Hello. I read your post,Tea Antlers From The Satemwa Estate. I would be grateful if you could answer the following question. Tea made from the stems of the tea plant is supposed to be high in L-theanine and as a result is said to produce a sense of calm or relaxation when consumed. Did you experience this with the Satemwa Antlers tea? Thanks.
L-theanine is a non-protein amino acid that contributes much of the flavor in tea. Some functions of the amino acid useful for people include: improved memory and learning ability through activation of neurotransmitters. As well as neuroprotection, anti-tumor, and disease fighting properties. Small scale reduction of blood pressure, overall stability, inhibits negative caffeine effects, improved concentration, and sense of relaxation.
Smaller younger leaves tend to have the highest concentrations of L-theanine followed by old leaves, roots, and stems. The best harvest time for high concentration is during the spring.
I did have a light sense of calming with the tea antlers, but it could of just been due to my love of the tea itself. The flavour from a tea stem is very different in comparison to that from the leaf. I recall having a more warming feeling compared to other teas which also may have attributed to the calming side.
I would however suggest if you are looking for a tea high in L-theanine that you look for a green or white tea harvested in the spring first harvest if you can find it. The least processing you can get the better, as the more processed teas like a black tea will still have the amino acid but in a degraded concentration.