Learn the Green Tea Types & Browse Authentic Loose Leaf Teas

What are the best kinds of green tea? Top Kinds of Green Tea Explained 

Green tea can be amazing for your health. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and comes in a variety of styles, each leaf type with unique benefits! But what differentiates the types of green tea? For instance, what sets Chinese Hyson green tea apart from Japanese Sencha green tea? Or how does Matcha tea differ from Genmaicha tea?

What’s the difference between green tea leaves? 

Green tea leaves can actually have many distinct differences! Here, we will discuss the different kinds of green tea. Specifically, we’ll go over the differences in leaf types, flavor profiles, beneficial green tea components, antioxidant content, and more! That way, you can get the best kind of green tea for your unique specifications! 

The Different Types of Green Tea: Explained In-Depth

Three of the most popular types of authentic green tea are Chinese Hyson green tea, Japanese Sencha green tea, and Japanese Genmaicha green tea. (All three are sold online here.) Here's a breakdown of the top 3 kinds of green tea explained. We will also discuss their different leaf shapes, antioxidant benefits, processing methods, polyphenol levels, L-theanine levels, and flavor characteristics.

1. Chinese Hyson Green Tea

Chinese green teas are typically grown in high mountainous regions between 2,300 and 6,000 560 ft above sea level. This high-altitude growth plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristics and quality of the Chinese green tea leaf. Chinese Hyson Green Tea is also known as Lucky Dragon Tea. The name Hyson is thought to mean “flourishing spring”. It is associated with the fresh characteristics of this full-bodied tea. Shop for this delicious tea now!

  • Origin: China (often from Zhejiang Province)

  • Leaf Type: Twisted or curled whole young leaves, harvested in the early spring (“young hyson” is highest quality)

  • Processing: Pan-fired (dry-heat method), which gives Chinese green teas a slightly smoky or roasted note


Flavor Profile:

  • Flavor: Bold, grassy, slightly sweet or woody, with a fuller body than many other green teas

  • Color when brewed: Yellow-green

  • Caffeine Level: Moderate


 Health Components:

  • Catechins (EGCG): Moderate

  • Polyphenols: Good level

  • L-Theanine: Present in moderate levels

  • Flavonoids: Yes, especially quercetin and kaempferol

Weight Loss Potential:

  • Decent due to moderate EGCG content and caffeine synergy (boosts metabolism mildly)





 

 


 

 

 

2. Japanese Sencha

Japanese Sencha green tea is popular for its fresh, grassy flavor and vibrant green color. This is one of the most common types of green tea served in Japan, representing about 80% of the country's tea production. This tea is steamed to halt oxidation, which means it is loaded with antioxidant benefits! This tea tastes great served hot or cold. Shop Sencha tea from Japan here!

  • Origin: Japan (most popular tea, grown mainly in Shizuoka and Kagoshima)

  • Leaf Type: Needle-shaped, whole leaves that are steamed immediately after harvest to halt oxidation

  • Processing: Steamed (preserves chlorophyll and polyphenols), rolled, and dried





Flavor Profile:

  • Flavor: Fresh, grassy, vegetal, umami-rich

  • Color when brewed: Bright green to yellow-green

  • Caffeine Level: Moderate to high, depending on harvest





 Health Components:

  • Catechins (EGCG): High (especially in early harvest Sencha)

  • L-Theanine: High (calming effect)

  • Chlorophyll: High, due to the steaming method

  • Vitamin C: Higher than most Chinese teas



 Weight Loss Potential:

  • High — very strong EGCG + caffeine combo increases fat oxidation and energy expenditure




 

 


 

 

 

Japanese Genmaicha

This Japanese tea is blended with toasted brown rice, which sometimes pops in the roasting process, resembling popcorn! The brown rice gives it a unique, toasty, and delicately nutty flavor. The roasted rice also adds a distinct taste and aroma. Get authentic Genmaicha tea here!

  • Origin: Japan

  • Leaf Type: Typically Bancha or Sencha, mixed with roasted brown rice

  • Processing: Steamed tea + roasted rice (some popped like popcorn)





Flavor Profile:

  • Flavor: Nutty, toasty, mild, slightly sweet from rice

  • Color when brewed: Light yellow-green

  • Caffeine Level: Lower than Sencha due to dilution with rice





Health Components:

  • Catechins (EGCG): Lower than pure Sencha

  • L-Theanine: Moderate

  • Fiber and complex carbs: From rice, adds mild satiety





Weight Loss Potential:

  • Mild — lower caffeine and catechins, but very gentle on the stomach and great as an appetite-soothing tea



 


 

 

 Other Notable Green Teas to Consider...

 

Gyokuro (Japan)

  • Shaded before harvest, increasing chlorophyll and L-theanine

  • Flavor: Sweet, umami, very smooth

  • Health: Very high L-theanine (calming), moderate caffeine

  • Weight loss: Moderate due to lower EGCG than Sencha, but soothing for cravings and cortisol


Matcha (Japan)

  • Powdered whole leaves of shade-grown tea (usually Tencha)

  • Flavor: Rich, creamy, umami, slight bitterness

  • Color: Bright jade green


  • Health: Very high in EGCG, chlorophyll, and L-theanine

  • Weight loss: Very high — you consume the entire leaf, so all antioxidants and fibers are retained




Longjing (Dragon Well, China)

  • Flat, hand-pressed leaves





  • Flavor: Smooth, chestnut-like, slightly sweet





  • Health: Moderate to high catechins, lower caffeine than Japanese teas





  • Weight loss: Moderate





 Final Thoughts on the Types of Green Tea 

  • For weight loss: Choose Matcha or Sencha.





  • For stress and focus: Go with Gyokuro or Matcha (high L-theanine).





  • For digestion or gentle sipping: Choose Genmaicha.





  • For traditional Chinese flavor: Try Hyson or Longjing.





Types of Green Tea Leaves: FAQs

Now, let's go over some frequently asked questions about the different types of green tea! 

What is the best kind of green tea?

The best kind of green tea will depend on your personal preferences. However, we can give you a quick breakdown to help you decide. For example, matcha tea, which comes from Japan, is fantastic when consumed in whole Leaf powdered format. 

This gives you the highest antioxidant content of any green tea. Since matcha green tea is high in L-theanine, it's a great choice for staying focused or calm. However, sencha green tea from Japan is another great option because it has lots of vitamin C and is very high in catechins. Flavor-wise, Chinese Hyson green tea is a great choice, with its delicately sweet, bold, woodsy taste. 

What green tea is least bitter?

The least bitter types of green tea are Sencha and Gyokuro, especially when you cold brew them! You can cold brew green tea by steeping it for 24 hours in cold water. 

Chinese tea vs Japanese tea: What’s the Difference? 

The main differences between Chinese and Japanese green teas are the leaf appearance, the processing method, the antioxidant profile, the flavors, and cultural uses. Generally, Chinese green tea leaves are pan-fired, whereas Japanese green tea leaves are steamed. Chinese green tea leaves also tend to have a mellow, woody flavor, whereas Japanese green tea leaves tend to have a grassy, bright taste. 

While Japanese green tea leaves do contain higher amounts of antioxidants and chlorophyll, they also tend to have a more bitter flavor profile. So if you want a smooth and mellow green tea, go with Chinese green tea leaves. However, if you want a fresh and powerful Green tea, opt for Japanese. 

Best place to buy fresh green tea leaves online in bulk that are authentic?

If you have been looking for the best place to buy fresh, authentic green tea online, visit www.onegreatcoffee.com and navigate to the tea section. (Click here to shop for green tea online now.) Here you will find some of the finest green teas sourced from exclusive farmsteads around the world, including high-grown Japanese and Chinese tea. All the green tea sold here is freshly picked, packaged, and sold for a fair price, in bulk, via a US retailer and small business. 


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