After reviewing White Tea, in the previous post, we will now discuss the second least processed tea- Green Tea.
As discussed under the previous post, but I feel it is important to re-emphasis, Green Tea as with all varieties of tea is produced from the Camellia Sinensis leaf. And the difference between the various types of teas relates to how the picked leaf is processed.
Green Tea is renowned as being the oldest form of tea!
The tea is simply named ‘green’ tea as the leaves which are used for infusing are green in colour. Green Tea flavours range from the sweet, flora flavours of Chinese teas to a sweet savory flavour of the Japanese Sencha. The flavours are dictated by the region they are grown as well as the way the leaves are processed
Green Tea is produced by picking and using the youngest tea buds and leaves- this provides for a fresh, crisp taste. Once picked, the leaves go through a fairly simple processing procedure, compared to that of say a black tea, which have extra processes to go through. The process for Green Tea involves 3 main stages- withering, steaming/ heating, rolling and drying.
Withering
The first stage of the processes from raw leaf to Green Tea is withering. Withering occurs by laying out the freshly plucked leaves into large troughs- whilst in these troughs warm air is encouraged to pass around the leaves, to dry out all the moisture contained within the leaf.
Steaming/ Heating
Once the leaf starts to wither enzymes within the leaf cells begin to activate with oxygen (which is commonly known as oxidation- which is necessary in Black Teas but not so wanted in Green Teas). To halt the oxidisation, process the leaves are put through an additional drying phase either by pan frying (predominantly in China) or Steaming (in Japan) – this process is known as ‘killing the green’.
Pan Frying– a process where the tea is gradually heated in a large wok until it reaches around 65° C. This is a slower process, than steaming, but produces a more roasted flavour.
Steaming: a process where the tea leaves are steamed, which usually heats the tea leaves faster, than pan frying, typically only taking a minute or so to reach 65° C. However, steaming times can vary between 30 seconds to two minutes, the length of time of steaming is partly responsible for differing flavours, aromas and leaf colours. Steaming the leaves provides a more grassy and vegetal flavouring- providing the distinct Japanese umami flavour.
Rolling and Drying
Rolling and Drying is the final process the leaves must go through to remove all the remaining moisture from the leaves. The leaves are either hand rolled, which is the traditional method, or machine rolled. Rolling the leaves further breaks down the leaves cellular structure and thus releases natural oils, which enhance the teas flavour. Drying can be undertaken by either air or oven drying- to remove any remaining moisture.
Green Tea is deemed one of the healthiest teas, along with White Tea, as it contains high levels of antioxidants as well as lower levels of caffeine. Generally, the caffeine in Green Tea ranges between 24 and 39 mg per serving (230ml) compared to 32-37 for White Tea.
Types of Green Tea:
- Gyokuro: Known as “shaded Green Tea,” it is a Japanese tea that differs from the standard sencha (a classic unshaded Green Tea) in being grown under the shade rather than the full sun. It has a sweet, umami flavour and is considered a high-quality tea. This is a steamed tea.
- Sencha: A widely consumed Japanese Green Tea, Sencha has a bright green colour and a slightly grassy taste. Prepared by infusing the processed whole tea leaves in hot water. It’s a staple in Japan and is enjoyed daily. This is a steamed tea.
- Longjing tea (Dragon Well Tea): A famous Chinese Green Tea, Longjing has flat, broad leaves and a fresh, grassy taste. It’s often pan-fired to preserve its flavour.
- Matcha: Matcha is a powdered Green Tea made by grinding whole tea leaves. It’s vibrant green, rich, and earthy, and is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. This is a steamed tea
Scented Green Teas
Green Tea, due to its’ delicate flavour (as well as tea leaves ability to take on other flavours and aromas) is not uncommon for Green Teas to be scented- this is true for all varieties of Green tea.
Once the leaf’s have been picked the scenting agent is layered on the freshly plucked Green Tea leaves, allowing the tea leaves to absorb the aromatic compounds. Green Tea can be flavoured with a wide array of scents these typically include lemon, mint and mango. However, the most popular and well known flavoured Green Tea is Jasmine Green Tea. With Jasmine Green Tea the jasmine flower is alternatively layered with the fresh tea leaves and left to rest. Once the tea has reached the desired level of scenting the flowers are removed and the tea is dried to preserve the aromas.
I personally am a big fan of Jasmine Green Tea, with its subtle yet fragrant flavour. You can’t beat a cup of Jasmine Green Tea on a hot summers day!
Above: Jasmine Green Tea Pearls
How to Brew Green Tea:
Quantity: Take 1 tea spoon of tea (0.5g)
Temperature: 70-80oc
- Green Tea should not be brewed with boiling water, as will ‘burn’ the leaves and make the tea taste bitter
Steeping Time: 120 seconds (2mins)
Taken with: No
Green Tea leaves can be steeped more than once, I tend to find easily up to 3 infusions. The second infusion can be more delicious than the first.
Potential Health Benefits of Green Tea
There are several potential health benefits for drinking Green Tea, of which some of these will be discussed below (please note that the below claimed benefits of Green Tea have been proposed by other third parties, these are not the findings of nor been researched by the Author, it is for the reader to do their own research as to the validity of the health claims made).
May Reduce Anxiety and Stress
All teas, including Green Tea, can help in reducing stress levels as they contain L-theanine- an amino acid which has been alleged can alleviate anxiety and stress and in turn helping you relax. As Green Tea contains the highest concentrations of L-theanine, compared to other tea varieties be that black, oolong, and white tea.
Green Teas contains the highest concentration of L-theanine due to the cultivation process:- as some Green Teas are grown in the shade for three weeks before harvest- the shading increases chlorophyll levels in the plants which in turn increases L-theanine production.
May help Protect Against Cognitive Decline
All teas contain anti-oxidants but it is believed that Green Teas contain higher levels of these Anti-oxidants.
Green Tea, as it contains higher concentrations of anti-oxidants, could help protect against certain neurodegenerative diseases, such Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
May Improve Longevity
Due to the higher levels of antioxidants in Green Tea, as well as other natural chemicals such as polyphenols, drinking Green Tea could potentially help support a healthy long life. These polyphenols, can have anti-aging effects, such as:
• Decreasing inflammation
• Reducing signs of aging
• Minimizing cell damage caused by harmful substances that may increase the risk of disease
Might Support Weight Loss
Green Tea may help you lose weight. Green Tea is a source of catechins, an anti-oxidant that helps break down fat. Catechins may increase your metabolic rate, which helps you burn more calories. The majority of research conducted on this however has been based on Green Tea extract as opposed to steeped tea.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Drinking Green Tea may help to protect heart health by lowering blood pressure. This could be due to its high antioxidant content, this could help to decrease inflammation and dilate your blood vessels, which supports healthy blood flow
I am relatively new to drinking Green Tea, I am however a big fan of Jasmine Green Tea, which I personally think is a delicious, refreshing tea. I am also partial to a Chinese Gun Powder tea, but I am yet to really enjoy a Japanese Sencha or Matcha- but I will keep going with my Green Tea adventure.
If you have yet to try Green Tea I would highly recommend it, perhaps start with a Jasmine Scented Green Tea (as I did), if not for the refreshing taste try it for the potential health benefits.
