What is green tea?
Loose-leaf green tea is basically unfermented leaves of the tea plant, Camellia Sinensis.
How is green tea made?
There are several steps in tea production. Right after tea leaves are harvested, they are getting withered by blowing air on them. Then, the tea leaves are rolled into strips. The next step for some tea types is fermenting, or oxidizing. The type (“color”) of the tea depends on the level of oxidation. Black tea is fully oxidized. In green tea production, the oxidation process is prevented by applying heat to the leaves: by steaming or pan-firing.
Green tea Varieties
There are many factors that influence the final qualities of the tea. Some of them are growing region, time of harvesting, method of production.
Green Tea Growing regions
Most of the loose leaf green teas come from China and Japan. India is traditionally known for its black tea, although Indian green Darjeelings become increasingly available. Other noteworthy green tea regions are Vietnam, Nepal, and Indonesia.
method of production
There is a significant difference between tea production methods in China and Japan.
In China, tea is often processed using traditional artisan hand-making methods. The number of resulting tea varieties in China approaches infinity or at least the size of the Chinese population. On the other hand, in gadget-obsessed Japan, machines are generally used for any kind of job from plucking to steaming and packaging – with impressive results of high-quality teas. In Japan, teas are traditionally steamed, whereas Chinese teas are usually pan-fired, hence the difference in taste and aroma. Japanese tea has a distinctive “vegetal” flavor, while Chinese teas vary from being “fresh and floral” to “smooth and toasty“.
China green teas
Some of the most popular green tea types on the market are Chinese green tea varieties, such as Longjing (Dragonwell), Zhu Cha (Gunpowder), Jasmine green tea.
Japanese green teas
Japanese green teas have very different flavor profiles. Sencha, Genmaicha, Kukicha, Hojicha, Gyokuro, and powdered Matcha are some of the most known Japanese teas. One has to try them to appreciate that savory, “umami” hint of flavor. Japanese teas are mild, smooth, might be grassy or vegetal.
What does green tea do for your body?
Green tea doesn’t go through as much oxidation as black tea, and as such retains plenty of antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals that are good for the body and mind. Antioxidants in green tea are believed to minimize free radicals in the system and prevent cell damage, which in turn keeps you younger and healthier. Besides its long-term health benefits, green tea offers an excellent balance of energy and focus, thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
How to prepare loose leaf green tea?
It’s not that hard, really. One piece of advice: do not oversteep. The optimal temperature for a perfect brew is 180°F. So, your water should not be exactly boiling hot and 2 minutes is enough to release the nutrients and flavor. Any method will do: teapot, fillable tea bag, or just a teacup (better be covered for the time of steeping). You can always use gaiwan for an authentic experience.
Keep in mind that all green teas can be “reused” for at least 3 to 5 infusions, if not more.
Where to buy the best green tea online?
We feature only the best tea brands and earn from qualifying purchases.
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Earl Grey Darjeeling Green Tea An impeccable blend of fresh green teas from Darjeeling, with the uplifting notes of Bergamot Oil. Our take of the original English cuppa with a blend of the best green teas sourced from the divine region of Darjeeling. Our Earl Grey Green tea brings together a mix of exquisite, mellow green teas with the joyous, uplifting notes of natural bergamot oil, a marvellous concoction! Discover a smooth golden liquor with the soothing notes of zesty lime and orange, and the signature undertones of fresh greens. The whole experience is enlivened by the sweet and appetising finish! |
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Green Pomegranate Tea Eco Berry, fruity, light. Sip our sweet, tart Green Pomegranate tea blend on the go in an eco-friendly, biodegradable teabag. With fresh and tangy flavor notes, this organic blend is the perfect pick-me-up. |
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Organic Gunpowder Green Tea (Zhu Cha) Organic Gunpowder green tea is traditionally created by plucking high grade long tea leaves from the tea trees, by hand-rolling them into small tight pellet shapes (also like discoid flower). It is normal that there will be some floating in the liquor because of the processing craftsmanship, which will not affect tea taste. The whole leaf is used in processing, so this tea when brewed allows the pellets to unfurl and dance in the hot water to produce a beautiful yellowish green, even golden color liquor with high aroma, fresh and brisk taste, with hint of caramel aftertaste lingers. |
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Dragonwell Tea Brisk, full body. Sip Dragonwell tea for a legendary experience. This Chinese green tea is prized for its unique, flat, sword-shaped leaves and jade green color. Our organic Dragonwell tea exhibits a fresh, clean aroma and gentle, mellow flavor. |
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Himalayan Green Tea Loose Leaf 100% Natural and Green Tea Leaves Powerful Antioxidants and Flavonoids Directly Sourced, Vacuum Sealed and Packed This loose leaf tea makes for a great detox cleanse tea The Himalayan region boasts of a special soil type and climate which brings out the best character of a tea. Our premium, loose-leaf Himalayan green tea are skilfully handpicked from high-elevation tea estates and we take extra care to keep them in their original form, with the least amount of processing. This is done to retain the maximum amount of anti-oxidants and flavonoids in the green tea. With a myriad of health benefits, we present our green tea in its natural loose-leaf form. Replenish yourself with natural goodness. |
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Chunky Cherry Sweet Cherry Sencha Green Tea. Chunky Cherry green tea takes the smooth, healthy taste of Japanese Green Sencha tea and throws in some hearty cherry pieces and a handful of rose petals. This is Will's all time favorite blended loose leaf green tea. He says, "If you're going to drink healthy, it might as well taste like this!" Buy Chunky Cherry green tea with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Use 1 heaping tablespoon to each cup of just under boiling mineral water and steep for 1 to 2 minutes. |
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Lime in the Coconut Key Lime And Coconut Green Tea. "You put the lime in the coconut and drink them both up." If you don't know it, look it up; especially the Muppets version on MP3.This 'Muppet' inspired blend turned out to be a keeper! Lime in the Coconut green tea is a ridiculously tasty blend of superior Indian Assam and fine Chinese green teas tossed with shredded coconut, lime juice and sunflower petals. You'll love this coconut tea so much you'll scream, "Doctor!" Try it with a little sugar and becomes a desert tea. Buy Lime In The Coconut loose leaf green tea with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.Use 1 to 2 heaping teaspoons per cup of just below boiling (steaming) filtered water and steep for 2 to 3 minutes. |
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Organic Powdered Matcha Green Tea, Liquid Jade Grown in Uji, which is regarded as the center of Matcha production. Matcha, has a rich history and a special spiritual significance. It has traditionally been prepared in 'Chanoyu', the Japanese Tea Ceremony, and it said to help bring about mental concentration, emotional stability and composure. |
Isabelle is a freelance writer, self-taught tea nerd, and tea blending enthusiast. She is a herbalist with a strong interest in Ayurveda. Each year Isabelle travels extensively, returning with tea samples from around the world. She is a big fan of handmade teaware and Japanese green teas.