How is green tea distinguished from other teas?
Green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong… The different types of tea are distinguished by their production, drying, flavour, preparation and infusion time, as well as by their health benefits. Let us explore the green tea family!
Green tea consists of the young leaves of the tea plant (Camellia Sinensis), harvested several times a year, roasted and then dried. There are several drying techniques, each producing a different tea: green, black or white. For green tea, drying takes place immediately after rolling and withering the tea leaves, as it stops the oxidation process.
Known for their benefits (antioxidant, draining, relaxing), green teas are teas that are not oxidised, unlike black teas, and offer a wide range of flavours and aromas.
What are the methods used to make green tea?
There are two main green tea-producing regions, each with its own method.
- The Japanese method uses water and steam to roast the tea leaves
- The Chinese method uses large metal vats reminiscent of woks
These techniques are not used exclusively in these countries; others, such as Vietnam and Bangladesh, also use them.
What are the different types of green tea?
The best-known varieties of green tea mainly originate from three regions: China, Japan and India. China and Japan are the specialists in this field!
Green teas originating from China
Gunpowder
“Gunpowder tea” takes its name from the distinctive shape of its rolled leaf. Very well known in the West, Gunpowder is often used to prepare mint tea. It offers an utterly irresistible flavour that is both spicy and bitter. To discover it, Kusmi suggests organic mint green tea. If you have known our brand for a long time, you will appreciate the blend strawberry green tea, a variation on Kusmi’s first recipe, organic bouquet. Do not forget to try Saint Petersburg green tea, ideal for a gentle break by the fireside.
Long Jing
Long Jing, or “dragon well”, is a tea produced in the Zhejiang region of China. Harvested in spring, its long, flat emerald-green leaves offer delicate notes of hazelnut and chestnut. It is one of the Chinese green teas richest in antioxidants (catechins) and therefore has many detoxifying and draining benefits. A great way to help eliminate toxins! Discover its exceptional flavours with our Long Jing green tea.
Chun mee
Also known as Chun me, literally “precious eyebrows”, it is a high-quality green tea. It is particularly appreciated in China and is slightly more acidic and astringent than other Chinese green teas. Although it can now be found in many tea-producing provinces, it was originally produced mainly in the Jiangxi region. Kusmi Tea offers many blends with Chun mee tea, such as organic jasmine green tea, which will delight you with its floral, sun-kissed scents. The blend almond green tea is very indulgent and ideal for teatime. Do not miss the blend organic ginger lemon green tea for a refreshing break. Organic Troïka green tea is perfect for those who fancy a deliciously tangy tea. As for organic label imperial green tea, it will offer you an indulgent, comforting moment after a long day.
Mao Feng
This Chinese tea originates from Jiangsu province. On the palate, it offers sweet flavours and a vegetal taste. It is said to be one of China’s finest teas because of its quality! Indeed, Mao Feng is mainly made up of buds. Its approachable flavour makes it suitable for people wishing to discover green tea.
Green teas originating from Japan
Sencha
Sencha means “infused tea” in Japanese. It is the most widely cultivated green tea in Japan, and its name is clearly inspired by the Uji method, a specific infusion preparation. It is a “tea of light”, meaning that it grows directly in the sun, unlike other varieties that need to be shaded to develop (shade teas). Depending on the regions where it is grown, it can be bitter or fragrant, fresh and mild. To discover sencha green tea, Kusmi offers the blend organic rose green tea.
Matcha
Literally “green tea powder”, matcha tea is an exceptional, premium Japanese tea. The tea leaves are ground into powder and then infused in hot water. The result is a tea with a lovely green colour and an “umami” flavour that is both vegetal and fruity. A tea with many benefits due to its richness in antioxidants, matcha is very popular in Japan and is becoming increasingly present in the daily lives of Westerners. Do not hesitate any longer and discover our organic matcha tea from Kusmi.
Genmaicha
Also known as “brown rice tea” or “popcorn tea”, Genmaicha is a Sencha green tea blended with roasted rice grains. This blend gives it a roasted flavour that is somewhat reminiscent of coffee! However, it is low in caffeine, making it ideal for people sensitive to this molecule, and it can therefore easily be enjoyed at the end of the day. It is perfect after a meal or on winter evenings. Its warm notes will warm the heart. You can also find it blended with matcha tea on the market! A treat for enthusiasts… With the benefits associated with the green tea family, Genmaicha also combines those of rice.
Bancha
This is the everyday tea, the one Japanese people drink most. It has therefore earned the nickname “ordinary tea”. It comes from the last harvest, which gives it its popular character and explains its slightly lower price than Sencha. While many green teas are made from young shoots and buds, Bancha is made from older leaves. It is perfect after a meal as it has beneficial effects on digestion. It is also very suitable for people who do not tolerate caffeine well, as it contains much less than Sencha or Gyokuro.
Gyokuro
Also known as “Pearl of Dew” or “Precious Dew", Gyokuro is a shade-grown tea and one of Japan’s most refined teas. Its fine leaves, resembling pine needles, are skilfully selected in spring to deliver an intense, fresh and delicate flavour on the palate. Grown on the island of Kyushu, this tea is among the first teas of the season to be harvested and offers subtle, emblematic flavours.
Green teas originating from India
Green Darjeeling
Grown in India between sunshine and mist, Darjeeling is a particularly prized and luxurious tea. It even bears the nickname “the champagne of teas”: yes, nothing less! The gardens with 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 flavours. The second harvest (May to June), meanwhile, is particularly sought after for the fruity notes released by the tea. Finally, the third harvest produces a fuller-bodied, woody tea on the palate. The choice is yours, according to your tastes!
Kusmi carefully blends the most delicate teas to offer you blends of exceptional quality. Our organic label guarantees pesticide-free tea for delicious moments of relaxation.