What’s the Taste of Green Tea like?
Green tea has become increasingly popular in western countries and for good reason. It is packed with healthy antioxidants and has a range of health benefits. But what does green tea taste like and why does it taste the way it does?
Reasons why Green Tea Tastes Different
There are a few different factors that determine the flavor of green tea.
- Origin: Green tea is made with Camellia sinensis leaves which are grown in different parts of the world. Depending on the region, season, and climate the tea might have different flavor notes.
- Chinese: Chinese green teas tend to be less astringent and have more delicate grassy, sweet and floral notes.
- Japanese: Japanese green teas usually have stronger vegetal grassy notes, richer in umami, and can have a bit of astringency.
- Production process: Green tea production processes, such as roasting in an iron pot, baking in an oven, or steaming, will also influence its flavor.
- Brewing: Green tea should be brewed at a lower temperature than black tea and for a shorter amount of time. If you brew it with boiling water or too long, you will get a very strong and bitter taste.
Subtype:
Overall Green Tea Taste
The overall taste of green tea is grassy, vegetal, and slightly astringent with notes of vegetables like Celery and Spinach. Depending on the origin and production process you could also get some more delicate flowery, sweet, and mild fruity flavors.
Brew it Yourself
When it comes to tasting different green teas, the best way to experience the flavor of a tea is to brew it yourself. With so many factors that contribute to the flavor, the same tea can taste very different depending on the brewing style.
Start with these simple tips for brewing green tea and explore new flavors with different brewing techniques.
