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Ask people to name a healthy beverage besides water and there’s a good chance that many of them will say green tea. Partly, this is because it has sensory qualities that we associate with healthy foods, namely the green color and slightly bitter taste. But it turns out that our senses got this spot on. Green tea has been associated with numerous health benefits, from reducing heart disease to promoting bone health.
These benefits apply to pretty much all green teas. And yes, there really are many different types. In many places, green tea is not primarily consumed for its health benefits. People drink it because they like it or for cultural reasons. And different places prepare the tea leaves in slightly different ways according to their tastes and traditions, which is how different types emerge.
This quick guide introduces some of the most popular green teas globally.
Matcha
Let’s start with matcha, the type of green tea that the Japanese liked so much they formed a whole ceremony around it. It is made from very high-quality green tea leaves, and these are dried out and ground into a fine powder before being dissolved into hot water. This means that those who drink it are actually consuming the leaves. Consequently, matcha delivers a much more powerful caffeine and nutrient kick than other varieties. It also has a creamier texture and stronger flavour.
Sencha
This is what most people think of when they think of green tea, as it is the most popular variety. Sencha is infused with water rather than dissolved into it. As such, it is weaker than matcha, but still rich in a number of nutrients. These include vitamin C, antioxidants, and amino acids.
Shincha
Unlike sencha, shincha is not widely consumed and this is because it is a very rare tea. It is made from the same leaves as the former, but refers specifically to the very best leaves produced during the first harvest at springtime. Many consider it to be more refreshing than other types of tea, and in terms of flavour it is far sweeter and less astringent than other green teas.
Kukicha
This variety is also known by the apt nickname of ‘twig tea.’ It is made from the same plant as sencha and shincha, but instead of the leaves it uses the stems and stalks. Like other teas, it contains many useful nutrients, but it lacks caffeine. It has a mild, fresh taste and is often closer to yellow or brown in colour.
Funmatsucha
Funmatsucha is a powdered tea like matcha, but cheaper as it is made from lower-quality sencha leaves. It delivers the same powerful packet of nutrients and caffeine, but its flavour is far more bitter, like concentrated sencha. Some people claim it can cure headaches and colds.
Conclusion
These are only some of the different varieties of green tea, but there are many more. Green tea is one of those rare drinks that is both delicious and healthy, so if you’ve tried sencha but were put off by the bitter flavour, it may be worth trying some other varieties so that you can find one that you like.
Daniel J. Morgan is the founder of Invidiata Magazine, a premier publication showcasing luxury living, arts, and culture. With a passion for excellence, Daniel has established the magazine as a beacon of sophistication and refinement, captivating discerning audiences worldwide.
