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Green tea is nothing more than the leaves of the camellia
sinensis that have been processed a certain way. It
is one of the four types of teas (white, green, oolong,
and black).
Green teas, like white teas, are closer to tasting like
fresh leaves or grass than the black or oolong. They
are also lower in caffeine and have higher antioxidant
properties.
What is Tea Processing?
Processing tea is generally considered the art of tea.
It is where many of the subtleties in taste, body, and
overall character are created.
In its most basic form, it is taking the raw green leaves
and deciding whether or not, and how much oxidation
(or fermentation) should take place before drying them
out.
Tea leaves have enzymes in their veins. When the leaf
is broken, bruised, or crushed, the enzymes are exposed
to oxygen resulting in oxidation. The amount of oxidation
depends upon how much of the enzymes are exposed and
for how long.
The Processing of Green Tea:
The processing of green tea is similar to that of white
tea in that it does not oxidize. After the leaves are
plucked, they are (sometimes) laid out to wither for
about 8 to 24 hours. This lets most of the water evaporate.
Then, in order to neutralize the enzymes thus preventing
oxidation, the leaves are steamed or pan fried.
Next the leaves are rolled up in various ways and tightness.
After that, a final drying takes place. Since no oxidation
took place, the tea has more of a green appearance.
From there, it goes off to be sorted, graded, and packaged.
My Suggestions:
Here is a green tea with a great taste and health benefits
from Adagio Teas!
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