Learning Column

What is Green Tea?

Green tea leaves are plucked then immediately cooked to prevent oxidization. The heating process differs greatly depending on the region and the tea maker’s techniques. By preserving the green quality, the heating process of a few mainstream methods of manufacturing green tea include:
Pan Fire
Dry Roasting via charcoal or wood
Baking
Steaming
In general Japanese greens are generally quickly deep steamed resulting in a bright green infusion like our Zuisho Pine Sencha. While Chinese greens are often pan, or wok roasted to neutralize the natural enzymes, then dried which generally results in a pale green color such as our Dragonwell.

Other crafting techniques include combining multiple methods such as first pan fired followed by oven roasting to unlock varying flavor notes. Rolling and roasting methods are often used for teas such as Gunpowder green tea.