Changes

[[File:Green tea 3 appearances.jpg|thumb|right|235px|The appearance of green tea in three different stages (from left to right): the infused leaves, the dry leaves, and the liquid. Notice that the infused leaves look greener than the dry leaves.]]

[[File:Green tea 3 appearances.jpg|thumb|right|The appearance of green tea in three different stages (from left to right): the infused leaves, the dry leaves, and the liquid. Notice that the infused leaves look greener than the dry leaves.]]

[[File:Plantação de Chá Gorreana, Camellia sinensis, Ribeira Grande, ilha de São Miguel, Açores.JPG|thumb|right|235px|The tea fields in the foothills of Gorreana, Azores Islands, Portugal: the only European region to support green tea production.]]

[[File:Plantação de Chá Gorreana, Camellia sinensis, Ribeira Grande, ilha de São Miguel, Açores.JPG|thumb|right|The tea fields in the foothills of Gorreana, Azores Islands, Portugal: the only European region to support green tea production.]]

'''Green tea''' is made from the leaves of ''[[Camellia sinensis]]'' that have undergone minimal [[Tea processing|oxidation during processing]]. Green tea originates in China, but it has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. Green tea has recently become more widespread in the West, where [[black tea]] has been the traditionally consumed tea. Green tea has become the raw material for extracts which are used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items. Many varieties of green tea have been created in the countries where it is grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, horticulture, production processing, and harvesting time.

'''Green tea''' is made from the leaves of ''[[Camellia sinensis]]'' that have undergone minimal [[Tea processing|oxidation during processing]]. Green tea originates in China, but it has become associated with many cultures throughout Asia. Green tea has recently become more widespread in the West, where [[black tea]] has been the traditionally consumed tea. Green tea has become the raw material for extracts which are used in various beverages, health foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetic items. Many varieties of green tea have been created in the countries where it is grown. These varieties can differ substantially due to variable growing conditions, horticulture, production processing, and harvesting time.

===Chinese green tea===

===Chinese green tea===

Hunan Province

==== Hunan Province ====

*Junshan Yinzhen (Silver Needle tea)[君山银针], known as one of the ten most famous Chinese Teas, is one variety of Yellow Tea, like the Huo Mountain Yellow Buds (霍山黄芽) and the Mengding Yellow Buds (蒙顶黄芽). It is cultivated on Junshan Island, Yueyang City, Hunan Province (湖南省,岳阳,洞庭湖君山).

*Junshan Yinzhen (Silver Needle)[君山银针], known as one of the ten most famous Chinese Teas, is one variety of Yellow Tea, like the Huo Mountain Yellow Buds (霍山黄芽) and the Meng Ding Yellow Buds (蒙顶黄芽). It is cultivated on Junshan Island, Yueyang City, Hunan Province.

Zhejiang Province is home to the most famous of all teas, Xi Hu Longjing (西湖龙井), as well as many other high-quality green teas.

* '''龙井 [[Longjing tea|Longjing]]'''

Zhejiang Province is home to the most famous of all teas, Xi Hu Longjing, as well as many other high-quality green teas.

* '''[[Long Jing]]''' (龙井)

: Maybe the most well-known green tea in China. It originates in Hangzhou (杭州), the capital of Zhejiang Province. Longjing in Chinese literally means ''dragon well''. It is pan-fried and has a distinctive flat appearance. The tasteless frying oil is obtained from tea seeds and other plants. Falsification of Longjing is very common, and most of the tea on the market is in fact produced in Sichuan Province and hence not authentic Longjing.

: Maybe the most well-known green tea in China. It originates in Hangzhou (杭州), the capital of Zhejiang Province. Longjing in Chinese literally means ''dragon well''. It is pan-fried and has a distinctive flat appearance. The tasteless frying oil is obtained from tea seeds and other plants. Falsification of Longjing is very common, and most of the tea on the market is in fact produced in Sichuan Province and hence not authentic Longjing.

* '''景宁惠明茶 [[Hui Ming Tea|Hui Ming]]'''

* '''[[Hui Ming]]'''

: Named after a temple in Zhejiang.

: Named after a temple in Zhejiang.

* '''开化龙顶 [[Long Ding tea|Long Ding]]'''

* '''[[Kai Hua Long Ding]]'''  

: A tea from Kaihua County known as ''Dragon Mountain''.

: A tea from Kaihua County known as ''Dragon Mountain''.

* '''华顶云雾 [[Hua Ding tea|Hua Ding]]'''

* '''Hua Ding'''

: A tea from Tiantai County, named after a peak in the Tiantai mountain range.

: A tea from Tiantai County, named after a peak in the Tiantai mountain range.

* '''天目青顶 [[Qing Ding tea|Qing Ding]]'''

* '''Qing Ding'''

: A tea from Tian Mu, also known as ''Green Top''.

: A tea from Tian Mu, also known as ''Green Top''.

* '''平水珠茶 [[Gunpowder tea|Gunpowder]]'''

* '''[[Gunpowder]]'''

: A popular tea also known as ''zhuchá''. It originates in Zhejiang but is now grown elsewhere in China.

: A popular tea also known as ''zhuchá''. It originates in Zhejiang but is now grown elsewhere in China.

: This tea is also the quintessential ingredient in brewing Moroccan green tea with fresh mint.

: This tea is also the quintessential ingredient in brewing Moroccan green tea with fresh mint.

Jiangsu Province

==== Jiangsu Province ====

[[Image:Biluochun (medium grade, spring 2007).jpg|thumb|A plate of [[Bi Luo Chun tea]], from Jiangsu Province in China]]

[[Image:Biluochun.jpg|thumb|Bi Luo Chun]]

* '''洞庭碧螺春 [[Bi Luo Chun tea|Bi Luo Chun]]'''

* '''[Bi Luo Chun]]'''

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Green Snail Spring'', from [[Dong Ting]]. As with [[Longjing tea|Longjing]], falsification is common and most of the tea marketed under this name may, in fact, be grown in [[Sichuan]].

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Green Snail Spring'', from Dong Ting. As with [[Long Jing]], falsification is common and most of the tea marketed under this name may, in fact, be grown in Sichuan.

* '''南京雨花茶 [[Rain Flower tea|Rain Flower]]'''

* '''Rain Flower'''

: A tea from Nanjing.

: A tea from Nanjing.

* '''金坛雀舌  [[Que She tea|Que She (Tongue of golden altar sparrow)]]'''

* '''[[Que She]]'''

: originate in Jin Tan city of Jiangsu Province.

: originate in Jin Tan city of Jiangsu Province.

Fujian Province

==== Fujian Province ====

[[Image:Organic mountain grown tea leaf.jpg|thumb|''[[Camellia sinensis]]'', the tea plant]]

[[Image:Organic mountain grown tea leaf.jpg|thumb|''[[Camellia sinensis]]'', the tea plant]]

: Fujian Province is known for mountain-grown organic green tea as well as [[white tea]] and [[oolong tea]]. The coastal mountains provide a perfect growing environment for tea growing. Green tea is picked in spring and summer seasons.

: Fujian Province is known for mountain-grown organic green tea as well as [[white tea]] and [[oolong tea]]. The coastal mountains provide a perfect growing environment for tea growing. Green tea is picked in spring and summer seasons.

* '''茉莉花茶  [[Jasmine tea]] (Mo Li Hua Cha)'''

* '''[[Jasmine tea]]'''

: A tea with added jasmine flowers.

: A tea with added jasmine flowers.

* '''毛峰  [[Mao Feng tea]]'''

* '''[[Huang Shan Mao Feng]]'''

: Meaning "furry peak".

: Meaning "furry peak".

* '''翠剑  Cui Jian'''

* '''Cui Jian'''

: Meaning "jade sword".

: Meaning "jade sword".

Hubei Province

==== Hubei Province ====

* '''玉露 [[Yu Lu tea|Yu Lu]]'''

* '''[[Yu Lu|Yu Lu]]'''

: A steamed tea also known as ''Gyokuro (Jade Dew)'' in Japanese, made in the [[Japanese cuisine|Japanese]] style.

: A green tea made like Japanese [[Gyokuro]] or [[Sencha]] using steam to prevent oxidation.

[[Henan]] Province

==== Henan Province ====

[[Image:Maojian.jpg|thumbdXi Hu Longjing.png|thumb|An example of a Chinese green tea, called [[Mao Jian tea|Mao Jian]].]]

[[Image:Maojian.jpg|thumbdXi Hu Longjing.png|thumb|An example of a Chinese green tea, called [[Mao Jian tea|Mao Jian]].]]

* '''信阳毛尖 [[Mao Jian tea|Xin Yang Mao Jian]]'''

* '''[[Mao Jian|Xin Yang Mao Jian]]'''

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Green Tip,'' or ''Tippy Green.''

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Green Tip,'' or ''Tippy Green.''

[[Jiangxi]] Province

==== Jiangxi Province ====

* '''珍眉 [[Chun Mee tea|Chun Mee]]'''

* '''[[Chun Mee]]'''

: Meaning "precious [[eyebrows]]"; from [[Jiangxi]], it is now grown elsewhere.

: Meaning "precious eyebrow"; from Jiangxi, it is now grown elsewhere.

* '''狗牯 [[Gou Gu Nao]]'''

* '''[[Gou Gu Nao]]'''

: A well-known tea within China and recipient of numerous national awards.

: A well-known tea within China and recipient of numerous national awards.

* '''云雾 [[Yun Wu tea|Yun Wu]]'''

* '''[[Yun Wu]]'''

: A tea also known as ''Cloud and Mist''.

: A tea also known as ''Cloud and Mist''.

[[Anhui]] Province

==== Anhui Province ====

: Anhui Province is home to several varieties of tea, including three [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous teas]]. These are:

: Anhui Province is home to several varieties of tea, including three [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous teas]]. These are:

* '''大方 [[Da Fang tea|Da Fang]]'''

* '''[[Da Fang]]'''

: A tea from [[Huangshan]] also known as ''Big Square suneet''.

: A tea from Huang Shan.

* '''黄山毛峰 [[Huang Shan Mao Feng tea|Huangshan Maofeng]]'''

* '''[[Huang Shan Mao Feng]]'''

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] from Huangshan.

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] from Huangshan.

* '''六安瓜片 [[Liuan Leaf]]'''

* '''[[Liuan]]'''

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Melon Seed''.

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Melon Seed''.

* '''猴魁 [[Hou Kui tea|Hou Kui]]'''

* '''[Hou Kui]]'''

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Monkey tea''.

: A [[China Famous Tea|Chinese famous tea]] also known as ''Monkey tea''.

* '''屯绿 [[Tun Lu tea|Tun Lu]]'''

* '''[[Tun Lu]]'''

: A tea from Tunxi District.

: A tea from Tunxi District.

* '''火青 [[Huo Qing tea|Huo Qing]]'''

* '''[[Huo Qing]]'''

: A tea from [[Jing County, Anhui|Jing County]], also known as ''Fire Green''.

: A tea from Jing County, Anhui, also known as ''Fire Green''.

* '''雾里青 [[Wuliqing]]'''

* '''Wuliqing'''

: Wuliqing was known since the Song dynasty. Since 2002 Wuliqing is produced again according to the original processing methods by a company called Tianfang (天方). Zhan Luojiu a tea expert and professor at the Anhui Agricultural University who relived its production procedure.

: Wuliqing was known since the Song dynasty. Since 2002 Wuliqing is produced again according to the original processing methods by a company called Tianfang (天方). Zhan Luojiu a tea expert and professor at the Anhui Agricultural University who relived its production procedure.

* '''[[Hyson]]'''

* '''Hyson'''

: A medium-quality tea from many [[Province (China)|provinces]], an early-harvested tea.

: A standard-quality tea from many Chinese provinces.

[[Sichuan]] Province

==== Sichuan Province ====

* '''竹叶青茶 [[Zhu Ye Qing tea|Zhu Ye Qing]] '''

* '''[[Zhu Ye Qing]] '''

: Also known as ''Meng Ding Cui Zhu'' or ''Green Bamboo''.

: Also known as ''Meng Ding Cui Zhu'' or ''Green Bamboo''.

* '''蒙顶甘露 [[Meng Ding Gan Lu tea|Meng Ding Gan Lu]]'''

* '''[[Meng Ding Gan Lu]]'''

: A yellowish-green tea with sweet aftertaste.

: A yellowish-green tea with sweet aftertaste.

[[Image:Genmaicha.jpg|thumb|''Genmaicha'']]

[[Image:Genmaicha.jpg|thumb|''Genmaicha'']]

Green tea (緑茶, Ryokucha) is ubiquitous in Japan and therefore is more commonly known simply as "tea" (お茶, ocha). It is even referred to as "Japanese tea" (日本茶, nihoncha) though it was first used in China during the Song Dynasty, and brought to Japan by Myōan Eisai, a Japanese Buddhist priest who also introduced the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Types of tea are commonly graded depending on the quality and the parts of the plant used as well as how they are processed.[13] There are large variations in both price and quality within these broad categories, and there are many specialty green teas that fall outside this spectrum. The best Japanese green tea is said to be that from the Yame (八女, Yame) region of Fukuoka Prefecture and the Uji region of Kyoto. The so called Uji area has been producing Ujicha (Uji tea) for four hundred years and predates the prefectural system. It is now an a combination of the border regions of Shiga, Nara, Kyoto, Mie prefectures. Sōraku District, Kyoto is among many of the tea producing districts.[citation needed]. Shizuoka Prefecture produces 40% of raw tea leaf.

Green tea (Ryokucha) is ubiquitous in Japan and therefore is more commonly known simply as "tea" (ocha). It is even referred to as "Japanese tea" (日本茶, nihoncha) though it was first used in China during the Song Dynasty, and brought to Japan by Myōan Eisai, a Japanese Buddhist priest who also introduced the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. Types of tea are commonly graded depending on the quality and the parts of the plant used as well as how they are processed.[13] There are large variations in both price and quality within these broad categories, and there are many specialty green teas that fall outside this spectrum. The best Japanese green tea is said to be that from the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture and the Uji region of Kyoto. The so called Uji area has been producing Ujicha for four hundred years and predates the prefectural system. It is now an a combination of the border regions of Shiga, Nara, Kyoto, Mie prefectures. Sōraku District, Kyoto is among many of the tea producing districts.[citation needed]. Shizuoka Prefecture produces 40% of raw tea leaf.

:*Gyokuro (玉露?, Jade Dew)

:*[[Gyokuro]]

::Gyokuro is a fine and expensive type that differs from Sencha (煎茶) in that it is grown under the shade rather than the full sun for approximately 20 days.[14] The name "Gyokuro" translates as "jade dew" and refers to the pale green color of the infusion. The shading causes the amino acids (Theanine) and caffeine in the tea leaves to increase, while catechins (the source of bitterness in tea, along with caffeine) decreases, giving rise to a sweet taste.[15] The tea also has a distinct aroma.

::Gyokuro is a fine and expensive type that differs from [[Sencha]] in that it is grown under the shade rather than the full sun for approximately 20 days.[14] The name "Gyokuro" translates as "jade dew" and refers to the pale green color of the infusion. The shading causes the amino acids (Theanine) and caffeine in the tea leaves to increase, while catechins (the source of bitterness in tea, along with caffeine) decreases, giving rise to a sweet taste.[15] The tea also has a distinct aroma.

*Kabusecha (冠茶?, covered tea)

*[[Kabusecha]]

:Kabusecha is made from the leaves grown in the shade prior to harvest, although not for as long as Gyokuro. It has a more delicate flavor than Sencha. It is sometimes marketed as Gyokuro.

:Kabusecha is made from the leaves grown in the shade prior to harvest, although not for as long as Gyokuro. It has a more delicate flavor than Sencha. It is sometimes marketed as Gyokuro.

*Sencha (煎茶?, decocted tea)

*[[Sencha]]

The first and second flush of green tea made from leaves that are exposed directly to sunlight. This is the most common green tea in Japan. The name describes the method for preparing the beverage.

The first and second flush of green tea made from leaves that are exposed directly to sunlight. This is the most common green tea in Japan. The name describes the method for preparing the beverage.

*Fukamushicha (深蒸し茶?, long-steamed green tea)

*[[Fukamushicha]] (long-steamed green tea)

*Sencha, which, in the processing of the leaves, has been steamed two times longer than usual Sencha, giving it a deeper color and producing a fuller flavor in the beverage.

*Sencha, which, in the processing of the leaves, has been steamed two times longer than usual Sencha, giving it a deeper color and producing a fuller flavor in the beverage.

*Tamaryokucha (玉緑茶?, lit. ball green tea)

*[[Tamaryokucha]] (curly green tea)

Tamaryokucha has a tangy, berry-like taste, with a long almondy aftertaste and a deep aroma with tones of citrus, grass, and berries. It is also called Guricha.

Tamaryokucha has a tangy, berry-like taste, with a long almondy aftertaste and a deep aroma with tones of citrus, grass, and berries. It is also called Guricha.

*Bancha (番茶?, coarse tea)

*[[Bancha]]

Lower grade of Sencha harvested as a third- or fourth-flush tea between summer and autumn. Aki-Bancha (autumn Bancha) is not made from entire leaves, but from the trimmed unnecessary twigs of the tea plant.

Lower grade of green tea harvested as a second flush between after Sencha. Aki-Bancha (autumn Bancha) is not made from entire leaves, but from the trimmed unnecessary twigs of the tea plant.

*Kamairicha (窯煎茶?, pan-fired tea)

*[[Kamairicha]]

Kamairicha is a pan-fired green tea that does not undergo the usual steam treatments of Japanese tea and does not have the characteristic bitter taste of most Japanese tea.

Kamairicha is a pan-fired green tea that does not undergo the usual steam treatments of Japanese tea and does not have the characteristic bitter taste of most Japanese tea.

By-product of Sencha or Gyokuro

By-product of Sencha or Gyokuro

*Kukicha (くき茶?, stalk tea)

*[[Kukicha]]

A tea made from stems, stalks, and twigs. Kukicha has a mildly nutty, and slightly creamy sweet flavor.

A tea made from stems, stalks, and twigs. Kukicha has a mildly nutty, and slightly creamy sweet flavor.

*Mecha (芽茶?, buds and tips tea)

*[[Mecha]]

Mecha is green tea derived from a collection of leaf buds and tips of the early crops. Mecha is harvested in spring and made as rolled leaf teas that are graded somewhere between Gyokuro and Sencha in quality.

Mecha is green tea derived from a collection of leaf buds and tips of the early crops. Mecha is harvested in spring and made as rolled leaf teas that are graded somewhere between Gyokuro and Sencha in quality.

*Konacha (粉茶?, (coarse) powdered tea)

*[[Konacha]]

Konacha is the dust and smallest parts after processing Gyokuro or Sencha. It is cheaper than Sencha and usually served at Sushi restaurants. It is also marketed as Gyokuroko (玉露粉?) or Gyokurokocha.

Konacha is the dust and smallest parts after processing Gyokuro or Sencha. It is cheaper than Sencha and usually served at Sushi restaurants. It is also marketed as Gyokuroko or Gyokurokocha.

Other

Other

*Matcha (抹茶?, powdered tea)

*[[Matcha]]

A fine ground tea made from Tencha. It has a very similar cultivation process as Gyokuro. It is expensive and is used primarily in the Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha is also a popular flavor of ice cream and other sweets in Japan.

A fine ground tea made from Tencha. It has a very similar cultivation process as Gyokuro. It is expensive and is used primarily in the Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha is also a popular flavor of ice cream and other sweets in Japan.

*Genmaicha (玄米茶?, brown rice tea)

*[[Genmaicha]]

Bancha (sometimes Sencha) and roasted brown rice (genmai) are blended. It is sometimes mixed with a small amount of Matcha to improve the color.

*Bancha (sometimes Sencha) and roasted genmai (brown rice) blend. It is often mixed with a small amount of Matcha to make the color better.

*[[Hojicha]]

 

A green tea roasted over charcoal (usually Bancha).

A green tea roasted over charcoal (usually Bancha).

*Tencha ( 碾茶?, milling tea)

*[[Tencha]]

Half-finished products used for Matcha production. The name indicates its intended eventual milling into matcha. Because, like gyokuro, it is cultivated in shade, it has a sweet aroma. In its processing, it is not rolled during drying, and tencha therefore remains spread out like the original fresh leaf.

Half-finished products used for Matcha production. The name indicates its intended eventual milling into Matcha. Because, like Gyokuro, it is cultivated in shade, it has a sweet aroma. In its processing, it is not rolled during drying, and Tencha therefore remains spread out like the original fresh leaf.

*Aracha (荒茶?, raw green tea)

*[[Aracha]]

Half-finished products used for Sencha and Gyokuro production. It contains all parts of the tea plant.

Half-finished products used for tea production. It contains all parts of the tea plant.

*Shincha (新茶?, a new tea)

*[[Shincha]]

First flush tea. The name is used for either Sencha or Gyokuro.

First flush tea. The name is used for either Sencha or Gyokuro.

*Funmatsucha (粉末茶?, instant powdered tea)

*[[Funmatsucha]]

Milled green tea, used just like instant coffee.　Another name for this recent style of tea is "tokeru ocha," or "tea that melts."

Milled green tea, used just like instant coffee.　Another name for this recent style of tea is "Tokeru Ocha," or "tea that melts."

 

== Research and health effects ==

== Research and health effects ==

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Chinese tea culture]]

* [[Chinese tea culture]]

* [[Japanese tea ceremony]]

* [[Japanese tea ceremony]]

* [[Korean tea]]

* [[Korean tea]]

* [[White tea]]

* [[White tea]]

* [[yerba mate]]

* [[Yerba mate]]

==External links==

==External links==

 

* [http://teamania.ch/Green-Tea:::20.html?language=en Green tea of Teamania]

* [http://teamania.ch/Green-Tea:::20.html?language=en Green tea of Teamania]

[[Category:Japanese tea]]

[[Category:Japanese tea]]

[[de:Grüner_Tee]]

[[de:Grüner Tee]]