Green tea, a popular and millennial success
People have been drinking green tea in Asia for thousands of years. Having taken on the world (tea is the second most consumed drink after water), green tea continues to ride the trend. And for good reason, it is popular for its image as a healthy drink, with many virtues.
How is green tea made?
Japan, India, China, Sri Lanka… Whatever its place of production on the planet, the green tea is a tea whose natural oxidation is stopped after picking. The leaves of the tea plant are dried to interrupt the natural fermentation process. After having been withered and rolled to extract the juices, the leaves are exposed to heat, in order to be “seized” and keep their properties intact. The tea leaves are then sifted to remove stems and dust, before being put in boxes or bags. Here they are ready to be infused.
What is the difference between green tea from China and green tea from Japan?
The method of drying tea leaves is not the same. In Japan, the leaves are exposed to humid heat: they undergo a steam bath. In China, the cradle of tea and the world's leading exporter, they are exposed to dry heat: they are “seared” for a few minutes in large copper basins, placed directly on the fire.
What are the benefits of green tea?
For a long time, traditional Japanese medicine has observed the benefits of green tea. While the country has the highest life expectancy in the world, regular consumption of green tea would be one of the many elements put forward to explain it. Green tea, whose oxidation has been stopped quickly, is the tea that contains the most antioxidants. Its high content of polyphenols (also called catechins) helps to strengthen the immune system, fight against aging, while encouraging weight loss. In addition, the presence of theanine would play a role in reducing stress, providing a relaxing effect.
What is the best green tea?
Japanese green tea is particularly popular. And this for several reasons. First, because the Japanese method, which stops steam oxidation, would better preserve the properties and flavor of the tea leaves. Then, because the entire country has elevated the consumption of tea to the status of a true art, with the tea ceremony which gives it its letters of nobility. Finally, as domestic demand is strong and the country is more occupied by large megacities than by tea growers, exports remain limited. Which makes Japanese green tea rare and therefore more expensive on average than Chinese or Indian tea.
Which green teas are the most famous?
In each tea-producing country, there are ordinary teas, for everyday life, but also exceptional teas, consumed on special occasions. This is the case, in Japan, of “Gyokuro” (“Pearl of dew”) green tea. Its specificity? This is a “shadow tea”. Tarpaulins are placed on the plans a few weeks before picking, which increases their chlorophyll content. The result is a seaweed taste, very mild and very popular with the Japanese. Another very famous green tea in Japan: Matcha tea, which is the subject of grandiose ceremonies. This emerald green powder is whipped in a bowl until foamy. In China, there are two green teas that stand out. The Long Jing organic, also called “Dragon Well”. Harvested in spring and with its light notes of hazelnut and chestnut make its taste very popular with tea lovers. Finally, green tea Jade Beadsis made up of silver buds scented with jasmine petals. Symbol of refinement, Jade Beads are surprising: they are infused not once, not twice... but up to 5 to 6 times in a row.
How to properly prepareer his green tea?
Which teapot to choose for green tea?
If you not only drink green tea, but also white or black tea, you will need to opt for a “memory-free” teapot, which is the case with the vast majority of them (glass, cast iron, ceramic teapots, etc.). Only unglazed terracotta teapots retain the aromas from one infusion to the next. They are only recommended if you always drink the same tea, because the tannins of black tea, encrusted on its walls, could prevail over the delicacy of green tea. For more information, do not hesitate to consult our teapot guide.
What infusion time for green tea?
Experts recommend a brew time of 5 to 8 minutes. Not infused enough? Green teas can be bland and lacking in taste. Too infused? It gives off excess astringency and bitterness. Immerse the tea in hot, but not boiling, water: between 70 and 80 degrees. A higher infusion temperature could damage the tea leaves and reduce the strength of the aromas and the presence of vitamins. As not all green teas are the same, and some are mixed with other flavors, the simplest thing is to follow the recommendations indicated on the tea box.
At what time of day should you drink green tea?
Green tea will accompany you at any time of the day. In the morning, at breakfast, for brunch, but also for tea time, or to re-energize and re-focus to finish the day. We enjoy it summer and winter, in a hot version or iced tea style. To do this, let it infuse in hot water before cooling the whole thing with ice cubes, then add peach quarters, lemon slices, or mint leaves according to your preferences.
Does green tea prevent you from sleeping?
Yes and no and above all “it depends”. Just like the effect of caffeine, the effect of theine is unique to each person. Some will say that it is impossible for them to fall asleep if they have consumed green tea after 5 p.m., others will sleep like babies. If you are one of the people sensitive to theine, we advise you to opt, at the end of the day, for white tea, which contains less theine, or for infusions. Some will even help you fall asleep…
Which Kusmi organic green tea is right for me?
Want to be surprised by an unknown green tea? Here are the different green tea blends offered by Kusmi. The good news is that they are all organic, flavored and packaged in France, and packaged in an eco-responsible way.
Green tea is always organic at Kusmi Tea
Kusmi chose organic. Whether it's tea, plants, spices... all the ingredients come from organic farming and certified by strict specifications established by the European Union. Controls and analyzes are regularly carried out to verify compliance with quality standards. This allows us to be certified by Ecocert, an independent organization which carries out an annual audit of our production workshops. All these steps allow our tea boxes to display the AB logos for France and Eurofeuille for the European Union. Objective: to inform consumers as best as possible about the quality of our products.
Green teas packaged and flavored in France
Like all our other teas or infusions, Kusmi Tea green teas are based on tricolor know-how. If the name Kusmi comes from Russia, it is in Normandy that our brand (which became French in 2003) thinks, creates, mixes, flavors and packages tea. More precisely in Saint-Vigor d’Ymonville, very close to Le Havre, in Seine-Maritime. Our metal boxes are also made in France. Because fewer kilometers means less pollution and more work in our regions. If you are keen to support the made in France economy, you are in the right place!
Green teas packaged in an eco-responsible way
Kusmi Tea is committed to a recycling and waste reduction approach, both for our loose teas and for our bagged teas. Our loose organic teas are packaged in metal boxes, an infinitely recyclable material. Our bags are made in France and made from polylactic acid (PLA), a biosourced and 100% biodegradable material, before being placed in recyclable cardboard boxes.
Organic green teas selected by Kusmi Tea
Although there are around ten scented green tea blends available at Kusmi Tea (fruity, exotic, flowery, spiced, etc.), we present them to you here. natural green teas, which form the basis of all our recipes. The good news is that they are available in bulk (because it's good for the planet!) and in bags to follow you wherever you go.
Green tea Organic Gunpowder
Originating from the Chinese province of Zhejiang, Gunpowder is traditionally used to prepare mint tea. Its leaves are dried after harvest to avoid fermentation then rolled into ball shapes - hence the name "Gunpowder".
Green tea Organic Darjeeling
Cultivated in India, in the mountainous region of Darjeeling for more than 150 years, tea plants grow thanks to the alternation of rain and sun as well as the humidity contained in the mist. As this region only produces extremely small volumes annually, Darjeeling tea is a true luxury product.
Green tea Organic genmaicha
Discover organic Genmaicha tea, an atypical blend combining Japanese Sencha green tea with toasted and puffed rice grains. The freshness of green tea combined with the pronounced flavor of rice grains, which provide a slight nutty taste, make this blend an ideal ally for a relaxing and gourmet break.
Green tea Organic sencha
It is the everyday green tea, an essential in the land of the Rising Sun, where it was born almost 300 years ago. In your cup, organic Sencha Green takes on a light hue and offers you refreshing iodized accents. A subtle fragrance, with vegetal notes, evoking the scent of freshly cut grass.
Green tea Long Jing organic
Also called “Dragon Well”, this green tea is harvested in spring, near the city of Hangzhou, China. According to legend, it is said that in the village of origin of this tea there was a well which always distributed water even in times of drought. His secret? The dragon that would live there. Very different from the Western dragon, the dragon is a strong symbol of Chinese mythology: it lives in water and represents strength, happiness and benevolence.
Green tea Organic hojicha
Cultivated on the island of Kyushu (“the island of volcanoes”) in the southwest of Japan, this tea flourishes in a tropical climate, which makes it unique. Roasted at a very high temperature, the tea leaves then take on a pretty brown tint and once infused offer a woody attack and roasted notes. A pure delight!
Organic green tea Jade Beads
In the south-east of China, for more than a hundred years, know-how has been passed down: the careful shaping of Chinese green tea into delicate little pearls, ready to be infused. The silver buds of this organic natural green tea are scented with freshly picked jasmine petals. They are then rolled shoot by shoot, bead by bead. A true work of art!
Green tea Organic matcha
Originally from Japan, organic Matcha green tea is rare and unique. Only its most beautiful leaves are picked, with the greatest care. Then they are dried flat, before being delicately ground into a fine powder between two blocks of granite. A true work of art! As for its emerald green color, it is inimitable. What you need to know is that it is the only tea whose leaf is entirely absorbed by water. It is thus its very essence that we drink, and not just its infusion! With an incomparable mouth feel!
Want to discover the criteria that allow you to identify quality green tea? It is by here.