Green Tea

Description

Green tea is a type of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves and buds, the same plant used to produce black tea, oolong tea, and white tea. What sets green tea apart is its minimal oxidation process during production, allowing it to retain more of its natural color, flavor, and health benefits. Here’s a general description of green tea:

Characteristics:

1. Color:
   • Green tea has a light to medium green color when brewed. The leaves retain their natural green hue due to minimal oxidation.
2. Flavor Profile:
   • The flavor of green tea can vary widely based on factors such as the tea variety, growing conditions, and processing methods. Common flavor notes include grassy, vegetal, nutty, or seaweed-like. Some green teas have a sweet or floral undertone.
3. Aroma:
   • Green tea often has a fresh, grassy, or slightly seaweed-like aroma. The fragrance can be delicate and inviting.
4. Caffeine Content:
   • While green tea contains caffeine, it generally has lower caffeine levels than black tea. The exact amount can vary based on factors such as the specific type of green tea and brewing time.
5. Oxidation:
   • Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation during processing. The leaves are typically quickly heated (either through pan-frying or steaming) to halt oxidation, preserving the natural green color and flavor.
6. Common Varieties:
   • There are numerous varieties of green tea, each with its unique characteristics. Some well-known varieties include Sencha, Matcha, Dragon Well (Longjing), Gunpowder, and Gyokuro.
7. Preparation:
   • Green tea is often brewed with water that is heated to lower temperatures than those used for black tea. The leaves are steeped for a shorter time (usually 1-3 minutes) to avoid extracting bitter compounds.