Learn About Japanese Green Tea

Overview of Japanese Green Tea

• Tea was first brought to Japan more than 1,000 years ago from China by Buddhist Monks.  In China it was used as medicine.
  
  
• Tea was originally used by Zen monks as an aid in meditation.  This eventually evolved into the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
  
  
• All tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis.
  
  
• Green tea differs from Black or Oolong tea, in that it is not allowed to oxidize or ferment.  This is accomplished through either steaming or frying the leaves.
  
  
• Oxidation affects the flavor, aroma and reduces the health benefits of tea.
  
  
• Japanese green tea is steamed rather than fried.  The steaming allows the leaves to be in their most natural state.  Think of steamed vs. fried vegetables.
  
  
• Japanese high quality teas use only the top two leaves and buds of this shrub. The best tea is picked by hand.
  
  
• Japanese Green Tea has less caffeine than coffee (70% - 90% less).

Harvesting tea leaves by hand

Catechins (Main Component)

Vitamin B Complex

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Fluoride

Caffeine

Learn how to prepare Japanese Green Tea Here!

Chawan Teabowl, Chasen
and Chashaku