Green tea is enjoyed around the world for its distinctive flavor and its many benefits. Rooted in Asia, it has spread across the globe to become a cherished ritual in cultures far and wide. But where does this beloved drink actually come from, whether served hot or cold?
Chinese Green Tea: Centuries of History
Green tea is the oldest manufactured variety of tea. Many legends surround its origins, but the most celebrated traces its birth back nearly 5,000 years. In 2700 BC, Emperor Shennong, a renowned botanist and founder of traditional Chinese medicine, is said to have been the first to discover this famous drink. Resting beneath a wild tea tree, a leaf fell into his cup and created, entirely by chance, a remarkable new beverage. Won over by its aroma and its healing qualities, he began incorporating tea into many of his treatments. Gradually, green tea became a luxury and a true tradition, one that eventually crossed the borders of China and spread throughout Asia and beyond.
How to prepare Chinese green tea
The Chinese tradition calls for brewing in a cast iron teapot. Water temperature and steeping time are essential factors and should be followed carefully to bring out the best in the tea. These parameters vary depending on the variety. For example, Chinese green tea Chun Mee, which offers a smooth flavor with a gentle touch of bitterness, steeps for 2 to 3 minutes in water heated to 75–80°C. To soften the bitterness, it is often recommended to do a first 30-second rinse and discard the water. Chinese green tea Gunpowder, the classic base for mint tea, typically steeps a little longer, 3 to 4 minutes at 80°C. Purists enjoy it plain, though a touch of sugar brings out its character beautifully.
Japanese Green Tea: Another Legend
Japan is home to a remarkable range of tea varieties. Enjoyed for over 1,500 years, Matcha is the most beloved Japanese tea. It is made from very finely ground green tea leaves, milled between two stones. Legend has it that tea was brought to Japan by an Indian Buddhist monk. In its earliest form, it was traditionally prepared by boiling in milk with salt and spices. It was in 1191 that Matcha arrived in Japan and became an enormously popular drink. The tea ceremony remains one of the most deeply rooted rituals in Japanese culture.
How to prepare Japanese green tea
Japanese tea comes in a wide variety of styles, each with its own preparation guidelines. Among the most widely consumed is Japanese green tea Sencha, which accounts for 80% of all tea produced in Japan. Known for its golden-yellow color, it offers a delicate aroma with a flavor that balances bitterness and sweetness. Japanese green tea Bancha is also a firm favorite, notable for its high iron content. Both teas are prepared the same way: steeped for 2 minutes in water at 70°C.