Green tea has gained popularity all over the world and is praised for its subtle flavour and many health advantages. Green tea, with its historical roots in China and Japan and current popularity worldwide, provides a cooling substitute for conventional drinks. However, did you realize that there are various varieties of green tea, each with a distinct flavour profile, processing technique, and health benefits?
Knowing the various varieties of green tea can improve your experience of drinking tea, regardless of your level of experience.
Types of Green Tea
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Matcha :
Matcha, a powdered green tea that has been finely crushed, is valued for its rich, creamy flavour and slightly sweet, vivid green colour. It is a popular choice for both traditional tea ceremonies and contemporary lattes because it provides a strong dosage of antioxidants and enhances energy and focus.
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Gunpowder :
Gunpowder green tea has a strong, slightly smoky flavour with a sense of earthiness because it is rolled into small, tight granules that resemble gunpowder. Well-liked for its strong flavour, gunpowder tea promotes healthy digestion and a continuous flow of energy, making it a popular option for a stimulating cup.
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Jasmine leaf :
Jasmine petals are subtly incorporated into jasmine leaf tea, giving it a sweet, calming flavour and a lovely, floral scent. Because of the green tea base, this tea has a reputation for being peaceful, lowering tension, and encouraging relaxation. It also gives a slight energy boost.
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Sencha :
Popular Japanese green tea, sencha has a slight bitterness and a bright, grassy flavour. Rich in heart-healthy antioxidants and metabolism-boosting catechins, it’s refreshing flavour makes it a great option for regular consumption.
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Konacha :
Konacha, sometimes referred to as “powder tea,” is made up of tiny leaf fragments and tea dust. It is frequently offered in sushi restaurants and has a strong, slightly bitter flavour. Packed with catechins, it helps with digestion and provides antioxidant benefits.
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Moroccan mint tea :
Moroccan Mint Tea is a delightfully scented beverage with a sweet, cooling taste that is made by combining green tea with fresh mint leaves. It is a staple of Moroccan hospitality, commonly consumed after meals to help with digestion and encourage relaxation.
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Hojicha :
High-temperature roasting gives hojicha, a Japanese green tea, a toasted, warm flavour with caramel undertones and a milder, less bitter finish. Because of its low caffeine content, it is soothing on the stomach and perfect for nighttime consumption.
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Tencha :
Tencha, the ancestor of matcha, is cultivated under shade and undergoes minimal processing. Its texture is creamy, and its flavour is mildly green. Tencha is favoured for mindfulness exercises because of its high theanine content, which helps with relaxation and mental clarity.
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Longjing :
Famous Chinese green tea Longjing, also known as Dragon Well tea, has a smooth, chestnut-like flavour with a somewhat sweet aftertaste. Its high vitamin C and antioxidant content boost immune function while offering a revitalizing, refreshing taste.
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Bancha :
Japanese green tea, known as bancha, is collected later in the growing season and has a low bitterness and mellow, earthy flavour. Because it contains less caffeine and tannins, it is mild on the stomach and can be had all day.
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Genmaicha :
The combination of roasted brown rice and green tea gives Genmaicha a slightly sweet, nutty, and toasted flavour. This soothing tea is well-liked for daily use since it helps with digestion and gives a mild energy boost.
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Lotus tea :
Lotus blooms are used to infuse lotus tea, giving it a delicate, somewhat sweet flavour and a mild, flowery scent. In addition to providing mild antioxidant advantages, it is well known for its relaxing qualities, which encourage mental clarity and relaxation.
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Shincha :
Shincha, the first harvest of the season, is a lively, fresh green tea with a delicate mix of umami and sweetness. It is a highly valued tea for maintaining general health and boosting energy because it is abundant in vitamins and catechins.
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Gyokuro :
Premium Japanese green tea, known as Gyokuro, is shade-grown to provide a rich, umami flavour with a sweet, vegetal taste. Tea lovers might choose this rich option because of its high theanine content, which improves attention and relaxation.
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Dragonwell :
Longjing, or Dragonwell, is a highly regarded Chinese green tea that tastes sweet, nutty, and smooth. Packed with vitamins and polyphenols, it promotes heart health and offers a reviving, refreshing experience that is best savoured during meditation.
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Biluochun :
Chinese green tea, or Baichuochun, has a delicately sweet flavour and a fruity, flowery scent. The leaves are tightly wrapped. Rich in antioxidants, it is well known for promoting healthy cardiovascular function and increasing metabolic rate.
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Kukicha :
The stems and twigs of the tea plant are used to make kukicha, or twig tea, which gives it a mild, creamy flavour with traces of nuts. For those who enjoy tea, this option is calming and nourishing because it is low in caffeine and high in calcium.
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Decaf green :
Decaf green tea has a subtle, somewhat grassy flavour and all the health advantages of green tea without the caffeine. It is great for relaxing in the evenings or for people who are sensitive to caffeine because it is high in antioxidants and has a mild, calming impact.
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Fukamushicha :
Fukamushicha is a deep-steamed green tea that has a vibrant green hue and a robust, rich flavour. Its long steaming period brings out the sweetness and lessens the bitterness, resulting in a velvety flavour that is rich in antioxidants and beneficial to digestive health.
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Funmatsucha :
Made from lower-grade leaves, Funmatsucha is a finely powdered green tea that resembles matcha. It is high in antioxidants, tastes powerful and slightly bitter, and provides a rapid energy boost while also supporting general health.
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Kabusecha :
Japanese green tea from Kabusecha is shade-grown and has a flavour profile that falls between Sencha and Gyokuro. It has a deep, umami taste with a sweet finish. Because of its high theanine and chlorophyll content, it improves mood and encourages relaxation.
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Kamairicha :
Japanese green tea called Kamairicha is pan-fired rather than steamed, which gives it a distinct flavour that is a little sweet and hints of roasted chestnuts. It is a pleasant and reassuring option with a mild flavour and low bitterness that is popular in rural Japan.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Green Tea
AVT’s Takeaway
This blog explores the diverse realm of green tea, highlighting many varieties such as Matcha, Sencha, and Gyokuro, each with its own distinct tastes and health advantages. Choose the ideal green tea for every occasion with AVT’s comprehensive guide, which covers everything from the toasty warmth of Hojicha to the floral tones of Jasmine tea.
FAQs
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Which type of green tea is best?
The best green tea is a personal choice; Sencha is a pleasant everyday choice, while Matcha is well-known for its health advantages.
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How many types of green teas are there?
Green tea comes in dozens of kinds, each with its distinct flavour and origins. Well-known variants include Matcha, Sencha, and Gyokuro.
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How many Flavours of green tea are there?
Depending on the processing technique and mix, green tea tastes can vary greatly, ranging from floral and sweet to earthy and nutty.
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What is the common name of green tea?
Green tea is commonly referred to as just “Green Tea,” while certain varieties, such as Sencha or Matcha, may be mentioned.
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Which is the original green tea?
The earliest known green tea types are from China, where the original Longjing (Dragon Well) variety is said to have originated.
