Green tea is one of the oldest and most valued types of tea in the world. It is made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, but differs from black tea in that the leaves are not oxidized. Instead, they are steamed or heated shortly after picking to preserve the green color and fresh flavor. The result is a lighter, more vegetal tea with complex flavor nuances and a lower caffeine content.
Green tea is enjoyed both as an everyday drink and in ceremonial contexts, especially in Japan and China, where tea culture stretches back thousands of years.
Green tea originally comes from China, where it has been used as both a medicine and a pleasure drink for over 4000 years. Over time, the traditions spread to Japan, Korea, and later to the West. Each region has developed its own methods of cultivation and processing, resulting in a wide spectrum of flavors and tea types.
In Japan, green tea is often used in the ceremonial chanoyu – the Japanese tea ceremony – where precision, aesthetics, and mindfulness are central elements. In China, green tea is most often enjoyed informally and several times a day.
Green tea undergoes minimal processing. Shortly after harvest, the leaves are heated to inactivate the enzymes that cause oxidation. In China, the leaves are often pan-fried in large woks, which gives the tea a slightly nutty or roasted flavor. In Japan, the tea is steamed, resulting in a fresh, grassy, and slightly sweet profile.
Green tea requires a bit more care when brewing than black tea, but the reward is an elegant and aromatic cup. Water that is too hot can make the tea bitter, while too low a temperature gives a flat taste.
Experiment with steeping time and amount – especially with more delicate Japanese varieties like Sencha and Gyokuro.
Green tea is known for its high content of antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG, which are associated with a range of health benefits. Studies have suggested that green tea may have a positive effect on metabolism, cardiovascular health, and concentration. In addition, it contains less caffeine than coffee, but still enough to provide a mild energy boost.
The combined effect of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine in green tea can provide a more focused and calm form of alertness – popularly known as the "zen effect".
Green tea is an elegant and versatile drink with deep roots in Eastern cultures. It offers not only freshness and flavor, but also a daily pause in which you can immerse yourself in the moment. Whether you drink it for the taste, the ritual, or for health, green tea has something to offer everyone.
So next time you want to relax or find peace, brew a cup of green tea and let its natural balance find its way to you.
