Japanese green tea is a drink made from tea leaves. Tea leaves come from the plant Camellia sinensis. All types of tea leaves come from this plant with the difference between green tea, oolong tea, black or white tea coming from the amount and type of processing which occurs. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea A large volume of green tea is grown and processed in Japan, and the drink is served frequently in the country. The Japanese word for tea is ocha, and the word for green tea is ryoku-cha. http://www.speakrealjapanese.com/words/words6.htm

Green tea is a robust tasting tea with a vegetable like flavor. Although the name indicates the color is green, when brewed the tea has a yellowish appearance. It is the leaves themselves which give the tea its name.http://www.teainfusion.com/types/green-tea.html

Green tea is touted for its health benefits like aiding in Alzheimers prevention and preventing type 2 diabetes.http://www.webmd.com/video/truth-about-tea In a study by John Weisburger, PhD, of the Institute for Cancer Prevention in Valhalla, N.Y., research shows that those who drink two cups or more a day reduce risk for heart disease and stroke, lower LDL cholesterol, and recover from heart attacks faster. The studies also show impact in the areas of protecting against Parkinson's disease and delaying the onset of diabetes. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea

Green tea undergoes minimal oxidation and is processed by drying, then steaming to stop the oxidation process and to preserve freshness. http://www.teainfusion.com/types/green-tea.html Green tea leaves are withered and steamed instead of fermenting. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/antioxidants-in-green-and-black-tea

Japanese green tea comes in several varieties including:http://www.japanesegreenteaonline.com/faq8.htm

1. Sencha-The most common green tea, harvested in Japan
2. Gyokuro- Gyokuro is slightly sweeter than sencha and has a crisp, clean taste. These tea leaves are removed from the sunlight 3 weeks before harvest to increase the flavor.The leaves are dried naturally.
3. Shincha-Meaning “new tea”, this tea is lightly steamed after harvesting and is only sold in the time frames surrounding harvest because it is perishable.
4. Genmai cha- This Japanese green tea is sencha mixed with puffed brown rice(genmai). The tea is one of low caffeine level and is crisp and nutty in taste.
5. Matcha- Finely ground gyokuro leaves. The leaves are not rolled but are dried and then ground to powder.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor to determine if using Chinese green tea for health purposes is safe for individual needs.