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by Whittard of Chelsea
Known for its fragrant, fresh and vegetal taste profile, green tea gently uplifts and clarifies the senses. But what are its origins, and how do you master the perfect cup?
Published . Reviewed
Published . Reviewed
Like black tea, green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis, but the difference lies in their exposure to air. While black tea is oxidised for several hours, green is heated before any oxidation can take place, preserving that characteristic light and grassy flavour.
Today, China is the green tea capital of the world - but Japan also exports many fine blends, like Sencha and Matcha, achieved with a unique style of production.
Legend has it that in 2737BC, Emperor Shennong - a mythical ruler and father of Chinese agriculture - was enjoying a cup of hot water one day, when a scattering of Camellia sinensis leaves fell into his cup.
And so the phenomenon of green tea was born...
If it wasn't love at first sip, be sure to try a few different blends before making your mind up. Sencha, Gyokuro and Dragon Well may all be pure green teas, but each offers a vastly different taste experience, thanks to how they're grown, processed and brewed.
The biggest green tea misconception? That it's a low-caffeine alternative. At 31mg caffeine per 100ml, it only contains a little less than black tea - but the exact figure varies by blend and length of brew.
Getting the best out of green tea is easy. Just remember the golden (or green) rule: never brew with boiling water. High heat pulls out the tannins, and a bitter, astringent flavour, so leave the kettle for five minutes before pouring and infusing for two or three.
Personal taste notwithstanding, green tea and milk aren't the best partners, so we recommend letting your leaves be the main character.
The real divide between Chinese and Japanese green tea is heat. The Chinese approach is all fire; leaves are hand-tossed in a hot wok, or tumbled through a vat until that nutty, smoky flavour is released. While the Japanese steam their leaves, then shape them into elegant needles, resulting in a wonderfully fresh taste like that of our Gyokuro.
Since 1886, we have devoted ourselves to the art of the perfect blend. For over a century, our pursuit of taste has remained uncompromising, sourcing the finest ingredients from around the world.
We invite you to explore boldly. Try the rare, the unexpected and the new, with complete confidence.
If something does not meet your expectations, we offer three paths to make it right:
To honour our Taste Promise, simply visit us in-store with your order confirmation or delivery note. We will take care of the rest, so you are always free to explore something new with confidence.
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