I used to be someone who was deeply into strong espresso, but now that I am a bit older, I prefer green tea over coffee.

The quick awakening and the lingering clarity from coffee felt too intense for me. My body instinctively reacts.

Instead, a cup of green tea provides a clear and gentle sensation that has been taking care of my mornings lately.

In the early dawn, after taking a stroll around the orchard and vegetable garden, my feet lead me to the kitchen. I heat the water and carefully steep the loose tea.

As I take the first sip, that tranquil energy seeps into my chest.

My mind becomes clear without feeling agitated, and instead, my heart calms down. It's quite fascinating.

As I learned about the components in green tea, I understood why my body loves it.

First, there is a component called catechin. This gives green tea its bitter taste while also acting as a powerful antioxidant in the body.

It protects cells and reduces inflammation. Thanks to catechin, I feel lighter these days.

And the theanine in green tea is said to act on the brain to stabilize the mind.

It's that subtle state where I can concentrate while feeling calm. A cup of green tea enjoyed under the shade of a tree after finishing farm work comforts me more than any medicine.

There is also a moderate amount of caffeine. It's not as much as coffee, but thanks to that, I can get through the day without excessive stimulation and without feeling drowsy.

The reason why Korean monks have enjoyed green tea since ancient times is not just due to taste or preference.

They sought cultivation, concentration, and inner peace in a life that is one with nature, and green tea was the 'Zen beverage' that encompassed all of this.

It's great that I can enjoy it in the morning, during a break after lunch, and even after dinner without any burden.

These days, I cut some lemongrass I've planted and add it to my green tea.

On days when I'm feeling a bit down, I also add a few pieces of ginger. Drinking tea this way makes the day flow more leisurely and balanced.

And what supports that day is a cup of quietly steeped green tea.

When I was young, I only sought out stimulating flavors, but as I age, the taste I experience is truly different.

The warmth hidden within the bitterness of green tea, I have only just come to realize it.