Popular Types of Green Tea That Might Interest You
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds that help fight cancer cells, prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, and decrease inflammation. It helps enhance brain functions and keeps you alert, and lowers the risk of developing diseases like dementia that result from aging. Green tea is also known for its ability to boost metabolism and contribute to fat burning. Since we know the benefits of green tea, we are here to tell you about popular types of green tea that you might find interesting.
Sencha
Sencha is the most common variety of green tea. It is made from steamed small-leaf Camellia Sinensis (tea plant). The steaming process captures the green color and the refreshing flavor of the leaves while preventing oxidization. Afterward, the leaves are rolled, shaped, and then dried. Because the procession of sencha is completed with little oxidization, benefits like weight loss, and improved blood flow and brain function are augmented.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro fine green tea is rare, even in Japan. Before harvesting, the tea leaves are shaded from sunlight for about 20 days, producing a sweeter taste with higher nutrient concentration. Only small tea leaves from the top of the plant are used to make Gyokuro, resulting in a crisp aroma and sweet, delicate taste. In addition to the known benefits, like cancer prevention, fat loss, and boosting cardiovascular health of green tea, Gyokuro is packed with vitamin c which promotes clear and youthful skin. It also enhances dental protection and prevents cavities and bad breath.
Matcha
Recently, matcha has grown very popular in all its forms. Matcha desserts, lattes, teas, and shots, have taken the world up by a storm. Like Gyokuro, tea leaves are shaded for 20 to 30 days before harvesting, boosting chlorophyll production and amino acid content. Matcha is very high in caffeine and antioxidant content because it contains nutrients from the whole leaf. After harvest, the whole leaf, minus the stems and veins, is ground up. The tea contains a type of plant compound that acts as a natural antioxidant called catechins. Matcha typically contains up to 137 more catechins than other green tea types. The reviews at MatchaOutlet.com explain that Matcha works on protecting the liver and the heart, helps prevent cancer, boosts brain function, and promotes weight loss.
Kabusecha
Kabusecha green tea is shade-grown for 7 to 14 days. It is covered with a red screen or cloth for this period before picking, making it more powerful than Sencha but more subtle than Gyokuro in taste, aroma, and amino acid content. Kabusecha also promotes cardiovascular, oral, and digestive health, and improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Its production levels are relatively low and make up only less than 5% of tea produced in Japan.
Tencha
Tencha is a type of green tea that is mostly used in the making of matcha. Tencha leaves are grown similarly to Gyokuro and are covered for the same time period, or even longer. However, after the steaming process, they are not rolled and are only dried. Leaf flecks become what is known as Tencha after the stalks and veins are removed.
Genmaicha
Genmaicha is brown rice green tea. Brown rice is rice that contains the bran covering of rice grains. Genmaicha is Sencha or other green tea types, that is mixed with brown rice after it is soaked, steamed, roasted, and popped. Commonly, the ratio of green tea to brown rice in Genmaicha is 50:50. Genmaicha is low in caffeine content and is a better choice for children and seniors. Its taste is a unique blend between savory brown rice and refreshing green tea.
Hojicha
Like Genmaicha, Hojicha is a suitable drink for seniors and children. This is because of its low caffeine content resulting from its preparation process. Hojicha is made from roasted Sencha or other types of green tea, giving it a strong roasted aroma. At a temperature of around 200 degrees C, green tea is roasted in a roasting pan, causing the sublimation of caffeine. It is then immediately cooled right after.
Green tea has amazing health benefits, which is why it is one of the most favorable drinks worldwide. It can be prepared and harvested in a variety of ways, resulting in several types of green tea. Each type has a distinctive taste and aroma and differs in the caffeine, nutrient, amino acid, and antioxidant levels. To help you choose the right tea for you, we gathered information on some popular types of green tea that might interest you.
