What is green tea?
Green tea is tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant that are heated soon after picking to prevent oxidation. This keeps the leaves green and gives the tea a fresh, grassy flavor.
After harvesting, green tea leaves are quickly steamed, as is common in Japan, or pan-fired, as is common in China. The heat stops natural enzymes from oxidizing the leaves, which would turn them dark. The leaves are then rolled and dried. China produces the most green tea, and it is the most popular tea in China and Japan.
Famous varieties include Longjing, or Dragon Well, from Hangzhou in China, and Sencha and Gyokuro from Japan. Green tea is best brewed with water below boiling, around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius, for one to three minutes, because boiling water can make it bitter.
Health and caffeine
Green tea contains antioxidants called catechins and an amino acid called L-theanine, which may promote calm alertness. It usually has less caffeine than coffee, about 20 to 45 milligrams per cup. Studies have linked drinking green tea to some health benefits, but research is ongoing.
Did You Know?
Green, black, white and oolong teas all come from the same plant. The differences come from how the leaves are processed.