What is Green Tea?
Hi ! Today we are going to talk about green tea , this popular drink all over the world that is often celebrated for its refreshing and unique taste. Do you know where it comes from and how it is made? Let's go !
Origin of Green Tea
Green tea, like all other types of tea, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant . This plant is native to East and South Asia, but is now cultivated around the world. The type of tea we get depends on how the tea leaves are processed after harvest.
Green tea is most popular in East Asian countries like Japan and China, although it is consumed and enjoyed around the world. Each region has its own varieties of green tea, with differences in taste, color and method of preparation.
Production of Green Tea
The main characteristic of green tea is that it does not undergo oxidation, unlike black tea. After harvesting, the tea leaves are quickly heated to deactivate enzymes that would cause oxidation. This step can be done by passing the leaves over a flame or by steaming them, depending on regional traditions.
Once the enzymes are deactivated, the leaves are rolled to break down their cell walls, releasing the essential oils that give the tea its aroma and flavor. Finally, the leaves are dried to remove the remaining moisture and preserve their freshness.
Varieties of Green Tea
There are many varieties of green tea, each with its own flavor and aroma. Some of the most famous include Japanese Sencha , Chinese Longjing, and Matcha , a powdered green tea used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Sencha is renowned for its crisp, fresh taste, while Longjing has a milder, butterier flavor. Matcha is unique in that it is consumed in powder form, which gives it a stronger, richer flavor than other green teas.
How to Enjoy Green Tea
Green tea is often appreciated for its freshness and delicate aroma. It is usually steeped at a lower temperature than black tea, around 70-85°C , to avoid extracting bitter tannins.
To fully savor the flavors of green tea, it is best to drink it pure, without added milk or sugar. Every sip will allow you to taste all the nuances of flavor that this delicate drink has to offer.
So now, ready to dive into the wonderful world of green tea? Visit our Swiss online store to explore our range of green teas with organic loose ingredients, all selected for their exceptional quality and taste. Enjoy your discovery!
