What is Green Tea?

Just like black tea, green tea comes from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. An evergreen shrub, also known as a tea plant! This luscious green shrub is native to China and Japan and is used to produce both green and black tea. 

How Is Green Tea Made?

Whilst both green tea and black tea are the most popular teas and are produced from the leaves of the same plant; there are some differences!

The main difference is the way in which they are processed. Simply put, black tea is oxidised, and green tea is not! This is because the leaves of black tea are exposed to oxygen after harvesting over a period of time, whereas the leaves of green tea are either steamed or panfried to stop the oxidation process.

It’s the immediate use of heat that helps to halt the oxidisation process. Other differences in taste come from where green tea is grown. Green tea grown in Japan tends to be steamed, whereas green tea in China is pan-fried, which accounts for their different tastes. Chinese green tea tends to taste sweeter and lighter, with a slightly toasted flavour, whereas Japanese green tea is more earthy with a hint of citrus.

Does Green Tea Contain Caffeine? 

Like black tea, green tea contains naturally occurring caffeine, but you can also get decaffeinated green tea. There is a common misconception that a drink containing caffeine can leave you feeling dehydrated, but caffeinated drinks like green tea can be just as hydrating!

Find out more about caffeine in green tea. 

What’s The Difference Between Green Tea And Matcha? 

Matcha green tea powder is a type of green tea that is made using the young leaves of the Camellia sinensis shrub. These leaves are then ground down into a fine powder. It has a more potent green tea flavour and is excellent for making matcha lattes and even smoothies.