How do you distinguish green tea from other teas?
Green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong tea... The different types of tea are distinguished according to their manufacturing, their drying, their taste, their preparation and infusion time but also their health benefits. Let’s take a look at the green tea family!
Green tea is the young leaves of the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis) harvested several times a year, roasted then dried. There are several drying techniques, each of which produces a different tea: green, black, or white. For green tea, drying takes place immediately after rolling and withering the tea leaves because it stops the oxidation process.
Known for their benefits (antioxidant, draining, relaxing), green teas are teas which are not oxidized, unlike black teas, and which have a wide range of flavors and aromas.
What are the manufacturing methods for green teas?
We can demarcate 2 major green tea producing regions, each with their own method.
- The Japanese method uses water and its steam to roast tea leaves
- The Chinese method uses large metal vats which are reminiscent of woks
These techniques are not exclusively used in these countries, others such as Vietnam and Bangladesh also use them.
What are the different types of green teas?
The best-known varieties of green teas mainly come from 3 regions: China, Japan and India. China and Japan are the specialists in this field!
Green teas from China
Gunpowder
“Gunpowder” tea has this name because of the particular shape of its rolled leaf. Very well known in the West, the Gunpowder is often used to prepare mint tea. It offers an absolutely irresistible spicy and bitter flavor. To find out, Kusmi suggests the organic mint green tea. If you have known our brand for a long time, you will appreciate the mixture strawberry green tea, the variation of the first Kusmi recipe, the organic bouquet. Don't forget to taste the green tea St. Petersburg, ideal for a sweet break by the fire.
Long Jing
Long Jing or “dragon well” is a tea produced in the Zhejiang region of China. Harvested in spring, the long flat emerald green leaves will provide light notes of hazelnut and chestnuts. It is one of the Chinese green teas richest in antioxidants (catechins) and therefore has many detoxifying and draining benefits. Enough to help eliminate toxins! Discover its exceptional flavors with our Long Jing green tea.
Chun mee
Ou Chun me, literally “precious eyebrows” is a high quality green tea. It is particularly popular in China and is slightly more acidic and astringent than other Chinese green teas. Although it is found today in many tea-producing provinces, it was originally mainly produced in the Jiangxi region. Kusmi Tea offers many blends with Chun mee tea such as organic jasmine green tea, it will seduce you with its floral and sunny scents. The mixture almond green tea, is very delicious and ideal for tea time. Don't miss the discovery of the mixture either organic ginger lemon green tea for a refreshing break. The organic Troika green tea will be perfect for those who want a deliciously tangy tea. As for the organic imperial label green tea, it will offer you a delicious and comforting moment after a long day.
Mao Feng
This Chinese tea originates from the province of Jiangsu. In the mouth, it offers sweet flavors and a vegetal taste. It is said to be one of the best teas in China because of its quality! Indeed, Mao Feng is mainly made up of buds. Its tastefully accessible nature makes it suitable for people wishing to learn green tea.
Green teas from Japan
Sencha
The Sencha means “brewed tea” in Japanese. It is the most cultivated green tea in Japan, its name is clearly inspired by the Uji method, a specific preparation by infusion. It is a “light tea” meaning it grows directly in the sun unlike other varieties which need to be shaded to develop (shade teas). Depending on the regions in which it is grown, it can be bitter or fragrant, fresh and sweet. To discover sencha green tea, Kusmi offers you the mixture organic pink green tea.
Matcha
Literally “green tea powder”, matcha tea is an excellent, high-end Japanese tea. The tea leaves are ground into powder then infused in hot water. We then obtain a tea with a lovely green color, and an “umami” flavor that is both vegetal and fruity. A tea with multiple virtues due to its richness in antioxidants, matcha is very popular in Japan and is making an increasingly bigger place in the daily lives of Westerners. Don’t hesitate any longer and discover our organic matcha tea Kusmi.
Genmaicha
Also called “brown rice tea” or “popcorn tea”, Genmaicha is a Sencha green tea mixed with toasted rice grains. This mixture gives it a roasted taste that is reminiscent of coffee! However, low in caffeine, it is very suitable for people sensitive to this molecule and can therefore be easily consumed at the end of the day. It will be perfect after a meal or during winter evenings. Its warm notes will warm hearts. You can also find it mixed with matcha tea on the market! Notice to amateurs... Possessing the benefits associated with the green tea family, Genmaicha also combines those coming from rice.
Bancha
It is the everyday tea, the one that the Japanese consume the most. This has earned it the nickname “ordinary tea”. It comes from the last harvest, which gives it its popular character and explains its slightly lower price than that of Sencha. Where many green teas are made from young shoots and buds, Bancha is made from older leaves. It will be perfect for an after meal because it has beneficial properties on digestion. It will also be very suitable for people who have difficulty with caffeine because it contains much less than a Sencha or a Gyokuro.
Gyokuro
Also called “Pearl of dew” or “Precious dew”, Gyokuro is a shade tea and one of the most refined teas in Japan. Its fine leaves, similar to pine needles, are skilfully selected in spring to give an intense, fresh and tender taste in the mouth. Grown on the island of Kyushu, this tea is one of the first teas of the season to be harvested and offers subtle and iconic flavors.
Green teas from India
Green Darjeeling
Cultivated in India between sun and mist, the Darjeeling is a particularly popular and luxurious tea. It even has the nickname “champagne of teas”: yes, just that! The gardens which have the controlled designation are located in the Himalayan foothills. This tea is harvested between March and November. The first harvest (March to April) offers a tea with exquisite delicate flavors. The 2nd harvest (May to June) is particularly sought after because of the fruity notes that emerge from the tea. Finally, the third harvest gives a more robust and woody tea on the palate. It’s up to you to make your choice based on your tastes!
Kusmi carefully blends the most delicate teas to offer you high quality blends. Our organic label guarantees you a pesticide-free tea for delicious moments of relaxation.