Just to start from the beginning. All tea comes from one plant, the Camellia sinensis, which surprisingly, many people are unaware of. The differences are the time at which the tea leaf is harvested (time of the year and at which time the leaf itself is taken) and processing steps.

Green teas are different from black and oolong teas due to the tea is actually made from the leaf and the buds of the plant.

Green tea is unoxidized, which means the leaves and buds of the plant are immediately heated or pan fried after picking allowing them to maintain their green color and fresh grassy, or nutty flavor.

Green teas originated in China, but are also grown in Japan of course. You can also find these teas grown in India, Korea and Taiwan.

Green tea is best know for it's amazing health benefits since it is minimally processed and keeps more of it's antioxidant properties

A few types of green teas include:

Matcha

Originates from Japan, this classic powdered green tea has an intense rich, creamy flavor. 

Sencha

Also from Japan, this is one of the most popular and classic green teas with a clean, vegetal flavor.

Gunpowder

A Chinese grown tea where the leaves are rolled into small tight pellets resembling gunpowder and is pan fried. This tea has a smoky, with slightly nutty flavor notes.

Jasmine

This China grown green (with roots traced to the Song Dynasty), has a beautiful aroma of flowers with delicate sweet floral notes! 

Tips on making the perfect cup of green tea:

• Use spring water when making tea if possible to enhance your teas flavor (filtered water 2nd choice).

• Use 175 degree water.

• Steep your tea for 3-6 minutes.

For more tips on infusing and brewing, visit our other 101 pages for more in depth information.

Green teas are also amazing used in cold brews, hot lattes and even used in recipes! You can find out more info in our blog!