Where Does Green Tea Come From?
Green tea is a much beloved beverage the world over, but many of us don’t know where exactly it comes from. As the second most consumed beverage in the world, green tea has a long and varied history, both in its home countries and abroad. Let’s take a look at where this ancient drink comes from.
Origins of Green Tea
Green tea has its roots in Ancient China and other East Asian countries. It is thought that the first harvest of green tea leaves began in 2737 B.C. during the reign of Chinese Emperor Shennung. At that time, the popular method for steeping the leaves was to crush them, then put them in boiling water. The result was a bitter, slightly sweetened drink.
Popularity Across the Globe
Green tea has grown in popularity over the centuries. By the 16th century, it had spread to Japan and from there, it eventually reached Europe. By the 19th century, green tea had become one of the most popular beverages on the continent. Today, green tea continues to be popular in many countries and is becoming increasingly popular all over the world.
Popular Variations
Throughout the centuries, various styles of green tea have developed. These include:
- Sencha: Sencha is a popular variety of green tea in Japan. It is made by steaming the leaves and then rolling them into needle-like shapes.
- Matcha: Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves. It is often used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
- Gyokuro: Another popular Japanese green tea, gyokuro is shade-grown to produce a sweet, mild flavor.
- Gunpowder Tea: This popular Chinese green tea is produced by rolling the leaves into small pellets.
Green tea is continuing to grow in popularity, making it an important part of many cultures around the world. Whether you prefer Japanese sencha or Chinese gunpowder tea, it is clear to see that green tea has come a long way.
