Everything you need to know about Chinese green tea
Consumed since the third millennium BC, first as a medicinal plant and then as an everyday drink, green tea owes its name to the colour of the tea leaves. As well as that of its infusion.
How is it made?
Wherever it is produced on the planet, green tea is tea whose natural oxidation is quickly stopped after picking. To prevent the leaves from darkening, they undergo a final drying process. After being withered, then rolled to extract their juices, the leaves are heated for a few minutes in large copper basins placed over a fire. Once their enzymes have been destroyed by heat, the oxidation of the plant matter is halted. The tea leaves then go through a sieving stage to remove stems and dust, before being placed in a tea tin or tea bags.
What is the difference from Japanese green tea?
In the Land of the Rising Sun, tea leaves are dried using another traditional method: they undergo brief bursts of steam. This “moist heat” (rather than “dry heat”, as in China) stops the oxidation of Japanese green teas, such as genmaicha or hojicha
The great popularity of Chinese green tea
Widely consumed in its country of origin, Chinese green tea is gaining popularity in the West. Until now, people there have historically tended to drink black tea, in the style of English teas, often produced in former colonies such as India or Sri Lanka (Earl Grey, Ceylon, Darjeeling...). But it is in Morocco that Chinese green tea has enjoyed incredible success, as the Chinese “Gunpowder” variety is used to make traditional mint green tea. Gunpowder (or “gunpowder”) owes its name to the tea leaves, which are rolled into small pellets and which the Chinese more poetically call “tea pearls”.
What does Chinese green tea taste like?
Green teas are recognisable by their vegetal flavour, which can be herbaceous or iodine-like. If over-steeped, organic Chinese green tea tends to become quite bitter, hence the need to respect the ideal infusion time. Some will detect a chlorophyll taste, mineral or earthy flavours, while others may be put off (or won over!) by its astringency (that rough, drying sensation on the tongue caused by tannins). As with wine, the nuances vary according to the variety, infusion time and storage conditions... And of course, not every palate will enjoy the same things!
What are the benefits of Chinese green tea?
Traditional Chinese medicine has long recognised the virtues of organic Chinese green tea. First, because it is said to be the tea containing the most antioxidants. Since its oxidation has been stopped, green tea is thought to have a high polyphenol content (also called catechins). These powerful antioxidants are said to help strengthen the immune system, fight ageing and have a “fat-burning” effect on the body. In addition, the presence of theanine is reputed to help reduce stress and provide a relaxing effect. So, are you won over by the potential benefits of organic Chinese green tea?
How do you prepare Chinese green tea?
While the Chinese tea ceremony (Gong Fu Cha) involves three successive infusions and can last up to two hours, here are preparation tips better suited to everyday life.
How long should Chinese green tea steep?
First of all, remember that the water should never be boiling, but simmering, otherwise it may damage the tea leaves. Then, the principle is simple: the more oxidised the tea, the hotter the water can be. For green tea, water at 70–80°C is recommended. Then steep the tea leaves for an average of 3 to 4 minutes. For more precise guidance, as this also depends on the tea variety, be sure to follow the recommendations on the tin.
Which teapot should you use?
Probably the one you already have. If you drink several types of tea (green tea, white tea, classic black tea, etc.), you should choose a teapot “without memory”, which is the case for the vast majority of them (glass, cast-iron and ceramic teapots, etc.). Only unglazed earthenware teapots have “memory”. In other words, they retain aromas from one infusion to the next. Choose this second option only if you always drink the same type of tea. For more information, feel free to consult our teapot guide.
When should you drink Chinese green tea?
Organic Chinese green tea can be enjoyed throughout the day, from morning until the end of the day, as green tea does not prevent you from sleeping. It contains far less theine than black tea, which is preferred in the morning for its stimulating effect. (It should not be confused with coffee, which is a stimulant.) Once infused, green tea can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on the season or your mood.
Chinese green teas selected by Kusmi Tea
Want to discover or rediscover organic Chinese green tea? Let us introduce you to the different blends offered by Kusmi Tea. All that remains is to find the one that is right for you!
An organic Chinese green tea
Since 2020, Kusmi has chosen organic for all its teas and herbal infusions. Organic Chinese green tea is no exception. Whether plants, fruits or spices, all our ingredients come from organic farming, are certified according to strict specifications and regularly checked. This enables Kusmi to be certified by Ecocert, an independent body that audits our workshops every year. To provide consumers with the best possible information, all our tea tins display the AB logo for France and the Euro-leaf logo for the European Union. If you are looking for organic Chinese green tea, visit Kusmi!
A Chinese green tea packed in France
Like its entire range, Kusmi Tea’s organic Chinese green teas are founded on French expertise. It is in Normandy that our brand (which became French in 2003) develops, creates, blends and packs its tea. More precisely, in Seine-Maritime, in Saint-Vigor-d’Ymonville, near Le Havre. Fewer miles mean less pollution and more jobs in our regions. If supporting the French economy matters to you, you are in the right place!
Eco-responsibly packaged Chinese green tea
Whether for loose organic tea or organic tea bags, Kusmi is committed to recycling and reducing waste. Made in France, our tea bags are produced from polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based and biodegradable material, before being placed in recyclable cardboard boxes. Our loose organic teas are packed in metal tins, a material that can be recycled endlessly.
“Long Jing” or “Dragon Well” green tea
This exceptional green tea originates from Zhejiang province in China. In just a few sips, we are transported to the heart of Zhejiang Province in southern China. A mountainous landscape as far as the eye can see, and the sacred realm of one of the country’s most prestigious teas: organic Long Jing, also known as “Dragon Well”. Harvested in spring near the city of Hangzhou, this plain organic tea stands out for its long, flat leaves in a beautiful emerald-green hue. Its delicate hazelnut and chestnut notes make its flavour highly prized by tea lovers. Go for it without hesitation!
The legendary story of “Long Jing” or “Dragon Well” tea
Chinese mythology is full of secrets. It is said that in the village where Long Jing tea originated, there was a well that always provided water, even during periods of drought. Its secret? The dragon that lived there... In Chinese mythology, the dragon is a true symbol! Very different from the Western dragon, it is a being that lives in water and represents strength, happiness and benevolence. Another legend tells that Emperor Qianlong stopped at a Long Jing tea plantation to help the pickers harvest tea. At the same time, he learned that his mother was ill. He hurriedly left, accidentally taking a few tea leaves in his pocket. Captivated by the scent released by the tea leaves, the empress asked to taste them. After a few days, her health improved. So much so that the Long Jing tea plants were renamed “imperial trees”!
“Jasmine Jade Pearls” green tea
In south-eastern China, for more than a hundred years, expertise has been passed down: the meticulous shaping of Chinese green tea into delicate little pearls, ready to be infused. The silvery buds of this organic tea are scented with freshly picked jasmine petals. They are then rolled shoot by shoot, pearl by pearl. A true work of art! A symbol of refinement, Jasmine Jade Pearls are surprising. They can be infused not once, not twice... but up to 5 or 6 times in succession, over a total of 20 minutes. With each new infusion, they reveal more of themselves and release their intense jasmine note. Our friendly advice? Use an infuser wide enough to allow the leaves to unfurl... before you savour them.
Gunpowder green tea
Also originating from the Chinese province of Zhejiang, in the east of the country, south of Shanghai, Gunpowder is traditionally used to prepare mint tea. Its leaves are dried after harvesting to prevent fermentation, then rolled into pellets – hence the name “gunpowder” (Gunpowder)