I may have made it clear in some of my previous reviews that I quite like tea. Quite being a bit of an understatement. So when I found out that Clipper would send me some free tea for applying to be a taster I was right on it. They sent me two envelopes: one of everyday tea and the other of pure green tea. Each envelope contained 10 teabags so it gave me plenty of time to test the products and review them. I really appreciated this gesture. The most free tea I've had in one go before this was two so it was very generous of them.

I used to enjoy a cup of green tea every morning but it has been years since I was in this habit. This would be the first time that I would be drinking it again.


** Clipper **
Clipper specialise in teas, coffees and infusions with a wide range to choose from. Their tagline is 'Natural, Fair & Delicious' - they use fairtrade tea and coffee and do not use any artificial ingrediants. All great points to the company and it makes me want to use their products more over others.

In my previous review of Twinnings tea bags I mentioned the trouble with bleaching tea bags and the possible health concerns it carries. When tea bags are bleached using chlorine it can leave a build up of dioxin in the body which is thought to lead to cancer though the science isn't 100% for or against this, I will still prefer unbleached teabags. So I was happy to see that not only are these teabags Fairtrade, it states clearly on the front that the teabags are unbleached. Though I don't see the need to bleach tea bags as unbleached looks just as good. When drinking tea my concern is certainly not over the colour of the teabag.

** Green Tea **
Green tea has a much lighter taste than that of black tea due to the minimal oxidation process it goes through. Though originally consumed in Asia, its popularity is spreading westwards which is possibly due to its health benefits.

I had forgotten quite how good green tea could be for you. While drinking my first cup of my free sample, I had a little search. What I found was quite interesting. Not only is green tea high in antioxidants (slows down heart disease and prevents strokes and cancers) it is also thought to have greater action against cancer and has more heart health benefits including reducing high blood pressure. It is also good for burning fat and losing weight; not only does it increase metabolism temporarily, the catechins burn fat and reduce carbohydrate utilasation (meaning you can exercise for longer). Green tea also contains theanine which helps calm you down and concentrate better. It is also thought to have benefits for those with diabetes and in prevention. For those that smoke or drink, it is supposed to have protective qualities for your lungs and liver, and if you also have a bit of a sweet-tooth it is also good for your teeth. Ontop of this it is also good for skin (drinking and direct application) And most important of all it is hydrating. This makes it a great drink for those that are health conscious and want a nice, healthy boost.

Though I have not seen the actual research; effects may be due to lifestyle also. But it would seem that green tea does have some great health benefits and quite well worth drinking.


** Experience/ Taste **
Green tea is made like you would a fruit or herbal tea (i.e. no milk, like I accidently did thinking it was an everyday teabag, it doesn't taste nice) and it is best to sweeten with honey rather than sugars or sweeteners. There is not much of a smell to green tea and yes it does look green. It has a very light tea taste to it and is actually quite refreshing, though perhaps a taste you have to get used to. I find it a lot more refreshing than black teas and I feel less bloated after drinking green tea. I do like to sweeten it with just under a teaspoonful of honey, though I do want to cut down on that a little.

It may not have the same comfort as an everyday tea has, but its health properties and refreshing quality do make this a tea I want to continue to drink. And thanks to Clippers ethical practice I would rather buy from them than an other company.


** Price and Availability **
You can pick up this tea from most supermarkets for around £1.29 for 25 teabags. Compared to other non-everyday teabags this is quite a good price and one that I would be very happy to pay for.


** Overall **
I'd definitely recommend this tea. For Clipper and their ethical approach and use of natural ingredients, something we need more companies to do. The health benefits of the green tea are also great and worth trying for them alone. It is a nice refreshing drink and one that is nice to drink in the summer when black teas would leave you feeling too hot.

Summary: A great tea from a great company.