Everything you need to know about green tea from China
Consumed since the third millennium BC, first as a medicinal plant, then as an everyday drink, green teaowes its name to the color of the tea leaves. As well as that of its infusion.
How is it developed?
Wherever it is produced on the planet, green tea is a tea whose natural oxidation is quickly stopped after picking. To prevent the leaves from blackening, they undergo final drying. After having been wilted, then rolled to extract the juices, the leaves are seized for a few minutes in large copper basins, placed over the fire. Once their enzymes are destroyed by heat, the oxidation of plants is blocked. The tea leaves then go through the sieving stage, in order to be free of stems and dust. Before being put into box of tea or in sachets.
What is the difference with Japanese green tea?
In the Land of the Rising Sun, tea leaves are dried using another traditional method: they are subjected to brief jets of steam. It is a “moist heat” (and not a “dry heat”, as in China) which stops the oxidation of Japanese green teas, such as genmaicha or the hojicha
The great popularity of Chinese green tea
Widely consumed in its country of origin, Chinese green tea is gaining popularity in the West. Until now, historically people drank mainly black tea. Like English teas, often produced in former colonies such as India or Sri Lanka (Earl grey,Ceylon,Darjeeling...). But it is in Morocco that Chinese green tea has enjoyed incredible success, since the Chinese variety “Gunpowder” is used in the preparation of the traditional mint green tea. Gunpowder (or “gunpowder”) owes its name to the tea leaves, which are rolled into small balls, and which the Chinese more prettily call “Tea Pearls”.
What does Chinese green tea taste like?
Green teas are recognizable by their vegetal taste, sometimes herbaceous or iodized. Over-infused, organic Chinese green tea will tend to be quite bitter, hence the need to respect the ideal infusion time. Some will perceive a taste of chlorophyll, mineral or earthy flavors, while others will be bothered (or seduced!) by its astringency (that harsh, rasping sensation on the tongue, due to tannins). As with a wine, the nuances will vary depending on the variety, the infusion time, the storage... And of course, not all palates will appreciate the same things!
What are the benefits of Chinese green tea?
Traditional Chinese medicine has long noted the virtues of organic Chinese green tea. First, because it would be the tea containing the most antioxidants. As its oxidation has been stopped, green tea would have a high content of polyphenols (also called catechins). These powerful antioxidants help strengthen the immune system, fight against aging, while having a “fat-burning” effect on the body. In addition, the presence of theanine is known to help reduce stress and provide a relaxing effect. So seduced by the potential virtues of Chinese green tea?
How to prepare Chinese green tea?
If the Chinese tea ceremony (Gong Fu Cha) involves three successive infusions, and can last up to two hours, here are preparation tips more suited to our everyday lives.
What infusion time for Chinese green tea?
First of all, know that the water should never be boiling, but simmering, otherwise the tea leaves will be damaged. Then, the principle is simple: the more the tea is oxidized, the hotter the water can be. For green tea, we recommend water at 70-80°. Then, infuse the tea leaves for 3 to 4 minutes on average. But for more details, because it also depends on the varieties of tea, follow the recommendations indicated on the box.
Which teapot to use?
A priori, the one you already have. If you drink several types of tea (green tea, white tea, classic black tea, etc.), you will need to opt for a “memory-free” teapot, which is the case for the vast majority of them (glass, cast iron, ceramic teapots, etc.). Only unglazed earthenware teapots are “memory”. That is to say, they retain the aromas from one infusion to the next. We will therefore choose this second option, only if we always drink the same type of tea. For more information, do not hesitate to consult our teapot guide.
When to drink Chinese green tea?
Organic Chinese green tea can be enjoyed throughout the day. From morning to the end of the day, because green tea does not prevent you from sleeping. It contains much less theine than black tea, which is favored in the morning for its stimulating effect. (To be distinguished from coffee, which is a stimulant). Once infused, green tea can be consumed hot or cold, depending on the season or the mood of the moment.
Green teas from China selected by Kusmi Tea
Want to discover or rediscover organic Chinese green tea? We present to you the different mixtures offered by Kusmi Tea. All you have to do is find which one is right for you!
A Chinese green tea from organic farming
Since 2020, Kusmi has chosen organic for all of its teas and herbal teas. Organic Chinese green tea is no exception. Whether plants, fruits, spices... all our ingredients come from organic farming, certified by strict specifications, and checked regularly. This allows Kusmi to be certified by Ecocert, an independent organization carrying out an audit of our workshops every year. In order to better inform consumers, all our tea boxes display the AB logos for France and Eurofeuille for the European Union. If you are looking for organic Chinese green tea, go to Kusmi!
A green tea from China packaged in France
Like its entire range, organic Chinese green teas Kusmi Tea are based on French know-how. It is in Normandy that our brand (which became French in 2003) thinks, creates, mixes and packages tea. More precisely in Seine-Maritime, in Saint-Vigor d’Ymonville, near Le Havre. Fewer kilometers means less pollution and more work in our regions. If you are keen to encourage the French economy, you have come to the right place!
Green tea from China packaged in an eco-responsible way
Whether for organic loose tea or organic tea in bags, Kusmi is committed to a recycling and waste reduction approach. Made in France, our bags are made of polylactic acid (PLA), a biosourced and biodegradable material, before being placed in recyclable cardboard boxes. Our loose organic teas are packaged in metal boxes, an infinitely recyclable material.
“Long Jing” or “Dragon Well” green tea
This exceptional green tea comes from the Zhejiang province in China. In just a few sips, we are transported to the heart of the Zhejiang Province in southern China. A mountainous landscape as far as the eye can see and the sacred kingdom of one of the most prestigious teas in the country: organic Long Jing, also called “Dragon Well”. Harvested in spring, near the city of Hangzhou, this organic natural tea is distinguished by its long, flat leaves of a pretty emerald green hue. Its light notes of hazelnut and chestnut make its taste very popular with tea lovers. Go for it, without hesitation!
The legendary history of “Long Jing” or “Dragon Well” tea
Chinese mythology is full of secrets. It is said that in the village of origin of Long Jing tea there was a well which always supplied water even in times of drought. His secret? The dragon that lived there...In Chinese mythology, the dragon is a true symbol! Very different from the western dragon, it is a being that lives in water and represents strength, happiness and benevolence. Another legend relates that the Qianlong Emperor stopped at a Long Jing tea plantation to help the pickers harvest tea. At the same time, he learned that his mother was ill. He left in a hurry, accidentally taking a few tea leaves with him in his pocket. Seduced by the smell emanating from the tea leaves, the empress asked for a taste. After a few days, his health improved. So much so that the tea trees of Long Jing were then renamed “imperial trees”!
Green tea “Jade Pearls with Jasmine”
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 tea are scented with freshly picked jasmine petals. They are then rolled shoot by shoot, bead by bead. A true work of art! A symbol of refinement, Jasmine Jade Pearls are surprising. They are not infused once, not twice...but up to 5 to 6 times in a row, over a total duration of 20 minutes. With each new infusion, they reveal themselves more and release their intense note of jasmine. Our friendly advice? Use an infuser large enough to allow the leaves to expand...before you enjoy.
Gunpowder green tea
Also originating from the Chinese province of Zhejiang, located in the east of the country, south of Shanghai, 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"