According to Chinese legend, green tea was invented by an emperor who was in the forest and had just boiled a kettle of water on his campfire. Suddenly a strange gust of fire put out its fire and blew leaves from a nearby tree in the hot water of the emperor. When he returned, the emperor was upset, but decided to drink the water – only to discover that it tasted great now. Realizing what had happened, he took some of the leaves from the tree home and invented tea.
Whether that is true or not, there is no doubt that tea has a long and noble history in China and many other Asian countries, and most of the tea they consume has long been white or green tea. It has been known to have been consumed in Japan since the 9th century and has long been a social drink and status symbol, as well as a drink considered to be a wide range of health benefits.
The difference between green tea and western black tea is not that they are different plants – they are both made from camellia synthesis, the tea plant – but that the leaves are treated differently after being picked. Black tea is first dried out and then fermented so that it lasts longer, while the treatment of green tea stops after the drying phase, while the green color of the leaves is still present. While this means that green tea doesn’t stay fresh for very long, it also means it has a much fresher taste than black tea, and many believe it’s much better for you.
The first time you taste the green tea, you’ll probably think it somehow tastes “green” or grassy, but it’s hard to describe. The best way to find out if you like it or not is just to try it.
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