Green tea is a world of complex and savory tastes. To answer this question, let’s first break down what green tea is. Green tea originates from the camellia sinensis evergreen shrub or a small evergreen tree. Originally from China, this shrub has seen global adaption throughout the centuries resulting in tea becoming the second most-consumed drink in the world, only to be outpaced by water.
Green tea, black tea, and white tea all originate from the same shrub; the differences are seen in what parts of the bush are utilized, how the tea is processed/harvested, and what cultivar is used to produce the tea in question. Keeping it simple we will only be discussing green tea in specific.
Green tea, black tea, and white tea all originate from the same shrub; the differences are seen in what parts of the bush are utilized, how the tea is processed/harvested, and what cultivar is used to produce the tea in question. Keeping it simple we will only be discussing green tea in specific.
Camellia Sinensis
Traditionally tea is harvested from the camellia sinensis shrub around 1 to 4 times each year, with the first harvest called “ichibancha” beginning in the spring season when new young buds appear after a winter of dormancy. The harvested tea leaves are taken to the processing facility, where they are steamed or pan-fried; both of which prevent the tea leaves from oxidizing and becoming more similar to that of a black tea. Preventing oxidation is referred to as “fixing” or “kill-green.”
Steamed: Used mainly in Japan, releases a fresh aroma, with strong umami and pleasant astringency.
Pan-fried: Used mainly in China, releases a slightly roasted aroma and a light-bodied umami flavor.
Japanese green tea is beloved for its savory umami flavor and subtle fragrance that the tea drinker experiences, which is very rare to find naturally in beverages. The flavor umami is usually seen in food, in particular Japanese dishes, where the term “umami” originates from.
Green tea is known for coming in many forms and flavors; this is due to the many unique ways in which each type of green tea is produced. If you are interested in learning more about how different green teas are crafted in Japan and China, Tea Made Simple dives deeper into the different variations of green tea. Each tea has its own unique story, and we’re here to help guide you into the world of tea.
Steamed: Used mainly in Japan, releases a fresh aroma, with strong umami and pleasant astringency.
Pan-fried: Used mainly in China, releases a slightly roasted aroma and a light-bodied umami flavor.
Japanese green tea is beloved for its savory umami flavor and subtle fragrance that the tea drinker experiences, which is very rare to find naturally in beverages. The flavor umami is usually seen in food, in particular Japanese dishes, where the term “umami” originates from.
Green tea is known for coming in many forms and flavors; this is due to the many unique ways in which each type of green tea is produced. If you are interested in learning more about how different green teas are crafted in Japan and China, Tea Made Simple dives deeper into the different variations of green tea. Each tea has its own unique story, and we’re here to help guide you into the world of tea.
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