Green tea, often referred to as unoxidized tea, has been cherished for centuries for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. Made exclusively from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea stands out among other tea varieties due to its unique production process and remarkable health properties.
Green tea is created from leaves that remain unfermented, boasting the highest known concentration of potent antioxidants known as polyphenols.
One of the critical aspects of producing exceptional green tea lies in the art of hand-picking the tea leaves. In the tea industry, the term "two leaves and a bud" is often considered the gold standard for picking tea leaves. This means that the youngest and most tender leaves, along with the unopened bud, are carefully plucked. This meticulous process is not just tradition; it directly influences the aroma, flavor, and overall quality of the tea.
For family-run tea businesses, like ours, every leaf is treated as a treasure. We believe that the careful selection of tea leaves is paramount in producing high-quality green tea. The expertise passed down through generations ensures that only the finest leaves are chosen, resulting in a tea that captivates the senses and offers a truly memorable experience.
After the tea leaves are carefully plucked, a race against oxidation commences. Oxidation, a natural process, takes place when the enzymes within the tea leaves react with oxygen from the air, bringing about alterations in both color and flavor. To safeguard the vibrant green essence of green tea and avert oxidation, the leaves undergo an immediate steaming process. This steaming step deactivates the enzymes, rendering the leaves hot, moist, and pliable, which in turn facilitates their transformation into the distinctive needle-like shape in the subsequent rolling phase.
Steaming plays a pivotal role in deactivating the enzymes responsible for oxidation, thereby preserving the green color and innate freshness of the leaves. The expeditiousness demanded in this phase serves as yet another testament to the meticulous nature of green tea production.
The unique production process of green tea results in a beverage that boasts a higher concentration of chlorophyll, polyphenols, catechins and antioxidants compared to other types of tea.
Green tea, with its rich history, unique production process, and remarkable health benefits, continues to captivate tea enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. Whether enjoyed for its delicate flavor or consumed as a health elixir, green tea has earned its place as a beloved beverage that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body and mind. So, the next time you sip on a cup of green tea, savor not just its taste but also the centuries-old tradition and health benefits it brings to your life.
