theanine high

[sbw108]

The theanine high is the main reason I drink tea. I've experimented with many kinds of tea, although I haven't tried matcha yet. I get the best high from Gyokuro and Silver Needle White. Regarding the Silver Needle White, it's important to get good quality. The leaves should be whole and well formed and you should be able to see the silver down which covers each leaf.

Also, to get the best high, proper brewing is essential. Theanine will dissolve in water temperatures above 120 degrees F (50 C). Caffeine and the more bitter tannins tend to dissolve at higher temperatures. If the water temperature is above 176 degrees (80 C), the bitter tannins and caffeine will overcome the Theanine, masking both the taste and the mind altering effect. So, the secret of getting the natural ‘high’ of tea, along with a sweeter and less bitter taste, is to brew the tea with cooler water, ideally between 150 and 160 degrees.

For Silver Needle, I use a heaping tablespoon to 10 ounces of 160 degree water. I let it brew for 12 to 15 minutes with a lid on the cup. I know that may seem too long, but at this temperature, it's ok. It won't taste bitter. After 15 minutes, you'll have a golden liquor, the perfect temperature to drink.

The Gyokuro must be brewed with even cooler water, ideally, about 150 degrees and not more than 2 minutes. I use a level teaspoon to 10 ounces of water. With both varieties, a second brewing is fine. But most of the theanine is exhausted after the first brewing. So, for the second brewing, I use less and slightly hotter water, producing maybe 5 ounces of tea that has a higher caffeine content.

[olivierco]

The Gyokuro must be brewed with even cooler water, ideally, about 150 degrees and not more than 2 minutes. I use a level teaspoon to 10 ounces of water.

If you have a real gyokuro, you should try about 7g for 3oz, 130°F, 90s for first steep.

But most of the theanine is exhausted after the first brewing.

Not really. 30-40% for first steep

[ryan]

Nice I will have to order some Silver Needle White and give it a try! Thanks for the post.

[sbw108]

To Olivierco, thanks for the tip. I guess I tend to go light because the stuff is so expensive. But I'll try your suggestion and see what happens. BW

[verus]

I got the most powerful tea high I've ever had from a green kukicha tea. It's a mix of broken leaf and twigs, and it sends me to lala land...

When I drink it I feel like bamboo gliding in the wind, just sitting, dreaming and staring ahead for an hour afterwards. Potent stuff!

[Tekoppen]

I got the most powerful tea high I've ever had from a green kukicha tea. It's a mix of broken leaf and twigs, and it sends me to lala land...

When I drink it I feel like bamboo gliding in the wind, just sitting, dreaming and staring ahead for an hour afterwards. Potent stuff!

From what I've learned, the twigs have very little caffeine in them, so a Sencha should give you even more effect.

[teaisme]

they are talking about theanine not caffeine

[Chip]

I thought they were discussing THC ...

I honestly do not know what a theanine high is, but perhaps this is part of the craving we develop?

[entropyembrace]

Hmmmm I feel the same after drinking an espresso shot as I do after drinking a bowl of matcha....and coffee isnt supposed to have theanine.

[teaisme]

I thought they were discussing THC ...

I honestly do not know what a theanine high is, but perhaps this is part of the craving we develop?

I'm with you there
I feel calm and collected...but high?
I would also like to be tea trunk one day

Its crazy how when I brew tea for people they experience all these things to the point where they have to sit down because they get really light headed, but no not me

[verus]

Theanine

Theanine is not caffeine; it is also not "theine" which is actually the exact same chemical substance as caffeine. The stems that you find in green kukicha are rich in teanine and can cause a powerful "tea high."

[fire_snake]

Sadly,I'm a non-responder to the average amount of Theanine in green tea. I wouldn't say I get high qua high, but I do feel more calm and collected. More mellow.

If I pop Theanine caps (Suntheanine variant), around 200mg in one dose I get really evened out, like a rug on Valium. Theanine at the right dose cam be quite powerful.

Christian

[gingkoseto]

Theanine is an amino acid supposed to have calming effect. Could the "theanine high" actually be "caffeine high"?

[sbw108]

[quote="olivierco"]
If you have a real gyokuro, you should try about 7g for 3oz, 130°F, 90s for first steep.

Wow! You were right. But it's a little too intense for me. The next time, I tried 3 gms, 4 oz water. Perfect for me. That's about as much as I can take. Thanks for the lesson. BW

[a.serrao]

Not to be rude in any way but...
it's funny to see biological statements without properly citing sources...