Everything you need to know about Green Tea...

Green tea is fairly common these days, having become popular in the last few decades in the UK and Europe, but did you know that it has a much older history?

This blog breaks down everything you need to know about green tea; what it is, how it's made, where it came, the types and the health benefits. 

 

What is Green tea?

Green tea is made from the same Camellia Sinensis leaves that are used for the production of black, oolong and Pu-Erh teas. The difference comes from the treatment of the plants during growth and under post-harvest processing.

Withering, oxidation and fermentation turn the Camellia Sinensis leaves into the black teas that we have been consuming in Britain for centuries. So essentially, green tea is just a less processed version of black tea.

The flavours of green tea are generally mild and tend to have fresh and grassy profile, with sweet notes, but they do vary depending on where they were grown, how the tea was processed and whether or not it is blended with other ingredients.

History of Green Tea 

Green tea originated in China; however, the production of green tea has spread through Asia and other parts of the world. China and Japan are historically the largest consumers and producers of green tea. Tea was introduced to Japan in the 9th Century by Buddhist monks who brought back the beverage from travels to China. Since then, green tea has become an integral part of Japanese culture and Japanese cuisine.

‘The Way of Tea’ - the Japanese tea ceremony - was perfected by the tea master Sen no Rikyu who introduced the principles of harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity into the process of brewing tea. Japanese tea ceremonies are a time for peace, reflection, good health and relaxation.

Types of Green Tea 

 

Jasmine Green Tea

Natural Jasmine Green tea is made by mixing Jasmine flowers with Chinese Green Tea, until the oils of the flowers have been absorbed into the tea leaves. The tea is then baked gently in an oven. The process is repeated several times to ensure a strong fragrance.
The infusion is a clear yellow with green hue, with well-balanced, mild and refreshing flavours and an uplifting, floral aroma.

Japanese Sencha 

Sencha is the most popular tea in Japan, representing about 80 percent of Japanese tea production. The Japanese enjoy Sencha hot in the cooler months, and chilled during summer.

Our Sencha tea hails from Ise Bay, a region that has produced high-quality teas for over 800 years. After picking, the leaves are lightly steamed to prevent oxidation, then rolled, shaped and dried, created the distinctive thin, cylindrical leaves. The rolled leaves are then dried. Flavours vary with the season, with the First Flush Spring tea considered to be finest version.

The dry leaf has a distinctively sweet and fresh aroma with a subtle hint of grassy meadow and fresh spring air. 

Once brewed, the infusion is a pale yellow-green, with a grassy and sweet flavour with a light, umami astringency.

Matcha 

Matcha is made from the shade-grown tea leaves that are also used to make Gyokuro. The shade slows down growth by reducing the amount of sunlight the plant receives and triggers the production of healthy amino acids. As a result of this treatment, the fine quality Matcha develops a vibrantly green colour.

Only the finest tea buds are handpicked for use in Matcha production. The buds are stone-ground to a fine powder using specially designed granite stone mills.

Our exquisite Matcha green teas are meticulously crafted by exceptionally talented Japanese tea experts from the revered tea district of Ise Bay in Mie Prefecture, Japan. Farmers in Ise Bay have been producing tea for over 800 years and have passed down their ancient knowledge from generation to generation since the 13th century.

Matcha tea has become immensely popular in recent years because of its proven health benefits, fresh flavour and intoxicating vibrant green colour.

Matcha tea is dominated by healthy amino acids, which impart and beautifully fresh umami flavour. The ceremonial grade Matcha has an intense sweetness and a much deeper flavour than standard grade Matcha powders.

Sencha Goji Berry

This vibrant green Sencha blend is a supreme taste sensation.

With a masterful and perfectly balanced combination of fine, golden Sencha leaves, sweet juicy goji berries, tangy pomegranate seeds and lemongrass, this exquisite tea imparts a wonderfully refreshing and distinctive flavour. 

Bursting with high levels of healthy antioxidants and rich in vitamins, this exceptional blend will revitalise your senses and boost your immune system.

With a sweet lingering, flavoursome taste, you will find it equally delicious taken hot or cold.

Health Benefits of Green Tea 

Green tea is famously high in healthy antioxidants. The Japanese Matcha green tea powder is exceptionally high in the antioxidant EGCG, which can help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by clearing up blocked arteries.

In the crowded rush of modern-day life, many people are finding enjoyment in the peace and tranquility of brewing green tea. Some say that brewing and consuming a pot of high-quality green tea allows them to take some much needed “me time” and a small breather from the stresses of everyday life.