When it comes to tea, Chinese green tea has many characteristics to offer. It can be mild, mellow, vegetal, sweet, and even a bit floral. This of course all depends on what special variety you select and steep.
If you ever had green tea, it most likely came from one of two countries, China or Japan. China is the largest green tea grower and distributor in the world, exporting many thousands of tons of green tea each year.
Now as you may have learned on this site or elsewhere, all tea including green tea comes from the same tea plant, Camellis sinensis. The Chinese versions are great, and there are a whole bunch of varieties to explore.
Green tea from China is grown high in the misty hills and mountains in warm temperatures where it is protected from constant direct sunlight. Loose leaf green tea from China always tastes fresh and is of great quality that makes a great afternoon treat.
The taste of Chinese green tea in my opinion is less grassy than its Japanese relatives, and is great for newcomers beginning their green tea journey.
Dragonwell green tea is a famous Chinese type and is one of my favorite greens.
Chinese green teas are grown in many Provinces, with the Zhejiang Province home to my well-liked Dragonwell variety as well as others.
Also we have the...
Fujian Province
Hubei Province
Henan Province
Jiangsu Province
Jiangxi Province
And Anhui Province
Each one producing (and adding up to) hundreds of varieties of fine green teas.
Health Benefits of Chinese Green Tea
Drinking green tea from China is probably one of the healthiest choices you can make!
Research shows that green tea is full of powerful antioxidants called catechins which are known for fighting tumors and deadly cancers. These antioxidants are also good for promoting a healthy immune system, and also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure which could help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Further studies reveal that green tea can help fight cavities as well!
How does it compare to Japanese types?
In my experience, a Chinese green type (overall) is less grassy and vegetal than a Japanese type.
As mentioned above, newcomers to green tea should try the Chinese varieties before heading over to Japan. Your young tongue may be "turned off" by the stronger Japanese flavor. However this is just my opinion/recommendation, I love them both! :)
"Green Pekoe" "White Monkey" and "Dragonwell" from Adagio.com are all great varieties to start out with.
One may also notice that the brew from Chinese green tea is a bit lighter in color and more transparent than Japanese green tea. Most Japanese varieties have a real "yellowish-green" liquor that produces a great full bodied taste!
So, if you are willing to give green tea a try, start off with the Chinese versions and see what your tongue thinks of it. Also, you may want to try Chinese white tea too. The taste is milder than green and is a bit on the fruity side.
Another important thing that is mentioned a lot on this site is that loose leaf tea is the only way to experience and enjoy the true taste of any tea! Please avoid beginning your green tea exploration with tea bags.
I hope this page provided enough knowledge and guidance on helping you find that great cup of Chinese green tea. Enjoy!
