Green Tea

Tea comes from processing the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis. Historically, tea was discovered around 5,000 years ago in the Yunnan province of China and for many centuries after that people would drink only Green Tea. Green Tea is formed when the tea leaf is plucked and immediately subjected to heat in a steamer or boiler, arresting the oxidation process in the leaves. They are then dried. Therefore, this type of tea is the least processed where the leaf retains its green colour and when brewed, gives a light greenish liquor, which is sweet, mild and refreshing.

The liquor of green tea is full of polyphenols and antioxidants, good for the brain and heart health. Green Tea is had mostly in China and they consume about 50 percent of the world production of this tea variant.

Tea became a popular commodity for trade worldwide and soon other countries also adopted its cultivation. The processing of the leaves took various forms and formats. Unfermented teas were Green Tea, semi fermented teas were Oolongs and fully fermented teas were Black Teas. However, the popularity of Green Tea remained due to its mild sweet liquoring properties and health benefits.

In India, around nine to 14 million kilograms of Green Teas is produced from both north and south India. The popularity and consumption patterns of this variant is on the rise as the liquors have minerals and vitamins that help in boosting the immune system. This is one beverage that can be consumed anytime of the day. Slowly, producers and blenders found ways to value-add to the Green Tea by adding other ingredients to further enhance its curative properties. Mint leaves and other medicinal herbs and spices were added to Green Tea and marketed commercially. Once the liquor was brewed, people started adding lime/lemon slices or honey to enhance the taste further to suit their palates.

Today, Green Tea marketing has been made popular by big brands in India who see a lot of future and growth in this segment. Brands like Hindustan Unilever, Tata, Wagh Bakri, Society, Girnar, Jivraj and Basilur are some major brands who are selling this variant of tea in many formats of blends. Whatever be the marketing thrust, the truth remains that this brew is certainly popular and growing.

Green Teas are brewed in water, which should not cross 70 to 80 degrees Celsius of temperature. The water should be parboiled and then the infused leaves should be steeped for three-to-five minutes and strained in the cup. This is done since a higher water temperature beyond 80 degrees Celsius releases higher tannins, making the liquor bitter.