Green Tea (绿茶)
Green tea is minimally oxidized, preserving the fresh, vegetal character of the tea leaves. The leaves are quickly heated after picking to halt oxidation, resulting in a light, refreshing flavor profile with notes ranging from grassy and marine to nutty and sweet. Green tea is the most produced tea in China, with famous varieties including Longjing (Dragon Well), Biluochun, and Huangshan Maofeng.
Characteristics of Green Tea
Processing
Minimal oxidation (0-5%). Leaves are quickly heated to preserve freshness.
Typical Flavors
Fresh, vegetal, grassy, nutty, marine, sweet
Best Brewing
Lower temperature (70-80°C), shorter steeps, glass or porcelain
Caffeine Level
Moderate. L-theanine provides calm alertness.
Green Tea Subcategories
Biluochun (碧螺春)
Spiral-shaped green tea from Jiangsu with fruity, floral notes.
1 teasGunpowder (珠茶)
Tightly rolled green tea pellets, primarily for export.
1 teasLongjing (Dragon Well) (龙井)
Pan-fired green tea from Hangzhou known for its flat, smooth leaves and chestnut flavor.
2 teasMaofeng (毛峰)
Downy tip green teas, most famously from Huangshan.
1 teasFamous Green Tea Varieties
Must-Try Green Tea
Anji Bai Cha (Anji White Tea) (安吉白茶)
Anji
A unique green tea (not white, despite the name) from Anji county known for its pale color and...
Biluochun (Green Snail Spring) (碧螺春)
Dongting
Prized spring green tea from Dongting Mountain near Tai Lake, known for its tightly curled...
Dongting Biluochun (洞庭碧螺春)
Dongting
Biluochun, literally "green snail spring," is one of China’s ten famous teas, grown among fruit...
Huangshan Maofeng (黄山毛峰)
Huangshan
Premium green tea from the misty peaks of Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in Anhui province. Named...
Liu An Gua Pian (Melon Seed) (六安瓜片)
Anhui
Unique green tea made only from single leaves (no buds or stems), shaped like melon seeds. One...
Lu'an Guapian (六安瓜片)
Qimen
Famous Anhui green tea whose name means “Lu'an Melon Seed” for its flat, oval, seed-like leaves....
More Green Tea to Explore
Green Tea Growing Regions
How to Brew Green Tea
Gongfu Style
Use 4-5g per 100ml, water at 75-80°C. Steep for 20-30 seconds, adding 5 seconds each steep. 4-5 steeps.
Western Style
Use 2g per 200ml, water at 75-80°C. Steep for 2-3 minutes. 2-3 steeps.
Best Times for Green Tea
Afternoon Focus
Teas for maintaining concentration during work or study.
Daily Drinking
Reliable, affordable teas for everyday enjoyment.
Hosting Guests
Impressive teas for sharing with visitors.
Meditation & Mindfulness
Teas that promote calm, focused awareness.
Summer Cooling
Refreshing teas to cool down in hot weather.