Green Tea Buying Guide
Green tea 
is made from the leaves of camilia sensis plant. It originates from China, and has been a staple of the Asian culture for centuries. Recently, green tea has become much more popular among coffee and black tea drinking Westerners as a healthier alternative.
Healthy Benefits
The main difference between green and black tea is that green tea is the least processed, so most of its antioxidants remain intact. Since most of the organic compounds of the original tea leaves remain intact, many believe there are several healthy benefits to regularly drinking green tea. Green tea drinkers appear to have lower risk for a wide range of diseases, from simple bacterial or viral infections to chronic degenerative conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, and osteoporosis.
Green Tea Types
Green tea leaves are steamed so that they are pliable, then they are rolled and dried; it is not fermented like black tea, therefore green tea has a very fresh, light, and grassy taste. Most do not alter the flavor with milk or sweeteners, but those just trying it for the first time might want to add a little honey.
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Sencha is the most popular green tea in Japan, 3/4 of its tea production, in fact. This needle leaf tea has a lightly astringent and sweet taste. |
Dragon Well is considered the ultimate green tea. This Chinese tea is light colored and brisk. |
Macha green tea is ground very fine and wisked when it is prepared for a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It has a light and sweet flavor that is even used for desserts. |
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Genmaicha is unique blend of green tea leaves and toasted rice that provides a delectable toasty flavor. |
Gunpowder green tea leaves are rolled into little balls to provide a fresh, grassy flavor. It is kind of like drinking Spring. |
Jasmine is another blend of green tea leaves and jasmine flowers to give it a very frangrant aroma and unique taste. |
Green Tea Tips
- If your city has a Chinatown area, be sure to visit to find quality green tea blends.
- Do not use fully boiling water, as green tea is more delicate than black. Try to start brewing just before the water hits a boil.
- Green teas are only supposed to be steeped for 1-3 minutes.
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