. Sen-cha in daytime helps me to concentrate and refresh my thoughts. To relax or/and to keep myself warm, I prefer to take Hoji-cha or Genmai-cha in the evening after shower or bath. As a green tea drinker, I found this book very informative. It explains the difference between the various types of green tea. It informs about the nutritious values of green tea. It focuses on the Japanese way of preparing and enjoying green tea. It shows how to use green tea in cooking as well.
Profile Image for Yves.
515 reviews10 followers
April 11, 2020
Finally finished this surprisingly detailed book. I had been doing this one chapter by chapter but the part (part 3) on cooking with tea captured my attention. The use of tea broth to clean fish, discussions of the cooking merits of Tencha vs Matcha, and use of Catechins as an astringent modulator to bring tannic strength to a dish was fascinating ... I must have read that part at least four times. I have used these techniques and they bring a real freshness to fish cooking and also taste modulation for thin soups.
Profile Image for Ryan.
13 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2018
This was a nice and informative book, but some of the medicinal details seem to be outdated.
The history was nicely detailed and not too heavy, but the recipes ... were somewhat lacking.
Profile Image for Alain Sarti.
6 reviews1 follower
January 23, 2019
Very interesting ideas for using japanese green tea besides drinking it. Definitely worth a read for fans of japanese green tea.
Profile Image for Nathan Scheer.
Author 1 book
August 21, 2023
There are tons of different types of teas! Before coming to Japan I didn't know much, now I'm learning from the locals and as many books as I can to continue my education!
Profile Image for Danielle.
13 reviews2 followers
October 21, 2008
I just picked this book up at the library this afternoon and I can't tell you how excited I am to try out some of the recipes! The first half gives the best break-down of the varieties of green tea I've ever read and thoroughly informs you what makes them unique. Then the rest is filled with beautiful photography of some amazing green tea recipes...everything from Matcha Banana Smoothies to Green Tea Tofu to Matcha Croquettes to Matcha Tiramisu!!

The first chance I get I'm loading up on Matcha Matcha Matcha!!


Profile Image for Stacy.
209 reviews5 followers
September 11, 2012
Delightful pictures, and neat recipes for using green tea! This book is especially helpful if you want to know specifically more about Japanese varieties of green tea. Interesting fact: at one point, green and black teas were equally enjoyed in the States and UK for a while, and then black tea sort of "won out" and green tea was forgotten for a long time...although this isn't answered in the book, now I want to know why it "won out."
Profile Image for Catherine.
1,067 reviews17 followers
October 6, 2014
Looking to move beyond green tea ice cream and green tea cake (not that there’s anything wrong with either one), I enjoyed the variety of recipes presented. Every recipe is accompanied by a photo, and the book includes information about tea cultivation and history.
Profile Image for GraceAnne.
694 reviews60 followers
June 3, 2010
Very pretty, very designed, beautiful photographs. Some history and information, and a few very interesting recipes.
Profile Image for Nicole Wilson.
Author 1 book7 followers
August 22, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. The facts were well presented in an interesting way. The pictures are beautiful and the recipes all sound delicious.
Profile Image for hissi.
440 reviews13 followers
January 25, 2013
Excellent genuine book. Includes the history if green tea, types and brewing. Not to mention the amazing recipes. I tried a couple and both were excellent.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews

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