Guide to Different Types of Green Tea
There are literally countless types of green tea available today. No matter how different these types may be, there is one thing common among them: they all originate from the tea plant named Camellia Sinensis. The different versions are due to factors such as region of their growth, growing methods, changes to how the tea is cultivated, processing methods, differing climate in locations, and many other factors.
Following are some popular types of green tea:
- Gunpowder Green Tea
It is an inexpensive type of green tea. It comes in small pellets. These pallets dissolve when placed in boiling water. This type of green tea comes directly from China. It is famous for its smoky taste which many individuals enjoy. High in fluoride, this tea helps reduce dental caries as well.
- Bancha Green Tea
It is a common and the least expensive type of green tea mostly consumed in Japan. It has an astringent and a slightly stronger flavor than most expensive green teas. It has lowest caffeine contents, which makes it ideal for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine. Even though it is low in caffeine, its health benefits are abundant as it has polyphenols and various other components that are generally available in green tea.
A subtype of Bancha green tea is also available. It is called Genmaicha. It is a mixture of toasted rice and bancha tea. Due to the presence of toasted rice, genmaicha has a slightly nutty flavor.
Hojicha is another type of bancha green tea. It is made of roasted leaves of the tea plant. Its flavor is considerably nutty.
- China Green Tea
China green tea is regular and most common type of green tea consumed in China. It has a good standard and a flavor more refined than bancha and gunpowder teas.
- Sencha Green Tea
Made from delicate and smaller leaves, sencha tea has a more refined flavor as compared to low priced bancha green tea. Additionally, sencha has a natural sweetness. Japanese serve this tea to their guests. Due to the highest concentration of polyphenols, sencha has relatively more health benefits than other types of green tea. Its price is also relatively high.
Matcha is an expensive type of green tea. It is served in traditional ceremonies in Japan. It comes in the form of high quality green powder which needs to be stirred with a bamboo stick in hot water before drinking. Matcha is also used in a number of recipes such as ice cream, lattes, and cookies.
- Gyokuro Green Tea
Gyokuro is considered to be Japan’s best green tea. It may not be offered at your local tea store as it is one of the highest grades of tea available, however, it can be purchased online. Gyokuro is made from first flush leaves and has a greener color than other types of green tea. Its flavor is sweet and slightly vegetative. There are some types of gyokura that are sold at much higher prices.
Read this Article on Where to buy Green Tea
