straight from the home of green tea: japan!

16.03.04
life isn't perfect >>

27.02.04
the making of the ordinary >>

15.02.04
got shampoo in my eye >>

12.02.04
eating healthy is sweet: part one - cheng tng >>
what's in a name >>

30.12.03
intellectual waffle: how to do it >>
looking back anew >>

interesting links
cafe culture: its influences >>
sneaky retail tactics exposed >>


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01.04.04 - The popularity of green tea as an ingredient has soared recently, as people around the world embark on an international health kick.

Several manufacturers of food and personal care items have introduced green tea versions of their products, in the hope of capitalising on the current green tea craze. Even perfume companies have jumped on the bandwagon. Bvlgari has just added Green Tea to its line of fragrances, attempting to cash in on a market previously dominated by Elizabeth Arden, which has recently added a second, spicier variation to its existing Green Tea scent.

The green tea explosion can partly be attributed to the recent discovery of its anti-cancer properties in a number of scientific studies. (One example here.) Naturally, people have clamoured to pump themselves with this natural guard against cancer.

Cosmetic and personal care items containing green tea can be seen everywhere these days, since its antioxidant properties help to reduce sun damage to the skin as well as the appearance of wrinkles. Green tea is also used as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives, and is currently found in sunscreens, moisturisers, toothpaste, foundations and haircare products.

I did a little impromptu market research in Takashimaya's basement food court and found the following green tea treats:









Are all these green tea snacks really as beneficial as they claim? It remains to be seen. Meanwhile, hand me some of that Haagen-Dazs Green Tea ice cream... (now sold at major supermarkets for $14.50 per tub - ouch!)