What Makes Green Tea Green?

Posted by Guarantee Green Team on May 21st, 2012

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We often hear about the many benefits of green tea. Aside from it’s light flavor, green tea also boosts metabolism, helps fight cancer, lowers bad cholesterol and helps fight heart disease. What makes green tea so special, and why is it green?

All types of tea come from the same plant, the Camellia sinesis. The way tea leaves are processed determines which type of tea they become (black, green, white, oolong etc).

Raw tea leaves contain enzymes, which become exposed to oxygen when the leaves are broken or crushed. This process of oxidation, also known as fermentation, is what makes black tea. Instead of allowing the leaves to ferment when making green tea, the leaves are picked, and then laid out to dry.

After most of the water has evaporated from the leaves, they are then either pan fried or steamed to prevent fermentation. Finally, the leaves are rolled up in a variety of ways, and then dried again. The green, dried and processed tea leaves are then packaged and sent off to eagerly awaiting tea drinkers all over the world.

 

Tags: Calorie, Fun Facts, Good Eating, Healthy Eating