Get To Know China Green Tea

Tea consumption has legendary origins dating back more than 4,000 years. CHINA GREEN TEA is made from the unfermented leaves of Camellia sinsesis (the same plant that gives us black and oolong teas). It originated in Southeast Asia, around the confluence of the lands of northeast India, north Burma, the southwest Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of China and Tibet. Over the centuries, the plant was introduced to more than 52 countries. Countless varieties of green tea have been developed in the countries where it is grown, and these varieties (all cultivars of the same species, Camellia sinensis) can differ markedly in aroma, color and taste due to variable growing conditions, horticulture, production processing and harvesting time.

Green tea is commonly harvested three times per year. The first flush, which brings the best-quality leaves, takes place in late April to early May. The second harvest usually takes place from June through July and the third picking occurs in late July to early August. Once harvested, green tea is processed using either artisanal or modern methods. Sun-drying, basket or charcoal firing and pan-firing are common artisanal methods, while oven-drying, tumbling and steaming are common in the modern industry. Once processed, green teas are stored under low humidity refrigeration and then go through a final firing before blending, selection and packaging. The partially processed, refrigerated leaves will be re-fired throughout the year as they are needed, giving the green teas a longer shelf-life and better flavor.

Chinese green teas are made from over 600 different cultivars of the Camellia sinensis plant, giving a profuse variety of regional teas. Chinese green teas are traditionally pan-fired, unlike the Japanese steaming process. Due to these different production processes, Chinese teas are said to have a more “earthy” taste than Japanese teas. In China, Zhejiang Province is home to the most famous of all teas, Xi Hu Longjing, as well as many other high-quality green teas. Longjing (literally, “dragon well”), probably the most well-known green tea in China, originates in Hangzh, the capital of Zhejiang Province. It is pan-fired and has a distinctive flat appearance.