Author: Julia Kopylova , tea expert.
Main differences from black
No matter how surprising, both varieties grow on the same tea bush. And the difference lies only in the processing method. The whole secret is that during collection, pickers tear off the top leaves, then twist and wilt them in a natural or artificial way. The main stages of green tea production:
- wilting;
- commit;
- twist;
- drying.
Whereas making black tea requires other actions:
- wilting;
- twist;
- fermentation;
- drying.
Moreover, unlike drying green tea, which is most often produced by steam, dark varieties are dried in special ovens at a temperature of 90 degrees. The standard fermentation rate for a strong black drink is 90-100%, for green & mdash; 3-10%.
Green tea can be purchased from our online store :
We buy tea from the best producers of green tea, and also produce tea ourselves.
Always great prices and 30% discounts.
See the full range of green tea here
Growing features & ndash; where raw materials are collected
Large tea plantations are located in China on mountain slopes, where the climatic conditions are more ideal for a rich harvest. To start work, collectors must take into account the season, temperature, humidity, and even the time of day.
In China, traditionally, the most valuable varieties are those harvested in early spring. Spring harvest is inextricably linked with the holiday & laquo; pure light & raquo; Qingming. Traditionally, the date is April 5 & ndash; this is an important boundary in determining the quality and value of green tea.
The most noble and fragrant are the leaves collected before the holiday. It is usually between March 20 (the vernal equinox) and April 5. Tea buds and the first leaves collected during this period are classified as the highest quality and are often called "qingming tea"; & ndash; these are expensive varieties of green tea.
The value is due to the early collection period. Imagine: tea shrubs did not bear fruit in the cold and only with the onset of March gradually begin to awaken. This means that the kidneys and leaves contain the maximum amount of aromatic substances, natural sugars, amino acids and the smallest number of tannins. Such tea has a unique aroma and a very delicate taste, as it contains a large number of valuable aromatic substances.
But production in Japan began around the 9th century, but only green tea is grown here. Most of the plantations are in the southern prefectures. The time and technique of collection depends on the variety. Sometimes bushes are darkened by canopies of straw or bamboo, preventing negative exposure to sunlight and preserving the tenderness of the leaves.
The procedure itself is carried out both using technology and by hand. Thus, the leaves retain the maximum amount of essential oils that make popular varieties of Japanese matcha, gekuro, and kukicha such special. Since the 19th century, Georgia began to manufacture tea products.
The main plantations are located in the north and west of the country. The mild climate makes it possible to get a good harvest from May to September. The result is elite green tea types that are in demand around the world.
How it packs
After harvesting, processing begins. Even one batch can be divided into several varieties: large-leaved, small-leaved and crumb. The packaging process is carried out in workshops, adhering to the developed technologies.
Industrial vacuum packaging is usually large bags weighing from 20 to 50 kg, which allows you to deliver tea to the place of packaging. And already at the enterprise, where a constant temperature of not higher than 18 degrees is maintained, the vacuum is opened and the products are packaged in containers from 50 g to 4 g pyramids.
The quality of the packaging greatly affects the shelf life and the preservation of the benefits of the product. Home storage containers can be wooden, metal , glass and even paper, as well as zip lock bags.
Ranking the world's most popular teas
Modern stores offer a large assortment, so many people do not know which option to choose. This can lead to the purchase of a tasteless drink and a spoiled impression of the entire industry.
The list below will help you get acquainted with the features of each species and, possibly, order something for a sample in the online store & laquo; Russian Tea Company & raquo;.
Tea originally from China
Chinese green tea (names, types, varieties and their properties are described below) has a long history and excellent quality, so its taste characteristics are appreciated all over the world.
This is where the tea party culture came from, which is actively developing and has not lost its relevance even today. Therefore, it is not surprising that new types are actively being created here that can satisfy any consumer.
In our catalog, you can take a closer look at the following popular varieties:
- Bilochun Dongting .
- Fu Jian Zhu (Ganpauder) .
- Y I Lun Tiao & nbsp; (Dragon Veins from the Wu I Mountains) (Wu Yi Long Tjao).
Tea Лунцзин
This is a very common Chinese variety. Moreover, he is considered the property of the country, because his story has crossed the threshold of 1000 years.
Tea leaves are flat and even, characterized by olive color and amazing aroma.
The resulting beverage has a high content of antioxidants, vitamins B and C.
It is able to cheer up and activate metabolic processes, which undoubtedly increases performance and improves mood. Longjing is often acquired by true connoisseurs of tea drinking culture.
Longjing Tea You can purchase in our store at an attractive price.
Tea Чун Ми
This green tea is the most popular in Europe.
Chai chun mi refers to & nbsp; Premium.
However, the cost of the Zhen Mei catalog on our website is available to everyone.
The drink has a tart taste and a bright aroma with a floral tint.
The leaves of this tea resemble a crescent moon.
When brewed, the water turns deep amber.
Gunpawder
This is a fairly popular variety that is always included in the top varieties of green tea.
Leaves are distinguished by a specific shine. They are twisted into small balls resembling a fraction.
After brewing, the water turns into a bright yellow tint, giving it an unobtrusive taste of mint and notes of pepper.
On the ECR website, you can purchase:
Taiping Hou-Kui Tea
It is harvested on a small number of plantations and exclusively during the daytime, adhering to clear product selection requirements.
It is a kidney surrounded by two recently blossomed leaves, which are specially processed, achieving an elongated shape and the most delicate taste of the drink.
Premium tea Tai Ping Hou Kui (limited collection) is also available from our website.
Би-Ло-Чун
To create it, manual twisting is required, as a result of which the bowls take the form of small coiled spirals, often called snails. This tea is one of the 10 most famous in China, due to its unique fresh aroma. For its production, the kidney and the upper leaves of the tea bush are used, giving a gentle grassy shade to the drink, an invigorating effect to the body and enjoyment of the aftertaste of pome notes.
Маофен
Speaking of what green tea is, it is impossible not to mention cope & nbsp; Lui Mao Feng , whose name translates to & laquo; Fleecy Kidneys & raquo; Exclusively tender green open and non-open leaflets are included in the collection. Characteristic difference in the golden green color of the bowls of a curved shape and silver buds, which rise and fall in the kettle when brewed.
The resulting drink is characterized by a high content of tannins, a fresh herbaceous-floral flavor and a unique sweetness associated with the taste of melon or apricot.
Ан Джи Бай
Unique and highly appreciated by connoisseurs, the collection includes young leaves from the top of the bush, as well as buds that are collected at the moment of minimal chlorophyll content. Hence the characteristic light shade, which is often confused with white tea.
The drink has a subtle taste and versatility of revealing shades. An Ji Bai Cha will be a wonderful gift for true connoisseurs of ceremonies.
Japanese tea
Japanese tea production is aimed at the local market.
Small volumes are used for export.
The most famous Japanese tea & ndash; matcha, produced from delicate leaves specially shaded to preserve flavor and finely powdered, making brewing easy.
However, connoisseurs of Japanese culture are aware of the large range of tea. On the shop.rusteaco.ru website you can buy quality varieties:
Маття
This is the original Japanese drink that is the property of the country. The sheets are subjected to special processing, after which they are ground into powder. For brewing, a whisk is used, providing the desired whipping. The resulting foam & mdash; this is a distinctive feature of matcha. Even knowing how many varieties of green tea exist in the world, this variety is almost impossible to confuse with others. It has a unique exotic taste.
Sentya
This is the most requested type of tea in the country. The leaves have a pistachio hue and a tubule shape that curls tightly. Under the influence of high temperatures, they stain the liquid in a pale green tint, acquire the smell of wood and a sweet taste.
Gekuro
Gekuro tea belongs to the elite variety.
Its bushes are shaded 3 weeks before collection, which reduces the amount of tannin in the leaves.
As a result, it does not feel bitter, but gives a soft taste and a gentle smell.
Due to its sophisticated taste and aroma, it is classified as & laquo; diplomatic & raquo; teas, offering guests at the most important meetings.
Once you try gekuro tea, you will fall in love with it forever.
Special types of tea
Before deciding what varieties of green leaf tea are, as well as highlighting the best, it is worth familiarizing yourself with varieties that do not meet classic standards.
Bound tea
Known as tea flower.
It has not only bright taste shades, high quality, as it is included in the premium category, but also has a spectacular presentation & ndash; hand-picked flowers of calendula, red lily, jasmine, chrysanthemum, tender young leaves and buds of oolong, white tea varieties open upon contact with liquid.
The collection is brewed in water, with temperatures from 60 to 90 & deg; C. The action lasts for 3-7 minutes, it all depends on the type of collection and unique features.
On the RChK website, you can buy tea for yourself or as a gift. We recommend that you try the following:
Spiked green tea
Thanks to the taste of green tea, it is perfect for creating various blends and collections.
Including fruit, berries, and flowers.
The most common fees are:
- berries & ndash; strawberries, raspberries, cherries;
- fruit & ndash; lemons, oranges, apples, pears, pineapples, papaya;
- flowers & ndash; jasmine, hibiscus, chrysanthemums, linden.
Each of the fees is distinguished by a unique vitamin content, a bright rich taste, and also look beautiful in a glass teapot.
Selection criteria
Anyone wants to know how to choose the right green tea in the store. Specifying the main nuances, you can buy the optimal variety that will become your favorite and take pride of place on the shelf. Consider the following qualities:
Color
He can talk about the characteristics of the raw materials used. The quality product has a uniform shade of green. There should not be any inclusions in the composition, as this is a sign of a violation of production technology.
Smell
It is important to understand that tea & mdash; it is a shrub that grows in soil. Therefore, it absorbs the surrounding aromas. In this regard, it is difficult to determine a single characteristic smell of this product. It can have floral, fruit, berry and herbal shades. The most aromatic are fees with a high content of essential oils, which is typical for early spring harvests.
However, a completely separate product category is represented by green tea with additives of berries and fruits, which takes on the shades of the corresponding additions, enriching the taste and aroma in many ways.
Sheet size and shape
Since you can choose real green tea by visual characteristics, you should pay attention to the structure of the leaves, because they also have their own characteristics.
Large leaf
These are solid oval leaves that curl into lumps or spirals. Under the influence of boiling water, they bloom and restore their former appearance. Such a drink is characterized by a bright taste and smell.
Small sheet
During the production of a large-leaf product, unsuitable cups and their residues inevitably appear. They are used to make small-leaf tea, which also has good, but slightly less pronounced taste.
Packaged
After processing large & ndash; and small-leaf tea remains the so-called tea crumb, and unfit for production leaves of frequencies are ground into powder. They are usually mixed and bagged.
Cost
It is important to understand that the price of this product varies from its qualities. Even in China, high-altitude, tasty green teas can cost hundreds of dollars. Rare species are sold for $1,500 for 50 g. An ordinary consumer can buy this drink at a much lower cost & mdash; from 200 rubles to several thousand. In the online store RChK can be purchased as budget tea varieties & mdash; Fu Jian Zhu (Ganpauder) or Long Tiao , as well as premium, for example, Sultan's Dreams .
There are exotic options on the site, including mango oolong , royal oolong ginseng , Phoenix treasure and more.
How to brew green tea correctly
To maximize the enjoyment of drinking this drink, you must adhere to certain brewing rules.
Tea utensils
It must be made of clay, ceramic or glass. Clay containers are considered the best, since this material allows the drink & laquo; to breathe & raquo; and maintains the desired temperature.
A gunfu kettle consisting of two flasks is ideal for brewing green tea. In the top, tea leaves are brewed, and the finished infusion is merged into the bottom. Since high-quality green tea can be brewed up to 6-7 times & ndash; tea leaves are not re-digested.
Infusion temperature
Boiling water is not required for brewing. The optimal temperature indicator depends on the specific grade and varies from 60 to 90 ℃. At the same time, green tea can be brewed several times without losing its taste. But with each re-welding, you need to increase the temperature by 5 ℃.
Brewing time
This criterion is very important for revealing the beneficial properties of the drink. Oolong and traditional tea brewed for 1 minute, white & mdash; for 3. Special treatment requires pu'er. To reveal its taste, you only need to squeeze for 30 seconds. In case of overexposure, unpleasant bitterness may appear.
How to store green tea properly
To prevent the loss of beneficial aroma and taste characteristics of the tea drink, it is recommended to store it in a sealed darkened container made of tin, wood or ceramic. The lid should fit snugly, preventing moisture or external odors from entering. It is better to place the container in a dark and cool place, as this will prevent the leaves from drying out.
Let's summarize
Recently, all varieties of green tea (list, names, types of which are described above) are very popular. It is often drunk to improve health, increase performance or relax. It is appreciated for the optimal amount of useful trace elements and vitamins that help improve well-being. Today there are many varieties of this wonderful drink. Which one is the tastiest? The answer is simple: the one you personally like best.