Green Tea Varieties

Green Tea Varieties

The world of green tea is vast and rich in culture.  Different cultivation methods, processing techniques, and growing conditions create distinct varieties with unique flavors, aromas, and health benefits.

Sencha

Grown in full sunlight, these leaves are steamed immediately after harvest to prevent oxidation, then rolled and dried into needle-like shapes.  Flavor Profile: Grassy, fresh, slightly astringent, umami.

1. Key Compounds:
   • Catechins (EGCG, EGC) → Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
   • L-Theanine → Calming, focus-enhancing
     
   • Caffeine → Mild energy boost
2. Health Benefits: Boosts metabolism and fat oxidation, supports brain function, and relaxation, strengthens immune system
3. Brewing: 5g. Time: 1-2 min. Water: 60C/140F, 100 ml. Resteep 2nd time at 15 sec., 80C/176F, 200 ml. Resteep 3rd time at 45 sec., 80C/176F, 200 ml.
   

Matcha

Grown in the shade for 3 weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll and L-Theanine, these leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder and consumed whole providing higher nutrient concentration.  Flavor Profile: Rich umami, creamy, slightly sweet, vegetal.

1. Key Compounds:
   • Catechins (EGCG, EGC) → Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
   • L-Theanine → Calming, focus-enhancing. Contains the highest amount of L-theanine of the Green teas
     
   • Caffeine → Mild energy boost.  Contains the highest amount of caffeine of the Green teas
   • Chlorophyll → Detoxifying
     
2. Health Benefits: High antioxidant content, combats oxidative stress, enhances cognitive function and alertness, supports detoxification and liver health
3. Brewing: Normally prepared/steeped in a bowl with a whisk and consumed in one serving.  5g. Time: 2-3 min. Water: 50C/122F, 60-80 ml

Gyokuro

Grown in the shade for 3 weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll and L-Theanine, these leaves are steamed quickly, rolled, and dried into needle-like shapes.  Flavor Profile: Higher sweetness (from increased theanine), intense umami, smooth, buttery.

1. Key Compounds:
   • Catechins (EGCG, EGC) → Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
   • L-Theanine → Calming, focus-enhancing. Contains the 2nd highest amount of L-theanine of the Green teas
     
   • Caffeine → Mild energy boost.  Contains the highest amount of caffeine of the Green teas
2. Health Benefits: Combats oxidative stress while improving focus, enhances cognitive function and alertness, may support weight loss and metabolism
3. Brewing: 5g. Time: 2-3 min. Water: 50C/122F, 60-80 ml (Water should just cover the leaves). Resteep 2nd time at 15 sec., 80C/176F, 200 ml. Resteep 3rd time at 45 sec., 80C/176F, 200 ml.  Same for Kabusecha and Tencha

Hojicha

Made from roasted sencha or bancha leaves the roasting process process lowers caffeine and catechin content.  Flavor Profile: Warm, caramel-like, nutty, smooth.

1. Key Compounds:
   • Pyrazines → Relaxation and calming effects
   • L-Theanine → Mild relaxation
     
   • Caffeine → Mild energy boost.  Contains one of the lowest amounts of caffeine of the Green teas
2. Health Benefits: Reduces stress without caffeine stimulation, supports digestion/gut health, may lower acidity and soothe stomach issues
3. Brewing: 5g. Time: 30-60 sec. Water: 70-90C/158-194F, 200 ml. Resteep 3x.

Bancha

Made from mature, late-harvested leaves Bancha is lower in caffeine and catechins than sencha and often used in kombucha brewing.  Flavor Profile: When brewed at lower temperatures longer - light, floral, delicate, naturally sweet, with honey and melon notes.  When brewed at higher temperatures shorter time - can be bitter and more astringent but also more medicinal.

1. Key Compounds:
   • Minerals (calcium, fluoride) → Bone and dental health
     
   • Caffeine → Mild energy boost.  Lower caffeine content
   • Flavonoids → Antioxidant and heart health benefits
     
2. Health Benefits: Gentle enough for daily consumption, provides a mild antioxidant boost, supports digestion and gut microbiome, lower in caffeine
3. Brewing: 5g. Time: 30-60 sec. Water: 70-90C/158-194F, 200 ml. Resteep 3x.
   

Genmaicha

Made by combining Sencha or Bancha with roasted brown rice.   Flavor Profile: Nutty, toasty, slightly sweet.

1. Key Compounds:
   • Catechins → Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
   • GABA (from brown rice) → Calming, focus-enhancing. Contains the highest amount of L-theanine of the Green teas
     
   • Caffeine → Mild energy boost.  Contains a low amount of caffeine
2. Health Benefits: Balances energy and relaxation, supports digestion and gut health, may help regulate blood sugar
3. Brewing: 5g. Time: 30-60 sec. Water: 70-90C/158-194F, 200 ml. Resteep 3x.